26 Fun Things To Do In Maine With Kids and Teens

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Things To Do In Maine

Feeling stuck for ideas on how to intentionally travel with your children in Maine? You’re in luck! Read on to discover some of the most enjoyable activities to keep kids entertained and use the world as their classroom. We like to call it ‘ed-venture’ when visiting Maine. From nature-filled hikes to scooping up some of the freshest seafood around, this guide will provide the perfect solutions for memorable family holidays and fun things to do in Maine with kids.

Planning a Maine road trip? Keep up on the COVID-19 information concerning travel to Maine here.

Explore fun things to do in Maine with kids & Teens

Maine is a great place for kids and teens to explore and have fun. From the rugged coastline beaches to the Acadia National Park, there are plenty of fun things to do in Maine with kids. Whether your family is looking for an outdoor adventure, a day at the beach, or simply an escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, Maine offers some of the best places to visit with kids.

If you’re looking for the perfect outdoor adventure in Maine with kids, head over to Acadia National Park. Your children can explore wildlife trails or take part in ranger-led activities. Don’t forget to make time for a visit to Thunderhole near Bar Harbor. There’s also Jordan Pond and walks around Otter Cliffs that offer dramatic views over Acadia – need we say more?

Head South

The family should also head down south where Boothbay Harbor provides countless opportunities for fun activities like riding the sea-going trolleys or catching sight of harbor seals from Perkins Cove Viewing Area. Kids will love visiting Sequin Island Lighthouse located nearby or spending the afternoon at one of Boothbay Harbor’s beautiful beaches like Sandy Beach Cove which faces Squirrel Island and Southport Islands facing Penobscot Bay. As an added bonus, this area is located next door to one of Maine’s largest amusement parks—Funtown Splashtown USA!

No matter what you choose, a trip around Maine with the family will be unforgettable! From incredible sights and charming towns full of culture and history, explore all that this great state has to offer your entire family.

Traveling throughout the United States to learn geography & history hands-on is the best way to make all those boring facts and dates stick in your kids’ memory. It’s true! These Maine with kids & teens resources will help you. Look forward to having a blast learning on location using the world as your classroom. Keep reading for exciting and memorable activities and attractions all found in that state whose motto is “Dirigo” meaning “I direct” or “I guide” in Latin.  

Best Places To Visit On A Maine Road Trip Or Field Trip

Maine is full of fun activities and places to visit for the whole family, especially when it comes to road-tripping with kids. Old Orchard Beach is one of the premier coastal towns along the Maine shore that offers fun for the whole family. With its famous gift shop and amusement park, kids will have no problem finding something to do. There are nearby attractions, such as Funtown Splashtown USA and The Aquaboggan Waterpark. There is something to do no matter what age your children are! You can even take a trip on a lobster boat out on Casco Bay or take a stroll down Western Avenue filled with restaurant chains and shops.

Got older kids looking for challenging activities filled with adventure? They can explore Acadia National Park and hike through the Beehive trail or take part in Class IV white water rafting on The Kennebec River. For families that want something more relaxing, consider taking a drive through Acadia Byway which features breathtaking views of surf-sculpted coasts and rolling hillsides filled with huckleberries and wildflowers.

Visit Coastal New England

No matter what your interests are or where life takes you in coastal New England, you’re sure to find plenty of fun things to do in Maine with kids! Enjoy an old-fashioned lobster dinner out on an open pier at Moody Beach. Or have fun shelling beans at Popham Beach State Park. There are seasonal events that cater to every need of yours throughout New England’s rocky coastlines.

With a motto like, “Dirigo” (referring to the North Star that appears on the state seal.), heading to Maine is sure to be exciting & memorable! If you’re not familiar with road trips, you might be asking, “What’s a road trip?” For many homeschoolers & intentional family travelers, it’s a series of car journeys from one destination to another to do several exciting field trips or day tours. Often a 5-day road trip usually means at least three of those days will be filled with super fun, exciting, activities and attractions. 

If you live locally or regionally, you may decide to take that road trip in smaller chunks and plan several field trips around the state of Maine. Below are all the resources you need. Included are itinerary ideas that will also catapult your child’s learning in a variety of subject areas. So have fun using the world as your classroom with intentional family travel. Let’s explore Maine!

fun things to do in Maine with kids: Historical Sites & Parks

Maine is the perfect destination for a family vacation. Whether it’s exploring the great outdoors or experiencing some historical sites and parks. There is plenty of fun things to do in this coastal state. From visiting the local museums and zoos to exploring nature trails or sandy beaches, Maine has something for everyone.

