Acadia National Park
The ultimate playground, Acadia may be the smallest of the national parks but is one of the most diverse. Not many state or national parks can give you a rock-climbing experience and the ability to play in the ocean all in the same visit. Kids of all ages will enjoy exploring the rocky coastline, playing in the surf, hiking in the woods, visiting lighthouses and camping out. Biking and hiking are encouraged, as is a picnic in "Pretty Marsh." The Precipice Trail is Acadia's best known and most challenging hiking trail. For experienced hikers and climbers (teenagers in particular will like it), the trail has a 1,000-foot vertical climb up the east face of Cadillac Mountain and offers a variety of hand holds and ladder rungs for the climb.
Acadia National Park
P.O. Box 177
Bar Harbor, ME 04609-0177
(207) 288-3338
nps.gov/acad
Mount Desert Oceanarium
Explore the Maine Lobster Museum, a lobster hatchery, and a walk through The Marsh as the kids get a learning experience disguised as an adventure. With touch tanks and hands-on exhibits, the knowledgeable and friendly staff answer any question you might have about the mighty lobster or any of the other fish and wildlife in the area. On The Marsh walk, you learn ecological principles while exploring an interesting and diverse ecosystem.
Mount Desert Oceanarium
1351 State Route 3
Bar Harbor, ME 04609
(207) 288-5005
theoceanarium.com
Bar Harbor Whale Watch Co.
The Bar Harbor Whale Watch Co. offers whale-watching and sightseeing tours aboard fast, luxurious catamarans. The catamarans have climate-controlled cabins, flat-screen TVs, a galley where snacks can be purchased and seats where you can listen to the naturalist on board point out whales, seals, porpoises, seabirds and other wildlife. Kids can walk around the boat and explore while getting a "lesson" in wildlife.
Bar Harbor Whale Watch Co.
1 West St.
Bar Harbor, ME 04609
(207) 288-2386
barharborwhales.com
Article Written By Michelle Hogan
Michelle Hogan is a freelance writer, licensed real estate professional, organic farmer and the author of several books including the 2005 bestselling memoir, "Without a Net: Middle Class and Homeless (With Kids) in America." Hogan studied English at American University and has been writing professionally since 1998. Her work has appeared in "The New York Times," "Redbook," "Family Circle" and many other publications.
