A done-for-you weekend trip—no overthinking required.
📍 Quick Snapshot
- Location: Southern Maine
- Best for: All ages
- Drive time: 2.5 hours max from Boston
- Time needed: Weekend
- Best time to go: Summer or early fall
🛏️ Where to Stay
- For summer camp vibes with great amenities for kids: Point Sebago Resort, Casco Maine
- For more affordable camping or glamping: Naples KOA Holiday
- For a reasonable downtown hotel: The Westin Portland Harborview
🗺️ The Plan
1️⃣ Stop 1: Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine | 250 Thompsons Point Road, Portland, Maine
- Park here: 24/7 paid parking managed by Thompson’s Point, $2.50 an hour (plentiful and right outside of the museum)
- Do this first: Start at the top floor and work your way down
- Don’t miss: Maddy’s Theatre, the longest running children’s theatre in the nation
💡 Know Before You Go
- Hours: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. daily (closed on Tuesdays)
- Cost: Free under 1, $20 for kids and adults (Theatre admission is separate, free under 1 and $25 for kids and adults)
🍴 Lunch/Dinner Plan
- Eat at: Bissel Brothers (right next door)
- What to know: You can make a reservation for table service, but if you walk in and it’s busy you can seat yourself in the tables on the left and order food at the bar.
🍦 Optional Treat Stop
- Head to: The Holy Donut in Downtown Portland
- Worth it because: Potato donuts made from scratch, and gives you the opportunity to do some shopping before you head home.
📍Stop 2: Maine Wildlife Park | 56 Game Farm Rd., Gray, Maine
- What kids will love: Seeing a wide variety of different animals up close and learning about them from the keeper talks
- How long to stay: Two hours
💡 Know Before You Go
- Hours: 9:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. April 15 - October 14, 9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. October 15 - November 11
- Cost: $15 ages 11-64, $10 ages 2-10, kids under 2 free
- Parking: Free onsite
🍴 Lunch/Dinner Plan
- Head to: Brickard Hollow Brewing Company in New Gloucester (10 minutes away)
- What to order: Crispy pork bowl and Trestle IPA (and mac and cheese for kids!)
🌧️ Rain / Bad Weather Backup
- Swap this stop for: Mr. Drew Exotic Animal Education Center | 1395 Maine St, Poland, Maine
- What kids will love: Feeding the tortoises and holding reptiles
- How long to stay: One hour
📍Stop 3: Seashore Trolley Museum | 195 Log Cabin Rd, Kennebunkport, Maine
- Do this first: Ride the vintage trolley one way
- Don’t miss: The car barns and bus exhibit (keep an eye out for the ones you can climb inside!)
💡 Know Before You Go
- Hours: Wed-Sun June 1 - Oct. 25 + first two weekends in December (rain or shine)
- Cost: General admission is $15 adults, $7-13 kids, 2 and under FREE
- Parking: Free onsite
👉 Mom tip: They hold fun events on several weekends throughout the year, including dino trolleys, Daniel Tiger themed days, and more. These require separate tickets and book up in advance. Check their event calendar for upcoming dates.
Lunch/Dinner Plan
- Head to: Alisson’s Restaurant in Kennebunkport (7 minutes away)
- What to order: Lobster roll flight
🍦 Optional Treat Stop
- Head to: Rococo Ice Cream in Kennebunkport
- Worth it because: Unique flavors like Goat Cheese & Blackberry Chambord Swirl, Maine Whoopie Pie, and Sweet Avocado Cayenne
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