Become a Creator today!Start creating today - Share your story with the world!
Start for free
00:00:00
00:00:01
Episode 6: Acadia National Park & Bar Harbor, Maine— Where Nature Meets Flexibility — Travel with Kids in 3-2-1
90 Plays12 days ago
“Sometimes the most memorable moments happen when you slow the pace and let the day unfold.”
In this episode, we explore Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor, Maine, and how to turn a popular summer destination into a calm, flexible family adventure. We share how to enjoy nature without the pressure of doing everything, and how small, thoughtful choices can make travel feel easier, more grounded, and more enjoyable for the whole family. You’ll also hear practical tips for planning ahead so you can spend less time stressed and more time present in the experience. This episode is a reminder that family travel can be simple, spacious, and deeply memorable.
Topics Covered:
00:00:00 – Welcome to Family Travel that Supports ADHD, Autism, and Anxiety
00:01:37 – Episode focus: Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor, Maine
00:02:20 – Accessibility, pacing, and honoring different family needs
00:03:25 – National Park planning tip: passes and reservations
00:04:04 – Place #1: Bar Island Land Bridge + tide pools
00:06:40 – Place #2: Easy hiking options in Acadia
00:08:03 – Travel tip: parking, timing, and backup plans
00:09:23 – Place #3: Great Maine Lumberjack Show
00:10:55 – Food option #1: Sea Ray’s Lobster Pound
00:11:44 – Food option #2: Jordan Snack Bar in Ellsworth
00:13:29 – Travel Tip: Plan ahead for park access and reservations
00:14:57 – Flexible travel makes meaningful family experiences
About Your Host:
Dr. Josette Bianchi is a board-certified pediatrician, mom of three, and a travel lover who believes families should feel confident exploring the world together. Through Family Travel that Supports ADHD, Autism, and Anxiety, she shares practical tips, real-life experiences, and encouragement for families raising children with big feelings, sensory needs, or behavioral differences.
Combining her medical background with her perspective as a parent, Dr. Bianchi helps families plan flexible, sensory-friendly trips. Each episode offers simple ideas, honest stories, and helpful tools to make travel more manageable and more meaningful for neurodiverse families.
Connect with Dr. Josette Bianchi:
- Email: familytravelsupport@gmail.com; josettemarie@gmail.com
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josette-bianchi-40902943/
- Instagram: @familytravelthatsupports
Resources:
Recommended
Transcript
Introduction to Acadia National Park & Bar Harbor
00:00:00
Speaker
Looking for a national park that's great for summer or fall, has hikes for all ages and skill levels, someplace with space to roam that's flexible and not overwhelming, then this week's episode is definitely for
Traveling with Neurodiverse Families
00:00:12
Speaker
you.
00:00:12
Speaker
Today we're talking about Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor, Maine. Welcome to Family Travel that supports ADHD, autism, and anxiety, podcast for families who love to travel and have big feelings and challenging moments.
00:00:26
Speaker
I'm Joseph Bianchi, a mom to three children, board-certified pediatrician, and
Podcast Structure: 3-2-1 Plan
00:00:31
Speaker
a travel lover. If you're raising children with ADHD, autism, anxiety, or other behavioral differences, and the idea of travel feels both exciting and overwhelming, this podcast is for you.
Listener Stories & Family Travel Experiences
00:00:42
Speaker
Each week, using an easy-to-follow 3-2-1 plan, three places, two food options, and one great tip for families in a given locale, we'll talk about real-life experiences of traveling with kids who don't fit the typical mold.
Inclusive Travel for Families with Special Needs
00:00:56
Speaker
Most episodes will follow this format, but we'll also sprinkle in some listener stories, deeper dives into specific challenges, and interviews. From meltdowns at airport security to the beauty of a breakthrough moment in the middle of a museum, we're covering it all.
00:01:10
Speaker
the chaos, the joy, and the learning that comes with it. Whether you're planning your first road trip or you're already seasoned family travelers, family travel that supports ADHD, autism, and anxiety is here to help you feel seen, supported, and maybe even inspired to book that next adventure.
Family-Friendly Features of Acadia & Bar Harbor
00:01:27
Speaker
Because around here, we believe in wandering without limits.
00:01:31
Speaker
So grab your crew, your luggage, and your love of adventure, and let's hit the road together. Okay, so today we're heading to Acadia National Park in and Bar Harbor, Maine, which is one of those destinations that can work really well for families, especially if your kids benefit from movement, outdoor space, and a flexible pace.
