Top 6 activities for families visiting Portland, Maine

Nestled on the scenic coast of Maine, Portland is a vibrant city known for its rich maritime history, stunning waterfront, and thriving arts and food scenes. Originally established in 1632, Portland has evolved from a small fishing village to a dynamic cultural hub, famed for its historic Old Port district, lighthouses, and exceptional seafood.

The city is especially renowned for its iconic lobster rolls, craft breweries, and a growing reputation as a food lover’s paradise. The best time to visit Portland is during the late spring to early fall months, when the weather is mild, outdoor festivals are in full swing, and the city's waterfront comes alive.

Each year, over 7 million tourists flock to Portland to experience its charm, making it one of Maine’s top destinations for both adventure and relaxation.

Top recommendation!!

Rocky Bottom Fisheries

@kidsandcarryon

This was an absolutely TRIP HIGHLIGHT!! We had such a wonderful time on this tour. We choose this over all the other lobstering tours because their website showed photos of children on the tour, while others did not.  Our kids were the only ones on board but they had a fantastic time helping pull in lobster pots, hold lobsters and return them to the ocean. Take cash for a tip because Google Play did not let us download their tipping app as we were not from the US/Canada. There are no toilets available on the pier, but there is one on the boat.  We however snuck into Luke's Lobster to use the bathroom before boarding. Allow 2 hours which includes early arrival requirements.

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Other great ideas for families

Portland Fire Engine Co. Tours

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A fun and novel way to sightsee around Portland, Maine. A must for families with younger kids who are still fascinated by emergency vehicles.

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Maine Wildlife Park

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Eartha Globe

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Garmin's Headquarters is the home to the largest globe of the earth in the world!!! This is very impressive and worth the stop. Free to visit. Toilets and coffee shop on site.

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Children's Museum & Theatre of Maine

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Donut walking tour

The Maine Donut Tour - Portland

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Or you can do a self guided one.  We recommend the following donut shops..

Eighty 8 Donuts

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Hifi Donuts

@kidsandcarryon

We had the blueberry frost crip which was surprisingly lemonly and quite tart (not potato based or at least it didn't taste it). We also shared the cinnamon sugar - classic. There is limited seating (4 chairs) and they also sell coffee.

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The Holy Donut

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When people mention donuts and Portland in the same sentence, the Holy Donut will always be high on the list of donut shops. These donuts are made using potatoes which was a surprise to me when I bit into my first one. They are much denser than I had expected and a new experience. Well worth the visit!

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Not strictly donuts but worth the visit

Standard Baking Co

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Bread & Friends

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An awesome breakfast place! Their cannoli croissant was amazing and the scrambled eggs were great too!

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Check out our itineraries for Portland.  We've done all the planning for you!

Kids and carry on

3 days in Portland, Maine for foodie parents with kids

Are you ready to get your lobster on? Here we go! This itinerary includes lobster, donuts, lobstering, museums, playgrounds, more lobster and donuts and a side of native American animals. We also provide details on where we stayed, parking recommendations and toilet locations. Two days can be done without a car, while the third requires one.

$5.00

Itinerary

Kids and carry on

Foodie's guide to Portland, Maine

Portland, Maine offers a vibrant food scene with fresh seafood, craft breweries, and innovative farm-to-table dining. For us though, we came here for the lobster rolls. Here is where we ate, our our top recommendations for families.

Family • Couples • Backpacker • Digital Nomads • Female Solo • Plus Size • LGBTQ+ • 50+ • Business • Groups • Foodie

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