Portland · Cumberland County, ME

Family things to do in Portland

Scout analyzed 84 Portland places and surfaced the ones that actually fit family.

Places analyzed

Matches

Typical spend

$35

Typical visit

2 hr

Complete outings

Family Fun at Children's Museum & Theatre

Dive into an afternoon of hands-on discovery at the Children's Museum & Theatre of Maine. After working up an appetite, grab some delicious and creative barbecue or Southwestern fare for a casual family meal. If time permits, enjoy a relaxing stroll at a nearby park.

Scout-verified spots

Waterfront District

DiMillo's On the Water

DiMillo's is a classic choice for a seafood dinner with harbor views, ideal for a special meal or an outing with visiting family. Expect to spend 1.5-2 hours and $50-100 per person.

FoodViewsRelaxed

$50–$100 typical1.3 hr visitmoderate parking

Old Port

Salt Yard Cafe & Bar

This cafe and bar is a good spot for a casual breakfast or light lunch, pairing well with a walk around the commercial street. Expect to spend 1-2 hours and around $15-35 per person for a meal and a drink.

FoodCocktailsRelaxed

$15–$35 typical1.3 hr visitmoderate parking

East Bayside

Terlingua

Terlingua is suitable for a casual meal of inventive barbecue and Southwestern dishes, lasting around an hour and a half. Expect to spend $25-55 per person, making it a good main stop for an evening out or a weekend lunch.

FoodCocktailsShopping

$25–$55 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking

Waterfront District

The Porthole Restaurant & Pub

The Porthole is a casual seafood spot with wharfside dining and live music, ideal for a relaxed meal or drinks. Expect to spend 1-2 hours and about $30-$70 per person.

FoodCocktailsLive music

$30–$70 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking

Outdoors

Fort Williams Park

This large park offers diverse outdoor activities like exploring a rocky shoreline, old bunkers, and a lighthouse. Expect to spend 2-3 hours walking or playing, with no entry fee, making it ideal for a free family outing or a scenic solo walk.

OutdoorsHistoryViews

$0 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Parkside

Hot Suppa

Hot Suppa is a good spot for a weekend brunch or casual breakfast, expecting to spend about an hour and $15-30 per person. It pairs well with a morning stroll or a visit to nearby shops.

FoodCocktailsRelaxed

$15–$30 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking

Downtown

Geno’s Rock Club

Geno's Rock Club is a late-night bar for live music and drinks, best for a casual outing after dinner. Expect to spend $15-40 per person over a couple of hours.

CocktailsLive musicSocial

$15–$40 typical1.5 hr visithard parking

Outdoors

Crescent Beach State Park

Crescent Beach State Park is a great spot for a half-day outdoor outing, offering beach access, trails, and picnic areas. Expect to spend a few dollars for parking per vehicle, but otherwise, it's a budget-friendly activity.

OutdoorsViewsAnimals

$0–$10 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Downtown

One Longfellow Square

One Longfellow Square is an intimate venue for live music, film, and theater. Plan for an evening outing, possibly paired with dinner nearby, with ticket prices typically ranging from $25-50 per person for a 2-3 hour show.

Live musicArtsRelaxed

$25–$50 typical2.3 hr visitmoderate parking

East Bayside

Eventide Oyster Co.

Expect a lively, intimate evening with seafood, especially oysters and lobster rolls. Budget for a premium meal and drinks, and plan to wait or secure a reservation far in advance for this busy spot.

FoodCocktailsSocial

$50–$100 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking

Parkside

Tandem Coffee and Bakery

Tandem is a good spot for a casual breakfast or lunch with coffee and pastries, suitable for a quick stop or a relaxed hour. Expect to spend $10-25 per person.

FoodShoppingViews

$10–$25 typical45 min visitmoderate parking

East Bayside

Duckfat

Duckfat is a good stop for a casual meal of sandwiches and fries, fitting well into a midday or evening outing in Portland. Expect to spend $15-35 per person for food and a drink.

FoodCocktailsRelaxed

$15–$35 typical1.3 hr visithard parking

Outdoors

Bradbury Mountain State Park

This state park offers hiking, biking, and horse trails, suitable for a 2-4 hour outdoor activity. It's a low-cost option, with a small entrance fee or free for Maine residents/campers.

OutdoorsSportsAnimals

$0–$10 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Outdoors

Two Lights State Park

Two Lights State Park is good for a scenic outdoor walk with ocean views, potentially after a meal or as part of a longer coastal drive. Expect to spend 1.5 to 2 hours here, with entrance fees typically under $10 per person.

OutdoorsViewsAnimals

$4–$10 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Outdoors

Cliff Trail

This is a good spot for a 1.5-2 hour hike, offering scenic views for no cost. It can be paired with a picnic or other outdoor activities in the area.

OutdoorsSportsViews

$0 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking

Outdoors

Wolfe's Neck Woods State Park

This state park is ideal for a half-day outdoor excursion, featuring walking trails, coastal views, and wildlife watching. Expect to spend a few hours hiking and plan for a small entrance fee per vehicle or person.

OutdoorsAnimalsViews

$0–$10 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Bayside

Coffee ME Up

Coffee ME Up is suitable for a quick breakfast or lunch stop, grabbing a coffee, or a casual meetup. Expect to spend 30 minutes and under $15 per person for a drink and a bite.

FoodShoppingWellness

$5–$15 typical45 min visitmoderate parking

Outdoors

Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge

Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge is ideal for a 1.5-hour free outdoor activity focused on nature and bird-watching. It pairs well with a picnic or a nearby town visit, offering an accessible way to experience local wildlife and landscapes.

OutdoorsAnimalsViews

$0 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Oakdale

The Great Lost Bear

The Great Lost Bear is a classic pub for a casual meal or drinks, offering a vast beer selection and consistent food. Plan for 1.5 to 2 hours and expect to spend $25-50 per person on food and a few drinks.

FoodCocktailsLive music

$25–$50 typical1.3 hr visitmoderate parking

Parkside

Deering Oaks Park

Deering Oaks Park is suitable for a free, relaxed outdoor activity, such as a walk or picnic. Expect to spend an hour or two, especially if enjoying the pond or playground.

OutdoorsAnimalsViews

$0 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Downtown

Merrill Auditorium

Merrill Auditorium is good for attending a concert or performance. A typical visit lasts about 2-3 hours, and tickets usually cost between $30 and $150 per person depending on the event.

ArtsLive musicRelaxed

$30–$150 typical2.5 hr visitmoderate parking

Old Port

Novare Res Bier Cafe

Novare Res Bier Cafe is a hidden bar suitable for an evening drink or casual dinner with a unique beer selection. Expect to spend 1-2 hours and $20-50 per person on drinks and snacks.

FoodCocktailsOutdoors

$20–$50 typical1.5 hr visithard parking

Thompsons Point

Children's Museum & Theatre of Maine

This is a good spot for a 2-3 hour family outing with young children, offering interactive exhibits. Expect to spend about $18-20 per person for entry.

Live musicArtsAnimals

$18–$20 typical2 hr visiteasy parking

Old Port

Portland House Of Music and Events (HOME)

Portland House Of Music is a great spot for an evening out to catch a live band, often paired with dinner nearby or drinks beforehand. Expect to spend 3-4 hours and $50-100 per person including cover and a few drinks.

Live musicCocktailsFood

$50–$100 typical3 hr visitmoderate parking