00:01:49
Speaker
We are officially approaching summer vacay time, and I know many people that are either heading to Acadia for the first time or have this on their yearly itinerary.
Accessibility Challenges & Solutions at Acadia
00:01:59
Speaker
For us, for many years when my kids were really small, and especially around pandemic time, this was on our list of annual vacations in the summer.
00:02:07
Speaker
It is one of our favorite spots and probably our favorite national park, at least for now. This is a place where you can be active, but also slow things down, take breaks, and adjust your day depending on how everyone in your group is doing.
00:02:20
Speaker
I think this is just a good opportunity here to take a quick pause, to take a moment to recognize that we have listeners where not everyone in their group has the same mobility level, fitness level, and maybe some in their group have accessibility issues.
Exploration Tips for Acadia & Bar Harbor
00:02:34
Speaker
We see you and we honor that here at the show. There are some strategies and some ways to see some of what we talk about via car or shuttle.
00:02:42
Speaker
Many of these hikes can be cut short with easy turnarounds, and we know that regardless of physical ability, nature and fresh air are important for all kids and families. So I just wanted to take a second to say that.
00:02:54
Speaker
Many of the hikes at Acadia are less strenuous and quieter. The neighboring town of Bar Harbor, Maine is also an ideal family destination. They offer parks, outdoor space beyond the primary national park, and great restaurants, shops, ice cream parlors that give the town a traditional quaint New England feel.
00:03:12
Speaker
I also want to take a quick moment to pause here.
Free Lifetime Access Pass for Families with Disabilities
00:03:15
Speaker
Before we get into our 321 format to talk a little bit about national parks in general, since this is the first episode on the show where we've covered a national park.
00:03:25
Speaker
um Keep in mind that you can apply for a free lifetime America the Beautiful Access Pass for U.S. National Parks. It covers interest fees for the pass holder and three accompanying adults. It's available to US citizens or residents of any age who have a permanent disability. And that can include autism, ADHD, anything that limits major life activities for you or your child.
Visiting Bar Island Land Bridge
00:03:50
Speaker
You will need documentation. Nothing is a guarantee. But if you feel that someone in your family meets this criteria, you can definitely apply and see if it works out for your family.
00:04:00
Speaker
Okay, so now let's head to Acadia together with our 3-2-1 plan. First place on the list is my absolute favorite and my kids' favorite. This is the Bar Island Land Bridge and the tide pools there. Hands down one of our favorite simple activities.
00:04:16
Speaker
There really is no other place in the world like the Bar Island Land Bridge, at least that I've seen. It's truly incredible. i think it's really cool to show your kids what it looks like at low tide when you can walk across it and explore the tide pools together. And then again, another time at high tide, just to kind of compare and appreciate the amazing natural wonder of this area.
00:04:38
Speaker
It's like a really nice life lesson on the importance of knowing and understanding tides, the importance of reading tide charts when you're going to the beach and traveling. Like you can really prove this in real time with this area.
00:04:50
Speaker
This area is considered part of Acadia National Park, though you access it from Bridge Street in the Bar Harbor town, not through the typical Acadia Park entrance that's used for many of the other hikes in nature centers.
00:05:03
Speaker
It's a really nice way to ease into the day. It's free. It lends itself to movement at any pace. And it's great for building in a scavenger hunt. If that's something your kids enjoy, you can make a simple one before you head out with three or four things to find in the tide pools to keep everyone busy and occupied. The one thing to know that can be a little bit tricky is parking, as it's mostly street parking. And you need to time your visit with the tides. So it tends to be crowded at low tide when everyone's trying to go out and sort of explore. You want to review a tide chart the night before to plan your visit and sort of time when you're going to go. And you just need to understand that, you know, you may need to build in some patience and extra time for the parking because it can be a little bit
Recommended Easy Hikes in Acadia
00:05:48
Speaker
tricky.
00:05:48
Speaker
One thing that I like about visiting the Bar Island Land Bridge and the tide pools is that it's not overwhelming. Everyone can sort of go at their own pace, but you can kind of keep track of everybody. And there's lots for kids to explore. Rocks, water, small sea life like small fish, crab, sea urchins.
00:06:06
Speaker
If you have kids who like to move, climb, explore, this kind of environment can really be engaging without feeling too overstimulating. And given its proximity to Bar Harbor itself, you can keep it like short and simple, leave after you do the tide pools, or you can head into town afterwards for a snack or ice cream if things are going well.
