Activities near Bar Harbor, ME that kids will love.

Bar Harbor, Maine, is a dream destination for families seeking a mix of outdoor adventure, coastal charm, and kid-friendly fun. Located on Mount Desert Island and bordered by the dramatic landscapes of Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor offers a vacation that balances nature exploration with relaxed seaside vibes.

It’s the kind of place where you can start your morning watching seals in the harbor, spend your afternoon hiking a mountain trail, and end the day enjoying ice cream under the stars. Regardless of what you’re looking for, Bar Harbor, ME is a great place to spend the day–or weekend–with kids!

Keep reading below for a list of family-friendly options.

Whale watching in Bar Harbor is a great way to spend the day with the kids! Imagine spotting marine wildlife with your family as you cruise around the Gulf of Maine. Some of the things you may see on your excursion include:

Humpback whales
Minke whales
Finback whales
Atlantic puffins
Atlantic white-sided dolphins
Basking sharks
Harbor porpoise
Harbor seal

Whale watching season runs from mid-May through mid-October each year and gives visitors the chance to see native marine wildlife in its natural environment. Some things to consider so you’re prepared for your trip:

Arrive early: Make sure you’re at least fifteen minutes early for your cruise so you can find the best places on board.
Wear layers: The weather changes quickly on the ocean, so be prepared with layers of clothing that are comfortable, warm, and waterproof.
Bring sunblock: It’s easy to get a sunburn even on an overcast day, so don’t forget to bring–and wear–your sunblock!
Bring a camera: Whether it’s an old-school camera or just the one on your phone, you’ll want something that can capture all those family memories!
Listen to the guide: Your guide is not only there to tell you about the marine life you’ll see, but is also there to go over safety guidelines. Be sure to listen!

Go for a whale watching trip with your family this season and make memories to last a lifetime!

Acadia National Park is one of the most beautiful national parks in the U.S., offering families a breathtaking mix of rugged shoreline, peaceful forests, and scenic mountain vistas. Located primarily on Mount Desert Island, the park features more than 150 miles of hiking trails and 45 miles of historic carriage roads. This makes the area ideal for biking, walking, wildlife viewing, tidepooling, and stargazing.

Some of the best things to do with kids in Acadia National Park include:

Attend a ranger program: Stop in for a ranger program in the park where you can learn more about the environment, wildlife, and local flora. Most ranger programs are held May through October in the early morning or early evening.
Listen to a campfire talk: Campfire talks are focused on families and kids ages 12 and under and feature park information given by a ranger.
Go to a night sky talk: Learn more about the night sky with a guided presentation by a ranger. Lay out under the stars while they tell stories about the constellations, natural scenery, and the history of the park.
Take a bike tour: Explore the national park by bike. Follow a ranger on a moderate 6-mile bike ride on the park’s carriage roads to learn more about the founding of Acadia National Park.
Walk through the Wild Gardens: With over 400 indigenous plant species and 13 different habitats represented, the Wild Gardens is a beautiful place to see all that the national park has to offer.
Acadia Quest: This park challenge is a great way to have fun with your family! Join as a family team and complete quests to earn patches and other prizes.

Regardless of what you choose to do, Acadia is a nature playground for adults and children alike!

If you’re taking a break from some of the bigger nature activities, consider spending an afternoon playing miniature golf. This family-friendly activity is a great way to spend time together and unwind while still taking in the fresh New England air.

Some places to go mini golfing include:

Pirates Cove Adventure Golf: Pirates Cove is a pirate-themed mini golf course in Bar Harbor. It offers three different course options: Blackbeard’s Challenge, the Original Course, and the 36-Hole Adventure. Come golf at this 18th-century-inspired course and have fun with the whole family!
Golf of Maine Marine Adventures Mini Golf: The Golf of Maine is a fishing-themed course that offers 18 holes of mini golf fun. You can also learn more about the Gulf of Maine as you golf. With food trucks on site, this is one destination you won’t want to miss!

These fun miniature golf parks are sure to help you make some family memories!

Learn more about the wildlife in and around Bar Harbor and the Gulf of Maine at The Oceanarium and Education Center. This learning center features exhibits that will educate the entire family on topics like marine biology, aquaculture, local ecology, and more.

Nine tanks with a combined total of 2000 gallons of water contain recreations of Maine habitat, along with all the unique species. There is also a 650-gallon touch pool with crabs, sea stars, and other organisms that you can feel.

In addition to the tank exhibits, the Oceanarium features a marine museum with a juvenile Humpback whale skeleton. Visitors can even walk along the on-site marsh trails for a closer look at some of the native flora and fauna at the Education Center.

The Oceanarium and Education Center is open May through November, and ticket prices range from $18 for adults to $14 for children ages 3-12.

Family-Friendly Activities Near Bar Harbor That Kids Will Love

Whale Watching

Acadia National Park

Mini Golf

The Oceanarium and Education Center

Stay at Eden Village Motel & Cottages