I assume you know E-W travel in New England is slow, but it's a beautiful part of the country. I would highly recommend you consider a stop at Storyland--it's an amusement park based mostly on fairytales more or less on your way across NH and it's perfect for kids aged 5-8 or so, but I'd give it a full day.

In the White Mountains, if you want a break from camping you could stay at the AMC's Joe Dodge Lodge in Pinkham Notch (and if we are near Franconia we usually try to fit in breakfast at Polly's Pancake Parlor).

Camden Maine is beautiful!

Op here. Thank you so much for all the replies! Yay! So much to look into, this gives us a great starting point.

We have a house in Blue Hill Maine... These are our favorite cool places/restaurants/things to do, with kids ...

http://bluehillheritagetrust.org/ (any hikes are good, Blue Hill is fun and beautiful view)

http://www.meriresearch.org/ (good place to visit; has lobster boat tours)

https://www.arborvine.com/ (great restaurant for grown ups)

https://www.facebook.com/thefishnet83/photos/a.527094704000191.1073741825.494761960566799/527094707333524/?type=1&theater (best lobster roll and soft serve in Maine - no matter what other people say)

http://barn-castle.com/ (fun hotel/restaurant for families - book early)

http://www.nervousnellies.com/

https://www.thewoodenboatschool.com/

https://www.facebook.com/Tashas-115137581839189/ (best milkshakes ever; really fun homemade mini golf)

http://elelfrijoles.com/


http://www.coolasamoose.com/

Send your kids when they are older - GREAT program that will teach them scientific methods while they think they are just having fun: http://www.acadiainstitute.com/

https://downeastwindjammer.com/activities/cranberry-cove-ferry/

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g40898-d401662-Reviews-Beal_s_Lobster_Pier-Southwest_Harbor_Mount_Desert_Island_Maine.html

http://islesforddock.com/

https://www.blackdinahchocolatiers.com/

MUST DO THE HIKE AND THE POPOVERS: http://acadiajordanpondhouse.com/ (beyond awesome)

Sand Beach - Acadia

Thunder Hole - Acadia

Beehive and/or Precipice - if you dare

There are loads of things to do in Portland, not the least of which is Lucky Catch lobster boat. They are a great age for it. Not an inexpensive venture but you pull traps and band lobsters and it's just wonderful. Bring a jacket tho bc it's cold out there. There is also a schooner that gives bay tours. Skip the ferry tour -- it's much too long -- and on a short stay I'd skip Peaks Island even though guide books encourage it. It's insane in summer time. Duck Tour is fine but not the best way to be on the water IMO -- however it's a unique experience for sure.

Bordering Portland on the north is Macworth Island, which has a flat mile+ path you can walk around and access points to a few little beaches. Parking can be tough unfortunately. Along the walk there are some pine needles forest areas where kids make fairy houses etc. A good way to be active but with access to shade when needed and water. Small entrance fee I think. Bring your lunch!

Other easy beach access: Ft. Williams in Cape Elizabeth, also home to Portland Head Light. Not the kind of beach you lay your towel out on but still great for kiddos. Willard Beach in So Portland is traditional sandy beach and has real bathrooms. I suggest these because if all you know is Ocean City etc., you will be thrilled with how easy it is to go here for an hour of fun. Plus both of these beaches are on the shipping channel so you can see tankers or a cruise ship -- moreso at Willard.

If you are more outdoorsy, you can rent canoes at one of the Scarborough Marsh access points. 15 mins from Portland. Easy paddle.

If you are looking for an amusement park experience, Funtown is sized appropriately for your age kids. Maybe 25 mins out of Portland. Again, not an inexpensive venture but relaxing compared to Kings Dominion. Reduced rate after 3p or so and you can easily bring in your own food.

About 30 mins north of Portland is Popham Beach State Park. Haven't made it there yet but folks rave about it. Boothbay about 2 hours north of Portland, is also a neat place, both the harbor and the botanical gardens.

Visitthekennebunks.com

Kennebunkport!. Camp grounds nearby. Beautiful beach, absolutely the prettiest coastal town in Maine. Lobster boat tours for kids. Google visit the Kennebunk.com

Stop at LL Bean flagship in ME

You might stop in Boston

We loved Stonington, Deer Isle with kids that age. Loved. We're foreigners here on a posting and have travelled a lot but I'd say Stonington was one of my absolute favourite places. It's very chilled, but we loved the Coast line, the lobster boats, the rugged scenery.

Portsmouth, NH. Right on the coast, lots of history, very walkable/ not overwhelming. Fun boat excursions also- I recommend the Isles of Shoals boat ride (history, current factoids, bird sanctuary..).

Do a google image search for Lake Willoughby

We are in the beginning stages of planning a road trip to Maine in August. We have family in Burlington, VT, so we will start there. Then, we would like to head over to Acadia National Park and then back down the coast. We have family again in Brooklyn and friends in Phili. We don't have any other thoughts yet. If anyone has any tips of fun places to visit or cool towns we must stop at, we would live to hear it. We love museums, nature, hiking, camping. Also love cities, history. Basically everything! Ha.

Kids will be 7 and almost 4. And, we plan on mostly camping. Hotels every few nights if necessary thanks!