Maine Adventures the Whole Family Will Love

As school is out for the summer and parents begin to gear up for the season of fun in the sun, what better place to bring your family than Greater Portland, Maine. Known for our dreamy coastlines and walkable city, Greater Portland also has many sights and stays that are fun for the whole family.

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Kid-Friendly Stays

Aloft Portland Downtown Waterfront

Just steps from the water on Commercial Street, Aloft Portland Downtown Waterfront puts families right in the heart of the action. This 3-star hotel offers a mix of room styles, from cozy king rooms to two-queen setups perfect for families, several with water views of Casco Bay. Kids will love the pool table and ping pong in the lounge, while parents can take advantage of the fitness center or grab a drink at the bar. The hotel is pet-friendly too, so four-legged family members are welcome. With Merrill Auditorium, Victoria Mansion, and the Old Port all nearby, it’s an easy home base for exploring Greater Portland with the whole family.

Courtyard By Marriott Portland Airport

For those who prefer the classic hotel experience, Courtyard by Marriott Portland Airport may just be the place for you and your family to rest after a long day of exploring. This hotel has TVs in each of its clean and spacious rooms and an indoor pool to keep the kids entertained. Scoring in the top 10% of their brand each year since their opening, Courtyard by Marriott Portland Airport is the best place for families to stay after a long road trip or flight to Greater Portland, Maine. This hotel is also very central to the Greater Portland area and just a short drive to Portland’s walkable peninsula.

Wassamki Springs Campground

For the outdoorsy family, what better stay than Wassamki Springs, a campground in Scarborough, Maine. They are located on a private lake, with one mile of beach access and waterfront sites, just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to amenities. They also have recreation facilities for several sports, hay wagon rides, a game room, weekend movies and more! And to top it all off, kids under 17 and pets stay for free. With laundry facilities and free hot showers, there’s not much you can’t do at Wassamki Springs. They are also just a short drive from Portland, Maine, downtown, and Old Orchard Beach, each with family-friendly attractions and restaurants to round out your trip. 

Alouette Beach Resort

If your family loves the beach and is looking for more access to Maine’s beautiful coastline, Alouette Beach Resort has many types of stays that would be perfect for your family. Located on Old Orchard Beach, one of Maine’s most popular beach destinations, this resort offers apartments and cottages with room for the whole family. With beach access right from the resort, your family can enjoy a beach day on a whim without worrying about parking or crowds. Alouette Beach Resort is also just a short walk from Old Orchard Beach’s iconic pier with many restaurants and shops.

Kid-Friendly Activities

Quack N’ Cruise

Is your family looking to explore Portland, Maine’s coastline, streets, history, and more? Quack N’ Cruise is the perfect tour to engage the kids by land and by sea. Watch them be amazed as this bus takes you through the streets, then transforms into a boat and cruises the bay. Truly an experience unique to Portland, Maine, Quack N’ Cruise is a great option for small children and all ages to take it all in and explore the sights.

Children’s Museum and Theatre of Maine

Located on Thompson’s Point just outside downtown Portland, the Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine is a must-visit for families with young kids. With over 30,000 square feet of exhibit space spanning three floors, plus an Outdoor Adventure area, there’s no shortage of ways for little ones to explore, create, and play. Catch a live performance at Maddy’s Theatre, the longest-running children’s theatre in the nation, or let the kids loose in the interactive exhibits designed to spark curiosity at every turn. Be sure to check their daily calendar for special programming during your visit.

minibar

Although we love the beautiful weather in Maine, spending a whole day in the sun can be exhausting for the little ones. After returning to land from a cruise or looking for a place to cool off after walking the city, minibar should be the next stop on your list. This bar is like no other, with an 18-hole indoor mini-golf course, a full-service bar, and a clubhouse with a food menu that offers options to satisfy the whole family. They take walk-ins and reservation tee times. So, if you’re looking for fun that will keep the whole family engaged, Minibar is conveniently located on the East Bay Side in Portland, Maine, the most walkable city in the U.S.

Palace Playland

Another kid-friendly attraction just a short walk from Alouette Beach Resort is Palace Playland, Maine’s only oceanfront amusement park. With an arcade, Ferris wheel, bumper cars, and many more rides and attractions, Palace Playland has rides and attractions for all ages. This amusement isn’t just for those who are already in the Old Orchard area. With lots of convenient parking, roller coasters with waterfront views, and fireworks on Thursdays in the summer, this attraction is worth the drive for any Greater Portland visitor seeking some attractions their kids will rave about.

Maine Wildlife Park

Finally, we have Maine Wildlife Park, home to 30 species of Maine wildlife that cannot be returned to their natural habitats. Many children, and adults alike, come to Maine looking for moose, bears, eagles, and more animals that you may not encounter naturally during your visit. But just a 30-minute drive from downtown Portland, you can guarantee your children will see these animals with their own eyes. Maine Wildlife Park offers a unique, kid-friendly experience your family will remember for years to come.