00:06:25
Speaker
There's a nice park in Bar Harbor with a beautiful view of the boats. There's cute shops and plenty of restaurants and ice cream parlors there. Okay, so what is number two for our places to go or check out in Acadia Bar Harbor?
00:06:39
Speaker
For number two, we have one family-friendly hike. And you definitely want to keep it simple here. So when it comes to Acadia, there's a nice variety of hikes to pick from.
00:06:50
Speaker
There are lots of options, but you don't need to do the hardest or the most well-known hikes to really have a great experience and appreciate the beautiful landscape that the park has to offer. I would definitely recommend choosing something shorter, a little more flexible. The three that I like to put on the list are the Wonderland Trail, the Ship Harbor Trail, and Jordan Pond Path. Those all can work really well for most kids.
00:07:15
Speaker
We've done Wonderland a few times and Jordan Pond a bunch. I've done it with a backpack hiker on me. We've done it with toddlers and we've done it with like a fairly big group of people that have different hiking levels and both have worked out okay. These trails offer beautiful views without being too strenuous and you can also turn around whenever you need to. So if there's a couple in your group that need to take a break or turn around, totally doable on these trails.
00:07:40
Speaker
For kids with ADHD or others who need movement, hiking is really a great outlet, a good skill to teach, but pacing does matter. Also, stick with easier low-stress hikes unless you have really experienced older hikers in your crew. You just avoid the stress, potential for injury, and you still get to see a lot of beautiful, natural beauty.
00:08:01
Speaker
so Final warning, i would just save something like Beehive for the right time and stage. Definitely, I wouldn't do it with littles. I wouldn't do it in peak season. i just think it's better to focus on some of the easier trails at this stage and keep it simple. That's
Safety Tips for Hiking with Kids
00:08:16
Speaker
my advice.
00:08:17
Speaker
Parking for the trailheads can be busy, especially in high seasons. So definitely, i suggest getting there early in the morning or going in the late afternoon and having a backup plan. So I know at least for like my kids, like sometimes waiting around to park can be a little bit frustrating and you kind of waste some valuable time that you could be hiking or kind of that valuable peak time where you sort of have their attention. So it's always good to have a plan B. So if you get to the trailhead and there's no parking there, you can try another trailhead with a different lot. And usually by the second lot, it tends to work out. And definitely starting early is super helpful in that regard as well.
00:08:55
Speaker
Snacks, breaks, letting kids set the pace really makes a big difference on hikes. This is no different. Maine is cooler than many national parks, which is great, but it can still get hot, especially in the summer months, and hydration is key. So bring lots of water, stay cool and hydrated.
00:09:11
Speaker
Also, one thing that I like to do is to dress my kids in brighter colors when we're hiking. So if anyone runs ahead, it's easier to spot them. And don't forget if anyone has an allergy to bring your EpiPen and your day pack.
Outdoor Theater Experience in Maine
00:09:23
Speaker
Okay. I love the next place on our list. I think it's really fun and I hope you do too. I hope you love it. It's something a little bit different, but it's definitely quintessential Maine. Timbertina's Great Maine Lumberjack Show. My kids love this for something a little bit different. It's a fun structured activity, but it's also a way to kind of do a theater type experience. It's like a sporting event theater a hybrid.
00:09:48
Speaker
that they don't have to sit still for the whole time. They can kind of wander around a lot. It's outside. They could stand up if they need to. Tina from one of the older episodes of Survivor and Ultimate Survival Alaska runs this outdoor theater sporting event experience. And it's really a uniquely Maine experience. It's located in Trenton, Maine, about 20 to 30 minutes from the Bar Harbor area. And the kids get to see and experience a variety of logging events like axe throwing, log rolling, underhand chopping, pole climbing. It's engaging and interactive. it gives the kids a chance to watch something exciting without needing to sit quietly for a long time. And there are periods in the show where it's interactive so the kids can get up and participate. My son did some sawing at one of these shows. He got up with his cousin and they got a saw and sawed a log together. It was really cute. And there's also a very affordable snack bar there as well.
Family-Friendly Dining in Acadia
00:10:43
Speaker
Okay, so two places to eat in Acadia Bar Harbor. This was challenging because we like a lot of places here, but I narrowed it down to two, and I think that they're great for families. The first is Sea Ray's Lobster Pound.
