DEW Animal Kingdom (Domestic, Exotic, Wild)
918 Pond Rd
Mt Vernon, ME 04352
Phone: (207) 293-2837
DEW Animal Kingdom is located on 42 acres in Mt. Vernon, Maine, in western Kennebec County. DEW has a wide variety of animals from all over the world, which you can get up close and see as you walk the trails or view by tour.

Marine Resources Aquarium
McKown Point Rd.
West Boothbay Harbor, Maine 04575
Phone: (207) 633-9542
The Marine Resources Aquarium is operated by the Maine Department of Marine Resources. The main gallery resembles the rocky coast of Maine. A collection of regional fish and invertebrates can be seen hidden within the granite-like cliffs. Interactive displays, including the numerous touch tanks, allows for discovery learning to take place. A special attraction is the 20 foot long elevated touch tank that houses a multitude of invertebrates. Presentations about Maine's fisheries are offered throughout the day. Tours of the Department of Marine Resources Research Laboratory are also available.

York's Wild Kingdom
Route 1
York Beach, Maine 03910
Phone: (207) 363-4911
With exotic animals from around the world, York's Wild Kingdom is recognized for its rare species and knowledgeable curators. They offer a variety of family rides, paddle boats, an 18 hole miniature golf course, a petting zoo, scenic picnic grounds and even a Haunted House. Educational learning sessions take place throughout the day and a special member of the zoo Rewa---Maine's only White Bengal Tiger---will amaze and delight the child in everyone!

If you know of a zoo or marine aquarium in Maine, let us know and we will add it here.

National Parks

Saint Croix Island International Historic Site
near Calais, Maine
Phone: (207) 288-3338
Bird Watching, boating and wildlife viewing.

Acadia National Park
Bar Harbor, Maine
Phone: (207) 288-3338
Acadia offers a variety of activities throughout the year. During the summer, spring, and fall, 45 miles of carriage roads are ideal for walking, hiking and biking. In addition, over 115 miles of hiking trails offer spectacular ocean and woodland views. Trails range from easy to strenuous. By automobile visitors can drive the 27-mile Park Loop Road which includes views of some of the most dramatic scenery along the eastern seaboard. A variety of Ranger-led programs including bird walks, boat cruises, evening slide programs, mountain hikes, stargazing, short talks, and nature walks are available from late May to mid-October. Other summer activities include fishing, boating, carriage rides, and wildlife viewing. During the winter, the carriage roads and the closed portions of the Park Loop Road are ideal for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

Appalachian National Scenic Trail
Located in Maine
The Appalachian National Scenic Trail is a 2,167-mile (3,488 km) footpath along the ridge crests and across the major valleys of the Appalachian Mountains from Katahdin in Maine to Springer Mountain in north Georgia. Activites include short and long-term hiking, backpacking, bird and wildlife watching, and other backcountry recreation.

Museums

Maine Maritime Museum
243 Washington Street
Bath, Maine 04530
Phone: (207) 443-1316
Founded in 1962, Maine Maritime Museum collects, preserves and interprets materials relating to the maritime history of Maine. Located on the banks of the Kennebec River in Bath, the Museum is a major regional cultural resource and a highly popular visitor destination. Maine's maritime heritage is told through gallery exhibits, an historic shipyard site, adult and children's educational programs, special events and narrated excursions along the rivers and coast to points of historic significance and scenic beauty.

Portland Headlight Museum and Park
1000 Shore Road.
Cape Elizabeth, Maine
Cape Elizabeth is the home of Portland Head Light. Situated along the spectacular shores of Fort Williams Park. The Museum at Portland Head Light is contained within the former Keepers' Quarters. The award winning Museum contains a number of lighthouse lenses and interpretative displays. Also on the site is a seasonal shop featuring fine lighthouse and Maine related gifts. The adjacent ninety acre Fort Williams Park offers picnic facilities, hiking opportunities, sports and recreation areas, historic fort structures, and unlimited ocean views.

Northern Maine Museum of Science
Presque Isle, Maine

Theme Parks, Amusement Parks & Water Parks

Funtown Splashtown
U.S. Route 1
774 Portland Rd.
Saco, Maine
At Funtown U.S.A., fun comes in all shapes and sizes. Funtown is the home of Maine's only wooden roller coaster Excalibur, New England's longest and tallest log flume ride, and our phenomenal collection of kiddie rides. The huge selection of games, shops and family fun activities provides something for everyone. In Splashtown you will find the latest in technology with the NEW Family Play area. The newest slides are a thrilling and scary black tunnel, for the less brave a transparent tunnel is available and for the adventurous there is a double tube river run. Seating has been added for the sun worshipers and the large pool is still available to cool you down on those hot summer days.

