A Guide to Summer Activities for Kids in Coastal New England

This post is about summer activities for kids.

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Summer is a special time for kids to embrace their creativity, curiosity, and passion for exploration. However, as a parent, it can be daunting to find engaging and enriching activities to keep them busy. Luckily, we've got you covered with this Guide to Summer Activities for Kids in Coastal New England. From outdoor adventures to indoor excursions, there's something for every child to enjoy. So why not make this summer a time of growth and discovery for your kids? With a little effort and planning, you can create unforgettable summer memories that will last a lifetime.

SUMMER ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS

Newburyport, Massachusetts

Clipper City Rail Trail and Harborwalk

Immerse yourself in the vibrant community of Newburyport with a fun afternoon riding bikes on the Clipper City Rail Trail and Harborwalk. This 3.9-mile rail trail is not just a path; it's a connection, linking the Merrimack River waterfront with downtown Newburyport and neighboring businesses, shops, restaurants, and parks. Along the route, you’ll find trailside art, including sculptures and interactive pieces that children and adults alike will enjoy. Also, check out Cashman Park, a hub of community activity with a beautiful playground, basketball courts, and soccer and baseball fields. Then, join the bustling downtown Newburyport to enjoy the shops and restaurants!

HELPFUL TIP: Bring a bike lock so you can leave your bikes behind while exploring downtown Newburyport and all that it has to offer!

(RELATED POST: 13 Simple Summer Schedule Ideas for Busy Moms)

Rye, New Hampshire

Seacoast Science Center

Located in the picturesque Odiorne Point State Park on New Hampshire’s 18-mile coastline, the Seacoast Science Center is a treasure trove of fun and learning for the whole family. Here, kids can learn about marine life, explore the tropical reef habitats, and even touch sea creatures in the saltwater tanks. But the fun doesn't stop there. After a day of exploration, families can enjoy a picnic in the scenic picnic area, take a leisurely walk along several miles of trails, or let the kids have a blast at the playground. It's a perfect blend of education and entertainment!

HELPFUL TIP: Purchase tickets before arrival, as they sell out quickly, especially on lovely summer days.

Portsmouth, New Hampshire

Prescott Park

Enjoy the Portsmouth waterfront and beautiful educational gardens in the 1-acre Prescott Park. If you are into gardening yourself, city gardeners identify the plants and flowers in the gardens so visitors can inspire their gardens. Additionally, the park offers a concert series, theatre performances, and even classic and new-release movies throughout the summer. For a small donation of $5 per event, these park offerings can be added to your list of summer activities for kids.

HELPFUL TIP: Do you have small children and need to skip the evening festivities? Instead, take full advantage of the park during the day and picnic on Four Tree Island, accessed off Peirce Island Road. The public facility is open to all, and there are several picnic tables and grills where you can enjoy lunch and the city's beautiful view.

York, Maine

York Wild Kingdom

The York Wild Kingdom is an entertaining family trip to add to your fun summer activities list. The amusement park includes family rides, a petting zoo, a miniature golf course, and more! Don’t forget to visit the Butterfly Kingdom—a 5,500-square-foot exhibit of South and Central American butterflies that fly freely throughout the display. Bring along some lunch or enjoy the fair-style food available for purchase. On your way out, browse the gift shop and purchase a souvenir!

HELPFUL TIP: There are amusement rides for even the family's littlest members, so be sure to check them out!

Ogunquit, Maine

Footbridge Beach

My favorite childhood memories are from summer beach trips to Footbridge Beach in Ogunquit with my family. Spend an entire day swimming, sunbathing, and building sandcastles on Footbridge Beach, which is part of the 3-mile coast of Ogunquit Beach and has been rated one of the top 25 beaches in the U.S. by TripAdvisor. Bring a size-appropriate beach bodyboard, and your kids will ride the surf all day!

HELPFUL TIP: Parking can fill up quickly, especially in the peak summer months. Plan to arrive no later than 9 a.m. to grab a spot.

Wells, Maine

Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge

The Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge consists of 5,000 acres stretching from Kittery to Cape Elizabeth, Maine, and aims to protect coastal wetlands and over 350+ species of animals. The Carson Interpretive Trail is located in Wells. It is a one-mile path with 11 interpretive stops and offers breathtaking salt marsh views. This trail is the perfect child—and dog-friendly trail, providing benches along the route for tired kids and adults alike.

HELPFUL TIP: Bring binoculars and enjoy the fantastic bird-watching and salt marsh views!

Kennebunkport, Maine

Seashore Trolley Museum

A unique and educational summer activity for kids is a visit to the Seashore Trolley Museum in Kennebunkport. Take a ride on a vintage trolley from the early 1900s, and then visit the museum to learn more about these fascinating transit artifacts. You can also stop in the museum store to purchase a souvenir or enjoy a snack. The museum also offers frequent special events, including Dino Trolley, Daniel Tiger Visits Seashore, and Ice Cream Night, to make the experience extra special.

