Planning a trip to Acadia with your children? Check out our special summer ranger-led programs geared for kids ages 5 to 14 accompanied by an adult. These programs use all the senses to explore fascinating places like the tidepools, coastal forests, and pink granite mountains.

While you're visiting Acadia, the younger members of your family might like to become a park Junior Ranger. Many national parks offer this fun way to learn about the parks and to earn a patch or pin and certificate.

What are some good family activities at Acadia?

• Bike the historic carriage roads.
• Visit a nature center or museum.
• Walk one of the self-guiding trails - brochures are at the trailheads.
• See a lighthouse up close - Bass Harbor Head Light is the only lighthouse on the island accessible by car.
• Build a sand castle or watch the stars over Sand Beach.
• Go swimming in Echo Lake - the water won't freeze you like the ocean!
• Have a picnic at Seawall Picnic Area.
• Catch a campfire program at a park campground.

Here are some books to help your family in discovering the unique qualities of Acadia and the Maine coast:

• Discovering Acadia, A Guide for Young Naturalists by Margaret Scheid
• Activity Guide to Acadia National Park by Meg Scheid and Carol Peterson
• Acadia National Park Coloring Book - Acadia Press
• Exploring the Carriage Roads of Acadia National Park by Carol Peterson
• An Outdoor Family Guide to Acadia National Park by Lisa Evans
• Kids Nature Log and Kids Bird Log by DeAnna Brandt
• My Nature Journal by Adrienne Olmstead
• A Tidal Pool by Philip Steele
• The Beaver by Sabrina Crewe
• Keep the Lights Burning Abbie by Peter and Connie Roop

Acadia National Park is nature at its most captivating. Whether your first visit or one of many, there's always adventures in store, for adults and children alike. Want to know more? Contact us by email or phone (207-288-3338), or write to us at:

Acadia National Park
P.O. Box 177
Bar Harbor, ME 04609