The Perfect 2-Day Acadia National Park Itinerary for Families
Acadia National Park is one of the most family-friendly national parks in the United States. Located along Maine’s rugged coastline, the park offers a perfect mix of mountain views, carriage roads, tide pools, beaches, and scenic hikes that appeal to visitors of all ages.
We recently spent two days exploring Acadia as part of a 10-day New England road trip, and quickly discovered why so many families fall in love with this corner of Maine. From riding e-bikes along historic carriage roads to tide pooling along the coast and hiking some of Acadia’s most iconic trails, every day offered something new and exciting.
Here’s exactly how we spent two unforgettable days in Acadia National Park with kids.
Arrival Evening: Check Into Bar Harbor
After spending the day exploring Portland, Maine, we made the drive north to Bar Harbor, which we used as our home base for exploring Acadia National Park for the next 2 days.
We stayed at The Seasider Motel, which offered a convenient location just minutes from both downtown Bar Harbor and the park entrance. After checking in, we spent some time settling into town and getting ready for two adventure-filled days ahead.
For more details on our stop in Portland, check out my guide to spending 24 hours in Portland, Maine.
Day 1: Carriage Roads, Jordan Pond & Downtown Bar Harbor
Morning: Explore Acadia by E-Bike
One of our hands-down favorite experiences in Acadia National Park was renting e-bikes from Acadia Fat Tire E-Bike Adventures.
Acadia’s famous carriage roads stretch for more than 45 miles throughout the park and provide one of the most unique ways to explore. These vehicle-free roads wind through forests, around lakes, and across beautiful stone bridges, and it’s such a unique way to explore this National Park.
The e-bikes make the hills manageable, even for casual riders, and allow families to cover much more ground than they could on foot. We had a 4 hour rental and made it around Eagle Lake and Bubble Pond – both of which were beautiful!
We rented from Acadia Fat Tire because they offered Woom bikes for older kids (ages 7-11), as well as Rag Wagon cargo bikes – which were perfect for families who have younger kiddos unable to ride on their own. We rented 2 cargo bikes for our boys to ride on (ages 5 & 7), but they easily could have fit together on 1 (and they did for most of the morning!).
Lunch in Downtown Bar Harbor
After returning your e-bikes, head to downtown Bar Harbor for lunch.
The town is filled with tons of locally owned restaurants, seafood spots, and casual cafés. Beyond the food, simply walking through downtown is part of the experience. The streets are lined with charming shops, ice cream parlors, and beautiful harbor views.
Afternoon: Jordan Pond & Popovers
No visit to Acadia National Park is complete without a stop at Jordan Pond House.
Start with their famous popovers and blueberry lemonade while enjoying incredible views of Jordan Pond and The Bubbles in the distance.
Afterward, hike the Jordan Pond Trail, one of the most family-friendly hikes in Acadia National Park. The relatively flat loop circles the pond and offers beautiful views throughout the entire hike.
It’s the perfect trail for families looking for scenic views without a strenuous climb.
Looking for something more adventurous? Here are 10 family friendly trails in Acadia National Park.
Evening: Explore Bar Harbor
Spend the evening enjoying downtown Bar Harbor.
Grab dinner at one of the many local restaurants before stopping by Ben & Bill’s Chocolate Emporium for ice cream – they even offer lobster flavored!
Before heading back to your hotel, take a stroll along the Shore Path. This scenic waterfront trail offers beautiful views of Frenchman Bay, and you can skip rocks or hunt for shells along the shore. It’s the perfect way to end the day.
Day 2: Iconic Views, Tide Pools & Coastal Adventures
Morning: Choose Your Hike
Families with older children who enjoy a challenge should consider hiking the Beehive Trail.
This iconic Acadia hike features iron rungs, steep climbs, and breathtaking coastal views. It is one of the park’s most memorable experiences, but due to the steep cliffs, it is best suited for older children who are comfortable with heights.
If you’re visiting with younger children, opt for the nearby Great Head Trail or Gorham Mountain instead. These trails still offer incredible views without some of the exposure found on the Beehive.
Relax at Sand Beach
After your hike, head to Sand Beach.
Nestled between rocky cliffs and pine-covered mountains, this beach is one of Acadia’s most iconic locations. While the water remains chilly even during summer, kids love exploring the shoreline and playing in the sand.
Check out out favorite beach toys here
Thunder Hole & Otter Cliff
After spending some time relaxing on the beach, walk the Ocean Path toward Thunder Hole.
When conditions are right, waves crash into the narrow inlet and create a dramatic booming sound that gives the attraction its name. While it is a popular places, it truly is an amazing sight to see.
Continue along the path toward Otter Cliff if you’d like, which is one of the most spectacular viewpoints in the park. The combination of rugged cliffs and crashing ocean waves showcases the dramatic beauty that makes Acadia National Park so special.
Afternoon: Wonderland Trail & Tide Pools
In the afternoon, head to Wonderland Trail.
This easy, family-friendly hike is one of Acadia’s hidden gems, especially if you time your visit around low tide.
The trail leads to a rocky shoreline filled with tide pools where kids can search for crabs, snails, sea stars, and other marine life. It was easily our kid’s favorite thing about visiting Acadia National Park!
Be sure to check tide charts before your visit to maximize your chances of seeing wildlife.
Sunset at Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse
Before returning to Bar Harbor, make a stop at Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse.
Perched dramatically on the rocky coastline, this is one of the most photographed spots in Maine and a beautiful spot to end your day in Acadia.
Dinner in Bar Harbor
Return to Bar Harbor for dinner and enjoy the relaxed coastal atmosphere. We loved soaking in the view, and there’s a great grassy spot for kiddos to run around and play.
Final Thoughts
While 2 days in Acadia National Park definitely doesn’t cover all there is to see, it is a great highlight reel of this amazing area.
From biking historic carriage roads and eating popovers at Jordan Pond to exploring tide pools and watching waves crash against rocky cliffs, Acadia offers an incredible mix of adventure and natural beauty for families.
It’s a destination that easily earns a spot on every family’s bucket list, and we already can’t wait to come back.
Continue planning your Acadia National Park and New England adventures:
