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Portland, ME · Guide

Things to do with kids in Portland

Perched on Maine’s rugged rocky coast, Portland and its surrounding capes offer a family getaway balanced between outdoor adventure and historic New England charm. This guide skews primarily toward children in the preschool and school age bands, with plenty of expansive green spaces like those in South Portland and Cape Elizabeth that allow for active movement between sightseeing stops.

From the maritime history found downtown in the Old Port to the expansive shoreline of the surrounding state parks, the city is a accessible base for exploring Casco Bay. Families can easily mix educational visits to historic observatories with time spent on local ferries or playing in well-maintained coastal parks.

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  1. 01

    Portland Head Light

    4.8 (16,867)Cape Elizabeth, ME 04107, USA
    Kids' menu likelyLivelyAll ages

    This iconic lighthouse is set within a large park where visitors can explore ruins like the Goddard Mansion and ship wreck exhibits. The site offers wide grassy areas and proximity to food trucks serving lobster rolls and ice cream.

    When to go: null

    Parent tip · The museum features a shipwreck map that is particularly engaging for younger travelers.
  2. 02

    Fort Williams Park

    4.8 (3,866)1000 Shore Rd, Cape Elizabeth, ME 04107, USA
    LivelyAll ages

    A massive 90-acre scenic space overlooking the Atlantic Ocean featuring historic fort ruins and many trails. The park includes designated areas to picnic and play various sports along the scenic Cliff Walk.

    When to go: null

    Parent tip · Overflow parking is available and sometimes offers a free alternative to paid lots.
  3. 03

    Allagash Brewing Company

    4.8 (1,544)50 Industrial Wy, Portland, ME 04103, USA
    LivelyAll ages

    This brewery features a tasting room with both indoor and outdoor space and a gift shop. On-site food trucks typically offer lobster rolls to supplement the rotating selection of craft beers.

    When to go: null

    Parent tip · Outdoor spaces often include games to keep visitors entertained.
  4. 04

    Bug Light Park

    4.7 (2,574)South Portland, ME 04106, USA
    CalmAll ages

    A waterfront park featuring a unique lighthouse and one of the largest parking lots in the city. The green space is ideal for flying kites or tossing a baseball while watching commercial boat traffic.

    When to go: no wait weekdays

    Parent tip · The park's large hill is a popular spot for viewing harbor fireworks.
  5. 05

    Casco Bay Lines

    4.7 (2,246)56 Commercial St, Portland, ME 04101, USA
    LivelyAll ages

    This ferry service provides a variety of routes around Casco Bay, including a mail run that offers narrated island views. Passengers are permitted to bring their own food and drinks aboard for the journey.

    When to go: null

    Parent tip · Dress significantly warmer than you expect if you plan to sit on the bow of the boat.
  6. 06

    Fort Allen Park

    4.7 (2,021)49 Eastern Promenade, Portland, ME 04101, USA
    CalmAll ages

    Located on the East End, this park features historical memorials and plaques with excellent views of the harbor and islands. It sits near the Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad and local food trucks.

    When to go: null

    Parent tip · The park provides numerous benches and space to bring your own chairs for relaxing.
  7. 07

    Kettle Cove State Park

    4.8 (813)Kettle Cove Rd, Cape Elizabeth, ME 04107, USA
    CalmAll ages

    A state park with several easy walking trails that lead to a quiet beach and rocky coastline. The grounds include basic grills, picnic tables, and swings for children to use.

    When to go: null

    Parent tip · Watch children closely on the trails as there are local warnings for ticks and poison ivy.
  8. 08

    Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse

    4.8 (778)2 Fort Rd, South Portland, ME 04106, USA
    CalmBest for school-age

    This lighthouse features a walk across a stone breakwater and guided tours provided by volunteers. Visitors can enjoy views of the bay and nearby island forts from the end of the stone trail.

    When to go: null

    Parent tip · The walk out to the lighthouse has large gaps between stones that may be difficult for small children.
  9. 09

    Two Lights State Park

    4.7 (1,602)7 Tower Dr, Cape Elizabeth, ME 04107, USA
    CalmAll ages

    A coastal state park offering a playground, picnic grills, and gently sloping trails. The site includes historical WWII defensive batteries and scenic views of the rocky shoreline.

    When to go: null

    Parent tip · The park features a sheltered grassy area with outlets that is often quieter than the main sections.
  10. 10

    Portland Museum of Art

    4.6 (2,284)7 Congress Sq, Portland, ME 04101, USA
    Kids' menu likelyCalmBest for school-age

    This museum houses a diverse collection of paintings and sculptures spanning from European masters to local Maine artists. The four-floor facility is equipped with an elevator and an underground cafe.

    When to go: null

    Parent tip · The fourth floor features contemporary art displays of animals that are approachable for younger visitors.
  11. 11

    Victoria Mansion

    4.6 (1,241)109 Danforth St, Portland, ME 04101, USA
    CalmBest for school-age

    An extensively restored historical home featuring architectural detail and hand-painted surfaces. The site offers both guided and self-guided tours led by knowledgeable docents.

    When to go: arrive early for parking

    Parent tip · The holiday season is a popular time to visit due to extensive artistic decorations throughout the house.
  12. 12

    Portland Observatory

    4.6 (861)138 Congress St, Portland, ME 04101, USA
    CalmBest for school-age

    A historic maritime tower offering guided 45-minute tours focused on 19th-century ship monitoring. Visitors can climb to the top for 360-degree views of Portland Harbor and the city skyline.

    When to go: check website for tour times

    Parent tip · The observatory is not handicap accessible and requires climbing several flights of stairs.
  13. 13

    Children's Museum & Theatre of Maine

    4.5 (1,510)250 Thompsons Point Rd, Portland, ME 04102, USA
    LivelyBest for preschool

    A hands-on museum featuring multiple floors of interactive exhibits, including a popular water room, a lobster boat, and a fire truck. The facility also hosts a dedicated theater with shows for kids.

    When to go: null

    Parent tip · There is a gated play area specifically designed for infants and toddlers.
  14. 14

    Scarborough Beach

    4.6 (610)418 Black Point Rd, Scarborough, ME 04074, USA
    Kids' menu likelyLivelyAll ages

    A large sandy beach with a rental shop for umbrellas and boogie boards. On-site facilities include changing areas and food kiosks selling smoothies, fries, and snacks.

    When to go: null

    Parent tip · Parking is cash-only, so prepare accordingly before arriving at the beach gate.

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