A popular destination for many families during the summertime, Southern Maine has so much to offer! As a local resident and mom to a 14-month-old, I am delighted to share with you a couple of my favorite parks and places for summer days spent outside in this lovely part of the world.

The Eastern Promenade in Portland is a popular destination for many families, and for good reason, as the park provides endless opportunity for play and exploration. Spanning over sixty-eight acres along the ocean, the public park serves as the home to baseball fields, basketball courts, tennis courts, and an extensive playground. In addition the park offers two miles of paved trail which is popular for bicyclists, walkers and runners alike, many of whom have their children in tow! If you are looking for something really unique, hop aboard the Maine Narrow Gauge Railway, which operates along the Promenade and is a great activity to enjoy with the whole family while learning about the historic steam and diesel locomotives. Children love it! When you are ready for a break, enjoy a picnic on the grassy and shaded hills overlooking the ocean with some food from the popular food trucks parked along the Promenade.

Wainwright Farm Recreation Complex on Gary L Maietta Way in South Portland is known as a hidden gem in the area. The complex is open to the public and has over sixty-six acres of athletic fields, including baseball, softball, lacrosse, soccer, hurling and football. If you are looking for somewhere to walk, while also having space for your little ones to play, this is the place. The Greenbelt Walkway runs through the park, providing miles of trail to safely walk, run and bike. Follow it for six miles, and you will reach one of Maine’s most famous lighthouses in Portland, Bug Light. Or, stay closer to the farm and enjoy the playground with slides, monkey bars, and swings (bucket swings here - so much better for the little ones!), as well as a sheltered picnic area. In addition there are trees along the edges of the park to offer shade. Upon a recent visit, my son and I enjoyed a picnic under one of these trees and watched as the butterflies darted around us.

All details of kid friendly venues in Maine are to be found on our new app, KFV, featured on our website so please search and find your next day trip with the kids!

KD