Are you ready to plan an incredible family vacation in Maine this year? I completely understand your desire to get away and can tell you that Maine is perfect for families looking to disconnect from it all on vacation! There are plenty of outdoor adventures in the state of Maine. But in addition to the wooded areas, you will find spectacular beaches next to the sparkling ocean. That means you can have a little of everything when you spend a few days, a week, or even a couple of weeks reconnecting with your family on your next vacation.  

Plan Your Family Vacation in Maine with My Travel Guide

History in Maine 

Maine has quite a long history, with the European settlers arriving on the shoreline back in 1525. Those Europeans did not settle in the area, though. The first European settlement ended up being in 1604. Unfortunately, a war broke out between the Europeans, or I should say the French and the Indian tribes living in the area. The French were defeated in that war and chose to form close bonds with the Indians instead of leaving the area.  

For years, the area we now know as Maine was considered part of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. It wasn’t until March 15, 1820, that Maine became the 23rd state. There weren’t as many people left in Maine by the time it became a state because a lot of people chose to head out west. Ohio Fever caused numerous people to choose to venture west for warmer weather.  

The locals who remained were thrilled with the lumber and shipbuilding boost that arrived with the California Gold Rush. However, people on the ships that took the goods to California ended up staying out there.  

Nowadays, more than a million people live in the state of Maine. And that number grows every summer as travelers arrive to enjoy the beauty this part of the country is known for.  

Weather in Maine 

Spring in Maine 

Maine’s location up in the far northeast makes it difficult to leave the snow and frost behind too early in the spring. Therefore, you should expect cool temperatures and a chance of frost through the end of April. This season begins with temperatures averaging 55 degrees, while May brings temperatures in the middle 60s.  

Summer in Maine 

The months of June through September are considered summer in Maine. Most days are warm during this time of the year, but it is not unusual to have a 90-degree day or two during the summer. Of course, the water in the ocean never catches up to the air temperatures, so you should expect that to be cold the entire season.  

Fall in Maine 

The days might still be warm during the month of September and even October during the fall. But the nights have a crisp coolness that allows the leaves to start changing color. The temperatures drop quickly from there, with daytime highs in the 40s by November. In fact, you may even see some snow flying around during the months of October and November.  

Winter in Maine 

Winter is long in the state of Maine, especially when the snow arrives early. Daytime temperatures will only reach 30 to 40 degrees, with the temperatures dropping to almost zero at night. Gray is the color of choice during the winter, yet the sun will peak out on occasion. Just don’t expect to see the sun too late in the day because the winter months have it setting by four in the afternoon.  

What to Pack for a Vacation in Maine 

When you decide to take a family vacation in Maine, you will have to pack according to the season you are visiting in. The summer months will have you wearing shorts, t-shirts, sundresses, and sandals. During the fall, winter, and spring, it will be all about pants, sweaters, sweatshirts, hats, gloves, and boots. Extra layers are necessary during the winter months, too, especially if you plan on being outside a lot.  

Hiking will require hiking boots, while white water rafting and other water activities will require additional clothing for when you get wet. And don’t forget towels, which are helpful at any time of the year.  

Activities to Embrace While on Vacation in Maine 

There are so many different activities you can do with your family when you are on vacation in Maine. One of the first things you will want to do when you arrive is to walk along the shoreline. Of course, this is only if you are spending time by the ocean. If you are closer to destinations like Acadia National Park, you may prefer to hike the trails or drive around the scenic loop.  

There are numerous biking trails you must consider if your entire family loves to ride bikes. The Kennebec River Rail Trail is an all-time favorite. Be prepared, though, because it is six and a half miles long. Don’t worry; you can do a section of it at a time so you do not get too tired out.  

Whale watching is another fun family activity when you are vacationing in Maine. We must plan your trip carefully if you want to go whale watching though. These majestic creatures are only in the water along this shoreline from the middle of April until the end of September.  

Other incredible family activities in Maine include: 

• Apple or Strawberry Picking 
• White Water Rafting 
• Skiing 
• Hiking to Waterfalls 
• Waterpark Adventures 

Top Places to See on Vacation in Maine 

Choosing which attractions to place at the top of your list of things to see in Maine is going to be a struggle. There are so many amazing attractions and destinations, and they aren’t close to each other. Depending on your personal top places, we may need to be a little creative when it comes to getting you to them all. No worries, though, because I can plan the perfect family vacation despite the logistical conundrum.  

One of the top places on your list must be Acadia National Park. This impressive park has it all, including gorgeous sights and thrilling adventures. I recommend arriving at the park very early one morning, so you can watch the sun as it begins to rise. When you add this activity to your list of things to do, you will be one of the first people to watch the sunrise in the entire country!  

Over in Portland’s Old Port, you will discover a ton of history along the cobblestone streets. The older colonial buildings are now home to numerous restaurants, shops, and breweries. People-watching is a must in this destination, so plan an extra hour or two for a different type of family activity.  

If you have kids that are scared of nothing and brave, you may want to try tackling the Allagash Waterway with them. This 92-mile stretch of water will take you to the tucked-away spaces in the state. You can easily canoe or kayak as much of this waterway as you wish, with trips ranging from one day to ten days.  

Winter months must be spent over at Sugarloaf and Sunday River. The skiing is the best in that part of the state, and the snowboarding isn’t too bad either! 

Other spectacular places to see in Maine include: 

• Pemaquid Point Lighthouse 
• Desert of Maine 
• Kennebunkport 
• Stephen King’s Home 
• The Giant Boot at LL Bean 
• Lenny the Chocolate Moose at Len Libby Candies 
• Mount Katahdin 
• Cabbage Island

Amazing Festivals You Can’t-Miss in Maine 

Most of the festivals you find in Maine are going to be all about the food! This shouldn’t be surprising since delicious food is everywhere in this state! 

Maine Whoopie Pie Festival 

Yes, there is a Whoopie Pie Festival in Maine! If you do not know what a whoopie pie is, let me share. Imagine two soft chocolate cookies stuffed with a delectable creamy filling that will have your mouth watering from the very first bite. This festival has taken place since 2009, and since the whoopie pie is now the official state treat, this festival isn’t stopping any time soon.  

The day begins with a 3K walk or run, so you can earn your whoopie pie of the day. Afterward, you can wander around to see what the one hundred different vendors are offering as you listen to live music in the background. You definitely won’t want to miss being a participant in the whoopie pie eating contest in the afternoon! 

Maine Potato Blossom Festival 

The Maine Potato Blossom Festival is a 9-day event that is held every July. There are eighty-five different events for you to attend, although you will need to choose between a few that are happening at the same time. A few of the most popular options include the BBQ Cook-Off, live entertainment, yard sales throughout the town, and interactive exhibits. The fireworks over the river are the perfect ending to this festival.  

Kennebunkport Festival 

This is one of the festivals held in Maine every year that donates to local charities. This weeklong event is filled with art, culture, and food. As you are walking around, you can listen to live music or stop to watch one of the performances. You must attend a cocktail hour, as well as a dinner during this week of fun. After all, the proceeds are going to a good cause! 

Ready to plan your next family vacation?? 

If you are more than ready to plan your next family vacation, I would like to invite you to schedule a planning session by clicking here. When you click this link, you will be taken directly to my digital calendar. There you will be able to set up a convenient time for us to connect.  

And if you are not quite ready to start planning your family vacation just yet, I invite you to click here to sign up for my newsletter. This is an excellent way to stay connected with me and learn more about the amazing destinations you can visit in the future.