Portland, Maine, USA at Portland Head Light.

10 Unforgettable Family Adventures in Maine

Portland, Maine, is often associated with the calm coastal and seaside lifestyles. With a lively working waterfront, picturesque lighthouses, and sea glass beaches, it’s never been a better time to plan a trip to Maine.

As a travel writer who has been to almost all 50 states, Maine is at the top of my list of favorites. It’s the place to be if you enjoy seafood, craft beer, Instagram-worthy views, and plenty of outdoor adventures.

Come for the food, stay for the New England charm. These are the ten must-do, family-friendly adventures for your next trip to Maine.

Head Out on a Lobster Boat

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For a quintessential Maine experience, why not head out on a lobster boat? We went out as a family with my kids, ages four and seven, and everyone said this was one of the highlights of our Maine weekend.

We were outfitted with a pair of bright orange aprons and gloves and invited to set the bait, haul up the lobster traps, determine which lobsters were ready to keep, and then throw back the rest.

It’s a close experience with one of Maine’s most iconic industries alongside gorgeous views of Casco Bay. You’ll cruise near lighthouses, historic Civil War forts, and other working lobster boats when you aren't actually catching lobster.

We went with Lucky Catch in Portland, with a perfect 5.0 Trip Advisor score, but several outfitters also offer this experience. Once you’re done, you can purchase your catch at a discounted “boat price” and then take the lobsters back to your AirBnb to cook yourself or bring them across the pier to the Portland Lobster Company for the freshest lobster dinner.

Grab a Slice of Wild Blueberry Pie

Image Credit: Alexandra Caspero.

Did you know that blueberry pie, made with wild Maine blueberries, is the official state dessert? Harvested from late July to early September, wild blueberries are a superfood born from the wilderness of Maine.

With more than twice the antioxidants of regular blueberries, wild blueberries have grown naturally in Maine's barrens for over 10,000 years.

Wild blueberries can be enjoyed fresh during the one-month window in August or frozen all year long. Thankfully, many cafes and dessert shops around the state offer slices of wild blueberry pie and cobbler. You'll want to grab a slice if you see it on the menu!

Our favorite was the wild blueberry cobbler at DiMillos on the Water. Located in the heart of Portland’s Old Port, it’s a historic floating restaurant with panoramic views of the harbor. We loved our meal here so much, we ate there twice in a weekend.

According to our Uber driver, it’s apparently where Taylor Swift likes to dine when she's in Portland, too.

Take a Trolly Ride to a Lighthouse

The Portland Head Light in Portland, Maine, USA
Image Credit: Deposit Photos.

Enjoy a two-for-one city adventure with the Portland City and Lighthouse Tour. Hop on a trolley for a narrated tour of the Old Port, Eastern Promenade, the Portland Observatory, Victoria Mansion, and the Portland Museum of Art.

Then, you’ll head to the city’s most famous landmark: Portland Head Light. It’s Maine’s oldest and most photographed lighthouse.

Sunrise in Acadia

Sunrise in Acadia National Park observed from the top of Cadillac mountain.
Image Credit: Deposit Photos.

Cadillac Mountain, located in Acadia National Park, is the first place the sun hits the United States seaboard. You can grab a timed ticket to drive to the top or take one of the hiking trails upward. Once there, enjoy the 365° sunrise view.

At the top of the mountain, it does get congested, especially in the summer months. However, there are several other locations to take in the view. The Bass Harbor Head Lighthouses, located on Mount Desert Island, offer a perfect spot for a view of the sun coming up over the ocean.

Be sure to arrive with plenty of time to park and walk the short trail down to the shore. It’s a good idea to pack a flashlight as the rocks along the path can be slippery.

For those who prefer to sleep in on vacation, the top of Cadillac Mountain offers breathtaking views all day long. You’ll still need a timed ticket in advance, especially during the peak summer months and early fall seasons.

