Portland's maritime heritage and contemporary venues combine to offer activities engaging to the young and young at heart. Known as a family-friendly community, the classic Maine seaside town protrudes into Casco Bay. The city is steeped in American legend and a backdrop of historic landmarks. Visitor centers at Ocean Gateway and Marine State piers and the Portland International Jetport provide an array of brochures, maps and guides to help families create an itinerary tailored to children's ages, family interests and schedules.
Ignite young imaginations at the Children's Museum of Maine, located in Portland's downtown arts district. The facility is a wonderland of arts and science where parents are encouraged to participate in the learning process. Highlights include "Camera, Lights, Color," an interactive exhibit attracting visitors from around the globe. More than 20 indoor and outdoor hands-on exhibits range from role-playing to discovering the basics of physics. Daily theater programs put the spotlight on kids, allowing them to dress up and star in presentations based on familiar stories. The museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free for children younger than 18 months and for military families.
Designed by moms, Greenlight Studio provides an environment inspiring to adults and kids. The eco-friendly indoor play space challenges children from infants through age 6 with climbing and crawling areas meant to foster development and active play. Building blocks, storytelling, dance and baby yoga activities support growing bodies and minds. While children explore, caregivers can grab an espresso at Greenlight Cafe. The cafe offers healthy smoothies, organic salads, sandwiches and snacks geared for younger taste buds. Day passes, year and seasonal passes are available based on family size. Visit on Wednesday for discounted admission, or the last hour of the day for half-price rates.
Tales of Portland's disembodied witches, pirates and ghosts come to life in the hour-long Wicked Walking Tour. Children are welcome to join the half-mile stroll through Old Portland and learn about its spooky past. Local actors lead day and evening tours focused on legends and town history dating back to the 1600s. Tales include the story of a Portland minister executed as a witch and a cursed society woman. Tours take place rain or shine March through November. Contact the company for an updated scheduled and to make the required reservations.
All ages thrill at the sight of Atlantic marine mammals splashing in their natural habitat. Portland's Odyssey Whale Watch has narrated tours that cruise Casco Bay, traveling as far as 20 miles out to whale feeding areas. The four-hour tours provide opportunities to view humpback, finback and minke whales as well as dolphins, sharks, sea turtles and seabirds. Daily tours run from Memorial Day through mid-October. Lucky Catch Cruises offers Casco Bay seal-watching excursions during the same period. Ninety-minute trips showcase a colony of harbor seals at rest and play at Seal Rock. The company claims there's a 90 percent or better chance to glimpse seals. A stop along the way to haul lobster traps adds another dimension to the cruise. Lucky Catch provides discount rates for teens and children.
