We did Acadia last summer for a large family gathering and it was fantastic. My kids want to go back. Three generations aged 6 months to 80 and it worked out great.

North Conway, NH is a good base--its in the mountains, not too far from lakes and so on. Plenty of outdoors stuff to do, including Mount Washington, the Kancamagus HIghway and trails, the Saco River (with tubing, kayaking), and Lost River Gorge, but also lots of other things to do like the Scenic Railroad, Story Land (family-oriented amusement park), the Attitash mountain coaster and water slides. And outlets, if anyone in your extended family is more the shopping type.

Migis Lodge on Sebago Lake. Maine.

We were out at Block Island for a wedding in October and while it is very picturesque, it is not a place for easy biking as the roads are narrow and very hilly and no bike lanes so do keep that in mind. I certainly would not want kids riding bikes on the main roads there. Summer is also peak season. You would do better to go to Martha's Vineyard for biking with a family.

Block Island, Rhode Island. Take a ferry out - rent bikes - rent a house. There's a charming little downtown area, but otherwise is very relaxed and low-key.

I rented a road bike and did the Park Loop road and Cadillac Mountain one day. It was spectacular. Renting was easy and it's probably the way to go if you only plan on biking one day.

WRT the original question, Lake Placid and the Adirondacks in general is another location to consider for a family vacation. Tons of outdoor activities and a very beautiful and unique part of the country.

Anonymous wrote:We are booked for Acadia this summer for a week. Husband, 5 year old DS, and me. We had thought about bringing bikes, and would need to buy a bike rack. A friend who has been there serval times growing up and as an adult with her own kids said to leave the bikes at home. PPs that mentioned biking, should we buy the carrier and haul bikes, or just rent bikes there? We aren't serious bikers, at all, just would go on a few rides while there (we are staying in a cabin at a campground). Thanks!

Unless your five year old is not a confident cyclist, I would take the bikes. There are wonderful "carriage roads" throughout the National Park for biking, and depending on where you are staying, bikes are great for getting around without having to get in the car (ride to the lobster pound, etc). The free bus system on the island (the "Island Explorer," I think it's called), has buses that have bike racks on them, so you can go explore other parts of the island without having to bike in "loops." I looked into renting bikes one year, and it was ridiculously expensive. Renting might make sense if you only thought you'd ride on one or two days. As your kid gets older, you're more likely to need a bike rack, anyway, so it might not be such a bad investment.

We are booked for Acadia this summer for a week. Husband, 5 year old DS, and me. We had thought about bringing bikes, and would need to buy a bike rack. A friend who has been there serval times growing up and as an adult with her own kids said to leave the bikes at home. PPs that mentioned biking, should we buy the carrier and haul bikes, or just rent bikes there? We aren't serious bikers, at all, just would go on a few rides while there (we are staying in a cabin at a campground). Thanks!