If you are in Portland, Maine and looking for something aimed especially for your kids…this is the place to go. The Children’s Museum & Theater of Maine has four levels of fun that the entire family will enjoy. Their mission statement says it all: “The Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine exists to inspire discovery and imagination through exploration and play.”
We spent our morning at the museum and the girls had such a great time using their imagination. Let me take you on a tour of our day.
First Floor…
Fire Truck: No matter how old you are you will always be drawn to this big red truck. Throw on a fire fighter’s uniform and hop aboard the 25-foot fire truck. After racing to the scene of the fire, slide down the fire pole and run to the hydrant and grab the hose.
Car Repair Shop: Time to do some car repairs. Grab a wrench and screwdriver and get that car running again. Before you leave, don’t forget to fill the car up with gas.
Market: Time to shop! Feel like doing some grocery shopping? Grab one of the grocery lists, a shopping basket, and head to the market. Feel like working? Then how about becoming the cashier? Or put on an apron and stock some shelves.
Lobster Boat: No Maine museum would be complete without a lobster boat. Throw out some traps and bring the lobster, crabs, and fish to the market so they can sell it.
Also, don’t forget to check out the Bank and Oakie Acres.
Second Floor…
Raising Readers Reading Nook: If you need a few minutes to relax, this area is comfortable and quiet and the perfect place to snuggle up and read a few books.
Ranger Station: Come visit the four cutest turtles that call the museum home. You can also put on a puppet show.
Discovery Woods: My girls especially loved this section. They built a campsite, climbed a rock wall, and went fishing. Make sure you check out the amazing beehive the museum has. It is so interesting watching them work so hard to make honey.
Also, don’t forget to check out the Space Shuttle and the Tree to Timber area. You may also want to check when the Tide Pool Touch Tank will be open. It is filled with cute little marine creatures you would find in tide pools in Maine.
The Lower Level has Coco’s Diner and Dress-Up Theatre. There were camps using the theatre on the day we were there so we didn’t want to disturb them.
ADMISSION: $10 for anyone over the age of 18 months.
Hours: Open Daily from 10:00-5:00
ADDRESS: 142 Free Street, Portland, Maine
PHONE NUMBER: (207) 828-1234
WEBSITE: http://www.kitetails.org/