10 Emerging Sports + Hobbies to Try in Portland, Maine
10 Emerging Sports + Hobbies in Maine: Recreation for Active Travelers
Adventure Sports, Family Recreation, and Championship Energy Everyday in Maine
In Portland, sports are a way of life. Whether it’s a summer Sea Dogs baseball game exploding with fireworks under stadium lights or a Maine Mariners hockey playoff igniting into a cheer in the middle of winter at Cross Insurance Arena, this is a city that knows how to root for the home team. Beyond the stands and spectator sports, Greater Portland’s identity as a sports destination is as interactive as you choose to make it when you come for vacation.
The region’s recreational spaces are buzzing with activity. The same enthusiasm that chants from the bleachers is being reimagined into a new way to play—on trails, on courts, on courses, and across coastlines..
What truly sets Greater Portland apart is the depth of support for those looking to get involved. Across every sport, you’ll find dedicated communities, seasoned instructors, and welcoming organizations ready to help those learning the ropes or leveling-up skills. Here’s 10 trending sports and hobbies you can try in Portland supported by a deep bench of local talent—coaches, trainers, and volunteers who are passionate about growing emerging sports and making them accessible for anyone, from anywhere, to join in for a game.
Portland always offers a place—and a team—to back you up.
1. Pickleball: Portland’s Fastest Growing Game
Pickleball is having a moment—and in Portland, it’s easy to join in for a rally or two. Nearly 20 million Americans played pickleball in 2024, that’s roughly a 50% increase from previous years. Public courts across the city have been marked with pickleball lines, including at Deering Oaks Park, Payson Park, Riverton Community Center, and the Eastern Prom. All available for walk-up use (first come-first serve) and for 60 minute sessions. Starting in 2025 you can even secure your spot with an online reservation for public Pickleball and Tennis courts.
Additionally, a variety of indoor courts at area YMCAs, community centers, and private clubs in the surrounding region offer year-round play, lessons, and league opportunities. The sport’s short learning curve, social nature, and low-impact physicality make it a hit with everyone from young families to retirees—and Portland’s growing infrastructure shows it’s more than just a passing fad. Giving you time to win a game or maybe even get a Golden Pickle!
2. Disc Golf: Scenic Fairways with a Serious Following
Disc golf has quietly become one of New England’s most-watched and most-played emerging sports, with tournament streams pulling thousands of viewers online and newcomers test-driving courses across the East Coast (and beyond). And in Maine, the experience is unmatched. With towering pines, rolling hills, and crisp air, the state delivers both a physical challenge and a deep breath of peace.
Pineland Farms in New Gloucester (about an hour from Portland) is an example of a maintained course set on acres of farmland and forest. It’s a destination in its own right, drawing regional competitors and casual players alike. In the Greater Portland area, disc golf blends the precision of traditional golf with the meditative motion of a trail hike. What started as a niche hobby now features thriving local leagues, amateur tournaments, and a community of passionate players ready to welcome newcomers to the basket.
3. Gravel Biking: Maine’s Off-Road Obsession
Maine is quickly climbing the ranks as one of New England’s premier gravel biking destinations. With its rugged coastline, pine-forested interior, and hundreds of miles of mixed-terrain trails, the state offers something for every rider—from road cyclists eager to go off-pavement to seasoned gravel grinders chasing their next endurance challenge. Thanks to the Bicycle Coalition of Maine’s curated collection of Ride with GPS routes, exploring the best of the state’s terrain has never been easier. These mapped rides showcase everything from coastal loops to wooded ascents, making it simple for visitors to plug in and pedal.
In the Greater Portland area, the Eastern Trail offers a welcoming warm-up before riders branch into gravel-rich networks threading through Standish, Westbrook, and Scarborough. Not sure where to start? Local bike shops and outfitters offer guided group tours—ideal for travelers looking to get the lay of the land and meet fellow cyclists.
These rides provide an immersive introduction to the region’s unique cycling textures, from cobblestone connectors and scenic ridgelines to fatbiking-friendly winter routes. Whether you’re planning a casual cruise or gearing up for a multi-day bikepacking adventure, Maine’s gravel culture is as grounded in community as it is in exploration.
4. Inner Tube Water Polo: Make a Splash, Spin on a Classic
Water polo may not be the first sport that comes to mind when you picture Maine, but Portland has made a splash in this arena—particularly with its growing access to inner tube water polo. Available at select community pools and aquatic centers like the Portland YMCA and South Portland Community Center, particularly during summer programming and seasonal leagues, this playful version of traditional water polo has become an unexpected favorite. Participants float in inner tubes while paddling, passing, and blocking their way toward the goal. As more recreational centers and summer programs introduce it to their lineup, inner tube water polo is carving out a unique space in Portland’s broader aquatic culture.
Of course, Maine still shines when it comes to traditional water sports. Whitewater rafting and tubing offer iconic river adventures, from serene drifts with friends to adrenaline-pumping runs on the Kennebec and Dead Rivers. If you’re staying closer to Portland, try stand-up paddleboarding around Casco Bay, kayaking to Fort Gorges, or floating lazily down the Saco. With options ranging from relaxing to extreme, Maine’s 3,000 miles of rocky coast offer an entry point for every level of thrill seeker.
5. Archery or Fly Fishing: Precision in the Peace of the Wilderness
Archery and fly fishing may appear worlds apart, but in Maine, they share a quiet intensity and an almost meditative connection to the landscape. These precision-based sports are enjoying a resurgence—especially among travelers looking to unplug and recenter. Whether you’re standing still on the bank of a cold stream or drawing your bow in the stillness of the woods, both activities reward rhythm, patience, and presence.
