Family Fun in Ogunquit, ME: Top Things to Do with Kids

A fun family beach getaway

Nestled along the picturesque coast of Maine, the charming town of Ogunquit offers a delightful getaway for families seeking a blend of natural beauty, outdoor adventures, and a touch of coastal charm.  The unique riverbend to ocean alignment makes for a wonderful, and refreshing summer beach destination. 

With its stunning beaches, scenic trails, and family-friendly attractions, Ogunquit is a perfect destination to create lasting memories with your kids.  Plus, it's only 75 miles north of Boston, so if you really work at it - you can even make this a Boston daytrip. 

In this roundup, we'll explore some of the top things to do in Ogunquit, ME, that will keep your children entertained and leave them with a love for this quaint coastal gem.

Enjoy the Gorgeous Beaches

Ogunquit boasts two beautiful beaches: Ogunquit Beach and Footbridge Beach. Take your little ones for a day of sun, sand, and surf. Let them build sandcastles, collect seashells, and frolic in the waves. The beaches are pristine and offer ample space for the kids to run around and enjoy various beach activities.

There are large stretches of beach around the parking area to choose from.  Many families with young children set up camp on the river side of the beach where the water is a tad warmer and there are not many waves.

Beach Parking Tips:  If you are traveling from the Boston area for a daytrip, you need to leave early in order to ensure a spot in the lot.  The traffic gets pretty thick as you approach the lot so be prepared to be sitting for awhile.  If spots run out at the main lot, you can try your luck at the Footbridge lot. 

Explore the Marginal Way

The Marginal Way is a stunning mile-long coastal trail that winds along the cliffs, offering breathtaking ocean views. Take a leisurely stroll with your family, enjoy the fresh sea breeze, and soak in the natural beauty. The path is well-maintained and accessible for strollers, making it a perfect outing for the whole family.

photo credit: Travel for the Soul

Grab a Bite & Stroll Around Perkins Cove

If you follow Marginal Way to the end, you'll find yourself at Perkins Cove.  Originally a small fishing community and artists' colony, the Cove is a charming area that consists of local independent shops, restaurants and scenic outlooks.

Here you can peruse all sorts of artisan shops, the candy store, or grab a bite or a refreshing libation at one of many quaint local restaurants as you gaze out at the ocean. 

Along the entire Marginal Way, you'll find secluded little outposts complete with benches, some shaded, so you can take in the beauty of the rocky shore as the waves crash and the shorebirds glide and frolic.  It's quite magical.

Visit the Ogunquit Museum of American Art

Introduce your kids to the world of art at the Ogunquit Museum of American Art. This museum features a diverse collection of American artworks, including paintings, sculptures, and photography. The museum also offers engaging children's programs and art workshops, where kids can explore their creativity and learn about various art forms.

Discover the Ogunquit Playhouse

If your family enjoys live performances, don't miss the Ogunquit Playhouse. Known as America's Foremost Summer Theatre, this historic venue offers a wide range of professional theater productions, including Broadway shows, musicals, and children's theater. Treat your kids to an enchanting theater experience they won't soon forget.

Take a Scenic Boat Tour

Embark on a boat tour from Perkins Cove, a charming harbor in Ogunquit. These scenic tours provide an opportunity to see Ogunquit's stunning coastline from a different perspective. Your kids will be thrilled to spot seabirds, marine life, and perhaps even catch a glimpse of a whale. Some tours offer lobstering demonstrations, allowing children to learn about Maine's iconic lobster industry.

Have a Fun-Filled Day at Wonder Mountain Fun Park

For a day of excitement and amusement, head to Wonder Mountain Fun Park. This family-friendly amusement park offers a variety of attractions, including go-karts, mini-golf, bumper boats, and an arcade. Kids of all ages will have a blast experiencing the rides and games, making it a must-visit destination for families visiting Ogunquit.

Visit the Ogunquit Heritage Museum

Take a step back in time and visit the Ogunquit Heritage Museum. This small museum showcases the history and heritage of the town through exhibits, artifacts, and photographs. Kids can learn about the region's early settlers, local industries, and the town's transformation into a popular tourist destination.

On most summer nights, you can stroll along the main street and be serenaded by acoustic guitarists and singers, as people emerge from their beach days to enjoy dinner and the remains of the day.   Often you can find movies or live music at uniquely interiored, old-school Leavitt Theatre. 

In short, Ogunquit, Maine, with its stunning beaches, scenic trails, and family-friendly attractions, provides the perfect setting for an unforgettable family vacation.

From building sandcastles on the beach to exploring coastal trails and enjoying cultural experiences, there is something for everyone in this charming coastal town.

So, pack your bags, gather the family, and embark on a memorable adventure in Ogunquit, where both kids and adults alike can create cherished memories that will last a lifetime.

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Stacey Sao has been the Managing Director of the family-friendly events and activities website, BostonCentral for almost 20 years.  She continues to enjoy discovering and exploring new places to visit in the Greater Boston area.