10-Day Family-Friendly Itinerary in Maine

  • Day 1: Portland Head Light
    20 minutes (11 miles) from Portland

    Portland Head Light is a historic lighthouse located in Cape Elizabeth. It offers breathtaking views of the ocean and is perfect for taking family photos. You can explore the nearby museum and visitor center to learn about its history.

  • Day 2: Old Port
    10 minutes (3 miles) from Portland Head Light

    Located in the heart of Portland, Old Port is a quaint neighborhood with cobbled streets, unique shops, and restaurants. It's the perfect place to stroll around and catch some local art or music performances with the family.

  • Day 3: Acadia National Park
    3 hours (156 miles) from Portland

    Acadia National Park is a picturesque natural wonder featuring mountains, lakes, and forests. You can take short hikes, bike rides, or rent a boat to explore this spectacular destination with the family. Don't forget to bring a picnic basket!

  • Day 4: Bar Harbor
    6 minutes (2 miles) from Acadia National Park

    Bar Harbor is a charming town located near Acadia National Park. It offers unique shops, galleries, and restaurants for every taste. You can walk the shore path, rent a kayak, or hop on a sightseeing boat with the family.

  • Day 5: Moosewatching Tour
    3 hours (100 miles) from Bar Harbor

    Moosewatching tour takes families on a guided tour to view a variety of wildlife that can be found in the Maine wilderness. You'll learn about the history and habits of moose from an experienced guide and have a chance to spot one in its natural habitat.

  • Day 6: Kennebunkport
    2 hours (80 miles) from Moosewatching Tour

    Kennebunkport is a quaint coastal town known for its beautiful scenery, historic homes, and local art galleries. You can take a trolley ride or stroll around town to check out the boutique shops with the family.

  • Day 7: Farnsworth Art Museum
    2 hours (103 miles) from Kennebunkport

    Farnsworth Art Museum is a hidden gem located in Rockland. It features a wide range of artwork from different periods and artists, including works from the famous Wyeth family. You can participate in workshops or guided tours with the family.

  • Day 8: Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens
    1 hour 30 minutes (60 miles) from Farnsworth Art Museum

    The Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens is an oasis of natural beauty located in Boothbay. It features meticulously curated gardens on a serene landscape, a sculpture garden, plus a pond filled with rare koi fish. You can stroll the gardens or participate in a family-friendly scavenger hunt.

  • Day 9: Ogunquit Beach
    1 hour (40 miles) from Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens

    Ogunquit Beach is a family-friendly beach with over three miles of white sand and gentle surf. You can spend the day swimming, sunbathing, or walking along the Marginal Way scenic trail. There are also many shops and restaurants nearby to explore.

  • Day 10: Children's Museum of Maine
    30 minutes (20 miles) from Ogunquit Beach

    The Children's Museum of Maine is a hands-on discovery center located in Portland. It offers interactive exhibits and programs designed to inspire curiosity and creativity in children. It's the perfect way to end the trip and create lasting memories with the family.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Portland Head Light (1-2 hours, free)
  • Old Port (2-3 hours, free)
  • Acadia National Park (1-2 days, $30 per vehicle)
  • Bar Harbor (2-3 hours, free)
  • Moosewatching Tour (3-4 hours, adult $49, child $29)
  • Kennebunkport (2-3 hours, free)
  • Farnsworth Art Museum (1-2 hours, adult $15, child $10)
  • Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens (2-3 hours, adult $16, child $8)
  • Ogunquit Beach (3-4 hours, $10 per vehicle)
  • Children's Museum of Maine (2-3 hours, adult $10, child $10)
  • Total Estimated Costs: $161 per adult, $96 per child

Transportation

A rental car is the best mode of transportation for this itinerary due to the multiple long drives between locations. Car rental prices vary widely depending on the company and the season. Gas prices also fluctuate but are typically lower than the national average. As a result, renting a car for 10 days would cost approximately $500-$800 depending on the size of the vehicle and insurance coverage. Throughout the trip, families should expect to drive between 50-300 miles per day.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, extend your stay in Acadia National Park and explore more of its trails and lakes. If you have less time, consider spending only one day in Bar Harbor or Kennebunkport. Families with younger children may want to skip the Moosewatching Tour due to the travel time and instead visit the Portland Science Center.

Airports

Portland International Airport (PWM) is the largest airport located in Portland, Maine. It is approximately 15 minutes from downtown Portland and serves multiple major airlines. Augusta State Airport (AUG) is another option located in Augusta, Maine, but is smaller in size and serves only a handful of regional airlines. The Bangor International Airport (BGR) is also available, but it is roughly 3 hours from Portland and serves as a stopover for connecting flights.

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