The Ultimate List of Things to Do With Kids in Maine (UPDATED 2024)
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Whether you are a Maine resident, or you are vacationing in our beautiful state, we made it easy for you to find things to entertain the kids by putting together a list of our favorite things to do.
Click the image below to see all the places on a map and find things to do near you.
Spring - Summer - Early Fall Activities
York's Wild Kingdom
1 Animal Park Rd, York, ME
A zoo and an amusement park near Short Sands Beach. Here you can: feeds deer & ducks, visit the Butterfly Kingdom, watch playful monkey chase each other, talk to parrots, and so much more!
Click the “Learn More” button below to see the hours of operation and to buy tickets.
Perkins Cove & Marginal Way
Explore shops and restaurants in this quaint fishing village before embarking on a beautiful seaside walk.
Marginal Way is about a mile paved footpath along the seacoast.
Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge
321 Port Rd, Wells, ME
Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1966 to protect valuable salt marshes and estuaries for migratory birds.
Besides obvious wildlife viewing, you can also enjoy fishing, shellfishing, and kayaking here.
First Chance Whale Watch
4 Western Ave, Kennebunk, ME
Board “Nick’s Chance” to head out to sea to get a glimpse of whales in their natural habitat among giant swordfish, playful dolphins, and more Maine marine life.
Seashore Trolley Museum
195 Log Cabin Rd, Kennebunkport, ME
The Seashore Trolley Museum is the world’s first and largest museum of mass transit vehicles.
You can take a ride on a heritage railroad in a vintage trolley from the early 1900s or explore three carhouses filled with beautiful, restored trolleys and several other precious transit artifacts around our outdoor campus.
Palace Playland
1 Old Orchard St, Old Orchard Beach, ME
This New England’s only beachfront amusement park has been operating for over 100 years. You can find over 28 rides and attractions and one of the largest New England arcades here.
You will get the best view of the Pier and the beach from the park’s Ferris Wheel.
Funtown Splashtown USA
774 Portland Rd, Saco, ME
Funtown Splashtown is Maine’s largest water and amusement park.
The park features Maine’s only wooden roller coaster, Excalibur, as well as New England’s longest and tallest log flume, Thunder Falls.
Aquaboggan Water Park
980 Portland Rd, Saco, ME
Aquaboggan Water Park offers a day of fun and excitement for all ages. From high-speed water slides to relaxing on a tube in the wave pool to a round of mini-golf, Aquaboggan has something for everyone.
Pumpkin Valley Farm
100 Union Falls Rd, Dayton, ME
Visit this family farm to feed the farm animals, launch an ear of corn, try the jumping pillow, and more.
You can stroll through the fields of sunflowers in summer and find your way through a corn maze and pick your pumpkin in fall.
Portland Headlight & Fort Williams Park
1000 Shore Rd, Cape Elizabeth, ME
Our favorite place in Maine, Fort Williams is home to the most photographed lighthouse in Maine – Portland Headlight. But the lighthouse is not the only park’s attraction. You can find the remains of Battery Keyes and Goddard Mansion and a beautifully landscaped Children’s Garden.
Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse
2 Fort Rd, South Portland, ME
Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse is the only caisson-style light station in the United States that visitors can walk to.
While you can visit this sparkplug lighthouse any time of the year, we would not recommend climbing the breakwater rocks in winter.
Watch Portland Sea Dogs Game
271 Park Ave, Portland, ME
Hadlock Field, named one of the best minor league ballparks, is home to the Portland Sea Dogs baseball team.
The kids will love themed nights (Pirates & Princesses, Witches & Wizards, Super Heroes, etc). Feel free to dress up accordingly. Slugger, Sea Dogs mascot, will be dressed up too!
Make sure to try the famous Sea Dogs Biscuit (vanilla ice cream sandwiched between two chocolate chip cookies).
Summer Sunsets at Thompson's Point
Thompson’s Point, Portland, ME
Held (almost) every Thursday and Friday 4 pm – sunset, late May through the end of September, Summer Sunsets on The Point is a free event at Thompson’s Point in Portland. Expect food trucks, lawn games, live music, stunning sunset water views, and cold drinks!
Thompson’s Point is also a great place to watch planes land and take off from the nearby PWM airport.
Deering Oaks Park
Deering Oaks, Portland, ME
Deering Oaks Park is a 55-acre public park located in downtown Portland. Here you can find a baseball diamond, tennis courts, a playground, a wading pool, and a pond. It is also home to a weekend Farmers’ Market.
Payson Park
Edward Payson Park, Portland, ME
The Payson park sits along the shores of Back Cove and Fall Brook and is home to baseball and softball fields, playground, basketball and tennis courts, the Longfellow Arboretum, and a community garden.
In summer, kids can cool off in a splash pad.
The Eastern Promenade
Eastern Promenade, Portland, ME
The Eastern Prom is a two-mile harborside trail.
There are tennis and basketball courts, baseball fields, a playground, and multi-use trails that snake alongside the shoreline. It’s a popular spot for picnics, frisbee, kite flying, walking, running, biking, and band concerts.
On weekends, you can find multiple food trucks along the trail.
Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad
49 Thames St, Portland, ME
Take a leisurely train ride along the Eastern Promenade of Casco Bay. The ride lasts approximately 35 minutes and travels 1.5 miles (3 miles round trip).
Peak's Island
Casco Bay Ferry Terminal: Maine State Pier, Portland, ME
This island in Casco Bay is considered to be one of Portland’s neighborhoods, but it takes a 17-minute ferry ride to get there from Old Port.
Peak’s Islands attractions include rocky and sandy beaches, the Fifth Maine Museum, art galleries, and the world’s only Umbrella Museum.
Look for harbor seals on your way to the island.
Mackworth Island
Falmouth, ME
Mackworth Island is an island connected to Falmouth by a causeway at the mouth of the Presumpscot River.
An easy trail circles Mackworth Island and offers excellent views of Casco Bay.
But the reason Mackworth Island is so popular with families is that it is also known as a Fairy Island. You can find hundreds of fairy houses here and you can build your own fairy house too!
Pride Preserve
Pride Preserve, Westbrook, ME
Another place to find fairy houses is Pride Preserve in Westbrook. These Elf, Gnome, and Fairy Homes were created by a local artist and were placed along the three-mile trail at the preserve.
Desert of Maine
95 Desert Rd, Freeport, ME
Did you know there is a desert in Maine? This natural phenomenon is located less than 10 minutes away from the LL Bean flagship store (another item in our list, see Year Round Activities below).
Besides the sand dunes, you can also find here a Gemstone Village, a historic barn, a playground, and more.
Maine Wildlife Park
56 Game Farm Rd, Gray, ME
The park is home to over 30 species of Maine wildlife that cannot be returned to their natural habitats. It is a perfect place to visit with kids to learn about wildlife. And you’re guaranteed to see a moose!
Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens
105 Botanical Gardens Dr, Boothbay, ME
Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens is one of Maine’s top attractions. Here you can explore more than 300 acres of gardens and natural spaces, from the Native Butterfly and Moth House to the Bibby and Harold Alfond Children’s Garden or Giles Rhododendron and Perennial Garden.
New in 2021: wooden trolls created by Danish artist Thomas Dambo hidden throughout natural wooded areas.
Hobbit Land
Vaughan Woods Trailhead, Hallowell, ME
No, you won’t find hobbit houses here. Nevertheless, you will enjoy hiking through Vaughan Woods in Hallowell,
The property was nicknamed Hobbit Land because of its resemblance to Shire from R.R. Tolkien’s novels.
Viles Arboretum
153 Hospital St, Augusta, ME
Viles Arboretum is a free, easily accessible, botanical garden that is open from dawn to dusk, seven days a week. Space includes six miles of trails, several botanical collections, and local art, on 224 acres.
DEW Haven | Maine Zoo and Rescue
918 Pond Rd, Mt Vernon, ME
DEW Haven is a seasonal wildlife sanctuary & working farm with over 200 animals, including many exotic cats.
Dig Maine Gems
110 Bethel Rd, West Paris, ME
Sift through a bucket of mine tailings from famous Mt. Mica. You are guaranteed to find colored tourmaline. Keep what you find!
Mini Golf
See map
- Indoor Jungle Adventure 3D Mini Golf in Old Orchard Beach
- Pirate’s Cove, also in Old Orchard Beach
- Schooner Miniature Golf & Ice Cream in Saco
- Raptor Falls Mini Golf & Ice Cream in Arundel
Pick Your Own Farms
See map
What tastes better than berries and apples you picked yourself?
Click on the button below to see the list of U-Pick farms where you can pick:
- Apples (August – October)
- Blueberries (July – August)
- Raspberries (June – September)
- Strawberries (June – July)
- and more
See Maine’s crop harvest calendar here.
Boothbay Railway Village
586 Wiscasset Rd (Route 27), Boothbay, ME
Learn about how technologies like steam engines and the automobile changed life along the coast of Maine between 1850 and 1950.
Don’t miss the opportunity to ride in a vintage coach behind a 100 year old steam locomotive!
Year Round Activities
Smiling Hill Farm
781 County Rd, Westbrook, ME
In warmer weather, you can visit the Barnyard, snuggle a baby goat (make sure to sign up for this activity beforehand), and then stop by the Dairy Store to try the homemade ice cream.
In winter, you can go skiing at the farm.
Follow Smiling Hill Farm’s Facebook page to see their special events (like Easter Egg Hunt or Meet Santa Claus) announcements.
Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park
333 Clarks Pond Pkwy, South Portland, ME
Urban Air is more than a trampoline park. Here you can also find a Slam Dunk Zone, a warrior course, a playground, and more.
It Adventure Indoor Ropes Course
364 Maine Mall Rd, South Portland, ME
Located inside Jordan’s Furniture store (in the Maine Mall), It Adventure Indoor Ropes Course is the largest indoor ropes course in Maine – with over 40 activities like log roll, angle rope ladders, floating line, and cargo nets. It also has two zip lines and LittleIt, a smaller version of the full-size ropes course with 11 activities for children under 48” tall.
Children's Museum & Theatre of Maine
250 Thompson’s Point Road, Portland, ME
The Children’s Museum moved from its downtown Portland location to a brand new spectacular 30,000 feet building with exhibits spanning three floors and the Outdoor Adventure area.
Some of the interactive exhibits are:
- Go with the Flow. This exhibit features two water works tables full of activities designed so all ages can join in the fun.
- Ramp Up. Engineer your own ball roller coaster with tracks and ramps, then observe the power of gravity through your creation!
- Illuminate. Here you can use engineering to create patterns from illuminated building blocks.
- And more!
Portland Museum of Art
7 Congress St, Portland, ME
Located right in downtown Portland, the museum’s collection includes more than 22,000 artworks, dating from the 18th century to the present.
Free admission for all on Fidays.
Victoria Mansion
109 Danforth St, Portland, ME
The Victoria Mansion is one of the most historic homes of the 19th century. With its colorful wall and ceiling paintings by Italian artist Giuseppe Guidicini, brilliant stained glass, and over ninety percent of its original furnishings, it represents a remarkable survival of pre-Civil War splendor.
Each holiday season, the Mansion transforms into a Victorian winter wonderland for Christmas at Victoria Mansion that is not to be missed.
Portland's Old Port
Old Port, Portland, ME
The Old Port is a quaint historic district with cobblestone streets and brick buildings housing clothing boutiques, gourmet food stores, and souvenir shops.
Try the famous potato donuts from Holy Donut and the best fries in Portland from Duckfat, get homemade gelato from Gorgeous Gelato, shop for unique bags made of recycled sails at Sea Bags, stock up on sweets at Old Port Candy Co. There is so much to explore in Old Port!
If you need suggestions on the restaurants to check out in Old Port, see our DYI food tour posts here:
Southworth Planetarium
70 Falmouth St, Portland, ME
Southworth Planetarium is offering a variety of shows that combine entertainment and education.
We are very excited to check out their new show – Dinosaurs at Dusk!
Evo Rock & Fitness Portland
65 Warren Ave, Portland, ME
Evo Rock & Fitness is a climbing gym. With 17,000 square feet of climbing surface, there is something for everyone at all levels of ability: beginner, intermediate, advanced, lead climbing, speed climbing, and bouldering, for both kids and adults.
Seacoast Adventure
930 Roosevelt Trail, Windham, ME
In summer Seacoast Adventure is offering:
- Mini golf
- Sky Swing
- Go Carts
- Shipwreck Cove Water Playground
In winter, you can go snow tubing here.
Pineland Farms
15 Farm View Dr, New Gloucester, ME
Pineland Farms is a 5,000-acre working farm that is offering a variety of activities all year long.
These are just some of their events:
- Farmyard helper
- Strawberry picking
- Farmyard storytime
- Farm visits
- Skiing
- Pumpkin carving
- Corn maze
- and so many more!
Click the button below to see the calendar of events that are currently offered.
L.L.Bean Flagship Store
95 Main St, Freeport, ME
More than just a store, this shopping center (that is open 24 hours!) offers exciting courses, trips, and tours, plus free clinics, outings, and fun events for your whole family.
See the list of upcoming events here.
Tip: check out L.L. Bean outlet just a few minutes walk from the flagship store for some great bargains.
Maine State Aquarium
194 McKown Point Rd, Boothbay Harbor, ME 04538
Maine State Aquarium is an aquarium specializing in the Gulf of Maine species and offering two interactive touch tanks.
The Aquarium features extraordinary lobsters in all sizes and colors.
Colorful marine life, including red sea anemones and sun stars, can be admired in the “Downeast” tank, while the fascinating behaviors of northern shrimp, squid, and ugly, bottom-dwelling fish will surely capture your attention.
The Maine State Aquarium also exhibits a variety of sport-fish species that are of major interest to anglers. At center stage, sharks and skates circle the tank waiting to be patted by those who dare.
The Coastal Children's Museum
75 Mechanic St, Rockland, ME
The Coastal Children’s Museum is a hands-on, interactive museum.
In addition to puzzles, games, and labyrinths, some of the museum’s exhibits are:
- Under the Sea
- Book Nook
- Wood Workshop
- Tubes & Tracks
- Sharpies General Store
- and more!
Center for Maine Contemporary Art
21 Winter St, Rockland, ME
Center for Maine Contemporary Art is a contemporary arts institution, presenting a year-round program of changing exhibitions featuring the work of emerging and established artists with ties to Maine.
Make sure to check out their events calendar, so you won’t miss such family fun events ArtLab and Maine Makers Market.
Movie Theaters, Arcades & Bowling Alleys
Whether you are trying to escape the summer heat or rain or snow, movie theaters, arcades, and bowling alleys are a foolproof way to entertain the kiddos.
Click on the button below to see the list of places near you.
Our favorites are:
- Smitty’s Cinema where you can watch a movie and eat dinner lounging in a comfy chair at the same time
- Round1 arcade that is right inside the Maine Mall.
International Cryptozoology Museum
32 Resurgam Place, Portland, ME
The world’s only cryptology museum!
Explore a wide range of exhibitions, from unique scientific and zoological specimens to one-of-a-kind artifacts, including an eight-foot-tall Bigfoot representation.
Happy Wheels Skate Center
3 Chabot St, Westbrook, ME
The skating center offers a fun-filled experience for kids and families with its spacious roller skating rink and vibrant atmosphere.
You can take advantage of the Kids Skate Free program that offers free roller skating passes for children so that they can have fun while staying active.
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