In Bar Harbor, take the family out for field trips where they can learn about the area’s history, such as its role in World War II and influences from Native Americans. Visit Acadia National Park and Mount Desert Island for hiking trails through forests filled with wildlife. Hop on a dock tour of Casco Bay to get an up-close view of whales, seals, and lobster boats. Enjoy views of the Atlantic Ocean from sand beaches along coastal towns such as Wells Beach or Ogunquit Beach.

Outdoor-Focused Activities For All Ages

For outdoor-focused activities for all ages, explore one of Maine’s many state parks such as Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park or Aroostook State Park — which have picnic areas, swimming spots, and campgrounds perfect for camping under open skies, or keeping cozy inside a cabin tent. Also, experience paddle boarding while taking in panoramic views on Casco Bay with beautiful islands in sight. With so much to explore it’s no wonder why Maine is a popular destination spot for families looking to have fun this season!

fun things to do in Maine with kids: Museums & Galleries

Maine is a wonderful place to take kids, as there are plenty of fun things to do and see. With that in mind, why not check out some of the top museums and galleries in the state? From the Farnsworth Art Museum in Rockland to the Children’s Museum of Maine in Portland, you’ll find plenty of options for a wonderfully educational day out with your family.

The Farnsworth Art Museum is one of the oldest art museums in the United States and features works from both national and international artists. The museum holds several special events for children throughout the year, offering workshops and education programs for elementary-aged children as well as summer camps for older kids.

The Children’s Museum of Maine is another popular destination for those looking for things to do with their kids in the Portland area. There are lots of interactive displays, perfect for getting youngsters excited about science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). The museum also offers a variety of lectures on topics such as robotics or family nature activities throughout the year.

In Bar Harbor, you will find the Maine Discovery Museum. This museum combines science and history with art exhibits and interactive displays, which can keep everyone entertained no matter their age. It also offers educational workshops suitable for elementary-aged students during school vacations. Finally, don’t forget to visit some local galleries which offer interesting pieces from contemporary paintings or sculptors that could get your kids excited about art.

Visit Local Artists

These are the two main museums. However, there are quite a few artisans and craftsmen in Maine. Keep an eye out for their private galleries and stalls. These museums offer excellent opportunities for pre-visit and post-visit learning. 

Maine Amusement Parks & Outdoor Activities

Maine is a great destination for families looking for fun and adventurous kid-friendly activities. From amusement parks to outdoor activities, there are plenty of ways to keep your kids entertained while experiencing the beauty of Maine’s outdoors. And don’t forget, amusement parks are perfect places to think about physics and experience the laws of physics hands-on.

A visit to an amusement park can be a great way to gratify your kids’ need for excitement and give them a chance to safely explore their adventurous side. Most amusement parks feature thrill rides like roller coasters, Ferris wheels, and bumper cars, as well as game rooms where they can redeem prizes.

Go Beyond The Typical Amusement Park Experience

Beyond the typical amusement park experience, there are plenty of outdoor activities that make family vacations even more fun in Maine. Take your pick from swimming pools, tennis/basketball courts, and playgrounds at local beaches and campgrounds. A scavenger hunt is also one of the most popular kid-friendly activities that can be enjoyed anywhere outdoors. Spend quality time with your family searching for unique treasure pieces like shells at the beach or interesting plants in nearby forests – lessons on nature appreciation are easily included!

No matter what you choose, taking time away from the hustle and bustle of city life is an amazing way to teach our kids about the natural world and spend quality time together as a family. So head on over and find out why Maine is perfect for a memorable family vacation full of ed-venture.

Maine road trips must include some outdoor family fun.  There are many more activities connected with the various state & national parks and historical sites referenced above. Enjoy getting out and enjoying the beauty of Maine any time of year. You may even enjoy a simple nature walk & photo scavenger hunt to capture travel memories along the way.

fun things to do in Maine with kids: Zoos & Aquariums

If you’re looking for a perfect place to take the kids for some fun, Maine has many zoos and aquariums that will provide hours of educational entertainment. From Portland, Maine’s largest city and home to the Maine Zoo and the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, to smaller zoos, like the Springvale Zoological Park and Animal Sanctuary in Sanford, there’s something for nature lovers of all ages.

In Portland, Maine you’ll find everything from exotic animals at the zoo to magnificent aquatic life at the aquarium. Make sure you also check out Perkins Cove at Marginal Way in Ogunquit. This oceanfront boardwalk offers stunning views of Casco Bay while you explore its shops and galleries as well as its seasonal lobster roll stands. For educational fun that combines both history with science, visit The Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine in Portland for interactive experiences that teach about marine life (including touch tanks) as well as other cultural experiences like a simulated international village and a state-of-the-art planetarium.

