Indoor Attractions in Bar Harbor for Rainy Days
Published March 14, 2024 at 11:17 am
Don’t let a little rain dampen your vacation spirit! Discover the best indoor attractions in Bar Harbor that promise a delightful escape from the drizzle, ensuring your fun continues uninterrupted.

Discovering Cozy Indoor Havens in Bar Harbor
Bar Harbor, with its rugged coastline and postcard-perfect vistas, might invite you outdoors, but what happens when the weather turns? Rainy days can be just as charming if you know where to seek refuge.
Perhaps you are savoring a serene getaway, or maybe you are in search of a little indoor excitement — Bar Harbor’s indoor attractions offer a range of delights tailor-made for those damp days.
Exploring Educational Experiences
If you are intrigued by the wonders of the deep blue, the George B. Dorr Museum of Natural History is a must-visit. Uncover the local marine ecosystem through interactive exhibits that invite you to touch real sea creature specimens.
It might just inspire you to pick up a marine biology book from the gift shop and dive deeper into the subject once you are back home, cozy and dry.
Engaging Children with Indoor Playscapes
For families traveling with youngsters, navigating a rainy day may seem daunting. But worry not, because the Mount Desert Oceanarium provides an enthralling indoor activity. Here, youngsters will be captivated by lobster hatchery tours and interactive tidepool touch tanks.
Witnessing their eyes widen with curiosity at the sight of marine life, you might consider enhancing their experience with educational toys that replicate the oceanarium adventure at home.
Pampering Yourself with a Relaxing Spa Day
Perhaps it is serenity you seek? Bar Harbor offers several spa retreats, where you can indulge in a blissful massage or facial. Take a cue from this tranquil ambiance and think about bringing relaxation products into your home — like scented candles or essential oil diffusers that can help recreate the spa experience.
After your pampering session, you could unwind further by wrapping yourself in a plush robe, akin to those offered at the spa, for that extra touch of luxury.
Finding Hidden Gems in Local Art Galleries
Art lovers can take solace in Bar Harbor’s vibrant art scene. Galleries such as the Argosy Gallery, which showcases the works of local artists, offer a peaceful haven to spend the afternoon.
As you admire the artwork, you might be inspired to start your art collection. Consider starting small with art prints from local creators. This way, each piece tells a story of your travels while supporting the local artist community.
Bookstores: A Reader’s Rainy Day Refuge
Bookstores have a magical way of making any rainy day better. Bar Harbor’s local bookshops, like Sherman’s Maine Coast Book Shop, are brimming with books that range from local histories to epic fantasies. As you peruse their shelves, you might find yourself not just buying a book but also discovering quaint bookmarks or unique reading lights to enhance your reading experience.
If you find a book that captures your heart, consider searching for companion journals or book-related merchandise to prolong the joy of your literary adventure.
Indulging in a Culinary Journey
Rainy days are perfect for a gastronomic journey. Bar Harbor offers many intimate and cozy dining spots where you can watch the rain while savoring locally sourced dishes.
For those who love to recreate the flavors at home, picking up a cookbook from the restaurant or a local market can be a savory souvenir. Thus, your taste buds can travel back to Bar Harbor any time you desire.
A Historical Dive into Bar Harbor’s Past
Plunge into history by visiting the Bar Harbor Historical Society. Here, you will be transported back in time through rich storytelling and artifacts that speak of the town’s heritage.
Those with a penchant for history might enjoy a historical puzzle or board game, which can offer both entertainment and education on those drizzly evenings back in your vacation rental.
Reveling in Theatrical Performances
The Criterion Theatre, an art-deco gem of Bar Harbor, provides a sumptuous backdrop for a range of performances. You might cherish the experience so much, you will be tempted to bring home a vintage-inspired movie poster or a playbill as a memento.
Once you are back home, a cozy movie night setup with an iconic film that throws back to the theatre’s golden age may be just the ticket to relive those memories.
Making Memories with Rainy Day Crafts
On a drizzly day in Bar Harbor, crafting can be a delightful way to create lasting memories. Local craft stores often offer kits that cater to all ages and skill levels.
From painting supplies to scrapbooking materials, these kits enable you to bring a piece of Bar Harbor’s charm into your home art projects, providing a meaningful and personal touch to your creative endeavors.
