Maine Family Vacations: Ogunquit Activities by Age Group
Ogunquit is a town of incredible coastal sights, delectable sea fare, and countless activities to enjoy both on the water and up on the land. No matter the age of your family members, everything from brilliant performing arts to relaxing fishing docks make Ogunquit a perfect spot to enjoy a Maine family vacation.
Ages 0-4: Toddler Time Means a Seaside Stroll
Morning: Enjoy breakfast with your tot over at the Egg & I Restaurant, just a short toddle away from The Dunes, before playtime at the beach. If your little one isn’t quite a beach bum, take a dip in our pool and let them loose on the playground.
Afternoon: The wheels on the trolley go round and round… that is, the big, red Ogunquit Trolley that’ll take you downtown for an afternoon of exploring. Each trolley is named; see if you can get your little one to pronounce a moniker like Dolly Trolley or Lolly Trolley!
Evening: Go for a seaside stroll before sundown and gawk over Ogunquit’s sights and sounds.
Ages 5-8: Ice Cream, Tigers, and Lobsters, oh my!
Morning: Release some of that morning energy with a walk on Marginal Way, exploring tidal pools and climbing on classic Maine rocks. Once you reach Perkins Cove, embark on an educational (and fun!) ride on Finestkind Scenic Cruises where the kids can learn all about lobster.
Afternoon: Once you dock, go scream for ice cream at Abbott’s Creamery. Then, take a short drive over to York’s Wild Kingdom, an ever-exciting zoo and amusement park.
Alternatively, grab your towels and sandcastle kits for a day on the beach. The shelf of sand on Ogunquit Beach is relatively shallow for a long way out, with calm waters and smaller waves, making it a popular place to dig for shells and crabs.
Evening: Sit down for a family dinner at Cornerstone. Between wood-fired artisan pizza and scrumptious mac-and-cheese, kids (and parents) will be in heaven at this family-oriented restaurant.
Ages 9-13: Thrills and Spills at the Waterpark
Morning: Sink your fork into some fluffy pancakes (with fresh Maine blueberries) at the Wild Blueberry Restaurant. Head back to The Dunes afterwards for a little post-breakfast shuffleboard.
Afternoon: Let loose with all the thrills of Funtown Splashtown, including slippery water slides, electrifying coasters, and (in true coastal Maine fashion) adult bumper boats. If you get rained out, don’t fret — we know the best rainy day activities for you can keep the fun going and stay dry at the same time.
Evening: Catch a classic like JAWS or a summer superhero blockbuster at the Leavitt Theatre, and finish the day back at the waterfront for a proper ocean sunset that’ll leave the entire family in awe.
Age 14-18: Make Waves With a Family Beach Day
Morning: Are they drinking coffee yet? Sit down for some eggs and bacon at The Greenery Cafe, a few blocks down from The Dunes.
Afternoon: Grab the boogie boards and cross over the Tidal River to Ogunquit Beach, and treat yourselves to an unstoppable day of sand and surf. Afterwards, enjoy a post-swimming lunch at Hamburger Harry’s.
Evening: Sing along to a musical show at the Ogunquit Playhouse. Performances from 2016 include The Hunchback of Notre Dame and Priscilla, Queen of the Desert.
Age 18+: Open Seas Adventure For the Kids That Never Grew Up
Morning: Enjoy a breakfast sandwich at Village Food Market and fuel up for one of Ogunquit’s many hiking trails. After you reach the outstanding ocean views from the top of Mount Agamenticus, you’ll have definitely earned some ice cream upon your return.
Afternoon: Try the Maine crab cakes at Bessie’s, then head out on the water for an adventure fit for a Maine getaway. Go exploring via kayak, or give stand-up paddleboarding a try — the solid arm and core workout will certainly help you keep active on your vacation.
Evening: Cap off your day in a musical way! From jazz to dance, Ogunquit Performing Arts has it all.
There’s no question that a family vacation in Ogunquit will be one to remember, no matter the age of your attendees. With a countless number of family-oriented things to do and places to see, you’ll certainly want a family-friendly place to stay like the cottages at The Dunes, where family fun is right in our backyard. Ask us for more recommendations while you’re here!