Ogunquit is a natural for families. It has a big beach, a harbor full of boats, ice cream on every corner and places to stay that range from motels to resorts. The key to a good family trip is pacing: mix active mornings with downtime and keep a rainy-day plan. This guide covers the best family activities, safety tips and ideas for different ages.
Beaches
Ogunquit Beach is wide and sandy, with lifeguards in season, but the Gulf of Maine is cold and waves can be strong, so close supervision matters. Footbridge Beach has warm shallow pools on the river side at low tide, which suit toddlers. Tidal currents run strongly in the river channel, so keep little ones in the shallows. Bring shade, plenty of water and sunscreen, and check dog and tent rules before you go.
Tide pools and shells
At low tide, the beaches reveal flats, pools and shells. Children enjoy hunting for crab shells, snails and sand dollars. Check the tide table, wear water shoes on rocky areas and teach children to leave living creatures where they find them. The rocks near the shore path are slippery, so stay on dry paths.
Boats and the harbor
Perkins Cove is a good family stop. Children love watching the footbridge open for boats and seeing lobster traps and buoys. A scenic or lobstering cruise from the harbor lets them see traps hauled and learn about the catch. Check minimum age or length limits, and pick a short trip for little ones.
The Marginal Way
The shore path is easy for school-age children who can handle steps, and it makes a good short hike. Hold hands near the edge and keep off the wet rocks. Strollers struggle in places, so a carrier may be better for babies. Reward the walk with ice cream at the end.
York Beach and the lighthouse
A short drive south brings York Beach, where Short Sands has arcades, candy shops and a lively crowd that teens enjoy. The Nubble Lighthouse is a free stop that children find exciting, especially at sunset. Keep them back from the wet rocks.
Nature outings
The trail at the Rachel Carson refuge is short and level, and the Wells Reserve has meadows and trails with educational programs in season. Bring repellent for mosquitoes and ticks, binoculars if you have them and a sense of curiosity. A game of finding birds or counting crabs keeps children engaged.
Rainy days
The art museum can work for older children, especially with the sculpture garden when the rain stops. The village shops and galleries are a good wander, and the outlets in Kittery are an indoor option for teens. A matinee at the Playhouse suits families with older children if the production is age appropriate. Pack games and books for the room.
Where to stay
Look for lodgings with kitchens, pools or space to spread out, such as resorts, cottages or suite-style hotels. Ask about the distance to the beach and about parking. Staying near the village lets you walk to ice cream and dinner, and a cottage-style property gives children room to play outdoors.
Eating with kids
Casual shacks are ideal. Fried clams, fish and chips, burgers and chicken fingers are easy wins, and outdoor tables mean noise is less of a concern. Arrive early to avoid long waits, and bring snacks for the line. Ice cream is a daily reward in the village.
Practical tips
Bring layers, because the sea breeze is cool. Pack a small first-aid kit, spare clothes and towels. Use sun protection, even on cloudy days. Keep a close watch near water, and know the beach flag system. Plan one main activity per day with a flexible backup, and let children set the pace.
Safety and comfort
Cold water, strong tides and slippery rocks are the main hazards. Use life jackets on boats and when kayaking, teach children the beach flag colors and set clear boundaries before anyone runs off. Bring a lightweight stroller or carrier for the village, a sun hat for each child and a spare set of dry clothes in the car. Take breaks in the shade and offer water often.
Teens and older children
Teenagers often enjoy the arcades at York Beach, kayaking on the tidal river, a lobster cruise and shopping at the outlets. Give them a say in the plan, set a meeting time and place, and let them explore the village on their own for an hour if they are old enough. A sunset photo walk on the Marginal Way is a good family challenge for those who like phones and cameras.