Palace Playland
1 Old Orchard Street - P.O. Box 355
Old Orchard Beach, Maine 04064
Phone: (207) 934 2001
Palace Playland is a four-acre family amusement park located directly on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean. The park features 26 rides including 12 kiddie rides, 14 major rides as well as the Liquid Lightning Waterslide. A 24,000 square foot video arcade is among the largest in New England and contains almost 200 games ranging from Skeeball & fortunetellers to the latest in coupon skill games and the latest in coin-operated videos. The park has many things to see and do including more than a dozen midway games of skill, great food, gift shops, "old-fashioned photos", a palm reader, and much, much more!

Family Activities

If you know of a family activity in Maine, let us know and we will add it here.

Summer - Family Vacation Hot Spots (Beaches, Lakes, etc.)

Camden, Maine - located roughly 50 miles southwest of Bangor, this town is a wonderful place to visit. Great restaurants, shopping, sailing and more.

Kennebunkport - The charms of Kennebunkport are many: tasty native Lobsters, a quaint harbor, beaches, trolley museum, wildlife refuge, plenty of galleries and shops- and a beautiful rocky coast in either direction.

New England Outdoor Center
Millinocket, Maine
Their mission is to rekindle your spirit of adventure, to help you explore the pristine wilderness of Maine's Mt. Katahdin/Baxter State Park region with a level of service and amenities that far exceeds your expectations. Indulge all your senses with cozy luxury lodging, inspired cuisine and a host of activities that has something for everyone-whitewater rafting, guided moose and wildlife tours, canoeing, kayaking, hiking, fishing, hunting...or just kick back and relax in the splendor and majesty of nature's paradise. Relax, Exhilarate, and Wonder at the New England Outdoor Center.

Ogunquit - is a small village that proves that nice things often come in small packages. Ogunquit offers views of beautiful white beaches and rocky coast. Ogunquit is home to two fine golf courses, and many art galleries. A quaint town designed for foot traffic, most of Ogunquit's shops, eateries, beaches and boardwalks are within a short walk from "downtown." For those wanting to relax even more, a trolley system runs from May until mid-October and will whisk you from your beach chair on the white sand beach to shopping, back to your hotel, or off to Perkins Cove for more sightseeing. Located roughly 15 miles south of Kennebunkport.

Trolley Museum
Kennebunkport, Maine
ALL ABOARD! calls your friendly Conductor, signaling that your streetcar (trolley), is about to depart. RIDE by rail, through the Maine countryside, aboard one of our early 1900's, open streetcars. On a warm summer's day, this is natural "air conditioning" at its very best! WITNESS the sights and sounds, of a very important bygone era, in American transportation history. ENJOY a visit to the Seashore Trolley Museum, in 2001. We are located in Kennebunkport, Maine.

The Beaches of Wells
Wells, Maine
With its beautiful beaches, Wells has been popular summer place for decades. More recently it has become known for its many wonderful seafood restaurants, plentiful campgrounds and lodgings, great shopping, and beautiful wildlife preserves. Wells is a beautiful New England town that the whole family will love to visit in any season.

York Area - The town of York is a beautiful southern Maine town that has managed to retain its historic heritage better than most. York is actually a sprawling area of 66 square miles within which there are four distinct communities: York Village (often referred to as "Old York"), York Beach, York Harbor, and Cape Neddick. Within these four communities a visitor can see not only some of the most spectacular views and beaches on the Maine coast, but some of the most well-preserved and authentic historic buildings and sites. Get a preview of some of those sites right here! Located roughly 5 miles south of Ogunquit.

Flagstaff Lake - Fishing, hiking and camping. Accessible from Stratton on State Route 16.

Grand Lake Matagamon - Fishing, nature walks. This scenic lake is located in the northeast end of Baxter State Park, which is also home of Maine's Highest Point Mt. Katadin at 5268 ft.

Moosehead Lake - Fishing, nature walks and camping. One of the largest inland lakes in Maine. Off Maine State Route 6/15 in Greenville.

Mooselookmeguntic Lake - Fishing and camping. Located near the Maine and New Hampshire Border off Maine State Route 16.

Sebago Lake - Fishing and camping. Accessible from Raymond Maine on U.S. 302 or Sebago Lake and East Sebago on Maine State Route 114.

Museums, National Parks, and Amusement Parks listed above.

Winter - Family Vacation Hot Spots (Ski Resorts, etc.)

Lost Valley
Lost Valley Rd
Auburn, Maine 04210
Phone: (207) 784-1561
Skiing and Snowboarding at Lost Valley is serene and beautiful, with panoramic views, and trails lined with tall white pines. Two chair lifts and a T-bar service 15 trails. You can glide peacefully down Squirrel Run, or fly down and make your edges bite on Bull Moose or Alpine East! There is even self-operated electronic timing available to practice your slalom racing. Just a super selection of trails for everyone, every day or night of the week.