Getting Competitive with Indoor Games
When the rain pours down, it is the perfect excuse to get competitive with indoor games. Bar Harbor has spots where you can dive into board games or puzzles.
Board games like those recommended for family game nights can be a great option to bring home, offering fun and challenge to groups of any size.
Unearthing Treasures in Antique Shops
Strolling through Bar Harbor’s antique shops is like wandering through a treasure trove of history. Intriguing finds are hidden in every corner, from vintage nautical gear to rustic home decor.
These treasures can add character to your space and serve as conversation starters, reminding you of your travels on even the sunniest days back home.
Staying Active with Indoor Recreation
Just because it is wet outside does not mean you cannot stay active. Places like the local YMCA or gym offer indoor swimming, rock climbing walls, and exercise classes to keep you moving.
Upon returning home, keeping fitness gear handy, like a jump rope or yoga mat, could help maintain that active lifestyle, inspired by Bar Harbor’s dedication to well-being.
A Virtual Escape: Gaming and VR Experiences
Bar Harbor may be quaint, but it keeps up with modern entertainment through gaming and virtual reality experiences. Seeking out a VR arcade can be an exhilarating way to spend the day.
Back at home, investing in a VR headset could bring this futuristic fun right to your living room. It is said that people claim VR gaming to be an incredible way to escape without leaving your home.
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Delving into DIY Delicacies
Perhaps your idea of a perfect rainy day involves rolling up your sleeves and getting hands-on with your food. Interactive culinary experiences await at places like Bar Harbor’s cooking schools or chocolate workshops, where you can learn new recipes and techniques.
This can spark an interest in gourmet cooking tools and appliances that may elevate your at-home culinary adventures, cultivating a newfound appreciation for the craftsmanship of cooking.
Collecting Unique Souvenirs and Local Crafts
Rainy days provide an exceptional opportunity to take a piece of Bar Harbor home with you. Local boutiques and craft markets are brimming with unique souvenirs, from handmade jewelry to custom-blended teas that capture the essence of the region.
If you find a local artisan whose work you adore, inquire about their online store, so you can continue to support and enjoy their work even after your vacation.
Rejuvenating with Yoga and Wellness Workshops
Yoga and wellness workshops offer an oasis of calm on a wet Bar Harbor afternoon. Many local studios host sessions that cater to all skill levels, inviting guests to stretch, breathe, and find inner peace.
You might be inspired to purchase your own eco-friendly yoga mat or a set of meditation cushions to recreate this sanctuary-like atmosphere back home, inviting daily relaxation into your life.
Embracing the Art of Mixology
If you are intrigued by cocktails, why not spend a rainy day learning the art of mixology? Bar Harbor boasts several spots where you can take a cocktail crafting class, learning from local bartenders the secrets behind their signature drinks.
Taking home a cocktail shaker set or a book on mixology could allow you to impress your guests with your newfound skills, giving a nod to those misty days spent in Bar Harbor.
Building Hobbyist Expertise: Model Ships and More
In a town shaped by the sea, it’s no surprise that Bar Harbor offers the chance to build model ships, a hobby that encapsulates the spirit of the coastal locale. Head to a hobby shop on a rainy day and dive into this intricate pastime.
For maritime enthusiasts, bringing home a model ship kit can provide hours of crafty enjoyment and result in a displayable piece of art that tells the story of your Bar Harbor adventures.
Brewing Up a Storm: Coffee and Tea Tastings
Coffee aficionados and tea lovers can find solace in local cafes that offer tastings even when the weather is less than perfect. Engage your senses by trying out different blends and learning about their origins.
Purchasing a high-quality French press or a ceremonial tea set can bring the flavors of Bar Harbor’s unique coffee and tea culture into your daily ritual when you return home.
Leaving with a Lasting Impression
As your indoor journey in Bar Harbor comes to a close, reflect on how each experience and item you’ve considered taking home has the potential to turn a rainy day into a storied one. From the depths of oceanic wonders to the heights of theatric performance, Bar Harbor’s indoor attractions ensure that gray skies merely set the stage for colorful memories.
Whether you’re considering role-playing games to continue the fantasy back home, or a cozy board game for quiet evenings, your time indoors can be just as fulfilling as any sunlit adventure.

Avery Ingram
Contributor