Make the most of your New York to Maine road trip with stops that are quick, easy, and actually worth pulling over for.
The Problem With Road Trips? It's Not the Driving… It's the Stops
You’ve got snacks packed, playlists queued, and the GPS set for somewhere in Maine.
But what about everything in between?
That long stretch from New York to Maine can feel endless with kids in the car… especially when the only stops are gas stations and crowded rest areas.
That’s where this guide comes in. We’ve rounded up the best family-friendly road trip stops that won’t take you too far off course.
Whether you need a playground to burn energy, a quirky photo op to break up the drive, or just a donut that feels like a reward for surviving I-95, you’ll find it here.
Planning a New York to Maine Road Trip With Kids this Summer?
The best kind of road trip detour... lights, laughter, and maybe a new stuffed friend.
If you’re driving from New York to Maine (or anywhere from southern New England) with kids in tow… this guide is for you.
It’s designed for families who:
- Want to break up the drive with actual fun stops…not just the nearest rest area.
- Like a mix of nature walks, sugar highs, and random roadside gems.
- Think a good pit stop should come with space to roam and something worth remembering.
Road Trip Route Options Through
New England
Your route to northern Maine will take you through three main regions:
- Southern New England: Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts. You’ve got two main options here: follow I-95 along the coast or cut inland via I-91 to I-84 for a more relaxed drive.
- Coastal New Hampshire and Southern Maine: Think sandy beaches and quirky diners.
- Midcoast & Downeast Maine: The home stretch to Acadia, packed with stunning natural attractions and a few Vacantionland surprises.
Not everything on a road trip needs to be fast. Break up your trip!
These oceanfront places to stay in Maine are the kind of detour that feels like a reward.
New York to Maine Road Trip Stops That Get You Outside
Skip the highway rest stop. These quick outdoor detours give everyone a reason to stretch their legs (without losing your momentum).
Dinosaur State Park
Rocky Hill, CT
At Dinosaur State Park you’ll find real dinosaur tracks, cool artifacts, easy trails, all just minutes off I-91.
Grounds and exhibits are open Tuesday – Sunday, 9 am – 4:30 pm, $6/adults, $2/kids (6-12), 5 and under is FREE.
Dinosaur State Park Visiting Information
Good for: 45–60 minutes
Real dinosaur tracks, real wow moment.
Kimball Farm
Rocky Hill, CT
Kimball Farm is the kind of stop that turns a travel break into a full-blown memory… mini golf, bumper boats, pony rides, arcade games, and over 50 ice cream flavors.
No admission fee, and activities are priced individually, so you can quickly stretch your legs or stay for hours. A solid detour when the back seat needs a win.
Kimball Farm Visiting Information
Plan for: 45-60 minutes
Raptor Falls Mini Golf & Ice Cream
Arundel, ME
Raptor Falls Mini Golf & Ice Cream feels like your favorite backyard putt-putt course got a dinosaur upgrade… think animatronic raptors, waterfalls, and a pitch-perfect mix of whimsy and competition.
To play a round is $15 for adults, $12 for kids (12 and under), and free for little ones under 2, plus $6 to replay when your kids insist.
Raptor Falls Mini Golf Visiting Information
Plan for: 45–60 minutes
Because nothing says road trip like a life-sized dinosaur looking over your shoulder mid-putt.
Eastern Promenade Playground
Portland, ME
Slides and swings with a side of ocean breeze await you at Eastern Promenade Playground in Portland, ME.
A quick and easy stop if the kids need to move and you need some ocean air.
Eastern Promenade Playgound Location
Good for: 20-30 minutes
East End Beach
Portland, ME
Next to the Eastern Promenade Playground, (you can park in the same lot) is Portland’s East End Beach, a small, sandy beach, with a big reward.
After a long drive, a few salty steps in the sand can work wonders for everyone’s mood.
East Portland Beach Location
Quick stop: 20–30 minutes
Less boardwalk, more barefoot... this beach keeps it simple.
Androscoggin Swinging Bridge
Topsham, ME
The Androscoggin Swinging Bridge near downtown Brunswick is exactly what it sounds like…a bridge that swings a little. Feels like a roadside secret in Maine.
Only 4 designated parking spots but worth it to experience the beauty and the creak of a classic swinging bridge.
Androscoggin Swinging Bridge Location
In and out: 15–20 minutes
A quick stop with a side of bounce.
Sweet Treats & Snack Breaks for Your Road Trip to Maine
Because car snacks only get you so far on a trip from New York to Maine… and bribery works better when it’s covered in sugar.
Way Way Store
Saco, ME
The Way Way Store is what happens when an antique shop and an old-fashioned candy counter fall in love.
Open since 1916 and still delighting kids (and kids at heart), it’s the kind of roadside stop that makes a road trip feel like a treasure hunt.
Open daily from 10 – 8 pm
Quick stop: 20–30 minutes
Feels like a time machine powered by penny candy and Moxie.
