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
The plan
The plan
- 1Children's Museum & Theatre of Maine(2 hr 30 min)→
- 2Terlingua(1 hr)→
- 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
- 12h 30mChildren'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.
21 hrTerlinguaFood & 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.
3Optional 45 minPayson ParkOutdoors · 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.
The route
On the map
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.
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Keep exploring
More ways to spend time in Portland
Different moods, same city.
Arts & CulturePortlandHistoric Views & East End BitesAscend 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