Things to Do with Kids in Maine: A Practical Guide for Families

Welcome to your trusted guide for family adventures and places to check out. We know that finding the perfect activities that keep everyone happy and create lasting memories can be a challenge. That’s why we’ve put together a comprehensive, season-by-season resource of the best places to go and things to do with children across Maine.
Whether you’re a visitor to Maine or a local looking for new inspiration, our curated lists and directories are designed to help you find the perfect family fun, no matter when you decide to explore.

Discover Fun Activities by Category

We’ve organized our top recommendations to make it easy to find what you’re looking for.

Childrens Museum Maine Farm Stand Exhibit

Indoor Fun for Any Weather

When you need to escape the heat, the cold, or a rainy day, Maine offers plenty of options for things to do with kids indoors.

  • Indoor Playgrounds: Let the kids run, climb, and bounce at one of Maine’s many indoor playgrounds. Our directory includes everything from trampoline parks to multi-level play structures, ensuring a great time no matter the age. See Indoor Playgrounds Here
  • Arcades: For a dose of classic fun, explore our list of Maine’s indoor arcades. They’re a perfect way to spend a few hours playing games and winning prizes. See Arcades Here
  • Museums & Learning Centers: Maine’s museums offer interactive exhibits that make learning exciting. Discover hands-on science, local history, and fun things to do with kids of all ages. See Museums Here

A Maine Adventure for Every Season

Maine’s landscape changes dramatically with each season, offering a fresh slate of family activities throughout the year. Below we break down some things to do with kids during different times of the year.

Summer (June – August)

During the Maine summer, you can explore the coast, lakes, and hiking trails.

  • Beaches: Build sandcastles at Old Orchard Beach, explore the tidal pools at Popham Beach State Park, or find a quieter, more secluded spot along the rocky coast. For a comprehensive guide to beaches in the southernmost part of Maine (York County), find information here: https://themainebeaches.com/
  • Outdoor Adventures: Go whale watching, hike a mountain (or drive up one!), or try your hand at mini-golf, see a map of mini golf locations across the state here: Maine Mini Golf Map
  • Fairs and Festivals: Maine has a strong tradition of agricultural fairs that include seeing farm animals, eating traditional fair food (like dough boys, french fries, whoopie pies, and ice cream), and going on carnival rides. A full list of these fairs and their schedules can be seen here: https://mainefairs.net/
Autumn Leaves on Trees and on Ground at Norlands Maine

Fall (September – November)

Fall in Maine is a feast for the senses, with brilliant foliage and crisp air.

  • Apple & Pumpkin Picking: Visit a local farm to pick your own apples and pumpkins. Many farms offer hayrides, corn mazes, and petting zoos that are a huge hit with kids. See a list complete list of orchards here: https://maineapples.org/orchards/
  • Scenic Drives: Take a drive along a scenic byway to admire the fall colors, or search for more than 70 barn quilts hung up on buildings throughout Franklin and Somerset counties: http://highpeaksmaine.org/the-barn-quilt-trail/
  • Hiking: The cooler weather is perfect for a family hike on a gentle trail. Our recommended resource for finding trails in Maine is here: https://www.mainetrailfinder.com/
Snow Covered Ground in Farmington Maine

Winter (December – February)

A Maine winter is full of snowy fun, from mountain slopes to frozen ponds.

  • Snow Sports: Head to a family-friendly ski resort for skiing, snowboarding, or tubing. Many resorts offer lessons and other things to do with kids. See a nice map of ski resorts in Maine here: Maine Ski Resorts Map
  • Ice Skating: Find a local community rink or a frozen pond for a classic ice-skating day. See some of the available public rinks here: Public Ice Skating Locations in Maine
  • Outdoor Activities: This organization, WinterKids, provides some awesome resources and programs for families to help kids stay active and engaged during the winter: https://winterkids.org/

Spring (March – May)

Spring brings a burst of life to Maine, with flowers blooming and a return to outdoor activity.

FAQ About Things to Do with Kids in Maine

Are there free things to do in Maine with children?
Yes! Many of Maine’s best activities are completely free. Families can enjoy public beaches, hiking trails in state parks (note: some parks have a small entrance fee), local playgrounds, and exploring the charming downtown areas.
What are the best things to do in Maine with toddlers?
Toddlers will love playing at the beach (especially during low tide), exploring nature preserves on a stroller-friendly path, visiting a farm, or spending time at a dedicated indoor playspace designed for their age group.
What are some good rainy-day activities in Maine for families?
Rainy days are perfect for exploring an indoor playground, visiting a nature museum, catching a movie, or challenging each other to a game at a local arcade.
What is the best season to visit Maine with kids?
The “best” season depends on the activities your family enjoys most. Summer is popular for beaches and warm weather, fall offers beautiful foliage and apple picking, and winter brings opportunities for skiing and other snow sports. The right season is the one that aligns with your family’s interests.

Looking for More Ideas?

If you’re still looking for inspiration, our extensive directories and blog are a great place to start. Whether you need a new spot to check out this weekend or help planning a full-blown family vacation, we’re here to help you make your Maine family trip unforgettable.


Better yet, let us plan the activity for you and send your family to a fun mystery location in Maine: https://mainemysterytrip.com/