Yummies Candy & Nuts
Kittery, ME
Yummies Candy & Nuts is a floor-to-ceiling explosion of sweets, snacks, and retro treats. Kids can fill a bag from the endless bulk bins… but fair warning, restraint is not guaranteed.
Expect taffy, gummies, and candy you haven’t seen since your own lunchbox days.
Yummies Candy & Nuts Visiting Information
Plan for: 20-30 minutes (if you can pull them out)
Wicked Whoopies
Freeport, ME
Wicked Whoopies in Freeport is your one-stop whoopie-pie wonderland, picking from classic and seasonal flavors is half the fun.
These Maine‑made treats capture nostalgia and indulgence in every bite…perfect for kids and anyone who secretly loves frosting just a bit too much
Wicked Whoopies Visiting Information
In and out: 10–15 minutes
New York to Maine: Where to Sit Down and Eat Along the Way
Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite or looking for a sit-down break, these places to eat make meal stops feel like part of the fun… not just a means of survival.
Heirloom Market at Comstock Ferre
Wethersfield, CT
About 3 miles off I‑91, Heirloom Market at Comstock Ferre is part historic barn, part café, part heirloom seed company, and all-around great reset spot.
There’s seating tucked into every corner… from cozy barn lofts with couches to garden tables outside.
The menu has something for everyone (think fresh juice, local coffee, and sandwiches kids will actually eat).
Heirloom Market at Comstock Ferre
Good for: 30–45 minutes
Barn vibes, greenhouse seating, and fresh coffee.
Mango’s Wood-Fired Pizza Co.
Mystic, CT
Tucked into Olde Mistick Village, Mango’s serves up wood-fired pizzas in a casual spot that works well for families.
There’s quick service, tasty pies, and just enough space for kids to stretch their legs nearby while you wait.
Mango’s Wood-Fired Pizza Co.
Perfect for: 45-60 minutes
Heading through Mystic earlier in the day? Here’s where to grab breakfast before the pizza cravings hit.
The Traveler Restaurant
Union, CT
A true road trip unicorn: diner-style comfort food, fast service, and three free books with every meal.
The Traveler Restaurant feels more like a quirky field trip than lunch stop… especially when you head downstairs to explore the basement bookstore.
The Traveler Restaurant Information
Plan for: 45-60 minutes, plus browsing the shelves
Order a burger, leave with free books. Perfection.
The Airfield Café
North Hampton, NH
From 7 am – 2 pm daily, The Airfield Café is serving up pancakes with a front-row view of the runway.
It’s aviation-themed, delightfully low-key, and a total win if you’ve got a future pilot riding in the backseat. Watching planes take off between bites never gets old.
The Airfield Cafe Visiting Information
Plan for: 45–60 minutes
McDonald’s
Freeport, ME
Yes, really… I’m suggesting a McDonald’s.
But hear me out. This one’s inside the historic Gore House, a colonial-style mansion from the 1850s with a fireplace, vintage dining room, and way more charm than your average drive-thru.
It’s just down the road from the L.L. Bean flagship store, and there’s even a giant boot photo op out front. Two for one stop!
Colonial McDonald’s Freeport
In and out: 15-20 minutes
Weather-Proof Stops on Your New York to Maine Road Trip
Bad weather happens. But that doesn’t mean your road trip fun has to end.
These road trip stops are perfect for keeping kids entertained (and you, dry) when the weather refuse to cooperate.
Ron-A-Roll
Vernon, CT
Ron-A-Roll is a retro roller rink in Vernon, CT that feels like stepping straight into your ’90s childhood… neon lights, arcade games, rental skates, and all.
It is $12 per person to skate, with skate rentals (inline or roller) for $5.65 per person.
Open family skate is from 1–4 pm, Tuesday through Sunday. It’s the perfect rainy day road trip stop to let kids burn energy while you relive your glory days.
Ron-A-Roll Visiting Information
Plan for: 60-90 minutes
EcoTarium
Worcester, MA
The EcoTarium is a road trip stop win in any weather… three floors of hands-on science exhibits, indoor views of live animal habitats, and an outdoor nature play area for when the skies clear.
It’s open Tuesday to Sunday, 10 am to 5 pm; admission is $20 for adults, $15 for kids 2 and up. Part museum, part nature center, and totally field trip vibes (without the bus).
EcoTarium Visiting Information
Ideal stop: 60–90 minutes
A trolley, a lighthouse, and three floors of things to touch... yes, please.
Electromagnetic Pinball Museum & Restoration
Pawtucket, RI
The Electromagnetic Pinball Museum in Pawtucket, RI is a vintage arcade lover’s dream… dozens of playable pinball machines, vintage arcade games, blinking lights, and retro sounds for just $10 per person (all-day play, no tokens needed).
The space feels like a quirky labyrinth that just keep going. Don’t miss the upstairs room hidden at the end of the hallway… it’s packed with some of the coolest machines in the place.
