These are just a few of my kid’s favorite places to hang out during the spring, summer, fall, and even winter months. I hope you find this helpful!
Eastern Promenade: located on the east side of Portland, The Eastern Promenade is high above so while your kids play you can look out at the calendar islands and the many sailboats off the coast. It is a truly beautiful location. If you need a snack there are a few bakeries close by (like my favorite Belleville) or there are often food trucks right there on the premises. It makes for an epic picnic location. You can also see the Narrow Gauge train scoot by and walk over to catch a ride on one of their trains!
Fort Williams: While most know Fort Williams because of its iconic lighthouse, The Portland Headlight. Most don’t know that if you hang a right instead of a left towards the lighthouse you’ll drive back to the playground. It’s a great spot! You can also venture over to The Children’s Garden, where the kiddos can walk among native Maine flowers, crawl through tunnels, look out of a tree house, and lastly slide down a granite slide. You can do all of this and enjoy a picnic on many of their open fields and even grab a lobster roll and gelato!
Willard Beach: Want to go to the beach and also have a playground to tire the kiddos out on? Willard is the place to do it. They have a playground right on the beach which is amazing for the kids and you! If you get there early enough I recommend getting a bagel and a sweet treat at Scratch Bakery and then heading down to the beach. You can always grab some ice cream from Willard Scoops on the way back to your car.
The Children’s Museum: If you haven’t checked out the new Children’s Museum location you should remedy that! Their new location offers lots of great new attractions, but they also have an epic playground outside. You do need to make a reservation in advance these days, but it will not disappoint!
If you’re looking to have a family session I always recommend Fort Williams and the playground is a great way to end the session for the kiddos. I get so many smiles on the swings and monkey bars!
