This Coastal City In Maine Offers Tons Of Fun, Family-Friendly Attractions

You probably have a list of places you'd love to go on vacation, but it's a pretty good bet that many of those destinations aren't something your kids would be into. It can be difficult to plan a trip that is both enjoyable for you and fun for your little ones, especially if it doesn't involve a theme park. However, there is one coastal city in Maine that might be just what you're looking for. Portland, Maine, is full of fun activities like a children's museum, parks with playgrounds, a beach, trails, an observatory, and some really great toy stores. Plus, it's one of the country's most underrated foodie destinations, with some fantastic options for both picky and adventurous eaters. It's a very walkable, though hilly, city, so you can tire everyone out at the end of the day, which can help ensure some good sleep.

The closest major airport is Portland International Jetport, which is around 3 miles from town. It's a good idea to have a car if you want to get around quickly, especially with kids and all the things you generally have to lug around with you when you travel as a family. You can also fly into Boston's Logan Airport, which is a bit over 100 miles away, if you want to see more of New England. Summer is a great season to go if you want to spend some time outdoors, with average summer highs ranging from the low to high 70s Fahrenheit. However, there are things to do all year round.

The Children's Museum & Theatre of Maine is a great place for some fun and learning. There are over 30,000 square feet of exhibits; an 89-seat theater; a floor that's all about STEM and science; and an outdoor area where kids can climb, learn in a garden, and play with sand and water (you may want to bring a change of clothes, just in case). There is even a new outdoor exhibit called "Ckuwaponahkiyik Atkuhkakonol" that focuses on Indigenous language and culture. At the time of this writing, tickets are $20 for everyone a year and older. Theater tickets are between $15 and $20.

If your kids are into the outdoors, it's worth a quick drive to the hidden gem of Eastern Promenade. This 78-acre park along Casco Bay has a playground, a community garden, picnic areas, and room to play baseball, basketball, tennis, and softball. There is also a fully paved 3.5-mile trail that is largely accessible and relatively flat, as well as the sand-and-pebble East End Beach, which is wonderful for swimming and sunning. South of the city, you can also visit the 1791 Portland Head Light in Fort Williams Park on Cape Elizabeth. There is a museum in the old Keepers' Quarters where kids can see the enormous lenses used in the lighthouse operation. The park is 90 acres and has trails and picnic spots right on the ocean. It's a great place to fly kites, visit the beach, and hit the Children's Garden. There is even a scavenger hunt around the park that you can find out about here or at the Greeter's Shed. Additionally, during the summer, you'll find a few vendors nearby with snacks like gelato, sandwiches, and lobster rolls.

If you want to do some kid-friendly shopping, visit the adorable Treehouse Toys on Exchange Street in the Old Port area and check out the model train that runs around the store. Sherman's of Portland, also on Exchange Street, is a fun bookshop with toys as well. One reviewer on Yelp said, "Perfect for kids and Adults alike. Apart from the wide variety of books you'll found a huge selection of [board] games and toys postcards and knickknacks and souvenirs!"

Portland Observatory is the last remaining U.S. maritime signal tower, and you can pay it a visit here. Choose between a 45-minute guided tour or a self-guided one to learn about how this building is different from a lighthouse, and the family who lived here. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for children ages 6 to 16, and free for children 5 and under.

When kids get hungry, things can go off the rails pretty quickly. Luckily, Portland is a great foodie town. One flavor-packed hot spot to visit is Washington Avenue. Make sure to hit Duckfat Frites Shack, which is a walk-up window for amazing Belgian-style fries. These hand-cut fries include two sauces with a large order and one with a small order, and you can get varieties like garlic mayo or truffle ketchup. There is also Duckfat Poutine, Jamaican jerk wings, soups, salads, grilled cheese, and even doughnut holes on the menu. Wash it all down with one of the milkshakes. You can also try Forage Market for some delicious and freshly made bagels and sandwiches.