For Children & Families

On Mount Desert Island, activities for the entire family abound. Families on Mount Desert Island can: Sea kayak in and around the many outlying islands; bicycle on the beautiful carriage roads of Acadia National Park or the dramatic coastline; tour historical lighthouses; go on a whale watch, a deep-sea fishing tour or help haul a lobster trap; take a sunset cruise on a traditional four-masted schooner;
Head for the beach and brave the exhilarating 50 degree Atlantic Ocean; learn about intertidal life at the Mount Desert Island Biological Laboratory; attend a concert or show in the Village Green. Whatever your vacation plans, families on Mount Desert Island are sure to find activities that please everyone!
Compass Harbor, Acadia National Park

Compass Harbor

Located less than a mile south of downtown Bar Harbor, heading towards the Sieur de Monts Entrance to the Park Loop Road, George’s B. Dorr’s Old Farm property is protected as a small isolated section of Acadia National Park.

Explore
Thorndike Library, College of the Atlantic

Thorndike Library

Today, Thorndike Library serves College of the Atlantic and the broader community by providing access to information resources, the COA archives, and audio-visual services.

Explore
Shore Path in Bar Harbor, Maine

Shore Path

This pedestrian path along the edge of Frenchman Bay, maintained by the Village Improvement Association of Bar Harbor, begins at the town pier and extends nearly a mile.

Explore
Jesup Memorial Library, Bar Harbor, Maine

Jesup Memorial Library

The Jesup Memorial Library serves as the public library for the town of Bar Harbor – a community resource and gathering place.

Explore
Somesville Library Association

Somesville Library Association

Located on beautiful Mount Desert Island, the Somesville Library Association is a small but active library with an up to date collection and events.

Explore
Northeast Harbor Library

Northeast Harbor Library

The Northeast Harbor Library currently serves as both the public library for the Town of Mount Desert and the school library for Mount Desert Elementary School.

Explore
Southwest Harbor Public Library

Southwest Harbor Public Library

Southwest Harbor Public Library inspires and supports the enjoyment of life-long learning, the love of literacy, and the exploration of new ideas, welcoming everyone through its doors.

Explore
Great Harbor Maritime Museum

Great Harbor Maritime Museum

The Great Harbor Maritime Museum, in downtown Northeast Harbor, features changing exhibits. Past exhibits have included steamship transportation on Mt. Desert Island and model boat exhibitions.

Explore
Paint Your Own Maine Memory

Paint Your Own Maine Memory

Paint Your Own Maine Memory offers step-by-step art lessons in plein air watercolor, nature drawing, landscapes, and seascapes. Each lesson is geared to the individual – beginners are welcome and anyone can learn!

Explore