Sunday River
Sunday River Access Rd
Bethel, Maine 04217
Phone: (207) 824-3000
Experienced skiers and riders know: day in, day out, Sunday River offers the most dependable snow conditions in the New England. Generous natural snowfall is complemented by a state-of-the-art, computer-controlled snowmaking system. The most slope side lodging in the East and the combination of outstanding children’s programs and the gentle slopes of the South Ridge Learning Area make the resort a favorite with families.

Shawnee Peak
Mountain Road
Bridgton, Maine 04009
Phone: (207) 647-8444

The Camden Snowbowl
Camden, Maine 04843
Phone: (207) 236-3438
The Snow Bowl on 1,300' Ragged Mountain is just a short drive from picturesque Camden harbor. Nowhere else in the East can you glide down challenging ski slopes while enjoying a thrilling ocean vista unknown to other Eastern slopes. Ten trails are served by a 3,100' double chairlift and two T-bars, including the longest in the state - 4,088'. Major trails are equipped with snowmaking and lighting.

Sugarloaf - USA
Route 27
Carrabasset Valley, Maine 04947
Phone: (207) 237-2000
Sugarloaf/USA is a unique skiing and riding experience. It’s a truly massive mountain – the only peak in Maine that’s higher is Mount Katahdin – looming over a tidy, intimate resort village replete with shops and restaurants. The atmosphere is easy-going, and Sugarloaf/USA is justifiably famous for its children’s programs and service. There’s terrific learning terrain, long cruisers and some of the toughest black- and double-black-diamond terrain in New England.

Bigrock Ski Resort
On Mars Hill Mountain
P. O. Box 518
Mars Hill, Maine 04758
Phone: (207) 425-6711
Ski Bigrock with your family and friends. Bigrock has 980 foot vertical with 15 trails and has 30% expert, 40% intermediate and 30% beginner terrain for your skiing enjoyment. As it's name implies, this is the largest Ski Mountain north of Bangor.

New England Outdoor Center
Millinocket, Maine
In both Millinocket and Caratunk, New England Outdoor Center can outfit your snowmobile vacation with everything you need – rental sleds, clothing, guide service, exceptional meals and dining, and cozy trailside lodging. New England Outdoor Center has Maine’s largest fleet of Ski-Doo snowmobiles to match your personal taste and riding style. NEOC is a proud member of the Maine Snowmobile Association; an organization of 30,000 snowmobilers in over 280 local clubs, statewide. We, like the MSA, are committed to providing safe, fun, family-orientated snowmobiling on clear, well-signed, groomed trails.

Mt. Abram - Mt. Abram Ski Resort has long been a favorite of families, especially those with children. Easy to round up the family as there is only one main base area and the parking lot is nearby. The mountain offers a variety of terrain from beginner to expert, enough to keep skiers of all abilities happy with an emphasis on intermediate level cruising. Bring the little ones over to our West Side and let them feel the freedom as they learn to ski in a wide open safe environment. Gradual spacious slopes give beginners of all ages the opportunity to discover the skier within themselves without feeling crowded. There is a 2-1/2-mile long Easy Rider trail with spectacular views of Mt. Washington, the Bullwinkle cruising trail, heat pumping Rocky's Run and Fearless Leader. For all of you freeriders Mt. Abram Ski Resort offers a permanent half-pipe and Alpine Terrain Park. Snow Riders of all types are welcome at Mt Abram. Try something different rent a pair of snow blades or a snowboard.

Saddleback
Saddleback Road
Rangeley, Maine 04970
Phone: (207) 864-5671
Saddleback remains the last uncrowded, big mountain skiing experience in New England. Forty alpine trails, two double chairs and three T-bars stripe the 4,116 foot mountain. Top-to-bottom snowmaking and heavy snowfall keep slopes active November to April. Saddleback claims a nearly 2,000' vertical drop, and the longest trail, the Lazy River run, threads its way 2 1/2 miles down the mountainside. Saddleback caters to families, and the rental shop makes it easy for everyone to ski with equipment in sizes from toddler to teen and adult.

Titcomb Mountain
Morrison Hill Rd
West Farmington, Maine
Phone: (207) 778-9031
Our 750-foot slope features 15 alpine trails for all skill levels, from beginner to expert, a half-pipe curved area and terrain trail for snowboarders, and beautiful newly renovated Nordic trails, totaling 15.4 kilometers. We also supplement the gifts of Mother Nature with snowmaking. Ski lessons are provided on weekends and after school. Best of all, Titcomb Mountain is affordable and family-oriented. We offer a number of free and low cost programs for children and adult members.

Helpful websites and services

If you know of a website or company that is helpful to families traveling to Maine, let us know and we will add it here.

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(specials are updated weekly)
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