The best place to start? The L.L.Bean Outdoor Discovery Programs in Freeport offer immersive, beginner-friendly lessons in both archery and fly casting, led by expert guides in serene outdoor settings. These small-group classes emphasize skill-building and mindfulness over competition, creating a low-pressure space to try something new. More than just outdoor hobbies, fly fishing and archery in Maine are ways to slow down, focus up, and tune into nature’s pace—one cast or arrow at a time.
6. Skateboarding: All Ages, All Levels, All Wheels Welcome
Skateboarding has long been a local favorite in Portland, but thanks to expanded skate infrastructure and an increasingly tight-knit rider community, it’s about to see new high scores. Portland Skatepark is the city’s largest and only official skate park, boasting nearly 15,000 square feet of concrete terrain designed for skateboarders, scooterists, rollerskaters, rollerbladers, and BMX riders of all skill levels. Its diverse range of ramps, rails, and transitions attracts skaters from across New England and fosters an environment where newcomers are mentored and seasoned riders can showcase their creativity.
Just over the bridge, South Portland Skatepark adds even more dimension to the region’s skate scene. Located next to the South Portland Community Center, this 10,000-square-foot park was designed with input from local skaters and accessibility in mind. Smooth lines, welcoming transitions, and inclusive energy make it a go-to option for beginners and pros alike. Together, these two public parks represent a unified skate culture that’s not only thriving—but redefining—Greater Portland as a true hub for skate sports in the Northeast.
7. Snowmobiling + ATVing: Maine’s Trailblazing Thrill
Snowmobiling and ATVing are two of the most thrilling ways to explore Greater Portland’s natural landscape—and you don’t have to venture far from downtown to join the action. Just west of the city, towns like Falmouth, Gorham, and Westbrook offer access to snowmobile trails maintained by local clubs. These routes weave through quiet forests, frozen lakes, and rolling fields, transforming into fast, scenic winter highways during the colder months. Riders of all levels come to test their skill and soak in the views, and many trail systems offer updated digital maps and parking areas for easy access.
When the snow melts, much of that same trail network transitions into off-road terrain for ATV riders. Whether you’re cruising through wooded cut-through the region with a mix of off-road access from beginner-friendly paths to technical tracks. Seasonal rentals, club events, and day-pass options make it easy for newcomers to get started. These year-round trail systems showcase Maine’s commitment to outdoor recreation and community pride.
8. Virtual Golf: Year-Round Precision
Indoor golf in Greater Portland has reached new heights, with tech-forward facilities like X-Golf in Portland offering year-round access to digitally rendered holes in high definition for simulated play that feels as real as the fairway. Players can virtually tee off at legendary greens and experience the challenge and thrill of the game but with snacks and cocktails on demand. This blend of sport and technology means no matter the season, your golf game doesn’t have to go dormant. These state-of-the-art simulators blend performance analytics with the joy of play—providing real-time feedback to help golfers fine-tune their swing, analyze ball trajectory, and level up their game even if they can’t get on the green.
But it’s more than just data. These indoor golf venues have become social hot spots, too, offering a relaxed, weatherproof setting for group play, lessons, or competitive league nights. For travelers and locals alike, it’s a perfect way to stay in the game.
9. Bowling: A Classic with Competitive Spirit
Bowling, a nostalgic fave, holds its own in Portland’s competitive recreation scene. The city even plays host to Professional Bowlers Association level events and national tournaments, making it a consistent stop for serious players across the country. Whether you’re catching the pros in action or stepping into a league night yourself, the energy is unmistakably electric.
Locally loved venues like Bayside Bowl and Spare Time Entertainment are at the heart of it all, offering league nights, glow bowling, rooftop hangouts, and lanes packed with personality and special events. Try candlepin bowling throughout Maine, a type of bowling with slender pins and handheld balls mostly found in New England. With new technology, elevated experiences, and a steady stream of both locals and visitors trying their hand at a perfect game, bowling in Greater Portland proves it’s still one of the most engaging and inclusive ways for the whole family to get in on a game.
10. Dodgeball + Flag Football: Fast-Paced + Easy Entry
Dodgeball and flag football are back in a big way across Greater Portland—bringing fast-paced action and social energy to the region’s indoor gyms and outdoor fields. Dodgeball has made a triumphant return, especially among adults, with leagues hosted in South Portland, Westbrook, and surrounding towns. Quick brackets, full-body movement, and a throwback vibe make it a hit for anyone looking to compete without committing to a full season. It’s exercise disguised as fun—and a great way to meet new friends or locals willing to give you the perfect dinner recommendation.
Flag football has also found a growing audience, especially with co-ed and youth leagues expanding through community centers and recreation departments. The non-contact format makes it beginner-friendly, while still packing in plenty of strategy and excitement. Weekly games across Greater Portland—from open green spaces to organized fields—give players of all levels an easy entry into the sport. Whether you’re dodging, diving, or drawing up the next play, these two sports are turning heads and ready to be played on local turf fields across Greater Portland.
More Maine Indoor Sports to Try Year-Round
Indoor climbing gyms across Southern Maine now offer auto-belay routes and bouldering options for all levels, while curling clubs—in Portland, Falmouth, and Belfast—welcome newcomers for winter leagues and open houses. And for those who like speed and spin on a smaller scale, table tennis across Greater Portland are attracting players seeking strategy, quick reflexes, and community competition. These sports are driven by tight-knit communities eager to support those who are just getting started.
Discover What Moves You
Portland’s active sports culture is being shaped not just by tradition, but by curiosity. It’s about discovering what moves you—whether that’s paddling into the bay at sunrise or squaring-up for a strike at midnight.
New ways of seeing Maine, of stepping into its rhythm, and of participating in the story it tells in every season.
PLAN YOUR TRIP | OUTDOOR ADVENTURE | SPECTATOR SPORTS