The 11 best things to do with kids in Boothbay Harbor

A great way to see, interact with, and learn about local species! Got there right at open and it wasn't too crowded initially. The lobster talk by Ruby was really awesome and Ford the lobster was great! It may be small, but the staff are friendly, knowledgeable, and very excited to share their passion for these creatures. Plus there's a bunch of fun hands-on activities, in addition to just seeing the animals. My husband even found his new favorite fish (lumpfish) during our visit. The gift shop has a modest selection that is WAY cheaper than I'd expect from an aquarium gift shop! Overall, we had an amazing visit. The Maine State Aquarium does a LOT with their limited space!

Much smaller then expected. I’d say better for kids 0-3. Somewhat costly for what you get. Arts and crafts. Beautiful view. Good time for smaller children.

What a fun and informative place. The staff were all super friendly and knowledgeable. Really a nice layout and display for a small location. We spent about an hour there and really enjoyed it.

There was a lady outside the building requiring us to pay online on pur phone before entering the building. Cost $7.50 for seniors each . Wslked into a tiny room with a small fish tank with a dozen fisg and an even smaller tank with a few jelly fish. A very small touch tank a few star fish . Very small !!! That was it. A small turtle and a very small 12inch shark in another tank. Definitely not worth $22.00 fee to see.

It's very small and not nearly as hands on or interactive as it used to be. The grandkids (2,4) enjoyed it! I remembered taking their mom and was disappointed. She was too. We were looking forward to the gift shop to take learning back home. It didn't exist. Thankfully there were other attractions in Boothbay that made the trip more memorable. Boothbay is beautiful.

Very small but makes up for it in the rarity of petting starfish, seasponges and a large horseshoe crab! As well as other marine life to see and learn about.

We had a great time learning about sea creatures, listening to the hourly lobster talk, and petting clams and urchins at the aquarium. Staff were friendly and knowledgeable :)

Invited by friends who had enjoyed it previously, and did not disappoint. Left promptly, friendly crew. Quite a bit more people than I imagined on the trip, but it never felt crowded. Drinks available on a 45 min tour of the beautiful harbor, with commentary and history. Arrived at Cabbage island, felt like a hidden summer camp with amenities. Food was great for what it was. The experience and trip made it all worthwhile. As far as food goes, Blueberry cake was in fact legendary. Fish chowder was fish stew. Lobsters and other accoutrements were amazing. Even in inclement weather, it was an awesome experience, I look forward to sharing it with family and friends.

Wonderful day! Take a boat out of Boothbay harbor ME and feast on lobster with fixings and homemade blueberry cake! Make reservation early because they sell out everyday! Recommended at least 1 month in advance for reservations if you want weekend . Cash only. Worth every penny!! Many generations family owned. Only run this for a limited time in the Summer.

An experience like no other! The boat ride to the island is informative and lovely. When you arrive you pick the table you'd like to sit at on the Island and the lobster meal is large and delicious! It's not just a restaurant on an island it's a whole Maine coastal experience! Fun for all ages.

As an experience, Cabbage Island was amazing. Definitely come starving! They give you two lobsters, potato, corn on the cob, clam chowder and this amazing blueberry cake desert. The food was pretty good! What added it to me was that the island had small strains, good enough for some activity in between the food and some beautiful views of the sea.

A great experience! The boat ride out was very enjoyable, definitely recommend standing at the front of the boat in lieu of sitting, you get to see a lot more. The food and service on the island was incredible. Get yourself a table close to the cooks so you can be first in line and get a great ocean view while you chow down on the freshest lobster around.

We had a great time there everything from the staff the boat ride and especially the food. They did not disappoint a very friendly family.My wife and I had a great time we would go again.

