Sands Point Preserve kicks off a wilderness survival series Saturday where teens can learn survival basics alongside their parents. Photo courtesy of the venue
Slime Workshop, Fossil Finds and More Things To Do on Long Island this Weekend
Watch ice carving demonstrations and celebrate all things winter along the harborfront at Port Jefferson's annual Ice Festival. Photo courtesy of Port Jefferson Business Improvement District
Top Free Things To Do with Kids on Long Island in January 2026, According to MP Editors
Have a ball this winter at indoor fun centers on Long Island like Nana’s Wonderland. Photo by Gina Massaro
Ultimate Winter Bucket List: 34 Best Things To Do with Kids on Long Island
Find free fun for Long Island kids at the free play space at the Broadway Mall. Photo courtesy the mall
GUIDE
Guide to Free Things To Do with Long Island Kids
Hit the ice at the scenic Mohonk Mountan House, which offers winter day passes to enjoy its spectacular resort amenities. Photo courtesy of the venue
23 Fun Winter Day Trips from NYC
Discover the trails at Quogue Wildlife Refuge for a day of free, outdoorsy fun. Photo by Jaime Sumersille
100 Free Things To Do on Long Island with Kids
Kids will burn off all their energy running, jumping, and sliding around Jetsetters Kids Club. Photo by Gina Massaro
20 Best Kids' Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces in Suffolk County
The Ausable Chasm has been described as the Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks and it's one of our top 100 things to do in New York State with kids. Photo by Anna Fader
Ultimate New York Bucket List: 100 Things To Do with Kids in NY State
GUIDE
LI Winter Vacation Guide: Best Getaways and Activities for Families
Xplore Family Fun Center's birthday parties include pizza, drinks, and arcade cards. Photo by the author
Top Birthday Party Places on Long Island for Kids
Get ready for back to school with all the right supplies, classes, and tips.
GUIDE
Back-to-School Guide 2025-2026
Summer camp is a great way for kids to make new friends and learn new skills
GUIDE
Long Island Summer Camp Guide
Speed down the slides at Bellmore's Planet Play.
Top Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces in Nassau County
Bounce! in Syosset is a trampoline adventure destination that includes a toddler playground for younger kids. Photo by Jennifer Voit
15 Family Fun Centers on Long Island
Kids eat free at participating IHOPs beginning at 4pm each afternoon. Photo courtesy of IHOP
Restaurants Where Kids Eat Free on Long Island
Photo of Liddle Bites play space in Long Beach by Lisa Fogarty for Mommy Poppins
GUIDE
Guide to Indoor Play Spaces for Long Island Kids
Jones Beach Energy and Nature Center's interactive exhibits are free. Photo by Gina Massaro
14 Free Things To Do Indoors on Long Island: Free Places To Play Indoors on Cold and Rainy Days
The Vanderbilt has a planetarium, an expansive mansion, and a museum, making it a great place to explore on a rainy day. Photo by Kristen Markel
25 Things To Do Indoors on Long Island on a Rainy Day
Families gather at Northport Park as the sun sets on the scenic Northport Harbor. Photo by the author
Best Cute Towns on Long Island with Walkable Main Streets
A day at Sunken Meadow State Park can feature playground games, a walk on the beach, and more. Photo by Kimberly Chacon
Best Playgrounds on Long Island for Kids
Speed down the slides at Bellmore's Planet Play.
Top Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces in Nassau County
Celebrate with a themed birthday at Sippy Cups. Photo by the author
Fun Indoor Birthday Party Places for Kids on Long Island
These boredom-busting activities turn a stuck-at-home day into a lasting memory.
75 Indoor Activities for Kids on a Rainy Day
GUIDE
Guide to Classes for Long Island Kids
Kids eat free at participating IHOPs beginning at 4pm each afternoon. Photo courtesy of IHOP
Restaurants Where Kids Eat Free on Long Island
Winding paths, ponds, and streams line the lush grounds of Clark Botanic Gardens.
17 Secret Long Island Spots Kids Love
Encourage an introduction to STEM education at the Long Island Children's Museum. Photo courtesy of LICM
Best Long Island Science Museums for Kids
Long Island is home to some of the most beautiful beaches on the eastern seaboard. Photo courtesy of Discover Long Island
Ultimate Long Island Bucket List: 100 Things To Do on LI with Kids Before They Grow Up
Host an affordable birthday party at Whimsical Vine Party Hall. Photo by Chofit the Man to Call via Pexels
Inexpensive Birthday Party Room Rentals on Long Island
Babies 2 and younger can pet the goats, alpacas, and ponies for free at Fink’s Country Farm.
12 Free Places to Play on Long Island with Babies and Toddlers
Photo of Liddle Bites play space in Long Beach by Lisa Fogarty for Mommy Poppins
GUIDE
Guide to Indoor Play Spaces for Long Island Kids
Enjoy the engaging exhibits at the Long Island Children's Museum. Photo courtesy of LICM
Best Museums for Kids on Long Island
Keep the kids busy at Applebee's with games on a tableside tablet. Photo by Anne Caminiti - Momee Friends of Long Island www.momeefriendsli.com
Long Island Restaurants with Fun Entertainment for Kids
Photo by Dora Somosi via Instagram
GUIDE
Family Day Trips and Weekend Getaways for Long Island
Grab the brass ring and get a free ride at Greenport's carousel. Photo by Jaime Sumersille
Top Attractions in Long Island: Best Things to See and Do With Kids
Creating a baking soda volcano is a classic science experiment for kids. Photo by Sara Marentette Nighswander
67 Easy Science Experiments for Kids To Do at Home
Suncatcher_Liz Baill @creativishmom
GUIDE
Crafts for Kids Guide: Thousands of Craft Ideas

Portland Maine Family Travel Guide

Photo by Stephen Ritchie/CC BY-NC 2.0
Photo by Stephen Ritchie/CC BY-NC 2.0
8/9/19 - By Rose Gordon Sala

The charming coastal city of Portland, Maine, has undergone something of a revival in the last couple of decades, racking up awards for its restaurants and breweries. Families-in-the-know have always been drawn to its down-to-earth vibe and kid-friendly outdoor and indoor attractions, including a great children's museum, railroad museum, lighthouses, parks, and boat and ferry rides.

Portland is also a great destination for families seeking to explore the rest of Maine. Travel Down East to Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park or drive south to the family-friendly beaches of York, Kennebunk, and Old Orchard Beach. The latter includes a full-size amusement park right along the beach. Don't forget to stop at the various lobster shacks that dot Maine's coast for a roadside treat.

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

The play-focused Children's Museum is the perfect spot for a rainy day. Photo by Shira Kronzon
The play-focused Children's Museum is the perfect spot for a rainy day. Photo by Shira Kronzon

Top Things to Do in Portland, Maine

Portland, ME with Kids: 50 Best Things To Do in Portland, Maine

Find out about all the favorite kid spots in Portland! READ MORE
Take a hike in Acadia for a view of Bar Harbor. Photo by Kelley Heyworth
Take a hike in Acadia for a view of Bar Harbor. Photo by Kelley Heyworth

Family Attractions and Day Trips from Portland Maine

Visiting Acadia National Park with Kids

New England Family Beach Vacation: Visiting York Beach, Maine

25 Things to Do During an Old Orchard Beach, Maine Summer Family Vacation

Family-Friendly Farm Stays: Meet the Animals and Work the Farm

100 Things to Do in New England with Kids Before They Grow Up

Places featured in this article: