By Jennifer Hazard
Photo: Courtesy of Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens
Parents should never hear the words, “I’m bored,” during vacation in Maine. To help, this simple list gives you plenty of day trip ideas for summer into early fall. From scenic hikes and butterfly gardens, to historic theaters and creative play spaces, you’ll discover there is no shortage of family-friendly places to visit in Vacationland.
SOUTHERN MAINE
Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge
321 Port Road, Wells
207-646-9226
www.fws.gov/refuge/rachel_carson
This beautiful spot is ideal for young families who want an easy nature walk. The mile-long Carson Trail takes you past views of winding tidal rivers and ocean vistas.
Scarborough Marsh Audubon
Route 9/Pine Point Road, Scarborough
207-883-5100
maineaudubon.org
Rent canoes by the hour and paddle the lush green marsh, where you’ll spot sandpipers along the grassy shoreline. After canoeing, stop in the educational center for hands-on games and exploratory fun.
Greenlight Studio
49 Dartmouth Street, Portland
207-899-1900
greenlight-studio.com
This creative play space for children 6 and under also appeals to grownups. While the kids explore the jungle gym or play kitchen, you can sip a latte or banana kale smoothie at the café.
Maine Rock Gym
127 Marginal Way, Portland
207-780-6370
merockgym.com
For ages 6-12, the Maine Rock Gym hosts a Friday night climbing session from 6 – 8 pm, where instructors teach kids to climb with confidence. During the session, you can escape for a quiet dinner in Portland.
Mackworth Island (Photo: Jen Hazard)
Mackworth Island
One Mackworth Island (via Andrews Avenue), Falmouth
207-775-2411
trails.org
Located off Route 1 beside Casco Bay, the tiny island is home to a rocky beach and woodland paths, where you’ll find fairy houses along the mile-plus trail. Get there early — the small parking lot fills up fast.
Smudge Art Studio for Kids
15 School Street, Freeport
207-865-0272
smudge4kids.com
Drop your children off at Smudge for an hour or two and shop Freeport while the kids paint, color, and craft. My children left with at least a half-dozen inspired creations, and huge smiles on their faces!
MIDCOAST
Maine State Aquarium
194 McKown Point Road, West Boothbay Harbor
207-633-9559
maine.gov/dmr/rm/aquarium
Our family adores this modest aquarium where kids can touch and feel a variety of ocean creatures, including chain cat sharks, horseshoe crabs, and lobsters. On a sunny day, you’ll want to linger. The aquarium is set on a gorgeous peninsula where sailboats drift by.
Photo: Courtesy of Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens
Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens
Barters Island Road, Boothbay
207-633-4333
mainegardens.org
The expansive gardens are stunning on their own, but the Children’s Garden is truly special. Find winding paths, a la Wizard of Oz, whale sculptures that spray water, and a tree house with a rope bridge. Don’t miss “Fairy Fridays” with fun activities in July and August.
Fort Edgecomb
66 Old Fort Road, Edgecomb
207-882-7777
Located on the shores of Wiscasset Harbor, you’ll find one of the best-preserved small forts in the nation. The two-story octagonal blockhouse was built in the early 1800s to protect the harbor from possible British attack, and used again during the Civil War.
Farnsworth Art Museum
16 Museum Street, Rockland
207-596-6457
farnsworthmuseum.org
What better place than a museum for children to explore their creative side? The Farnsworth regularly schedules Family Activity Days and art workshops for kids to craft and create. Check the event calendar for listings.
Point Lookout Bowling Center
67 Atlantic Highway, Northport
207-789-2012
visitpointlookout.com
Take the family bowling atop a wooded mountain that overlooks the Penobscot Bay. The 8-lane bowling alley is open Friday-Sunday. The littlest bowlers can use bumpers, so the focus is always on fun.
Merryspring Nature Center
30 Conway Road (off Route 1), Camden
207-236-2239
merryspring.org
In high summer, there is no better place to view the wildflowers and play among the fields. The stunning 66-acre nature preserve offers many family-friendly trails. Bring a picnic lunch and stay awhile.
LAKES/MOUNTAIN REGION
Bridgton Twin Drive-in Theatre
383 Portland Road, Bridgton
207-647-8666
Find them on Facebook
Built in 1957, the Bridgton theatre is one of five historic drive-ins in the state. Where else can you watch a movie under the stars?
Rufus Porter Museum
67 North High Street, Bridgton
207-647-2828
rufusportermuseum.org
Named after a 19th century artist and inventor that founded the Scientific American, the museum regularly hosts free activities for kids based on Porter’s inventions.
Schoolhouse Arts Center
16 Richville Road, Standish
207-642-3743
schoolhousearts.org
Experience a live stage performance by a talented group of local students. This season, see Annie Junior (May), Fiddler on the Roof (July), and The Mouse Trap (September).
Fort Edgecomb (Photo: Jen Hazard)
Sebago Lake State Park
11 Park Access Road, Casco
207-693-6613
Swim in a sparkling lake and play on a sandy beach shaded by pines. Picnic tables and charcoal grills are scattered throughout the park for leisurely lunches. There is also an expansive playground for kids of all ages.
Crabtree’s Blueberries
703 Bridgton Road, Sebago
207-787-2730
crabcoll.com/blueberry/homepage.html
In late August and September, you can fill tin pails of blueberries to your heart’s delight. Crabtree’s offers six varieties of high-bush blueberries. Availability depends on the season, so be sure to call ahead.
Great Falls Balloon Festival
August 15-17, Lewiston/Auburn
207-783-2249
greatfallsballoonfestival.org
See dozens of colorful hot air balloons taking flight at this unique annual festival; plus live music, fair food, and more family entertainment all weekend long.
