Places to go with a toddler Downeast? (Bangor, Machias: live, beachfront)

[libbykt]

I just booked a trip "home" to Maine and we'll be spending a good portion of our trip at our cottage in Roque Bluffs. We have a little bit of beachfront, so we'll definitely spend a lot of time there, but I want to get out and do some exploring with him as well. I definitely have Jasper Beach on my list, as my child is, well, a 2 year old boy and loves rocks. However, I'd love some more suggestions. It's funny- I spent my whole life going there every summer, but we were really chained to the cottage entertaining my grandparents, who didn't venture out much past Helen's in Machias.

Thanks for any suggestions.

[mollysmiles]

Try Herring Cove over on Campobello. It's a rocky beach similar to Jasper's, but smaller rocks and at low tide it's very small rocks. One of the nicest places around for kids, and it has a playground, picnic tables, grills, and bathrooms. Also check out some of the Moosehorn walking trails. Depending on when you arrive you may need to bring bug spray for mosquitos, but a walk in the woods is always nice! West Quoddy Head would be nice too--he'd get to see the lighthouse up close. If he enjoys boats you can visit some of the local harbors too. I'd also visit a local library while you're here. You could pick up some nice children's books (Blueberries For Sal, The Lupine Lady, and there are some great "Maine" picture books too) Anything else to do is going to depend on when you arrive. There are fairs and festivals all summer long. Oh, check out the Cobscook Learning Center in Trescott too--they may have something going on for little ones this summer.

Good luck and have a great time!

[Northern Maine Land Man]

Take a day trip to Bangor and take the little shaver to the Discovery Museum. They have things for all ages. He'll love it.

[Maineah]

Originally Posted by libbykt

I just booked a trip "home" to Maine and we'll be spending a good portion of our trip at our cottage in Roque Bluffs. We have a little bit of beachfront, so we'll definitely spend a lot of time there, but I want to get out and do some exploring with him as well. I definitely have Jasper Beach on my list, as my child is, well, a 2 year old boy and loves rocks. However, I'd love some more suggestions. It's funny- I spent my whole life going there every summer, but we were really chained to the cottage entertaining my grandparents, who didn't venture out much past Helen's in Machias.

Thanks for any suggestions.

All you need to do is find a tidal pool at low tide and you can spend an entire afternoon there with a little boy. There are snails, fish, crabs, barnacles, hermit crabs, starfish,urchins,different sea weeds. It's better than an aquarium ,it's all hands on ,and it's free!

[libbykt]

Great ideas! Thank you.

molly, Blueberries for Sal was absolutely my favorite book as a child. I keep harassing my mom to find it for Sam, because I know it's tucked away in her attic somewhere, but maybe I should just grab him his own copy.

[mollysmiles]

oh that's sweet! I hope she can find it, that would be great to have that for him

[AustinB]

Great Wass Island, just past Beals Island has some great hiking trails and there would be lots of boats to look at in Jonesport.

[AustinB]

'Sal' lives over in Deer Isle. She's a very nice lady.

[Elcarim]

Our little ones are anxiously waiting for the boat trip out to see some whales, seals and puffins. Mommy is too!