Last updated on February 5, 2024
Maine has quickly become one of our top recommendations for a stateside family trip. From unspoiled beaches to mountain peaks and foodie cities, the north-eastern state has plenty of charms and no end of fun things to do.
We’ve put together a guide to the best places to vacation in Maine, including Acadia, Portland and some lesser-known gems. And this post is all about the best places to stay in Maine, and in particular the best Maine family resorts.
Our personal favourite way to experience Maine is to go glamping. We’ve included a few of our favourites in this post, and we also have another guide to the best New England glamping. But if you’re looking for bricks and mortar or a more luxurious option, this post has you covered.
Get more New England inspiration in our complete New England road trip itinerary and guide to the best things to do in Southern Maine.
And for more accommodation ideas, see our curated lists of the best New England family resorts, and the best family resorts in Vermont.
Map of family resorts in Maine
The best Maine family resorts
Migis Lodge
Migis Lodge, located on Sebago Lake, is easily one of the best family resorts in Maine. With over 315 acres of pine forest on the shore of Sebago Lake, Migis offers a main lodge plus 35 cottages for a variety of accommodation options.
Though Migis Lodge is not strictly a family resort, they do offer many amenities and activities just for families. Kid’s Camp is available for ages 4 to 6, while Adventure Camp is perfect for ages 7+. Both run nearly every day and are full of activities to entertain the kids. They also offer babysitting services and a special kids’ dining area for dinner.
Check availability and book now.
Point Sebago
Another Maine family resort located on Sebago Lake, Point Sebago is a “rustically elegant” lakefront property. They offer everything from campsites and RV hookups to glamping and vacation homes, cottages, and cabins. Whether you want to “rough it” or enjoy a little lakefront luxury, Point Sebago has an option for you.
Point Sebago offers a full schedule of activities, including many aimed specifically at kids and families. Themed weekends are held throughout the year and the beach is perfect for building sand castles. They also bring in performers, bands, and DJs for entertainment.
Check availability and book now.
Bradford Camps
For a quintessential Maine cabin experience, consider Bradford Camps. Located in the North Maine Woods and operating since 1890, this Maine family resort is the perfect place to disconnect and immerse yourself in nature.
Accommodations are simple but clean log cabins, located right on Munsungan Lake. The only thing they’re missing is a kitchen, but all meals are included and served at the lodge and dining room.
Bradford Camps is all about disconnecting. Their lodge is a zero electronic game space – instead, you’ll find books, board games, and puzzles for those rare indoor moments. The main draw for many is the many outdoor activities available on-site, including fishing and hiking.
Check availability and book now.
Cliff House Maine
One of the top luxury resorts in Maine for families, Cliff House Maine is located just an hour from Boston. Open since 1872, Cliff House Maine is perched above the beaches of Ogunquit on Bald Head Cliff, offering views of local sites like Nubble Lighthouse and epic sunsets.
With newly designed guest rooms, every bit of Cliff House Maine oozes luxury. A large number of activities are available, including some catering just to children. They even have a concierge team ready to help you plan your dream Maine getaway.
Anchorage by the Sea has been another popular option in Ogunquit in the past, but it’s currently under new management and the reviews so far aren’t great (hopefully it’ll improve though as the location is spectacular).
Check availability and book now.
The Nonantum Resort
Located in Kennebunkport, Nonantum Resort offers a “unique blend of old and new”, with both historic charm and modern comforts. The Maine family resort has restaurants, a swimming pool and more along the banks of the Kennebunk River. There’s even a lighthouse!
Accommodation can be found in two buildings, the Carriage House and Portside Lodge. Either option will give you bright, clean, and modern rooms with a side of coastal charm.
The resort is in the perfect location to take advantage of everything Kennebunkport has to offer, including lighthouses, boutiques, theatres, and more.
If Nonantum is out of your price range, Rhumb Line Resort is another family-friendly resort in Kennebunkport. It’s much smaller and a little less luxurious, but still charming and close to all the best attractions.
Check availability and book now.