Eat a Lobster Roll

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You are in Maine, after all — home of everything lobster! In fact, over 90% of the lobsters served in the United States are exported from Maine.

You’ll find two types of lobster rolls in Maine — the classic, a chilled version with the lobster meat tossed with mayo; or hot, with warm lobster in butter. Both versions are served in a buttered roll, usually a hot dog or brioche-style roll. While all lobster rolls are good lobster rolls, I’d highly recommend the warm version. We ate several different rolls during our Maine weekend, and all decided the hot variety was our favorite.

Luke’s Lobster is a popular spot on the harbor in Portland, but the best roll we had was from The Travelin Lobster in Bar Harbor.

Hop Aboard the Narrow Gauge Train

Image Credit: Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Company + Museum.

Ride one of the country's most unique scenic railroads on the Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad. This three-mile, 40-minute family-friendly train heads alongside Casco Bay and operates daily from May until the end of October.

In December, the train offers the Polar Express, which is a must for families with young kids to do around the holidays. Once on board, you’ll receive hot chocolate and cookies while listening to Christmas music and get a glimpse of Santa at the imaginary North Pole.

Try a Potato Donut

Homemade baked pumpkin donuts with orange pumpkin glaze sitting on wire rack waiting for apple cider drizzle to dry
Image Credit: Deposit Photos.

The line around the corner for this business is there for a reason. Situated at the waterfront's edge, The Holy Donut makes wholesome, from-scratch donuts daily. For the best flavor selection, get there before noon, as they close once they run out.

We tried four different flavors during our time there and highly recommend the seasonal apple cider and vegan berry.

For more pastries, don’t skip Belleville for their cardamom buns and Tandem Bakery for sticky buns and the most incredibly light biscuits.

Grab Outdoor Gear at L.L. Bean

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Located just 20 miles north in Freeport, Maine, the flagship L.L. Bean store is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. L.L. Bean was founded in 1912 by avid outdoorsman Leon Leonwood Bean as a quality retailer of recreational outdoor boots and gear and has expanded significantly over the years.

Inside the mammoth store, you’ll find departments for camping, hunting, fishing, pet supplies, kids, slippers, boots, monogrammed totes, apparel for men and women, and more. During our stop, I grabbed new coats for our kids and new hiking boots for me.

Even if you don’t consider yourself an outdoor enthusiast, it’s worth a visit. In the summer, there are free outdoor concerts in the park and several holiday-themed events in the winter.

Visit the Children’s Museum

Image Credit: Maine Office of Tourism.

A visit to the children’s museum might not seem like a can’t-miss experience while in Maine, but this one is. It’s the tenth-largest visitor attraction in the state and has been named one of the top 12 children’s museums in the U.S. by Forbes magazine.

Our kids had a blast here, playing for hours in the pretend fish market and the STEAM splash area. Located just 10 minutes from the Old Port section of town, it’s worth a visit if you're with kids.

Road Trip to Bar Harbor

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Located just a few hours north of Portland, this full-day road trip or overnight trip to Bar Harbor is worth it. Enjoy the scenic route, taking Route 1 along the coast for seaside stands selling lobster, blueberry pie, soft serve, and other Maine delicacies.

Stretch your legs by taking a hike in Acadia National Park on the way up or stroll through town, which has dozens and dozens of gift shops, bars, restaurants, and boutiques.

I recommend grabbing a few to-go lobster rolls and a cup of clam chowder from The Travelin Lobster, along with one of their complimentary blankets, and enjoying a picnic overlooking the harbor. When you’re done, head to the Bar Harbor Inn and stroll on the shore path, winding along the harbor for more sea views.

Author: Alexandra Caspero

Alexandra Caspero is a Registered Dietitian, New York Times Bestselling Chef, and founder of Delish Knowledge and the Learning Center. She focuses on making whole-food, vegetarian eating deliciously simple. Her nutrition expertise and must-make recipes have been featured in Forbes, Today, The Washington Post, Parents, Vogue, Food Network, and more.

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