The town of Kennebunkport, on the southern coast of Maine, might be best known as the summer home of George and Barbara Bush. But this is also a vacation spot that has been attracting summer visitors for many years. The Maine beaches, and activities such as fishing, biking, whale-watching, boating and shopping all combine to make Kennebunkport a draw for family vacations.
The Colony Hotel is on 11 acres overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, and is kid-friendly. A heated outdoor saltwater swimming pool is on the property, as is access to a swimming beach and an organic garden. The Colony, which is within walking distance of the Dock Square shopping district, also features a dining room that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, and classic Maine lobsters. There's plenty for the kids to do here, including half- and full-day bike rentals, a family scavenger hunt, badminton and shuffleboard courts, croquet and a putting green.
The Colony Hotel
140 Ocean Ave. PO 511
Kennebunkport, ME 04046
800-552-2363
thecolonyhotel.com
Just a short walk from downtown Kennebunkport, the Nonantum features an outdoor heated pool on the Kennebunkport River, a lounge, gift shop, a dining room called 95 Ocean, and many activities for families. You can rent river kayaks at the resort, book excursions on a lobster or fishing boat from the resort's own marina, or take a stroll along the scenic Parson's Way Coastal Walk. Lodging at the Nonantum consists of 111 guest rooms in two buildings--the Carriage House Inn or the more modern Portside Lodge. All the rooms are air-conditioned and have free Wi-Fi access, and many have balconies or patios.
Nonantum Inn and Resort
P.O. Box 2626
95 Ocean Ave.
Kennebunkport, ME 04046
800-552-5651 or 207-967-4050
nonantumresort.com
The 10-acre Ocean Woods Resort is surrounded by birch woods and is a half-mile from Goose Rocks Beach. This is a country resort, with 32 guest rooms and several two-bedroom and three-bedroom apartments for visitors who want to rent by the week. Ocean Woods features an outdoor pool and hot tub, a casual restaurant, PJ's, and basketball and shuffleboard courts. Nearby Goose Rocks Beach is perfect for kids because the surf is low and shallow tidal pools are common. The accommodation also includes continental breakfast.
Ocean Woods Resort
71 Dyke Road
Kennebunkport, Maine 04046
866-967-1928
oceanwoodsresort.com
This resort bills itself as an "affordable family resort hotel," and is on 4 acres of wooded land 1 mile from the Bush home at Walker Point. The resort is within walking distance of a pebble beach, and a short drive from sandy beaches such as Goose Rocks. This is a AAA Three-Diamond resort, with both indoor and outdoor swimming pools and hot tubs, a sauna and a fitness center. Its air-conditioned guest rooms include the usual amenities, including cable TV, Wi-Fi access, and private decks or porches. The Admiral's Table, a poolside restaurant, serves a popular "Downeast Feast," which includes lobsters, steamers, chowder and corn on the cob. The Rhumb Line Resort is on the Intown Trolley line, which makes hourly stops at the resort.
Rhumb Line Resort
Ocean Avenue
P.O. Box 3067
Kennebunkport, Maine 04046
1-800-337-4862
rhumblineresort.com