July 4th we boarded the Bennie Alice and learned all kinds of cool stuff from Captain Gusto on the way to Cabbage Island, a beautiful little island near Boothbay Harbor. They've been doing their huge seafood bakes for 60 years, which makes sense--- the team moves like a well oiled machine, something that comes from years of perfecting your craft. We got to explore a little bit while the team prepared their famous clam bake, which includes: clam chowder, TWO big old lobsters, steamed clams, corn on the cob, a baked potato, a hard boiled egg, and a thick slice of Blueberry Cake. They also have a chicken option if lobster isn't your thing, and a hot dog option for kids. You're also allowed to bring your own food! Dani and I packed a vegan picnic (though I absolutely did eat some of this food. You expect me to ever stay away from blueberry pastries?????)

What a find! Great location right on a pier with all the food made right there with indoor and outdoor dining options. An on site bar that you can drink outdoor to as well. I’m just gonna cut it short and get to the point - the Colossal Lobster Roll is no joke and is worth the price. I live in Maine and know a lobster roll inside out and have had dozens on dozens from all over the state for years and j have to say - this is the absolute largest one I’ve had (and yes I’m aware of the one at Taste of Maine but it’s the equivalent of a health insurance copay 🤣) This lobster is a behemoth of a roll. At least a pound of lobster meat if not more. I counted three tails and three claws and more. Sandwich so bag I couldn’t wrap my mouth around it and had to eat it like an ear of corn taking bites out of it (after showering it with butter of course). Twice collapsed in my hands from its own weight. A fork and knife might be the safe way to take this bad boy down. The best way to describe it is like holding a giant burger with the grip style that you can’t relax knowing it’ll explode if you release. Anywho - it was great and it was the first lobster roll that about knocked me on my ass - usually I’ll buy at least three to be satisfied. After one of these I had to tag out. Give it a try.

Always delicious! Lobster fresh and sweet! Sides are nice. Fried chicken Sammy was so good I wanted another. You place your order, go take a seat and they call you when it’s ready. Can’t beat it! View is great too. Inside seats available and a nice bar.

Cool place to have the best lobster dinner! Fresh off the boat. Corn and Coleslaw were both delicious. We ate outside and then enjoyed a beautiful sunset. The staff really hustles to get this food cooked and out of the kitchen.

Wonderful place to hang out for drinks and food! They had live music while we were there which was great and being right on Boothbay harbor with the light breeze made for a perfect date night! We arrived at 5pm and had no trouble finding a parking spot or a table. By 6pm they were much busier, so get there on the earlier side. Everything is counter service. Food counter is at one spot and the bar is inside, first come first served. This means you’ll need to order from two counters and likely will stand in line twice. There was basically no wait to order food. My only complaint was the wait for the bar. There was a line of at least 8 people at the bar when we first got there and there was only one bartender working. Wait time was at least 15 minutes for our initial round of drinks. I didn’t mind waiting for our first round which I got before ordering food. But once we picked up food, I wanted a beer to go with my dinner but the line for the bar was out the door, so I didn’t bother because our food would’ve been cold and my husband would likely have been done eating by the time I got back. But this is my only complaint. Food was delicious and perfectly cooked! We got the crab roll which was stuffed and had the perfect amount of mayo so I could still taste the crab. The bun was warm and toasted. I would’ve liked to have a butter only option for the crab roll instead of mayo since my husband hates mayo, but it’s already mixed with the mayo which just meant more for me ;) We also got the fried fish dinner which was some of the best I’ve had. The fish was flaky, perfectly cooked and the batter was the perfect amount and stayed stuck to the fish while eating it. Loved their tartar sauce which used sweet relish and that was a pleasant surprise. We got the garlic mashed potatoes which used red potatoes and were wonderful. We also got the fries which were great as well and were a good portion. They also had a section for steamed seafood where you can watch them steam lobster, clams and mussels and a special section to pick up your steamed food with all the fixings like lemon and butter. Prices were very reasonable and our total cost was less than every other restaurant we’ve eaten at since moving to Maine. This is our new go to spot for dining out. Can’t wait to get back there.

My wife and I spent the day in Boothbay Harbor and made a stop at the Boothbay Lobster Wharf for lunch. This was the highlight of our day! First, I ordered the Jumbo Lobster Roll, which is 16 ounces of lobster. This roll was HUGE!! On top of that, the lobster was sweet and melted in my mouth. By far the best lobster of our trip!! The restaurant had a lobster and steamers area, sandwiches and fried food, ice cream and a bar, with plenty of seating right on the wharf! We already were talking about coming back during our next visit to the area!

Best meal we had! Casual atmosphere with great food and a beautiful view! We had lobster rolls (1 jumbo, 1 regular) that had so much fresh lobster, you couldn’t see the roll! The mussels were also tasty! Delicious!

Food was amazing. That’s what we came for. Great atmosphere, outside seating, plenty of shade. My only issue was waiting for drinks. The line was so long, definitely needed more than one bartender. Our food was ready before the drinks. So we only had one.

A wonderful experience! The boat captain and crew were kind and professional. We had a very pleasant ride to Monhegan Island and back, arriving perfectly on schedule. The captain shared interesting details about places of interest as we passed. We even saw several pods of dolphins on our ride!

We went on an amazing Mackerel fishing trip with our teens. Our pictures do not show the fun we had as I try not to post pictures with people. We started in the fog and ended up with beautiful weather. The fish were visible from the boat. Schools of them were below us and we caught one after another. Our teens had so much fun especially our daughter who doesn’t fish. My son who does fish also had a blast. There was one other larger family on board. Their kids had so much fun as well. They had younger kids, grade school. They had a blast! They caught them to bring them home to cook. The assistant took off the mackerel’s heads and their insides and placed them on ice. I think they only take like 15 people so it is definitely a smaller boat. Only two crew and no bathrooms.

I had a really enjoyable time on Balmy day cruise. we traveled to Mohegan Island Maine. The captain gave some details about the surrounding area as we traveled to our destination. There are clean bathrooms on board and some basic coffee, Tea, soda etc. Pack your drink for the island and make sure you are wearing layered clothing

Very disappointed with the company's customer service - or lack thereof. I grew up in the area and wanted to take my family to my old home and our favorite island. In my excitement, I booked the hotel and boat trip for our family of 5 (at 5:30am) for a trip 3 weeks from now. After securing these two reservations, I tried to book the kennel for our dogs. Unfortunately, there was absolutely no availability at any kennel we called. Just 2 hours later (at 8am) I cancelled our hotel (no problem) and asked Balmy Days to refund our tickets given the circumstance. They flat out refused to even consider my situation and only offered to take a cruise later in the season. I suppose that would have been easy if we lived in the area. So we're now out $265 or need to make an 8 hour road trip. Customer service is atrocious! Hindsight being 20/20. Note to others...IIf you have a party of 5 or more, make multiple reservations under the 5 passenger limit. Reservations under 5 people can be cancelled within 48 hours of the trip.

We had a great boat ride out to Mohegan Island. The Captain and his crew were all very nice and professional.

Took 2 trips with this company: Monhegan Island - good value, great views on the island (can hike down to the shore or up to cliffs), friendly staff on the boat. Scenic Harbor Tour (Squirrel Island) - great value, really good way to get a quick overview of the area. Captain talked through most of the tour explaining what we were seeing and telling us about the area. We did this our first day in Boothbay and it gave us a good overview. This trip isn't too long so if you are prone to seasickness this would be a good one to take - also doesn't go far out from shore so it doesn't get too wavy.

Excellent folks, very friendly, professional and always on time for everything! From the ferry/tour, to the sailing and lobster cruises, it is hands down the best run operation I've ever seen. Hope to see you all in a couple of years and take a fishing tour too!

Quick hike through a small preserve. 4 stars because of the nearby traffic noise. There are many quieter hiking trails in Maine.

Nice little area for a short hike. Very easy, 1 main trail down the middle, 2 trails flanking either side, both well marked. If you are in the area and looking for a short hike you might like this. Grab a snack at the grocery store.

A wonderful walk for us when we were staying at the Flagship Inn. Some woodland, a lovely creek and pastures with old homestead apple trees. Also lots of wild raspberries on the Northwest part of the trail that leads to the rd.

Love this BRLT (Boothbay Region Land and Trust) trail. It sits right behind the Hannaford supermarket right on route 27. Short and sweet- beautiful trail- marked well with color coded trail markers on the trees. About 1 mile long, but... can be longer by crossing over to other color coded routes. Dog friendly, dry, some tree roots-. I combined my trail walk with my grocery shopping!! 2 for the price of 1!! June Bug (my dog) and I enjoyed ourselves.

Easy access trail, made for everyone! Timber trying new harness and leash with more control, skittish at first but then gets into it.

Nice trails, peaceful river runs through with ducks.

Great spot for trail run or walk, especially with dog. Can't believe people here, leave filled dog poop bags on the trail! They even provide a garbage at trail start. Irresponsible.

Lovely day out on the water with our pup! The crew was very nice and knowledgeable. We parked on Howard Street and it was a very easy walk to the dock and much cheaper than the closer lot. There is a covered area downstairs and an open one up top, though the first few rows under the roof do have shade. We saw a number of puffins, sea birds, and several whales. Our guide was fantastic at pointing things out and where to look. My one and only disappointment was that the boat did not stop to see the puffins as they did the whales so it made it harder to view them. It could be for nesting reasons though. the boat slowed but did not stop. Bring layers as it was very hot on land but the ride back was absolutely freezing. Overall, it was a great pick! I was afraid there would be no room to move but there was space so you were not on top of other people and we could easily see things off either side.

We very much enjoyed the Cap'n Fish's harbor cruise aboard the Pink Lady vessel. The weather was perfect. All the crew was knowledgeable, friendly and professional. The narrator did an excellent job. He was loud enough, clear, and easy to understand. We saw different sea birds, and seals along the trip. We were pulled in close to some of the islands for better views of the sea life and lighthouses for perfect photo opportunities. The cruise is informative on the local lobstering industry. It was educational. The boat was clean and comfortable. The 1.25 hour cruise was perfect for the time we wanted to spend.

Originally we had reserved a different cruise but there was a mechanical issue with the boat so they offered an upgrade for a longer cruise. I wasn't too sure about the change but our group loved it. The Captain was very knowledgeable and provided an interesting and informative narrative. We were lucky to see a pair of tuna competing for bait in the bay. It was highly unusual to see them so close to the shore!! It was a great evening.

The lovely lady who we purchased our tickets from was very friendly and helpful. The two young men that were part of the crew were also very nice. The Captain was knowledgeable about the area and informative. We really enjoyed our trip.

Embarking on Cap'n Fish's Whale & Puffin Combo Cruise from Boothbay Harbor, Maine, was an unforgettable adventure that seamlessly blended natural wonder with maritime charm. The journey commenced aboard the Harbor Princess, a spacious and comfortable vessel equipped with 360-degree viewing decks and a full-service galley offering snacks and beverages. As we set sail, the crisp sea breeze and panoramic ocean vistas set the stage for the day's exploration. Our first destination was Eastern Egg Rock, the southernmost nesting site for Atlantic puffins. Guided by an expert naturalist from the National Audubon Society's Project Puffin, we learned about the successful reestablishment of the puffin colony on the island. Observing these charming seabirds in their natural habitat, along with sightings of black guillemots, common eiders, and various gull species, was truly captivating. The cruise continued past iconic Maine lighthouses, including Ram, Burnt, and Pemaquid Point, offering picturesque views and ample photo opportunities. As we ventured further offshore, the anticipation of spotting whales grew. While sightings can never be guaranteed, the knowledgeable crew provided insightful commentary on the marine ecosystem, enhancing our appreciation of the surrounding waters. It's worth noting that the open sea can be unpredictable. Some passengers experienced mild seasickness due to the swells, so taking preventive measures like motion sickness medication is advisable for those prone to discomfort. Despite this, the crew's attentiveness and the overall experience made the voyage worthwhile. In summary, Cap'n Fish's Whale & Puffin Combo Cruise offers an enriching and scenic exploration of Maine's coastal wildlife and landmarks. For nature enthusiasts and maritime adventurers alike, it's an experience that combines education, relaxation, and the thrill of discovery.

