Get into woodworking at the Children's Museum & Theatre's sawmill. Photo courtesy of the museum

Best Portland, ME Museums and Cultural Sites for Families

1. Children's Museum & Theatre of Maine

Kids can play dress-up, splash at the water table, create their own display in the Maker Space, or see a show at this fun children's museum. The museum and theater moved to a new building in 2021, and it's simply stunning!

2. Portland Museum of Art

Pay a visit to this fantastic art museum, where kids always enjoy free admission. Don't miss the outdoor, seasonal sculpture garden.

3. Portland Observatory

The Portland Observatory is the only known remaining historic maritime signal tower in the United States, where you can take in magnificent views of Portland, Casco Bay, Back Cove, and Mt. Washington.

4. Victoria Mansion

Behold the opulence of a Turkish Smoking Room circa 1860 at this National Historic Landmark, a favorite stop for school groups and tourists alike. It's open May through October.

5. Wadsworth-Longfellow House

Tour the historic Wadsworth-Longfellow House, the oldest standing brick structure on the Portland peninsula. Then enjoy a moment of quiet in the house's Longfellow Garden.

6. USM Planetarium

See the light show at the University of Southern Maine's Planetarium for the perfect rainy-day activity in Maine with kids.

7. Umbrella Cover Museum

Find wonder and beauty in the simplest of things at this small, quirky museum on Peaks Island. The tour takes about 20 minutes and includes interactive exhibits, prizes, and surprises. The museum is open from Memorial Day through Labor Day. 

8. Portland Public Library

Drop in to the Portland Public Library to explore the shelves or visit the Children’s Special Collection in the Portland Room. Check the calendar for kids' programming such as storytimes, crafts, and more. 

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Discover fairy houses and more forest dwellings on Mackworth Island.

Outdoor Things To Do in Portland, ME with Kids

9. Mackworth Island

Hike the fairy trail along Mackworth Island, which serves up views of Casco Bay and gives kids plenty of space to explore Maine woods. Even the youngest kids can usually complete the full loop around the island. (Just pack your snacks and water!)

10. Bike the Back Cove

Bike along the Back Cove loop trail, or connect to the Eastern Prom for a full morning of biking Portland, ME with the kids.

11. Bug Light Park

Fly a kite at this favorite spot among locals. You can also catch a seasonal outdoor movie, attend a festival, and enjoy plenty of ocean views.

12. Fort Williams Park

Explore the abandoned Battery Keyes fort built in 1906 at Fort Williams Park, which sits adjacent to the waterfront. A trip to this old fort often ranks high among kids' favorite things to do near Portland, ME. Skip rocks along the beach, or take in the view of Maine’s oldest lighthouse, Portland Head Light. There are a number of walking trails near the lighthouse, too.

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Discover the secret stone slide in the Children's Garden at Fort Williams.

13. Children's Garden at Fort Williams

Grab a lobster roll or gelato from one of the food trucks at Fort Williams while you continue exploring the gorgeous Children's Garden with flowers, tunnels, a pond, and a secret stone slide.

14. Go Fishing

Cast a line and try to catch a mackerel off the end of the Maine State Pier on Commercial Street. Pick up gear at the Tackle Shop.

15. Deering Oaks Park

Enjoy a mega playground at Deering Oaks Park, as well as a pool and splash pad in the summertime. Come winter, skate around the pond here while enjoying the holiday lights. 

16. Payson Park

Hit the playground, the seasonal splash pad, or the sports fields at this 48-acre Back Cove park in Portland, ME.

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A free trip to the playground is always a parenting win.

17. Eastern Prom Playground

My kids love the Eastern Promenade Playground with its wide-open spaces, if somewhat modest equipment. Located on Portland's East End, parents can order lunch and treats from the food trucks that line the street.

18. Root for the Portland Sea Dogs

Take the kids out to the ballgame to cheer on Portland's minor-league baseball team. Join the free Hood Kids Club to score free tickets, run the bases after a game, and enjoy more perks. 

19. Take a Hike

Explore Portland’s trails year-round on foot, cross-country skis, or snowshoes. We especially love the Presumpscot River Preserve for its bridges, waterways, and pretty waterfall.

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Go north or south to day trip from Portland to a Maine beach; there are loads of nearby options.

20. Hit the Beach

In my book, no trip to Maine is complete without a trip to the beach.While you shouldn't swim in Portland Harbor, there are a number of gorgeous, sandy, swimmable beaches near Portland, including Crescent Beach State Park, Popham Beach State Park, Ferry Beach, Willard, Scarborough/Pine Point, and the tiny, tide pool-rich Higgins Beach.

21. Old Orchard Beach

Take a day trip to nearby Old Orchard Beach to hit the amusement park rides and arcade, walk the pier, or just enjoy a day on the sand.

22. Sail through Casco Bay

Book a sailboat and go for a sail through beautiful Casco Bay. Two of our favorite sailing companies are Portland Schooner and Sail Portland Maine.

23. Go Sea Kayaking or Paddleboarding

Learn to sea kayak or paddleboard with Portland Paddle, which also offers a "family paddle" tour.

24. Take a Duck Boat Tour

Ride the duck boat around Portland, ME, both on the street and in the water. The kids will go nuts for this.

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Rent bikes or a golf cart and explore the old graffiti-covered tunnels in Battery Steele on Peaks Island. Photo by Shira Kronzon

More Things To Do in Portland, ME with Kids

25. Peaks Island

Among the most iconic things to do in Portland, ME in the summer is taking a trip to Peaks Island, only a short ferry ride from downtown Portland. Wheel around the island with a stroller or rented bike, and be sure to duck into Battery Steele, a WWII defense that is now part of a nature preserve on the island.

26. Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad

Ride back in time on an antique narrow gauge train along the scenic Eastern Promenade of Casco Bay. Rides are offered April through October.

27. Old Port District

Explore the shops, Portland restaurants, and waterfront by walking the narrow cobblestone streets of Portland, Maine's Old Port District.

28. Treehouse Toys

Pick up a Maine-made, earth-friendly toy from this awesome local toy shop. 

29. L.L. Bean Flagship Store

Shop for those iconic boots, sleeping bags for the kids, or kayaks at the flagship L.L. Bean store just a short drive from Portland, ME in Freeport. This pretty coastal town is loaded with outlet shopping and decent restaurants, and the flagship store often hosts events.

30. Catch a Hockey Game

Watch the Maine Mariners skate to ice hockey glory—or at least try to—at the downtown Portland, ME arena.

31. Ice Skate at Thompson's Point

An open-air ice rink sits atop Thompson's Point, which juts out over the river. Ice skating on it is among our favorite things to do in Portland, ME during the winter. Skate rentals, a snack stand, and Maine beers are available, too.

32. Bayside Bowl

Get stunning views of Portland from the rooftop deck of Bayside Bowl. In addition to 10-pin bowling, you can also grab delicious grub and listen to a steady rotation of live music.

33. Candlepin Bowling

Bowl the way Mainers do with smaller balls and "candlepins." Try Big 20 in Scarborough, where nothing seems to have changed in decades, from the wood paneling to the manual scoring. Or, roll the big balls at the modern Spare Time in Portland, which includes an arcade and concessions.

34. Terrarium

Make a DIY terrarium at thus unique spot, which serves house-made snacks, local craft beers, and other beverages. Families can walk in and start creating or sign up for a guided workshop.

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Dive into authentic gelato at Gorgeous Gelato in Old Port. Photo courtesy of the shop

Kid-Friendly Portland Restaurants and Food

35. Ice Cream Shops

Indulge in delicious homemade ice cream for a sweet summer treat. We love Mt. Desert Island Ice Cream and local favorite Beals Ice Cream. Or, introduce the kids to authentic gelato with a visit to the divine Gorgeous Gelato, founded and run by an Italian couple. All three shops are in the heart of Portland's Old Port district.

36. Salvage BBQ

Dig into authentic southern BBQ and Maine micro brews at this popular Portland restaurant. It's spacious and casual enough that kids can run around without causing a scene. Enjoy large communal tables and a few arcade games, too. 

37. Public Market House

Eat your way through Portland's Public Market in Monument Square. Portland, ME has been recognized repeatedly as a foodie city, and Public Market is a great way to sample the fare.

38. DiMillo's

Savor the catch of the day while enjoying scenic views from DiMillo’s floating restaurant, which sits in Portland Harbor. Sure, it's touristy, but kids will thrill to eat on a boat!

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Meet Lenny, the ​life-sized chocolate moose at Len Libby Chocolatier.

39. Len Libby's

Gape at the world’s only life-size chocolate moose, Lenny, at Len Libby Chocolatier in neighboring Scarborough. While you’re there, sample the Needhams, a favorite local chocolate stuffed with coconut.

40. Becky's Diner

Order a Mickey Mouse Fruity-Face Pancake at this yummy diner on Hobson’s Wharf.

41. Portland Pie Company

Sink your teeth into a hearty specialty or gluten-free pizza at this local pizza chain.

42. Holy Donut

Indulge in a treat at this inventive local donut shop, which has plenty of gluten-free and vegan options.

43. Rose Foods

Load up on the lox with your everything bagel from the beloved Rose Foods.

44. Highroller Lobster Company

What started as a food truck has now become a Portland institution serving lobster grilled cheese, lobster tacos, lobster Rangoon, fried lobster, and “build your own” rolls. Customize yours with a wide variety of sauces and add-ons. Yum! 

45. Duckfat

Duckfat’s menu offers a wide variety of dishes to suit every palate, from hearty comfort food to healthier options. Make sure to check out the Frites Shack to grab some of its world-famous French fries.

46. Harbor Fish Market

Staying somewhere with a kitchen? Let the kids pick out dinner from Harbor Fish Market, where the sea water can be seen beneath the planks of the pier.

Great Hotels in Portland, ME for Families

47. Residence Inn Portland Downtown/Waterfront

Start the day with a swim in the indoor pool before heading to the dining room for your free breakfast when you stay at the Residence Inn Portland Downtown/Waterfront. It's the only all-suite hotel in downtown Portland.

48. Hyatt Place Portland - Old Port

This hotel, located just one block from the Casco Bay Waterfront and historic harbor, is surrounded by restaurants, shops, museums, and more. Families will love the free breakfast and the indoor pool. 

49. Holiday Inn Portland - by the Bay

Another great Casco Bay Waterfront hotel, the Holiday Inn offers spacious rooms with either city or ocean views. Plus, it boasts the largest in door pool in Portland. 

50. Inn at Diamond Cove

This island retreat, nestled along the shores of Great Diamond Island off the coast of Maine, is the beautifully transformed former barracks of Fort McKinley. Enjoy a waterfront restaurant, an outdoor swimming pool, loads of other outdoor activities, and condo-style accommodations.

Originally published April 2012 by Tara D, but revised and updated in 2021 with help from some pretty awesome Mainers.

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Photos by the author except where noted