Family Friendly Weekend in Portland, ME

Portland, ME is a charming city that we’re so excited to be able to call home! that offers a wealth of family-friendly activities. From exploring the cobblestone streets of the Old Port and taking in the stunning views of Casco Bay to visiting the numerous parks and museums, there is something for everyone. With its welcoming atmosphere and endless opportunities for adventure, Portland, ME is the perfect destination for families looking to create lasting memories.

Activities

Portland offers an array of family-friendly activities that make it an ideal destination for a memorable vacation.

• Old Port: Portland’s historic Old Port district is filled with cobblestone streets, local shops, and delicious restaurants. Spend an afternoon wandering the streets, browsing the boutiques, and stopping for a bite to eat. With kids, be sure to stop into Treehouse Toys on Exchange Street!
• Portland Head Light: This historic lighthouse is located in Cape Elizabeth, just a short drive from downtown Portland. It’s a picturesque spot for a stroll or a picnic, with stunning views of the ocean and the surrounding cliffs. If you don’t feel like packing food, Bite into Maine has a food truck at the lighthouse, or The Lobster Shack at Two Lights is nearby, and essentially right on the rocks of the ocean shore. 
• Eastern Promenade: A park located on a hill overlooking Casco Bay, the Eastern Promenade (the “Eastern Prom”) is a great spot for a walk, bike ride, or picnic. There are also tennis courts, a playground, and a beach for swimming. On the weekend, food trucks line the street with options like a sushi hand roll and mini donuts. If you are staying in the Old Port, we recommend getting there by taking the walking trail along the water beginning from Commercial St. to the East End beach, and then up the hill to the Eastern Prom. 
• Sightseeing Tours: Hop aboard guide you through the enchanting sights of Portland. The narrated tour options offers engaging insights into Portland’s history, making it an ideal opportunity for both kids and adults to discover the city’s captivating past. Especially for kids, we recommend checking out the following:
  • Portland Fire Engine Co., which offers tours aboard a vintage fire truck.
  • Maine Duck Tours, which allows you to see and learn about the city from both the land and water.
  • Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Co., which offers short-distance tours with scenic views from Portland’s East End, all in a vintage train setting.
• Visit the local beaches: There are so many great beaches to enjoy in the summer. For our recommendations, check out Our Favorite Beaches Close to Portland, Maine post. With kids, we note Old Orchard Beach has the most nearby pier-like restaurants, as well as a small amusement park and arcade.
• Visit the nearby islands: There are lots of islands easily accessibly by ferry leaving from downtown Portland. For a family adventure, we recommend Peaks Island. You can bring bikes on the ferry or rent a golf cart on the island to explore. Find the Casco Bay Lines schedule here.
• Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine: As one of the top attractions for families, they offer hands-on exhibits and interactive experiences designed to inspire creativity and curiosity.
• Sports games: Experience the Portland Sea Dogs baseball, Hearts of Pine soccer, or Mainers hockey.

Eat and Drink

Portland boasts a vibrant food scene that caters to all tastes and dietary restrictions, ensuring that even the pickiest eaters will find something to enjoy. Here is a curated list of recommendations for a family and you can find our complete dining guide here.

• Highroller Lobster Co.: Featuring indoor and outdoor dining with a spacious and secluded patio behind the restaurant, Highroller Lobster Co. has every flavor for your lobster fix while you’re in Portland, ME. They offer inventive menu creations like the Lobby Pop, a lobster tail on a stick with your choice of warmed butter or covered in corn bread batter and deep friend.  
• Luke’s Lobster: If you are looking for a lobster roll on a deck, you can’t go wrong with Luke’s Lobster. It offers classic lobster rolls and great drinks right on the water. We recommend going for lunch. 
• Portland Lobster Company: Portland Lobster Company is a Portland staple, often packed with locals and tourists alike. It’s a great place to enjoy a lobster roll on a deck together with live music. With kids, we recommend grabbing a picnic table toward the back of the deck.
• Duckfat: A popular spot for locals and visitors alike, Duckfat is known for their crispy fries and creative sandwiches. Be sure to try their famous milkshakes! They have a Duckfat Frites Shack at Oxbow Brewery.
• Brickyard Hollow: A craft brewery and restaurant with multiple locations, including Commercial Street in Portland, this is a fantastic family and dog friendly option. In addition to beer, they serve craft cocktails and wine.
• Flatbread Company: Offering wood-fired pizzas on Commercial Street in downtown Portland, this family friendly spot offers a local beers on tap, which often includes Maine Beer Company.
• Terlingua: This BBQ and Southwestern style restaurant has one of our favorite patios for outdoor dining in Portland, ME. They offer several options for a freshly made margarita with tequila, lime, and agave and flights of tequila. 
• Salvage BBQ: This casual barbecue-focused restaurant is both well loved by locals and with its large dining area, is great for kids.
• The many breweries in Portland, ME are also dog and family friendly! Our favorites for comfortable and easy seating for a family include, Lone Pine Brewing Company, Rising Tide Brewing Company, Belleflower Brewing Company, and Austin Street Brewery and all within walking distance of each other in Portland’s East Bayside neighborhood. For more brewery recommendations visit our guide here.

Stay

• The Weldon: Located in Portland’s West End, The Weldon offers beautifully designed apartment-style suites with full kitchens, record players, and luxury touches throughout. Guests enjoy access to a modern fitness center, cozy lounge, and easy walkability to the Old Port, arts district, and waterfront.
• Residence Inn Portland Downtown/Waterfront: This hotel features spacious suites with separate living areas and fully equipped kitchens, ideal for families. It also offers a complimentary hot breakfast, indoor pool, and a convenient location near popular attractions.
• Embassy Suites by Hilton Portland Maine: Known for its spacious two-room suites, this hotel provides ample space for families to relax. It offers a complimentary cooked-to-order breakfast and an evening reception with snacks and beverages. The hotel also features an indoor pool and is located close to the Old Port district.
• Hyatt Place Portland-Old Port: Situated in the heart of downtown, this hotel offers modern and comfortable rooms suitable for families. It provides a complimentary breakfast, an indoor pool, and a 24-hour fitness center. Its central location allows easy access to family-friendly activities and attractions.
• Hilton Garden Inn Portland Downtown Waterfront: This hotel offers comfortable rooms with convenient amenities like mini-fridges and microwaves. Families can enjoy the indoor pool, on-site restaurant, and beautiful waterfront views. It’s located within walking distance to many attractions and activities.
• Hampton Inn Portland Downtown Waterfront: With its comfortable rooms and complimentary hot breakfast, this hotel is a popular choice for families. It features an indoor pool, fitness center, and a great location near the Old Port district and waterfront.
• Portland Harbor Hotel: Located near the waterfront, this hotel offers the ideal location for exploring all that Portland’s historic Old Port District has to offer.

These are just a few of the family-friendly hotels available in Portland, Maine. It’s always a good idea to check the specific amenities, room configurations, and location to find the best fit for your family’s needs.

If you have extra time to explore on your trip, be sure to check out our other Maine itineraries and travel guides:

• Kennebunk and Kennebunkport, ME
• Ogunquit and York, ME
• Portland, ME Winter Guide
• Portland, ME Summer and Fall Guide
• Portland, ME Family Friendly Weekend Guide
• More coming soon!

Thank you for visiting our site! We may make commission off affiliate links (at no further cost to you), but we would never recommend a place we don’t genuinely want to recommend.

– Karen & Kasey