Family wedding with kids in Camden, Maine in July - what to do after?

Depending on what part of Acadia you go to, it could be a relatively short ride. We have always flown into Portland.
To my memory, Camden is about 1.5 hours max drive up the coast hwy from there.Camden has some good places to explore(the mountain) with kids. The boys might like taking the small boats out to the islands off Portland. Check out the Chebeague Inn.

Check out

http://www.projectpuffin.org/PPVC.html

Also, Railway Village in Boothbay Harbor, Maine Resources Aquarium, Musical Wonder House...

Boothbay Harbor would be the better destination with the kids. Wonderful boat tour offerings, especially the sailboat cruise of the harbor and beyond.

We have flown into Rockland, about 30 miles south of Camden. The planes are small and connect with Boston. Expensive but close to Camden. There is a car rental at Rockland airport. I think only 3 flights in and out daily but I am not positive.

We took a 2 hour schooner ride out of Camden Harbor, very nice, would have to check on age limits.

The children would love Camden Hills State Park. On one side of Highway 1 is the road to the top of Mt. Battie- great view and a tower thing for kids to climb, on the other side nice easy hiking paths along the ocean.

The Breakwater Lighthouse is nice in Rockland. Not sure how the 3 year old and 20 month old will do walking on the breakwater almost a mile out to the lighthouse. Perhaps one parent will have to stay by the beach with the younger ones. The breakwater is made up of large flat rocks (4 or 5 foot across), but there are small spaces between them. Also slippery if foggy.The older kids will love jumping from one rock to another. Bring plastic bags, lots of seashells, beach glass and just cool stuff to pick up on the rocky beaches.

You might want to google and find a cabin or cottage to stay in rather than a hotel. There are hundreds all over the coast. We stayed in one several years ago on the St. George River near Rockland and just loved the views, solitude, having our own yard, kitchen, fireplace and frig. It even came with a library, tv and CD's to watch.

Check fares into Portland ME, Manchester NH and Boston. MHT might be the cheapest and is about 2 hours south of Portland. Several years ago we stayed at Glenmoor by the Sea just north of Camden. It offers a variety of units, including some cottages. We stayed in a unit that contained a frig and microwave, a large livingroom area, plus a deck. A continental breakfast was delivered to our door each morning. We love to take picnic lunches to the top of Mt Battie (we take the auto road). I would bring picnic essentials with you such as an insulated bag, plastic ware, etc. Owls Head light near Rockland also has terrific scenery but there's also a path that leads to a small rocky beach. Make sure kids have water shoes. The water will be cold but have a picnic lunch and let the kids play.
I think the ride to Acadia is too long for the little ones unless you wanted to bike the carriage roads. A short boat trip would be ideal esp the ones where you learn about lobsters or see seals.

Well thers Merrysprings Horticultural nature park south a bit around Main street. but if you wanted something fun for the older kids Mount Desert Island when i was ten my uncles brought me there. thers a museum i beleive its a bit foggy seeing as its been nine years or so in my family its a bit of a traditon to go when your ten my younger brother went two years ago and my other brothers goes in two more years.

Anyway its Acadias little spot true but the quarry and the fossils are great! the museum has a lot of fossils and when i went they sold Geodes. Always fun crack em with a hammer and look at the crystals. the mines are a hike but worth it if you have the right equiptment.

Hammer
unsharpened chisel
Nail Driver(I use this to plit rocks with cracks for a more control fracture)
pickaxe (optional but useful)
and an old strainer for sifting is you dont want to buy one

you can also make one with rabbit wire (1/2"x1/2") and an old window frame with no glass. cut to fit with a little extra off the edges and staple with a staple gun. use a lot of staples for a longer lasting sifter.

watch for the quartz it is SHARP when broken and will slice you as easily as one of those knives they show on TV. the Miracle Blades or whatever.

but remember safty first brong a basic kit with you lots of water and light snacks stay healthy safe and HAPPY.

Family canoe trips can usually be arranged as well. and i do agree with Lofty though a cabin is a little more rustic and will add to the 'family time' with a bit more privacy.

Acadia's quiet, westerly side of Mount Desert Island will be perfect after the busy wedding and hubbub of Camden. It should take about 2 hours to get here and there are lots of great suggestions as to where to stop with the kids. There will be plenty of options for lodging from motels to cottages on the water for your family (visit acadiachamber.com) Bass Harbor is lovely and Southwest is close by for the essentials. Echo Lake's freshwater swimming would be nice for the family and there are many hiking trails including Flying Mountain, Ship Harbor Nature Trail and Wonderland. Bass Harbor Head Light is closeby and Sand Beach's brisk salt-water and crashing surf will be fun. Have a great time at the wedding and enjoy Acadia.

We stayed for a month in Camden when the kids were very little. (Baby daughter said her name for the first time there.) We used to drive to Lake Damariscotta for a day with a picnic. Lovely beach & playground, lifeguard & snacks. Beautiful drive through corn fields and passing antique stores. We did the schooner cruise at sunset from Camden harbour. Little son lost his bunny over the side and the Captain sent a boat to get it. There were some nice little Summer fetes & fairs to go to. Some child friendly restaurants and pretty woodland walks. One of our happiest holidays. Enjoy it.

Some of our fondest family memories and best photos are from a trip that our family of four, son was 10, daughter 6, took to Acadia National Park many years ago. Thunder Hole, Sand Beach, tea and popovers at The Jordan Pond House, the anemone caves, star gazing on Cadillac Mountain and lobster dinners were all favorites. To this day, we have popovers for breakfast on Christmas morning, a tradition that my now married daughter has continued with her family. Bar Harbor itself is touristy, but the National Park Service does a wonderful job with presentations scheduled throughout the park that interest both children and adults. Thank you for triggering some very happy memories.