Attention Nature Lovers

Nature lovers will also enjoy exploring Casco Bay on one of its many ferry excursions; August is prime time for whale watching where humpback whales and seals put on an unforgettable show. For more than just sea life watching head over to Little Prospect Mountain Park which offers hiking trails and breathtaking views of Wells Harbor & Atlantic Ocean or take your little ones over to A Great Falls Tour Boat & Scenic Railway which is a great way to learn about local flora & fauna in a fun yet relaxed atmosphere.

No matter what kind of outdoor activity it may be that your kids are interested in doing; Maine has it all from animals to water activities making it an ideal destination for families looking for something new to explore!

Maine’s animal life is very much a part of everyday life. The Maine Virtual Learning science resources will help you turn a field trip into an ongoing learning experience.

fun things to do in Maine with kids: Historic Landmarks

Maine is a great place to take the family for a fun and educational trip! With its rich history and beautiful scenery, there are many historic landmarks to explore. One of the most popular attractions in Maine is the Portland Head Light, one of the state’s most photographed lighthouses. Explore this iconic lighthouse and learn about its important role in Maine’s maritime history. There are also many other historic lighthouses throughout the state worth checking out.

Another great thing to do in Maine with kids is to visit Camden Hills State Park. It offers some of the most stunning natural vistas in New England. The park features interactive exhibits that make learning about the environment fun for all ages. It also includes hikes up Cadillac Mountain for breathtaking views of Camden Harbor and nearby islands. Whether you’re exploring or taking part in ranger-led programs, your family will have no shortage of activities to do at this park.

Explore Historic Lighthouses

Whether it’s exploring quaint towns or visiting state parks and historic lighthouses, there are plenty of wonderful things to do in Maine with kids and teens! Make sure to add some historic sites to your itinerary when planning an upcoming trip so your family has an unforgettable experience full of discovery and exploration.

Maine’s rich history can be found by exploring famous landmarks. This list is just a few of the best. Pick the ones you want to visit and start planning your visit to learn more about Maine’s landmarks.

With all those lighthouses, it may be time to add a few physical science lessons like Isaac Newton’s discoveries of the light spectrum.

Maine Like The Locals

With so many coastlines and beaches, there are plenty of opportunities to play in the sand. Make sure you hop on the local ferry and head out to a few of the islands too.  The locals like to hop on the ferry to go for ice cream, just for fun!

Maine Places To Visit For Virtual Travel & Learning

Make the most of learning about Maine by taking a few virtual field trips and incorporating the Maine State Study pack into your pre-and post-visit activities. Your kids will enjoy hands-on activities and museums more when they have a little understanding of the people and places they will be visiting. Add in a good book, some digital activities to learn history and geography, and some super art for easy ways to inspire and educate. It’s all in these US State Study resources.

The  Maine State Study pack makes it easy for your family to have fun learning about Maine at home (virtually) or on the road.

Learn About Maine’s Famous People

  • Joshua L. Chamberlain 
  • Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
  • Harriet Beecher Stowe
  • and more!

Learn About Maine’s Famous Landmarks:

  • Acadia National Park: National park in Mount Desert Island, Maine.
  • Bay of Fundy: Bay on the Atlantic coast between Maine and Canada.
  • Portland Head Light: Lighthouse in Cape Elizabeth, Maine.
  • Mount Katahdin: The highest mountain in Maine, located in Baxter State Park.
  • Fort Knox: State park in Prospect, Maine.
  • Portland Observatory: Historic maritime signal tower and museum in Portland, Maine.
  • and more!

You will also find resources for science, art, and geography to round out a packed week (or longer) of learning resources for kids aged 3rd grade to 12th grade.

Explore Maine & Use The World As Your Classroom

The Maine State Study pack has all the resources in a PDF. You and your kids can pick and choose which ones you want to complete. It is a carefully curated course with separate sections for middle/high schoolers. There are exciting videos and selected lessons so your family can easily learn online.

EXPLORING THE NORTHEAST?

Vermont, New Hampshire, & Massachusetts are top stops for families that love to use the world as their textbook. These posts will help you homeschool, travel, and learn together. Have fun! Below are a few more resources to help you use the world as your classroom.

Homeschool, Travel & Learn With The Let’s Study The Americas, the Caribbean, Australia & Oceania Bundle

No more cobbling your curriculum together and hoping it works! Everything you need is included in these World Geography bundles!

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