Top 10 Places To Visit In Maine – Get ready to discover the best places to visit in Maine with kids this summer! With mild temperatures, a rugged coastline, and gorgeous beaches, travelers of all ages will love this New England state. From Ogunquit to Bar Harbor, you’ll find countless family-friendly adventures. Take a lobster boat tour, observe the local wildlife, or visit a museum. There are many ways to experience Maine, but many families choose to take a road trip. Start in Kennebunkport and make your way to Camden, stopping in Wells, Cape Elizabeth and York along the way. Then, don’t miss the famous Acadia National Park in Portland, or Bar Harbor. Because Maine is such a versatile destination, we’ve compiled this guide to the best places to visit in Maine with kids this summer. Whether you’re planning a road trip or need general tips, keep reading for our parent-approved advice!
Ogunquit is a charming town on the south coast of Maine. With sandy beaches, cultural activities and many delicious restaurants, there is no better place to start your summer vacation. Lounge on the gorgeous Ogunquit Beach, which is big, clean and bustling. Parking is available nearby, and kids can rent gear from various vendors along the shore.
Top 10 Places To Visit In Maine
Families can also take a tour on the Ogunquit Trolley. Then, for more spectacular views, take a walk on the famous Marginal Way, a mile-long scenic mountain walk through scenic vistas, historic palaces and private beaches. Eventually, you will arrive at the small fishing village of Perkins Cove. Explore its quaint shops, restaurants and cafes. Known for previous performances viz
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Families can also visit the Ogunquit Playhouse. With live musical performances throughout the summer and a designated Kids’ Theater program, you’re bound to find some entertainment that your little ones will enjoy!
There are tons of things to do in Ogunquit with kids! If you have extra time on your vacation, consider visiting the Ogunquit Museum of American Art, taking a Finestkind Scenic Cruise, or heading to Footbridge Beach. We also recommend taking a day trip to nearby Cape Neddick, another great place to visit in Maine with kids this summer!
Families will find plenty of places to stay near Ogunquit, Maine. We suggest booking a room at the Beachmere Inn, a Cape Cod-style hotel overlooking the ocean. Looking out to sea near Ogunquit Beach, you can also try Anchorage by the Sea, which has its own children’s pool. Dunes on the Waterfront offers direct access to Ogunquit Beach, plus it’s family-run, so the atmosphere is age-friendly.
Then, the Colonial Inn, a ten-minute walk from Ogunquit Beach, has its own trolley service set up in three separate buildings. We also recommend Sparhawk Oceanfront Resort, Juniper Hill Inn, and Gorges Grant Hotel. A little outside of Ogunquit, families can also stay at Cliff House Maine in Cape Neddick. Then, read more about how to visit Cliff House Maine for a great family vacation.
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Make Kennebunkport your next destination! Known for its beautiful beaches, kids will love this coastal town in southern Maine. Experience it by driving or biking along scenic Ocean Avenue, featuring beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Then, you’ll find nearly three miles of soft white sand at Goose Rocks Beach (note: there are no lifeguards). Spread out and enjoy a day of sun, swimming, and seashell hunting! Mother’s Beach has a fun playground next to it, with the possibility of spotting fish and other marine life at low tide. If you prefer a low-key experience, head to sand-and-pebble Arundel Beach, also known as Colony Beach. Or, take a Kylie’s Chance tour to see the city’s best spots, like the Lobster Tour. Kids can also explore Kennebunkport’s streetcars at The Seashore Trolley Museum. End your day with ice cream at Rococo Ice Cream, choosing from countless original flavors.
Now that you’ve learned the best things to do in Kennebunkport with kids, you need to find a place to stay. On the riverfront just a short walk from Dock Square, try the Nonantum Resort. Just one mile from Dock Square and Kennebunk Beach, The Lodge on the Cove, a Kennebunkport Resort Collection, features an outdoor pool and summer fun like movie nights, lawn games, and bonfires.
Then, dating back to 1914, the Colony Hotel sits on its own private beach, perfect for your family vacation in Kennebunkport. The Boathouse Waterfront Hotel offers families a bustling spot along Kennebunkport’s harbor.