Hidden Pond
Hidden Pond is another special resort in Kennebunkport that combines luxury with nature. The 60-acre resort is surrounded by forest and features two outdoor swimming pools, a treetop spa, and organic dining.
The property has a handful of dining options and activities, as well as a shuttle to their sister property and a nightly bonfire.
Note that Hidden Pond is a seasonal resort and is closed completely during the winter.
Check availability and book now.
The Lodge on the Cove
The Lodge on the Cove describes itself as the “hippest kid-friendly hotel in Kennebunkport, Maine”, and we have to agree!
The Lodge on the Cove offers personality, style, and design that isn’t found at many hotels, mixing vintage, classic, and contemporary design with bold colours and patterns to create a fun twist on a quintessential Maine vacation.
If cabins aren’t your style and you’re not looking for a luxury resort either, the Lodge on the Cove is the perfect middle ground. They’re just a 15-minute walk to Dock Square and offer complimentary bikes for getting around, as well as a kayak rental. On the property, you’ll find a seasonal heated swimming pool, evening bonfires with s’mores, and more.
Check availability and book now.
Stage Neck Inn
Located in York Harbor, Stage Neck Inn is an oceanfront resort. Many of the rooms offer ocean or harbour views, while others overlook the property garden. Either way, expect bright rooms with lots of lighting and a neutral palette.
While Stage Neck Inn does not offer as many activities as other Maine family resorts on this list, they do have both indoor and outdoor pools and a spa. They also keep a calendar of events and activities happening in nearby areas, including Kennebunkport.
Check availability and book now.
Quisisana Resort
As both the #1 Best Resort Hotel in New England and the #22 Top 100 Hotels in the World, according to Travel & Leisure, the Quisisana Resort is a clear contender for the best Maine family resort.
Located on Lake Kesar in the White Mountains region, Quisisana means “place of healing”. It’s a quiet, calm, and luxurious resort settled right into nature, but it’s also known for music, with talented performers from across the country performing throughout the season.
Accommodation options include both cottages and lodge rooms, and as one of the few all-inclusive family resorts in Maine, three meals per day and most activities are included.
Check availability and book now.
Attean Lake Lodge
Attean Lake Lodge has a collection of lakeside cabin rentals on an island just outside Jackman, Maine. Attean Lake is considered the most beautiful lake in Maine and the lodge is where you go to disconnect.
You’ll find no cell service at Attean Lake Lodge, nor electricity. But the lodge itself does offer solar power and wifi, so you don’t have to completely log off (though its encouraged to do so).
The cabins are simple but modern and clean and each one has a porch overlooking the lake, as well as a fireplace. Breakfast and dinner can be enjoyed at the lodge, while a bagged lunch is provided to enjoy in your cabin or on the beach.
The lake beach is perfect for relaxing, with plenty of beach chairs and beach toys for the kids, and there are also canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards available.
Check availability and book now.
Inn by the Sea
Inn by the Sea, located along a strip of sandy beach near Portland, has self-declared itself as the best resort in Maine, and to be fair, it is a great one.
This is the perfect place to escape if you’re looking for a quiet, peaceful, and luxurious beach escape close to the city. They have just 62 rooms and suites, all with a private entrance. The Cove Suites have two bedrooms which are perfect for families who need a bit of extra space to spread out.
Inn by the Sea offers seasonal events, classes, and activities, such as family movie nights, cookie decorating, s’mores bar, yoga, and nature walks.
Check availability and book now.
Claremont, Southwest Harbor
The Claremont Hotel is a stunning property located in Southwest Harbor, Maine, near the Acadia National Park. They call themselves “the most beautiful hotel in the world”, and while that’s a high accolade to fill, it’s definitely a gorgeous Maine resort for families – or anyone looking for a bit of luxury.
Claremont offers a wide variety of accommodation options for all group sizes and budgets. Guest rooms can be found in three historic buildings, while 1-3 bedroom cottages and cabins with kitchens offer more space for families. For those who want even more luxury and privacy, they also offer two waterfront houses.
The location of Claremont means you’re just a short drive from Acadia and all the outdoor adventure you could hope for, but the property also offers plenty of activities, amenities and entertainment if you’d prefer to stay on-site. There’s a heated swimming pool, beach cruisers, yoga, croquet, boat charters, and more.
