Bar Harbor really is a great place for a family vacation. Even the drive up is enjoyable especially if you take Rte.1 up along the coastline. The town of Bar Harbor itself is, thankfully, not too large and overblown despite the summer tourism and still retains that local small town rustic feel. Acadia National park is right there (it might even engulfs Bar Harbor but I'm not sure about this)and you can spend hour hiking, rock climbing, exploring, sailing, and mountain biking along the old carriage trails that go one for miles and miles and were once the roadways of the Rockerfellers, Astors, Morgans, Carnegies etc. of the turn of the century. I could go on for hours but basically it's a nice clean, beautiful place for a family vacation and really for just about anyone that enjoys the outdoors.

Bar Harbor is beautiful in October. Don't go much later than the 2nd week as things start to slow down. The leaves are awesome. There's plenty to do. Acadia National park is right next door, Cadillac Mountain is majestic, and of course the waterfront is goregous. If you're looking for some great food, check out South West Harbor, a restaurant called Dry Dock is fantastic, a real unexpected treat. The Oceanarium is also a fun place to visit, great for kids and a good way to find out about the lobster industry.

Spectacular scenery. Typical rocky Maine coastline. Avoid going there in July, August unless you like crowds. September is the best.

Bar Harbor is a great laid back town and you can launch to pretty much any outdoor activity from there. Check out the islands off Bar Harbor (i.e Swan's Island) or Acadia National Park close by.