I went on two tours (puffin/whale combo and the harbor cruise). Both were excellent! I was able to see a lot of wildlife on both, a lot of scenic landscapes of Maine, and the boat ride was so much fun! Just remember to bring your sunscreen because you can get pretty crispy out there on the water

Was a really great tour. Didn't get to see any whales, it was the end of season, but saw other marine animals like harbor seals and a bunch of cute little puffins. I appreciate the voucher they offer to come again if no whales are seen, but didnt get to use it, as it was out last day in Maine.

We love this beautiful park! Excellent for picnics, children, pups, swimming, or admiring the view!

This is a great place to kayak or paddle board for beginners. It has bathrooms, is dog friendly, and green space for lawn games etc.

We liked this place. It's quiet and peaceful with many areas to explore. We came during low tide, and the beach was accessible.

8/30/21 update. Still a nice park. Irresponsible pet owners are not cleaning up after their dogs. If you own a dog, clean up after them or Stay home ! Don't expect others to do your job. Great little pet friendly park on the coast. A few picnic tables.

Gorgeous place with plenty of picnic tables, clean bathrooms, rocks to chill on and water to take a dip in. We had a restorative morning here eating delicious bagels from Woodsong Market and just relaxing.

Fantastic beautiful park with stunning, sparkling waves and coves. There is a picnic table. This is a real gem of a park that was preserved by the town form a a land donation, with adequate parking!

Great swimming spot in the summer, was was warm and plenty of shady trees. Bring your picnic and stay for the day.

Beautiful trail. Lots of mosquitoes as you get further back

Gorgeous place for a hike next to a cute town.

Such a beautiful preserve with changing scenery. Wetland, woodland trail and old apple orchard plus lots of interesting history. You can just do the perimeter of the pond or make it a big hike and connect with Appalachee preserve.

This preserve has woods,wetlands including a large lake and fields with birds and wildflowers. The southern tip has a dam where ice was harvested in the 1800s. You can make the hike longer by using the Indian Trail to access Appalachee Preserve - all really beautiful.

Very nice for a small area. Mix of smooth, open trails (old road, meadow) and typically rocky, rooty tight maine woods trails (ridge, indian, apalachee). Dog friendly. Big plus to have off road option that's local.

Nice short hike but a lot of other nature preserves in the area have more scenic views

Was just OK - there are a lot more scenic and better hikes in the area, not really worth it

We have lived in midcoast Maine our entire life and it took our daughter winning a raffle at the annual Sportsman Show to get us tuna fishing! By chance, (luck really) we had the opportunity to be guided by Captain Jordan on his boat Reel Addiction and we are hooked (pun intended). Captain Jordan is professional, knowledgeable, and patient with newbies. He supported and encouraged our 15 year old daughter as she reeled in her very first tuna. It will not be the last- we will book with Captain Jordan again! I cannot imagine anyone better! We are thrilled with our experience and look forward to talking about the memories we made on the Reel Addiction for a lifetime. Thank you Captain Jordan!

Jordan and Matt were an awesome team. We set out for stripers. Had a great day caught a keeper. Fishing is fishing.. you will always have a great day fishing even if the biting is slow. Thank you both and appreciate the time out!

Jordan was a great captain and put us on the fish of a lifetime. Would highly recommend taking the trip, you won’t regret it. -Jason Homsted

Spent the day out on the water with Captain Jordan and first mate Sam aboard the “Reel Addiction”. What a rush!!! Marked fish most of the morning and caught a gorgeous tuna before enjoying an early breakfast. Highly recommend this boat for any and all Maine tuna adventures. Can’t wait for next years trip!

Great trip with Captain Jordan and First Mate Sam. Both were friendly and knowledgeable. The boat was clean and comfortable. Couldn’t have asked for a better first experience out fishing for tuna.

Fun and successful time fishing with captain Jordan!

Only catches the biggest fish