Check availability and book now.
Northern Outdoors Resort
Located in Western Maine and surrounded by woods, rivers, and lakes, the Northern Outdoors Adventure Resort is a playground for those looking for an active and nature-filled vacation.
Cabins range from one to four bedrooms, perfect for families of any size. On-site amenities and activities include a swimming pool, outdoor hot tub, and game areas, while the local area provides opportunities for whitewater rafting, hiking, snowmobiling, and ATVing.
If you want an active and adventurous family vacation, Northern Outdoors Resort is the place to go.
Check availability and book now.
Spruce Point Inn
Spruce Point Inn, located about an hour from Portland, Maine, is a Conde Nast Top Resort and one of the best Maine family resorts for those who want both woods and sea.
The location of Spruce Point is unique, as it’s both oceanfront and surrounded by forest. It feels like it’s tucked away in its own slice of paradise. You can go whale watching, visit an oyster farm, jump on a boat cruise, or kayak just as easily as you can go hiking or biking.
Lodging options include individual rooms at the lodge and Inn, as well as cottages and townhouses for those who want more space and privacy. Some of the rooms are even pet-friendly.
Other options in the area worth checking out include Linekin Bay Resort and Smuggler’s Cove Inn, both located in Boothbay.
Check availability and book now.
Family ski resorts in Maine
Sunday River
Sunday River may be the best ski resort for families in Maine, with plenty of activities specifically for kids. Eddy the Yeti is their resort mascot and kids can ski into the Enchanted Forest to visit him at his cabin and they’ll love the fireworks as well.
There are various accommodation options at Sunday River, including the luxurious and slopeside Jordan Hotel, the Grand Summit Hotel that offers ski-in and ski-out access to beginner terrain, and the budget-friendly Snow Cap Inn.
Sugarloaf
Sugarloaf is Maine’s biggest ski resort and offers plenty of options for families.
The Sugarloaf Mountain Hotel is a rustic mountain lodge inspired by New England farmhouses with a luxurious twist and a 30-person hot tub. Private homes are also available to rent at Sugarloaf and there are ski-in and ski-out condos as well.
In addition to hitting the slopes, there are lots of other winter activity options for the whole family. Snow-Go ski bikes are a unique combination of mountain bikes and skiing and cat skiing is a unique twist as well. There’s also snowshoeing, ice skating, and cross-country skiing available.
Check availability and book now.
Family glamping in Maine
See our guide to glamping in New England for full reviews of these glamping resorts in Maine.
Fortland
Hands down one of the best and most unique places we’ve ever stayed. I recommend Fortland wholeheartedly. Situated on an island just off the Portland coast, it’s a peaceful, off-grid escape from modern life where you can connect with nature and enjoy a temporary community with other guests. The owners have put their hearts and souls into this place, and it shows, with gorgeous attention to detail, from the communal areas to thoughtfully placed windows that provide the perfect view.
Check availability and book now.
Huttopia
Huttopia is a fantastic brand that originated in France with a mission to get city folk out in nature, luring them with creature comforts and the joys of the great outdoors. All their resorts are ideal for families with everything you need on site, from cooking facilities, playgrounds, a pool, restaurant and a programme of fun activities.
Huttopia Southern Maine is ideally located next to a beautiful lake and just 30 minutes from the coast and towns like Ogunquit and Kennebunkport.
Check availability and book now.
Under Canvas
We didn’t stay at Under Canvas, but we love its new-bohemian, somewhat hipster style. It’s well located for exploring Acadia.
Check availability and book now.
New England travel guides
We LOVE New England and have loads of tips to help you make the most of your trip. And just let me know if you have any questions!
Itineraries: Boston to Maine road trip | New England road trip
Destination guides: Things to do in Boston with kids |Things to do in Portsmouth, NH | Best places to vacation in Maine | Things to do in Southern Maine | Things to do in Vermont with kids | Where to find the real Stars Hollow
Accommodation guides: Glamping in New England | New England family resorts | Maine family resorts | Vermont family resorts