Children's Discovery Museum
Rating
Family of 4
30
Duration
1.5–2.5 hours
Best Ages
2–10
About
The Children's Discovery Museum in Bar Harbor, Maine is a hands-on learning wonderland designed to spark curiosity in young minds. Located in the heart of Bar Harbor, the museum features interactive exhibits that encourage kids to touch, explore, build, and discover — making learning feel like pure play.
Exhibits are thoughtfully designed for toddlers through elementary-age children, with dedicated areas for the youngest visitors who are just beginning to engage with their world. From science-themed stations to creative play zones, each corner of the museum offers something new to discover. Kids who burn through one exhibit quickly find another waiting to capture their imagination.
The museum is fully stroller accessible and provides nursing and changing facilities, making it one of the most family-friendly indoor destinations on Mount Desert Island. It's also one of the best rainy-day options in the Bar Harbor area — the kind of place savvy parents keep in their back pocket when Acadia's trails get rained out.
With an admission fee that keeps the experience well-maintained and staffed by friendly educators, a typical family of four can expect to spend around 30 dollars for the visit. Weekday mornings are the sweet spot for a less crowded experience, especially during the peak summer season.
The Children's Discovery Museum is a must-visit for families who want structured, enriching indoor fun without sacrificing the sense of adventure that defines a Bar Harbor trip.
Age Suitability
Parent Logistics
Stroller-Friendly
Nursing / Changing
true
Setting
Rainy Day
Great option!
Plan Your Visit
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings to avoid summer crowds
Wait Times
Short wait on peak summer days
Nearby Food
Downtown Bar Harbor has plenty of kid-friendly restaurants within walking distance
Why Kids Love It
Hands-on exhibits that let kids touch, build, and discover — the kind of museum where kids don't want to leave
Pro Tips from Parents
- Block at least two hours since kids tend to loop back to favorite exhibits
- Great rainy-day backup plan — save it for your worst weather day
- Combine with a stop at Kids' Corner nearby for a full indoor morning
What to Bring
- Comfortable shoes
- Snacks for after
- Camera for the exhibit moments
Cost Info
Estimated Cost (Family of 4)
30
Tips to Save
- Check for local resident discounts; visit during a cloudy day when you'd skip outdoor activities anyway
Hours & Contact
Hours
- Friday
- 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Monday
- Closed
- Sunday
- 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Tuesday
- Closed
- Saturday
- 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Thursday
- 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Wednesday
- 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM