We are traveling in/out of Boston in August for ten days. We would like to quickly travel through Vermont and New Hampshire and spend the bulk of the time in Maine; possibly traveling from NH to Bar Harbor and down the coast to Boston. We have two children, ages 13 and 10. Any itinery ideas? Thank you.

What is the focus of your trip?

Do you want to do a lot of outdoor stuff - hiking boating? time on the ocean or a lake?

Do you want pretty scenery? Historical spots? Antiquing? Shopping?

If you provide a little more info people can better advise you.

Have you looked into flying in/out of Manchester, NH ? Much easier to get to where you want to go than Boston and lots of carriers go there now.

We already have tickets into/out of Boston but did so because of cost; we really are planning on spending any time there. We would like to do some light hiking (won't pack any gear since we're flying) and kayaking. We are interested in seeing a few of the covered bridges and the lighthouses on the coast.
I would also like to do one of the short boat tours. Probably not much shopping or historical sites (unless the kids don't realize they're learning something!). I'm trying to check if any of the berries are in season so we could pick something along the way. Thanks for your help.

When in August? That is blueberry season in Maine. We were at Acadia NP the first week in August and were able to pick blueberries then. You can pick them "in the wild" as well as at you-pick places.

There are you-pick places with raspberries as well (in all the states).

Check state tourism websites for Maine blueberry festivals and you-pick farms.