Electromagnetic Pinball Museum and Restoration Website
Good for: 45-90 minutes (depends how deep your high-score competition runs)
Providence Children’s Museum
Providence, RI
The Providence Children’s Museum is a go-to rainy day stop with tons of hands-on fun.
Kids can crawl through tunnels, tinker in the Maker Studio, build and create in open-ended play zones, and even dress up while reenacting New England history.
Open daily from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm, admission is $17 (free for babies under 12 months). Ideal for children ages 2-8.
Providence Children’s Museum Visiting Information
Plan for: 60-90 minutes for younger kids
Rainy day gold with a rainbow to match.
Roger Williams Botanical Center
Providence, RI
Roger Williams Park Botanical Center is made up of several connected greenhouses filled with tropical plants, winding paths, and even a nature play area outside.
Kids under 10 love the indoor play space with train tables, dollhouses, and cozy little book nooks.
Open Tuesday to Sunday, 10 am – 4 pm; admission is $5 for adults, $2 for kids 6–12, and free for 5 and under.
Roger William’s Botanical Center Visiting Information
Quick recharge: 30-60 minutes
Weird & Quirky
New York to Maine Road Trip Stops That Are Totally Worth It
Because every good road trip needs a “wait, what?” moment.
La Gondola
Providence, RI
La Gondola Providence is an unexpected but delightful break from the road. Enjoy an authentic Venetian gondola ride through the city’s canals, complete with a gondolier in full dress.
The 40-minute ride starts at $89 for two people, with additional riders $30 each (up to six total). It’s fun, quirky, and the kind of offbeat stop that makes a road trip feel like something special.
La Gondola Booking Information
Plan for: 40–60 minutes including the ride
One quick gondola ride can turn into a full day of family fun… here’s how to spend a day in Providence without feeling like you’re just killing time.
Big Easy Chair
Kittery, ME
A giant green roadside chair in Kittery that begs to be climbed on.
It’s not fancy, it’s definitely not cushioned (despite appearances), but it will make your kids laugh… and maybe end up on your holiday card.
A quick, goofy stop that’s 100% worth the photo.
Big Easy Chair Location
Quick photo op: 5–10 minutes
Eartha Globe
Yarmouth, ME
Eartha is the world’s largest rotating globe… three stories tall and always slowly spinning inside the lobby of an active office building in Yarmouth, ME.
It’s free, quick, and just off I-295, making it a fun and slightly surreal stop mid-drive.
Don’t be shy about heading inside… they’re used to curious road trippers.
Eartha Location
Stop time: 10–15 minutes
Big, spinning, and weird in the best way.
Desert of Maine
Freeport, ME
The Desert of Maine is 20 acres of glacial sand dunes in the middle of a Maine forest… with a fossil dig, mini golf, fairy maze village, gemstone hunts, and one of the coolest nature playgrounds you have ever seen.
Weird, unexpected, and way cooler than it sounds.
Desert of Maine Visiting Information
You could spend: 60-120 minutes
Come for the sand dunes, stay to improve your short game.
Paul Bunyan Statue
Bangor, ME
Bangor’s Giant Paul Bunyan is a 31-foot-tall roadside icon that’s absolutely worth pulling over for.
Standing in Bass Park just off I‑95, this larger-than-life lumberjack (built in 1959) is free to visit and perfect for a quick photo op.
Paul Bunyan Statue Location
Photo stop: 5–10 minutes
FAQs: Planning a New York to Maine Road Trip With Kids
Got questions about driving to Maine?
We’ve got answers…especially the kind parents actually need to know.
From how long the drive takes to what time of year is best, here’s everything to know before hitting the road from New York to Maine with kids in tow.
How long is the drive from NYC to Acadia?
Roughly 8.5 to 10 hours, depending on traffic, detours, and how many snack stops you give in to.
We highly recommend breaking it up with at least one overnight to avoid spending your entire day trying to outdrive I-95 congestion.
What’s the best time of year for this road trip?
June through late-August is peak beach and summer camp season, so expect crowds. September is cooler, calmer, and great for hiking, plus, you’ll still catch lobster rolls without the lines.
Are there tolls along the way?
Yes, especially through Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire. If you’ve got an EZ-Pass, now’s its time to shine.
How do you keep kids happy in the car?
Snacks. Audiobooks. More snacks. And our go-to trick: the road trip prize game… wrap a bunch of tiny surprises in foil and hand one out every hour.
It works better than screen time (most days).
Do we need to book everything in advance?
You can wing most of the daytime stops, but if you’re staying overnight in Maine, especially near Acadia… book early.
Summer availability disappears fast.
Keep Planning Your New York to Maine Route
Need a few more ideas to round out your trip?
Whether you’re looking for the perfect overnight, a fun detour, or just a reason to stretch your legs somewhere scenic, these guides have you covered.
Happy travels… and may your detours be the highlight of the trip.