HELPFUL TIP: After you visit the museum, head into Kennebunkport and have lunch at one of the many fabulous restaurants, including Allison’s Restaurant and Federal Jack’s.

Cape Elizabeth, Maine

Portland Head Light and Fort Williams Park

Cape Elizabeth is home to the iconic Portland Lighthouse in scenic Fort Williams Park. Walk around the lighthouse, enjoy the gorgeous views, and browse the museum and gift shop. Next, take advantage of the 90-acre Fort Williams Park adjacent to the lighthouse. The park offers picnic facilities, historic structures, hiking opportunities, and a recreational area with a small beach and children’s garden. The park is enormous, and you will surely find something new around every corner!

HELPFUL TIP: Pick up a scavenger hunt sheet for kids at the Greeters Shed in central parking. Also, look for food vendors for a light lunch or treat.

Portland, Maine

Children’s Museum + Theatre of Maine

Every summer inevitably has its rainy days. The Children’s Museum + Theatre of Maine is a fun summer activity for kids to enjoy on these days (and even on a beautiful day!). Your kids will enjoy interactive exhibits, including a climbing adventure, dress-up theatre, a kid-scaled Maine neighborhood, exciting water play, an outdoor playground, and more! The museum also offers special events such as Children’s Book Week, Meet a Therapy Dog, Theatre for Tots, and more to add to your visit!

HELPFUL TIP: Consider a museum membership if you think you’ll go again. It’s an incredible experience that you’ll want to repeat! If you decide to become a member after your first visit, ask that your entrance fee be transferred to the membership cost.

Eastern Promenade Trail

The Eastern Promenade Trail, located near the shore of Portland’s Casco Bay and Portland Harbor, offers a 2.1-mile paved trail for walking and biking. The trail provides spectacular views and swimming, a public boat launch, a community garden, and benches and tables to enjoy a picnic lunch. At the top of Eastern Promenade Park, you’ll even find a variety of food trucks offering food that will appeal to all taste buds.

HELPFUL TIP: Bring a blanket to enjoy free summer concerts in the park in July and August.

Freeport, Maine

Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park and L.L Bean Flagship Store

Enjoy a scenic hike at Wolf’s Neck Woods State Park, which is a five-minute drive from the center of Freeport. The park contains a salt marsh estuary and the rocky shorelines of Casco Bay and the Harraseeket River. After enjoying the views, enjoy lunch at the park shelter area or drive into Freeport and discover restaurants and shopping, including the L.L. Bean Flagship store. Stop and take a family picture with their famous L.L. Bean Boot!

HELPFUL TIP: Before making your trip, check out L.L. Bean’s Summer in the Park series beginning in July, and take advantage of free summer activities for kids, including concerts, yoga classes, family movie nights, and more!

Boothbay Harbor, Maine

Coastal Maine Botanical Garden

Located North of Portland in Boothbay Harbor, the Coastal Maine Botanical Garden is a hidden gem for parents looking to entertain and educate their kids this summer. The Garden offers over 300 acres of land and beautiful gardens. Children of any age will enjoy scavenger hunting to find creatures, sculptures, and plants throughout the gardens (including giant trolls)! Don’t forget to explore the Alfond Children’s Garden, which includes ponds and themed gardens inspired by books written by Maine Children’s authors.

HELPFUL TIP: Check out the Kiosk in the Visitor Center to take advantage of the scheduled daily activities in the Children’s Garden.

Bar Harbor, Maine

Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park is located in Bar Harbor on Mount Desert Island. While there are plenty of things to do in Acadia, two family-friendly and beginner-level activities include visiting Jordan Pond and driving up Cadillac Mountain. Jordan Pond is one of the park's most pristine lakes and has incredible surrounding scenery. You can hike, canoe, kayak, or even head to the Jordan Pond House for tea and popovers. Then, drive up a three-mile route to Cadillac Mountain and view the highest peak in the park. Stop at the many pull-offs and check out the gift shop before departing.

HELPFUL TIP: In addition to the park entrance pass, you must purchase a vehicle reservation for Cadillac Summit Road. Both passes should be purchased beforehand online or using the mobile app.

Summer is a beautiful opportunity for children to experience more freedom and discover new places and activities. However, it can be daunting for parents to devise new and exciting ideas to keep their kids engaged. With the Guide to Summer Activities for Kids in Coastal New England and a little determination, you can turn this summer into an exciting time of learning and exploration.

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Create a personalized summer activities list using this Guide to Summer Activities in Coastal New England. What are your family’s favorite summer ideas? Keep your idea list near your family's summer schedule for easy access. Happy Summer Travels!

A GUIDE TO SUMMER ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS IN COASTAL NEW ENGLAND

This post is about summer activities for kids.

SUMMER ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS