Experience · Portland

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.

A 4.5-hour Portland afternoon plan for families — Children's Museum & Theatre of Maine, Terlingua, Payson Park.

Duration
4h 15m
Cost
$50–$90
Stops
3 stops
Area
Thompsons Point + 2 more
Walking
Light walking · Total 3.6-mile driving route
Best time
12:00 – 5:00 PM
Ideal for
Families · Kids · Adults · Solo
Start Plan
Customize
Family Fun at Children's Museum & Theatre

The plan

The plan

  1. 1Children's Museum & Theatre of Maine(2 hr 30 min)→
  2. 2Terlingua(1 hr)→
  3. 3Payson Park(45 min)

Why this plan works

The 3 stops cover about 3.6 miles total, which keeps you in one pocket of Portland instead of crossing town between them. Children's Museum & Theatre of Maine is the main event and takes the biggest block of time; the other stops are built around it. It finishes at Payson Park — a short, low-effort stop you can skip if you're ready to call it. Best suited to families, families with kids, adults, and solo who want a planned Portland outing without improvising between stops.

The story

Overview

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.

The itinerary

3 stops, one great day

  1. Children's Museum & Theatre of Maine1
    2h 30m
    Children's Museum & Theatre of Maine

    Arts & Culture · Thompsons Point

    Interactive kids' museum known for its camera obscura, also with science & job-related activities.

    What to do — Engage with the interactive exhibits and the unique camera obscura, encouraging hands-on learning and imaginative play for all ages.

    2.2 mi · 8 min drive

    Then Drive 10 minutes to Terlingua.

  2. Terlingua2
    1 hr
    Terlingua

    Food & Drink · East Bayside

    Inventive takes on BBQ & Southwestern dishes are served in a homey space decorated with pale wood.

    What to do — Refuel with some delicious and unique barbecue options that appeal to both kids and adults.

    1.4 mi · 6 min drive

    Then Drive 5 minutes to Payson Park.

  3. Payson Park3
    Optional 45 min
    Payson Park

    Outdoors · Back Cove

    Large public green space with a playground, expansive lawns, an arboretum & sports facilities.

    What to do — Let the kids run around on the playground or stroll through the arboretum in this large public green space.

Scout Stories

People who did this

Be the first to leave a Moment.

Did this outing? Hit "We Did This" up top and share a photo.

The route

On the map

Open route in Google Maps

Common questions

Planning this outing

Is this a good Portland itinerary for families?
Yes. It's built for families, families with kids, adults, and solo and runs about 4 hr 15 min across 3 stops, starting at Children's Museum & Theatre of Maine.
How long does this outing take?
Plan on 4 hr 15 min door to door, including time between stops.
How much does this Portland itinerary cost?
Roughly $50–$90 per person, before parking and tips. Free and low-cost stops are marked on each card.
Is this itinerary walkable?
Not entirely. The stops cover about 3.6 miles, so you'll drive or rideshare between at least one pair.
Do I need reservations?
No. Every stop on this plan takes walk-ins, though weekends move faster if you arrive early.

Keep exploring

More ways to spend time in Portland

Different moods, same city.

  • Sunset Lighthouse & Old Port Dinner
    Date Night
    Portland
    Sunset Lighthouse & Old Port Dinner

    Begin your evening with a breathtaking view of the Portland Head Light as dusk settles, offering stunning photo opportunities of Maine's iconic coastline. Then, head back to Portland's vibrant Old Port for a memorable local seafood dinner. Conclude your night with an optional rooftop cocktail, taking in the city lights and harbor views.

    Duration
    3h 30m
    Cost
    $60–$150
    Ideal for
    Couples · Friends
    View the plan
  • Historic Views & East End Bites
    Arts & Culture
    Portland
    Historic Views & East End Bites

    Ascend the historic Portland Observatory for a unique perspective of the city and harbor. Afterwards, enjoy a casual, delicious sandwich and their famous duck-fat fries. Conclude your outing with a relaxing moment at a nearby park with scenic water views.

    Duration
    3h 15m
    Cost
    $35–$60
    Ideal for
    Adults · Solo
    View the plan
  • Artful Afternoon & Old Port Dinner
    Date Night
    Portland
    Artful Afternoon & Old Port Dinner

    Begin your afternoon date with a light, flavorful lunch at Duckfat, known for its European-inspired fare. Then, immerse yourselves in art and culture at the Portland Museum of Art, home to famous American painters. Conclude your date with a romantic dinner at ViA VECCHiA, a chic Italian eatery in the historic Old Port.

    Duration
    4h 30m
    Cost
    $75–$150
    Ideal for
    Couples · Solo
    View the plan