I read once that America’s culture is in its nature. And the National Parks are the highlight reel. I love National Parks. The parks themselves, the junior ranger program, the shops, the people that work there – it’s all the best of the best. If anyone asks me how they should spend a family vacation or what they should see while visiting the U.S., I’ll almost always say the National Parks. And while I have a post dedicated to children’s books about all of the parks, why not have a post for each one? Here it is: The best children’s books for a trip to Acadia National Park.
About Acadia National Park
Acadia National Park is located on Mount Desert Island on the coast of Maine. The closest major airport is Bangor (BGR), though you can also find good prices to either Portland (PWM), or Manchester (MHT), NH.
You can travel there throughout the year, but you’ll want to travel between spring and fall for the most access. More roads are guaranteed to be open, the shuttle will be running, and ranger-led programs are held.
Things to do in Acadia National Park
Visitors will love birdwatching, bicycling, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, kayaking, swimming, and so much more.
Places to stay in Acadia National Park
Other than camping, there are no lodging options within Acadia National Park. You’ll want to look in one of the nearby towns.
Here are three options, and use the map below to find more:
Booking.comAcadia Park Links:
Picture books about Acadia National Park
Who Pooped in the Park: Acadia National Park
by Gary D. Robson (Author), Robert Rath (Illustrator)
For kids ages 4 – 10
The “Who Pooped in the Park” series is a fun one for kids. They’ll immediately be drawn in by the title, and the premise of observing the natural world will keep them interested. Plus, it will help them get excited for observing that natural world anyway.
A is for Acadia: Mount Desert Island from A to Z
by Ruth Grierson (Author), Richard Johnson (Illustrator)
For kids ages 5-7
This book is written by a local writer who knows Acadia well. They use the alphabet as the jumping point to talk about the things families can experience during a visit to Acadia National Park.
The Sea Cow: A Rhyming Tale Set in Acadia National Park
by Beth Parks (Author)
For kids ages 7 and up
This rhyming tale is not only fun for kids, but also educational. It includes information about the region, introduces them to new vocabulary words, and includes a map that will help kids picture these places on their own trip to Acadia.
Acadia National Park: Eye of the Whale
No age specified
A picture chapter book about the Parker family’s visit to Acadia National Park.
Chapter Books set in Acadia National Park for kids
The Adventures of Bubba Jones: Time Traveling through Acadia National Park
by Jeff Alt (Author), Hannah Tuohy (Illustrator)
For kids ages 8 and up
This is book three in the Adventures of Bubba Jones series of National Park-themed chapter books for kids. This time, they’re at Acadia National Park. The characters are fiction, but the place and history are real. A fun read for kids who like to learn about the past of an important place.
Mysteries in Our National Parks: Out of the Deep: A Mystery in Acadia National Park
by Gloria Skurzynski (Author), Alane Ferguson (Author)
For kids ages 8-12
This series of mystery books are set in the U.S. National Parks. This one is about a baby whale that has washed up along the coast at Acadia. The only person who could lead to the why is too scared to talk.
Small as an Elephant
by Jennifer Richard Jacobson (Author)
For kids ages 10 and up
Jack’s left alone on Seawall Campground, Mount Desert Island, Acadia National Park. He’s only 11 and he knows he needs to get back home to Boston, but that’s not the only thing he needs to do.
Guidebooks for families traveling to Acadia National Park
Rookie National Parks: Acadia National Park
by Audra Wallace (Author)
For kids ages 6-7
Ranger Rick guides kids through Acadia National Park with pictures and informative texts. It’s a fun way to share the world with kids in a way only Scholastic knows how to do.
Acadia: A True Book: National Parks
by Audra Wallace (Author)
For kids ages 8-10
This scholastic book about Acadia National Park picks up where Scholastic’s Rookie National Park series left off. It’s geared for older kids with more information. Perfect for families with multiple kids looking for something to fit each kid’s reading level and keep it interesting at the same time.
The Kid’s Guide to Acadia National Park
by Eileen Ogintz (Author)
For kids ages 6-10
This guide book is the perfect thing for families traveling to Acadia National Park. The tips are all kid-tested and kids are encouraged to use the information to plan the family’s trip.
Ten Days in Acadia: A Kids’ Hiking Guide to Mount Desert Island
by Hope Rowan (Author), Jada Fitch (Illustrator)
For kids ages 8-12
Want to get kids interested in hiking? Join 12-year-old Hattie on her Acadia hiking adventure. The book also includes detailed maps, tips, and ideas on how to deal with rainy days.
Do you want to join other like-minded families who are interested in learning about other cultures via books and travel? Join our Facebook Group. I approve new members daily. It’s still small but growing.
