Planning a Maine family vacation often means finding activities that keep kids entertained while still giving parents a chance to enjoy the scenery and relaxed pace of the coast. Boothbay Harbor is a great fit for families because so many attractions are interactive, outdoors, and close together!
If you’re looking for things to do in Boothbay Harbor with kids, this Midcoast Maine destination offers everything from beaches and gardens to trains and marine life. It’s easy to see why the region is considered one of the best vacation spots in Maine for families. While a few of these local attractions are outside of the harbor, they are absolutely worth the less than 30 minute drive. Here are a few of the most memorable kids activities Maine visitors love!
Want to stay close to the fun? Tugboat Inn’s downtown location makes access to local attractions easy!
One of the most popular Midcoast Maine attractions for families are the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, located just a few minutes outside of the harbor.
While the gardens themselves are beautiful, the real highlight for younger visitors is the Children’s Garden. Designed specifically for kids, it features treehouses, interactive play spaces, fairy houses, and winding paths that encourage exploration. Kids can climb, explore, and discover something new around every corner!
Trust us when we say your kiddos will sleep good after exploring over 300 acres of gardens and trails! For families planning things to do in Maine in summer, this is often one of the most memorable parts of the trip and can easily fill 3-4 hours.
Did you know that Maine has an aquarium?
Another great stop for families is the Maine State Aquarium, located along the waterfront in nearby West Boothbay Harbor. Operated by the Maine Department of Marine Resources, the aquarium focuses entirely on the marine life found in the Gulf of Maine.
Inside, kids can see tanks filled with local species like lobsters, skates, crabs, and other creatures that live along the Maine coast. One of the highlights for families is the hands-on touch tank, where visitors can gently interact with tidepool animals such as sea stars, hermit crabs, and sea cucumbers while learning about the coastal ecosystem!
The exhibits are designed to help visitors understand how the Gulf of Maine works as an ecosystem and how scientists study and protect it. Interactive displays and a learning lab also introduce kids to real marine research happening along the Maine coast.
One of the more unique things to do near Boothbay Harbor with kids is visiting Boothbay Railway Village, a 30-acre outdoor museum that recreates a small Maine town from the late 1800s and early 1900s.
The highlight for most families is the train ride. Kids can hop aboard a vintage railcar pulled by a historic locomotive and take a scenic ride around the village. After the ride, families can explore historic buildings, see antique automobiles, and walk through exhibits that show what life in Maine looked like more than a century ago.
For families planning a Maine family vacation, this interactive museum is one of the more memorable Maine attractions for families and easily ranks among the fun places in Maine for kids!
Families visiting this summer can take part in a fun, interactive adventure through the by Lighthouse Education & Nautical Studies (LENS)! Running from June 21 through September 30, this self-guided activity invites kids to explore local shops and waterfront spots around Boothbay Harbor while solving clues along the way. Even better, Tugboat Inn is one of the official stops, making it a convenient and fun addition for families staying nearby! As far as kids activities Maine visitors can enjoy, this one blends exploration, learning, and a little bit of adventure all at your own pace. Plus, it’s for a great cause. Proceeds support the local schools place-based learning initiative!
A beach day is always a good idea during a Maine family vacation! One of the most scenic nearby options is Hendricks Head Beach, located just across the bridge from Boothbay Harbor.
The beach is small and sits beside a lighthouse, giving it a classic Maine coastal feel. Kids can swim, search for shells, or explore the rocks along the shoreline. Please note that like the majority of most beaches in Midcoast Maine, it is primarily rocky with some sand.
Getting out on the water is one of the most memorable things to do in Boothbay Harbor with kids! A harbor cruise gives families a chance to see the islands, working lobster boats, and rocky coastline that make Midcoast Maine so unique.
One great option is the Harbor Cruise with Seals, Lighthouses, and Lobster Haul offered by Cap’n Fish’s Cruises. This family-friendly trip lasts about 1¼ hours and takes passengers through both the inner and outer harbor while passing small islands and two historic lighthouses. Along the way, the crew often points out seals resting on the rocks and demonstrates how lobster traps are hauled, giving kids a chance to see how Maine’s famous lobster industry works.
A family trip to Boothbay Harbor is all about time outdoors. Riding boats, exploring gardens, visiting beaches, and discovering the many things to do in Boothbay Harbor with kids.
For a convenient and family-friendly place to stay, Tugboat Inn sits right on the waterfront in the heart of downtown Boothbay Harbor. We offer comfortable rooms, many with seating that overlooks the harbor, so families can relax while watching boats come and go. Plus, our on-site restaurant serving lunch and dinner helps make meals convenient and closeby!
With shops, boat tours, and several local Boothbay Harbor attractions within walking distance, it’s an easy home base for a fun and memorable Maine family vacation. Browse our rooms and book your stay with us today!
