Best Kid-Friendly Summer Activities Near Sunday River
Waterfalls, Kayaking & Mountain Adventures in Bethel, Maine
By Busy Travel Bees đ
If youâre heading to Sunday River Resort during the summer months, get ready for a completely different kind of Maine adventure. Once the snow melts, the mountains transform into a playground filled with waterfalls, swimming spots, scenic hikes, kayaking, fishing, and endless outdoor fun for families.
We visited in July and quickly realized this area offers so much more than skiing. Between river adventures, mountain views, and evenings around the fire pit, it turned into one of those family trips we didnât want to end.
The drive from Portland International Jetport to Bethel is part of the fun itself. Winding roads, tall pine trees, mountain views, and classic New England charm instantly put us into vacation mode. If itâs your first time visiting Maine, be sure to make a stop at Portland Head Light before heading inland. The ocean views are breathtaking and worth the detour.
Once we settled near Sunday River, we spent the weekend exploring some of the best kid-friendly summer activities in Bethel and the surrounding area. Hereâs what we loved most.
đ˛ Waterfall Hikes & River Adventures
One of our favorite family outings was hiking to Step Falls Preserve. The trail is family-friendly with just enough climbing and exploring to keep kids excited the entire way. The reward at the top is a beautiful series of cascading waterfalls where kids can safely splash, cool off, and carefully climb the rocks.
After hiking, we headed over to Bethel Outdoor Adventure & Campground for a gentle float and kayak trip on the Androscoggin River. The calm water made it perfect for beginners and little kids, and it ended up being one of the most relaxing parts of our trip.
Locals also pointed us toward Frenchmanâs Hole, a popular swimming spot with crystal-clear water surrounded by forest. The kids absolutely loved jumping in after a warm summer day of hiking.
đŁ Fishing & Hiking at Lake Christopher
One of the most peaceful moments of the trip was spending time near Lake Christopher in nearby Greenwood, Maine.
The calm lake setting was perfect for slowing things down after busy adventure-filled days. The kids loved trying their luck fishing while we soaked in the mountain scenery and fresh air.
If youâre not serious anglers, itâs a great spot to unplug, enjoy nature, and let kids experience a quieter side of Maine.
Nearby, we also headed to Bucks Ledge in Woodstock and hiked up the trail with our kids and dog. The lake views from the top were absolutely gorgeous!
Bucks Ledge Trail, Woodstock, Maine
đď¸ Family Beach Time at Androscoggin River Park
One hidden gem we discovered was the beach area at Androscoggin River Park in Bethel. If youâre traveling with younger kids, this is such an easy and relaxing stop.
The shallow water and sandy beach area gave the kids plenty of room to splash and play while the adults relaxed nearby. It felt peaceful, uncrowded, and very family-friendly compared to larger tourist beaches. We packed snacks and ended up spending much longer there than planned.
Sometimes the simplest stops become the kidsâ favorite memories.
đš Summer Fun at Sunday River Resort
Sunday River isnât just for winter vacations. During summer, the resort offers scenic chairlift rides, hiking trails, seasonal events, and family-friendly activities that make it a great home base for outdoor adventures.
One of the highlights for our family was the archery lessons. The instructors were patient and beginner-friendly, and the kids immediately became obsessed with trying to hit the targets. While my husband and the kids enjoyed archery, I took the opportunity to walk nearby trails with our dog and enjoy some quiet mountain views.
That balance between adventure and relaxation is what made the trip feel so refreshing.
âł Mini Golf, Gelato & Rainy Day Fun
No family vacation is complete without a little friendly competition.
Big Adventure Mini Golf ended up being one of our favorite activities in Bethel. The 18-hole course was super fun for both kids and adults.
But honestly? The hardest decision of the day was choosing from all the gelato flavors afterward.
For rainy days or a break from the summer heat, we also loved visiting the Maine Mineral & Gem Museum. The kids were fascinated by the real moon rocks and interactive exhibits, and being able to hold pieces of the moon and Mars made the experience unforgettable.
