For those fall vistas and crisp-air hikes, the Crown Jewel of the North Atlantic Coast, Acadia National Park is family ready. With hikes and trails for all levels of athleticism and mobility, Acadia National Park is a great stop for all ages — just strap on your laces, bring water and a bag and get moving.
With so much to see, it’s no wonder the park draws more than 3 million visitors each year. The park is a preserved locale on Maine’s Mount Desert Island, which primarily consists of rocky landscape, lush woodland and stunning granite stone and glacier peaks — all surrounded by rocky beaches and the cool Atlantic.
If this is your first time visiting the park, there are a few must-sees you have to have on your list. All completely manageable for the kids, but scenic and trek-worthy for your photo ops and outdoorsy spirit.
History and Wildlife
Visitors flock to the more than 150 hiking trails and surrounding beaches, mountains and historic landmarks, like Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse and carriage roads with covered bridges, all with the hopes of seeing resident wildlife, including moose, bear and whales.
Boats and Breaks
One stunner your family needs to see while visiting the park: Jordan Pond. The glacier-formed lake is surrounded by rocks and mountains, with easy access by trails and lake activities. Rent a boat and get out on the pristine water with your crew, or stick to the shore and visit the nearby tea house and restaurant for refreshments on Park Loop Road. Once the kids get some snacks, consider yourselves refueled to take on another trail.
Kayaking at Acadia National Park. Photo: Sphraner | Dreamstime.com
Great Heights
See the waves crashing along Thunder Hole, a rock crevice that lives up to the name, or take in the calm views from Precipice Trail. You’ll want to pack a bag with some water for this one!
Beach Vibes
Hit the beach nearly anywhere in the park, as it’s basically surrounded, but one beach park favorite is Sand Beach. With its overlook and surrounding Ocean Path Trailhead, the beach offers a small resting area to lounge and relax after a long hike, boasting endless natural beauty.
Also in your bag, consider bringing a change of socks and shoes for easier strolls along the beach, if the weather permits. You wouldn’t want to miss a chance to play in the sand a bit and run along, racing in and out of waves.
Read This Next
#WhereverFamily
Insta FeedParents
Apr 22, 20244 Gift Ideas for Mother’s Day
Mother’s Day fast approaches, and all mothers and mother figures deserve something extra special this year. Treat the mom in your life, whether she’s an outdoor enthusiast or host extraordinaire, to these four great gifts.
Sponsored Content
United Airlines Celebrates its First Class of United Aviate Graduates
As the only major U.S. airline to own a flight school, United Airlines already hit a major milestone, and now the carrier celebrates another important — and historic — step as the inaugural class of United Aviate Academy pilots graduates, leading the next generation of aviators. The 51 students in the graduating class were majority, at 80 percent, women and people of color — another stride toward United’s goal of training 5,000 new pilots by 2030 with half women or POC.
Multigenerational
Apr 19, 2024Family-Friendly Offerings from Hyatt’s Inclusive Collection
Hyatt’s Inclusive Collection includes the largest portfolio of luxury all-inclusive resorts in the world — many of them perfect for family travelers. And two current offers might entice your family even more.
Cruising
Apr 15, 2024Some of Europe’s Best Day Cruises
A week cruising along the Danube or the Rhine may be the stuff of dreams for many, but family travelers can enjoy views from the water in ways kinder to the family budget. Many riverside cities offer scenic cruises, and some Baltic or Mediterranean ports have daytrips to nearby islands or coastal attractions. In several cities you can cruise the canals, and in Switzerland you can spend a day cruising on Lake Geneva, with sightseeing stops in lakeside towns.
Sponsored Content
Interior Upgrades Begin Rolling Out Across United Fleet
United Airlines is in the midst of a major initiative to modernize its fleet over the next several years. After first announcing the plan in 2021, planes fitted with United’s signature interior are finally beginning to appear across the airline’s narrowbody fleet of Boeing and Airbus planes. United flyers are sure to notice these enhancements from the moment they step on board: Each new or updated plane sports remodeled seats, seatback entertainment screens for everyone, Bluetooth connectivity and more, all adding up to a better experience on every journey.
Multigenerational
Apr 15, 2024Enjoy Multigenerational Travel in New York with Motto by Hilton
Family Travel Agent recently found family travel will continue to grow this year, as 81 percent of families expressed their likelihood of traveling in 2024. Of that group, more than 50 percent plan to take part in multigenerational travel. If that multigen travel is taking place in New York City, two hotels, Motto Times Square and Motto Chelsea, prove ideal options.
ShareThis