00:10:58
Speaker
Definitely, you don't want to come here if anyone has a shellfish allergy, but it is quintessential Maine. Going to a lobster pound, as long as you don't have a shellfish allergy, is definitely a must. We like Sea Ray's the best. It's casual, outdoors. It has a classic Maine feel.
00:11:13
Speaker
There's fire pits, picnic benches. There's also the option if you're just like done for the day and you feel like your kids can't be in any kind of restaurant setting, even an outdoor one, where you could take it back to your rental or your hotel.
00:11:26
Speaker
I really like it because the kids can kind of move around after a long day. They can eat a little bit, get up, walk around. There's a big yard area. The food is simple, good, but delicious. And it's just a nice, relaxed environment where everyone can kind of take their time.
00:11:44
Speaker
The second place is really a gem. It's in Ellsworth, which quick note, we love Ellsworth and we often stay in near Ellsworth when we go to Acadia. A little bit outside of the park, but it's a really nice town, a little bit more affordable to spend some time in that area or stay in that area. The downtown Ellsworth area has some great restaurants as well, especially if you're looking for a date night. There's some foodie places there that I would highly suggest. But back to a great place to eat for families, we like an Ellsworth Jordan snack bar. It's about 20 or 30 minutes outside the park. It's an easy, low-pressure stop, quick service, just your typical sort of kids' food, sandwiches, hots, hamburgers, grilled cheese. But what I really, really like about it is there is an outdoor seating area with an on-site playground. So you can sit and take your time and eat while the kids play on the playground. There's also an on-site game room with pinball machines and air hockey for the older kids.
00:12:45
Speaker
Jordan's really for us is sort of the difference sometimes between choking down our food to avoid a meltdown and actually having a nicely paced outdoor meal while the kids kind of play on the playground. And you can see them, keep track of them, but also take your time and enjoy your food.
00:13:01
Speaker
And I just feel like sometimes having places like this built in your plan can make the whole day go a little more smoothly and lets everybody enjoy, the parents too. It's also not a long wait, typically, and so everybody's satisfied. So I highly recommend Jordan's Snack Bar, especially if you have little kids.
Planning Visits to Acadia
00:13:21
Speaker
Okay, so now that we've done our three places, two eats, let's talk about our one travel tip for Acadia Bar Harbor. My biggest tip for Acadia is to really just book things ahead of time when possible.
00:13:34
Speaker
Like most national parks and most busy places, especially if you're going in the high season, Acadia and Bar Harbor can get busy, especially in peak season, which is typically July, August time. Parking, park reservations, and even some park access points can require a little bit of planning ahead.
00:13:53
Speaker
For instance, if you plan to drive to the top of Cadillac Mountain or you want to hike in certain areas, you may need a pass ahead of time. So you want to go online to the park site and see what you need to do to book your parking and book certain access points, et cetera, ahead of time. Taking care of those few logistics before you get to the park can really reduce stress during the trip and make your days feel more flexible once you're there. So definitely check out the website for the park before you go. and keep track of when the website will open up to book certain park access points and your parking and your park pass in general. I even set alarms on my phone to just know like this is the day that it opens. If I really want you know that sunrise drive up to Cadillac Mountain, I got to book it on this day before I go to work so that I know that I have it and it doesn't get sold out.
00:14:47
Speaker
So in closing, Acadia and Bar Harbor can be a really great option for families, especially if your kids do well with movement, outdoor space, and a more flexible pace. You don't need to be an experienced hiker or fully outfitted from REI. We are definitely not, and we still enjoy these trails. Many are simple and low stress with easy turnarounds. Travel doesn't have to look like anyone else's version to be meaningful.
00:15:11
Speaker
Meet your family and your kids where they are. Adjust when needed. And keep wandering without limits. You got
Conclusion & Call to Action
00:15:17
Speaker
this. If this episode resonated with you, please follow or subscribe to the show and share it with another parent who might benefit.
00:15:24
Speaker
We'd also love to hear from you. Feedback, questions, places you'd like us to cover on the show. Email me a show suggestion or reach out if you're planning a trip and would just like some support. You can also find us on Instagram at at family travel that supports. We share tips, info on upcoming episodes and ask for listener input on those upcoming episodes. And finally, just a disclaimer, this podcast is for general information, educational purposes only, and is not to be considered medical advice for any patient. Thanks for tuning in, and we'll see you next time.