Maine Mineral & Gem Museum, Bethel, Maine
đ Farmers Markets & Local Maine Charm
One thing we loved most about Bethel was how charming and relaxed everything felt.
The Bethel Farmersâ Market on Main Street became one of our favorite slower-paced mornings. Fresh berries, homemade baked goods, maple treats, local crafts, and quality meats for grilling made it impossible to leave empty-handed.
Itâs those little moments, like walking through small-town markets with coffee in hand while the kids snack on fresh pastries, that really make summer in Maine feel special.
đ Summer Pro Tips for Families Visiting Sunday River
- Pack water shoes for waterfalls, rivers, and swimming spots.
- Bring bug spray and sun screen for outdoor activities.
- Pack picnic supplies for beach stops and hiking days.
- Reserve kayak rentals and archery lessons early during busy weekends.
- Arrive early at popular swimming spots like Frenchmanâs Hole.
- Dress in layers â mountain mornings and evenings can still get cool sometimes, even in July.
Why We Loved Summer Near Sunday River
What stood out most about our July trip to Bethel and Sunday River was how easy it felt to reconnect as a family.
The days were filled with simple adventuresâwaterfall hikes, river floats, fishing, mini golf, swimming, and mountain viewsâwithout ever feeling rushed or overcrowded. The kids spent more time outdoors than on screens, and honestly, so did we.
Summer in western Maine has this peaceful, refreshing energy thatâs hard to describe until you experience it yourself.
If youâre looking for a family-friendly summer destination with outdoor adventure, beautiful scenery, and plenty of ways to slow down and make memories together, the Sunday River area absolutely delivers.
đ Looking for a Place to Stay Near Sunday River?
Check out Hideaway Havens, two stunning family-friendly chalets located just 2 minutes apart in a peaceful mountain neighborhood, only 12 minutes from Sunday River Resort and minutes from Bethel Village restaurants and shops.
The homes sleep 13 and 16 guests separately, or up to 29 guests combined.
Enjoy Amenities Like:
đ Panoramic mountain views
đ Private hot tubs + cozy barrel saunas
đĽ Fire pits for sâmores nights
đŽ Arcade games, pool table, ping pong & air hockey
đ¤ Karaoke setups for unforgettable family nights, and much more....
Perfect for:
- Multi-family vacations
- Ski trips
- Summer adventures
- Fall foliage weekends
- Family reunions
- Retreats & group getaways
Looking for a memorable mountain escape?
Whatâs your favorite kid-friendly activity near Sunday River? Weâre always looking for new adventures for our next Maine trip! đ
Frequently Asked Questions
Are private vacation rentals cheaper than Sunday River hotels for large groups?
Yes! If you are traveling with multiple families or a group of 10-20+ people, booking a large private chalet like Hideaway Havens is significantly more cost-effective per person than booking 4 or 5 separate rooms at any hotels. Plus, you gain massive shared living spaces, private acreage, and exclusive amenities that you don't have to share with hundreds of other guests.
Is it better to stay right at the Sunday River base lodge or in a nearby mountain chalet during the summer?
For summer vacations, families highly recommend staying in a private mountain chalet just outside the resort. While the resort base hotels are built for winter ski-in/ski-out access, summer in Maine is all about privacy, outdoor space, and nature. A private mountain chalet gives your family their own yard, a private fire pit, and quiet stargazing, while still being just a quick 10-12 minute scenic drive to the resort's summer activities and the charming restaurants in Bethel Village.
Sunday River Resort Hotels vs. Bethel Private Chalets: Where Should Families Stay?
While resort hotels offer basic convenience, a private cabin in Bethel is ideal year-roundâwhether you are here for winter skiing or summer hiking. Instead of a cramped hotel room, a rental gives your family:
- More space to spread out comfortably.
- A full kitchen for easy, budget-friendly meals.
- Private amenities like a yard, fire pit, and your own hot tub and sauna to relax in after an active day.
Jeana Deninger
Jeana Deninger