If you’re looking for a quintessential New England town, look no further than Kennebunkport, Maine. Situated 1.5 hours north of Boston, this quaint seaside escape is just oozing with charm! From enjoying scenic beaches, mouth-watering seafood (lobster roll, anyone?) and water activities in the summer to apple picking and celebrating the holidays (at one of the best Christmas celebrations in the country!) in the winter, Kennebunkport is the ideal getaway no matter the season. Read on for 20 things to do in Kennebunkport the next time you make a trip with your kids!
1. Grab a coffee and head to the playground at Mother’s Beach. Your kiddos can burn off some energy while you take in the stunning views of the Atlantic and sip on some java.
2. Enjoy freshly picked apples or make your own bouquet of flowers when you visit Spiller Farm in the neighboring town of Wells. You might also want to pick up some fresh produce and local goods from the farmers’ market.
3. Book a room at the most family-friendly hotel in Kennebunkport, the Lodge on the Cove. The refurbished motor lodge has so many neat features and a lengthy amenities list: think ping pong tables, lawn games, evening bonfires with s’mores and weekend movies at the clubhouse.
4. Take a stroll through Dock Square in the Lower Village of Kennebunkport, home to cute boutiques and beautiful galleries. You’ll find handcrafted jewelry, clothing, home décor and other treasures unique to Maine.
5. After you peek into the shops in the Lower Village, grab lunch at the New England style pub Alisson’s. It’s casual and kid-friendly with a menu filled with hearty seafood dishes. For parents, we recommend the fried haddock sandwich or the Maine lobster pizza, and for younger diners, the fried fish nuggets or kiddie-sized lobster roll.
6. Rent bikes and ride along Ocean Ave. for spectacular views of the Atlantic and beautiful seaside escapes. Coastal Maine Kayak has a variety of options including kid bikes and trail-behind carriages. Rentals also include helmets and a local map to guide you on your journey.
7. Give your children the classic Maine experience and board the Rugosa for a lobster boat tour. This 1.5-hour educational cruise will showcase the beautiful coastline and will show how lobstermen haul in their traps.
8. If you’re visiting in the fall, you have to attend HarvestFest—kids will especially love the bouncy houses, face painting and pumpkin decorating (and parents will love nibbling on fall-inspired treats). If you’re really in the spirit, come in costume.
9. Located in nearby Wells is the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge, perfect for a leisurely nature hike. There are marshes, raised boardwalks and no shortage of seabirds to spot with the kids.
10. Since Maine is home of the “whoopie pie,” you can’t visit Kennebunkport without treating your kiddos to this delicious treat. Visit Auntie’s House for a classic whoopie pie or try one dipped in chocolate if you’re feeling extra sinful.
11. Make a stop at HB Provisions for delicious deli sandwiches before heading to Nubble Lighthouse in York, just a few miles south of Kennebunkport. Take in the stunning views while you enjoy a picnic lunch and be sure to bring a kite to fly by the windy shore.
12. Craving a sweet treat? Visit The Candy Man in Dock Square where you’ll find fudge, salt water taffy plus all the classics like jelly bellies, sour patch kids and lots of penny candy.
13. Learn some history about Kennebunkport and hop aboard Intown Trolley for a narrated sightseeing tour through the village. The trolley also does a drive-by of the Bush estate at Walkers Point!
14. Visit Cape Porpoise, the charming neighboring fishing village, and grab lunch at Cape Pier Chowder House. You can’t beat the delicious seafood dishes and stunning water views.
15. No visit to Kennebunkport could be complete without dining at Mabel’s Lobster Claw Restaurant! This is definitely the place to go if you’ve got seafood lovers in the family, as you’ll find amazing options—everything from scampi and rolls to the fresh catch of the day. Make sure to look at the photos that cover the wall. You’ll see pictures of President Bush and his entire family.
16. Visit Kennebunkport anytime from November 30 to December 9 for the ultimate holiday experience—the annual Christmas Prelude. Voted the second Christmas Town in America by HGTV, this 10-day event will certainly get you in the holiday spirit. Watch Santa arrive by lobster boat, enjoy a fireworks display and Christmas tree lighting, check out a variety of craft fairs, have tea with Mrs. Claus and join in the annual hat parade.
17. Watch your kids play, imagine and explore at the Children’s Museum and Theatre of Portland, which features hands-on experiences like a kiddie restaurant and superhero-themed exhibit along with a super cool playscape. After playing your heart out, head to the Nosh Kitchen Bar (within walking distance to the museum) for a sandwich and the famous bacon-dusted French fries.
18. Try one of the 14 handcrafted, rotating flavors at Rococo Artisan Ice Cream. You’ll find unique options like Cuban Coffee, Strawberry Habanero and Triple Ginger along with the traditional dark chocolate and salted caramel.
19. If you’re looking for some adventure, Yorks Wild Kingdom is just a short drive from Kennebunkport. This small, family-friendly park showcases majestic animals like Bengal tigers and African lions, and also an amusement park complete with a Ferris wheel and bumper cars!
20. Congdon’s Doughnuts in Wells have been labeled “iconic” and have been voted one of the best donuts in the whole country. Indulge in chocolate, plain, powdered and more at this classic spot, which has been around since 1945.
