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Top 10 Towns for Family Vacations in Maine
The state of Maine is full of destinations that will appeal to families. Sometimes
the best family vacations are the ones where you don’t have too much planned
and your time is spent on family game nights, pancake breakfasts and outdoor
excursions. On the beaches and beyond, Maine has lots of options for spending
some quality time together.
1. Kennebunkport
Kennebunkport is a coastal town known for lobster boat tours, kayaking on the
Kennebunk River, and hiking through local wildlife reserves. Whether you’re
an active family or want to sit back and enjoy the comforts of an oceanfront
vacation rental, Kennebunkport will provide the backdrop for a classic family
getaway.
2. Camden
The town of Camden is located on the mid-coast of Maine. This area is known
for its quiet atmosphere and natural beauty, making it ideal for a family
getaway. Camden itself is also known for being the home of Maine’s
Windjammer Fleet, the tall ships that sail to islands off the coast, and has a state
park that offers more than 5,000 acres for hiking.
3. Portland
If you’re the kind of family that likes to be in the center of the action, skip the
smaller towns in favor of Portland. When you stay here, you will have a variety
of entertainment at your doorstep and your kids will love the downtown
Portland Children’s Museum. There’s also plenty of great shopping and dining.
4. York Harbor
York Harbor is a lovely setting for families that are dreaming of a beach
getaway. You will find beaches for flying kites and nice waves for surfing as
well as entertainment specifically for the kids including a large arcade,
amusement park, petting zoo, and the Goldenrod, where your kids can watch
saltwater taffy being made.
5. Ogunquit
There are many beautiful towns along the coast in Maine, but many families
return to Ogunquit year after year. This town has a beach with 3.5 miles of sand
and surf. It also has an old-town trolley that the kids will love to ride. Simple
pleasures here include shopping on Main Street, going for a stroll on the
famous 1.25 mile Marginal Way along the coast, or embarking on whale
watching charters.
6. Old Orchard Beach
Another example of a great spot for families that love activity is Old Orchard
Beach. In comparison to some of the sleepy Maine towns, this beach town is
downright lively. The seven-mile beach has plenty of room for families to
spread out and enjoy the sun and the sand. A large pier is home to an
amusement park with a Ferris wheel, arcade, carousel, and roller coasters.
7. Rockland
Maine is full of beautiful, seaside towns, and Rockland is one of best. Home to
the annual Maine Lobster Festival held every August, this town is known for its
fresh seafood, historic downtown, and recreational boating. There are also art
galleries and museums if you’re craving a little low key entertainment during a
family trip.
8. Boothbay Harbor
The quaint town of Boothbay Harbor is the perfect launching point for exploring
everything Maine is well-known for: lighthouses, whale watching, charter boats
for deep sea fishing and lobster tours. One of the biggest attractions here is the
Maine State Aquarium, where your kids will have the opportunity to see two
touch tanks featuring gentle sharks.
9. Bath
Every family must find their own perfect match in Maine and for some, the town
of Bath is it. Here you can embark on kayak tours of Merrymeeting Bay, shop
along Front Street, or visit the riverside farmers' market during the summer
months.
10. Eastport
The tiny town of Eastport is a sleepy destination where you can take vacation at
your own pace. While other destinations might sweep you up in things to do
and see, Eastport allows you to take in the natural beauty of the area and relax
in the comfort of your vacation rental.
Maine is full of towns big and small for any family vacation. Where will you go
next?
This post courtesy of HomeAway's travel ideas site.
The state of Maine is full of destinations that will appeal to families. Sometimes
the best family vacations are the ones where you don’t have too much planned
and your time is spent on family game nights, pancake breakfasts and outdoor
excursions. On the beaches and beyond, Maine has lots of options for spending
some quality time together.
1. Kennebunkport
Kennebunkport is a coastal town known for lobster boat tours, kayaking on the
Kennebunk River, and hiking through local wildlife reserves. Whether you’re
an active family or want to sit back and enjoy the comforts of an oceanfront
vacation rental, Kennebunkport will provide the backdrop for a classic family
getaway.
2. Camden
The town of Camden is located on the mid-coast of Maine. This area is known
for its quiet atmosphere and natural beauty, making it ideal for a family
getaway. Camden itself is also known for being the home of Maine’s
Windjammer Fleet, the tall ships that sail to islands off the coast, and has a state
park that offers more than 5,000 acres for hiking.
3. Portland
If you’re the kind of family that likes to be in the center of the action, skip the
smaller towns in favor of Portland. When you stay here, you will have a variety
of entertainment at your doorstep and your kids will love the downtown
Portland Children’s Museum. There’s also plenty of great shopping and dining.
4. York Harbor
York Harbor is a lovely setting for families that are dreaming of a beach
getaway. You will find beaches for flying kites and nice waves for surfing as
well as entertainment specifically for the kids including a large arcade,
amusement park, petting zoo, and the Goldenrod, where your kids can watch
saltwater taffy being made.
5. Ogunquit
There are many beautiful towns along the coast in Maine, but many families
return to Ogunquit year after year. This town has a beach with 3.5 miles of sand
and surf. It also has an old-town trolley that the kids will love to ride. Simple
pleasures here include shopping on Main Street, going for a stroll on the
famous 1.25 mile Marginal Way along the coast, or embarking on whale
watching charters.
6. Old Orchard Beach
Another example of a great spot for families that love activity is Old Orchard
Beach. In comparison to some of the sleepy Maine towns, this beach town is
downright lively. The seven-mile beach has plenty of room for families to
spread out and enjoy the sun and the sand. A large pier is home to an
amusement park with a Ferris wheel, arcade, carousel, and roller coasters.
7. Rockland
Maine is full of beautiful, seaside towns, and Rockland is one of best. Home to
the annual Maine Lobster Festival held every August, this town is known for its
fresh seafood, historic downtown, and recreational boating. There are also art
galleries and museums if you’re craving a little low key entertainment during a
family trip.
8. Boothbay Harbor
The quaint town of Boothbay Harbor is the perfect launching point for exploring
everything Maine is well-known for: lighthouses, whale watching, charter boats
for deep sea fishing and lobster tours. One of the biggest attractions here is the
Maine State Aquarium, where your kids will have the opportunity to see two
touch tanks featuring gentle sharks.
9. Bath
Every family must find their own perfect match in Maine and for some, the town
of Bath is it. Here you can embark on kayak tours of Merrymeeting Bay, shop
along Front Street, or visit the riverside farmers' market during the summer
months.
10. Eastport
The tiny town of Eastport is a sleepy destination where you can take vacation at
your own pace. While other destinations might sweep you up in things to do
and see, Eastport allows you to take in the natural beauty of the area and relax
in the comfort of your vacation rental.
Maine is full of towns big and small for any family vacation. Where will you go
next?
This post courtesy of HomeAway's travel ideas site.