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Wells is another popular summer destination as one of Maine’s oldest towns. Families can enjoy surfing, kayaking and other fun in the sun at Wells Beach, Crescent Beach, or Moody Beach, which is private but still open for short walks.
Hikers can also visit the Wells Reserve at Loudholm, which has 7 miles of trails through fields, forests and salt marshes. This, along with a self-guided tour at The Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge, will be a great opportunity to spot birds and other wildlife. Or, enjoy fresh fruits and vegetables or homemade desserts at Chase Farms.
Wells is also known as the “Antique Capital of the World” with 25 antique shops conveniently located along Route 1. Go shopping, then visit the Wells Auto Museum to see vintage motorcycles, arcade games and other memorabilia. Finally, visit Wonder Fountain Fun Park for mini-golf, go-karting, and more!
York, one of the best places to visit in Maine with kids this summer, should be your family’s next stop. This resort town is located near the southern tip of the state and is a popular summer getaway. Spend time sunbathing, walking the shore, or trying water sports at Long Sands Beach. It also offers spectacular views of the Cape Nedick Nubble Lighthouse, one of the most photographed lighthouses in Maine. Since it is located offshore on a small island, you can’t get close, but even seeing it from a short distance is worth the trip at sunset.
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Active families can also enjoy a scenic hike on Mount Agemantics, offering trails for all skill levels. Even young children will be able to handle the 1.9-mile Ring Trail loop, which features spectacular views of Maine’s coastline. Animal enthusiasts cannot miss visiting York’s Wild Kingdom Zoo and Fun Park!
As one of the best places to visit in Maine with kids, York won’t let you down when it comes to family-friendly accommodations. Book your stay at the Lighthouse Inn & Carriage House, a casual hotel with an outdoor pool. It is only a 3-minute walk to Long Sands Beach. York Harbor Inn is close to York’s best attractions, such as Noble Lighthouse and York’s Wilderness. Finally, the Stage Neck Inn is further south, perched on a rocky peninsula next to York Harbor Beach. Kids will love splashing in the outdoor pool during the summer!
Add Cape Elizabeth to your family itinerary! With its proximity to Portland, it’s a popular stop for exploring the southern Maine destination. It’s also very easy to navigate by bike, making it perfect for adventurous families.
Crescent Beach State Park is one of the best beaches in the area, with nearby parking, bathroom facilities and a mile-long beach. Of course, you can’t leave Cape Elizabeth without seeing one of its many lighthouses. Two Lights Park is a popular place to bring a picnic lunch and relax, named for the view of the nearby twin lighthouses. A little off the beaten path, Cape Elizabeth Light is also worth a visit. You can see it from a distance along the beautiful, rocky coastline, and later explore the area’s nearby hiking trails. Finally, visit the famous Fort Williams Park to see Portland Head Light, Maine’s oldest lighthouse!
Best Places To Visit In Maine With Kids This Summer
You don’t have to look any further for kid-friendly accommodations near Cape Elizabeth. Just a seven-minute walk from Crescent Beach, we suggest the Inn by the Sea, which has a seasonal activities program for children and adults.
A stay in South Portland is sure to be a memorable experience! Overlooking Portland Harbor, it is known for its beautiful beaches, historic lighthouses and abundance of summer activities. Catch a glimpse of the area’s best views from the Greenbelt Walkway, an off-road path that runs from the Wainwright Athletic Complex to Bug Light State Park.
In South Portland, you’ll also find Willard Beach, a small sand and pebble beach perfect for swimming. If you want a bigger, sandy beach experience, head south to Old Orchard Beach. Families can stroll down the pier to browse the shops, collect shells along the shore, and relax in a beautiful setting. Kids will also get a real thrill from a visit to the nearby Palace Playland, a seasonal amusement park that offers fun for all ages. Afterwards, explore Old Orchard Main Street for a bite to eat and maybe even a souvenir.
A trip to Maine would be incomplete without a stop in Portland! As one of the most populous cities in the state, many families seeking a relaxing experience spend their summer vacations in Portland. Families should definitely take a Maine lobster boat tour, available through vendors such as Lucky Catch Cruises, Rocky Bottom Tours, and Casco Bay Custom Charters. Kids can learn more about Maine, see how lobster is caught, and even taste some for themselves! Fishing enthusiasts can too
