Ahoy, parents and pint-sized travelers! Whether you’re seasoned family vacationers or first-time adventurers, Boothbay Harbor is one of Maine’s most magical destinations to explore with kids — and The Helm House® is the perfect home base to do it from.
Nestled just steps from the heart of the harbor, The Helm House® isn’t just a place to rest your heads — it’s the launchpad for memory-making. Here’s a peek into what a family trip to Boothbay can look like, filled with salty air, sea creatures, and a whole lot of laughter.
Boothbay Harbor with Kids: Adventure Itinerary from The Helm House® (PRINTABLE)
Day 1: Welcome Aboard!
Arrive at The Helm House®
Unpack, stretch your legs, and explore the yard.
Take a short walk to the harbor for a first glimpse of the water.
Dinner in Town
Kid-friendly picks: Boothbay Lobster Wharf, Mine Oyster, or Boathouse Bistro (rooftop!)
Evening Fun
Grab an ice cream cone from Downeast Ice Cream Factory.
Play board games back at The Helm House®.
Day 2: Sea Creatures & Salty Air
Morning: Maine State Aquarium
Touch tanks, tidepools, and lobsters galore.
Afternoon: Harbor Stroll & Boat Ride
Pick a short scenic cruise or seal-watch tour.
Pack snacks or lunch to have a picnic on the boat.
Evening: Relax & Refill
Cook dinner at The Helm House® or grab takeout.
Optional: Sunset walk
Day 3: Trolls, Trails & Treasures
Morning to Afternoon: Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens
Hunt for giant trolls (bring walking shoes!)
Let the kids explore the Children’s Garden.
Bring a picnic or eat at the on-site café.
Late Afternoon: Chill Time
Return to The Helm House® for quiet time, showers, or downtime with a movie.
Day 4: Trains, Trolleys & Timeless Fun
Morning to Early Afternoon:
Visit the Boothbay Railway Village Museum
Ride a real steam train, explore historic buildings, and see vintage cars.
Let the kids ring the bell and play engineer!
Check their event calendar — there are often kid-themed days.
Late Afternoon: Head back to The Helm House® for quiet time.
Evening: Cook in or grab takeout, then enjoy sunset from the porch.
Day 5: Choose Your Own Adventure
Option 1: Visit Barrett Park (perfect for tidepooling and beach play)
Option 2: Rent kayaks or paddleboards (many outfitters offer kid-sized gear)
Option 3: Go to the Boothbay Harbor Public Library
Option 4: Spend the day “at home” and just enjoy being together
Helm House® Favorite Family-Friendly Spots
Ice Cream: Downeast Ice Cream Factory
Lobster Rolls: Shannon’s Unshelled
Laid-back Lunch: Kahler’s
Sweet Treats: Orne’s Candy Store
Why Families Love The Helm House®
-
Quiet street, walkable to everything
-
Room to spread out — indoor and outdoor play
-
Full kitchen for quick meals & snacks
-
Cozy, stylish, and stocked with games, puzzles, and family books
Packing Tips
-
Bathing suits + water shoes
-
Rain jackets and Umbrellas (just in case!)
-
Binoculars for wildlife spotting
-
Refillable water bottles + daypack
-
Sunscreen + bug spray
-
Pajamas for porch mornings
Boothbay Harbor is the kind of place where childhood memories are made — chasing seagulls, licking sticky fingers, and catching your first glimpse of a whale tail in the distance. And The Helm House® is honored to be part of your family’s story.
So bring the kids. Let them stay up late. Let them skip rocks and eat too much ice cream. And let us help you make it a trip they’ll never forget.
