Children's Museum & Theatre of Maine

Portland


Kids aged zero to 10 years shriek and squeal as they haul traps aboard a replica lobster boat, milk a fake cow on a model farm, operate a sound studio, or monkey around on an indoor rock-climbing wall. The highlight of this ultra-interactive, upbeat place (more a play center than a museum) might be the 3rd-floor camera obscura, where a single pinhole projects a panoramic view of downtown Portland. Lots of activities and performances, too.

On first Fridays, the museum is $2 from 5pm to 8pm.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Portland attractions

1. Portland Museum of Art

0.05 MILES

Founded in 1882, this well-respected museum houses an outstanding collection of American artists. Maine artists, including Winslow Homer, Edward Hopper,…

2. Institute of Contemporary Art

0.1 MILES

This small gallery, attached to the Maine College of Art, showcases an ever-shifting slate of modern artists, and hosts frequent readings, workshops, pop…

3. Longfellow House

0.19 MILES

The revered American poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1807–82) grew up in this Federal-style house, built in 1785 by his Revolutionary War–hero…

4. Victoria Mansion

0.2 MILES

This Italianate palace, whose exterior would work well in a Tim Burton movie, dates back to 1860. Inside it's sumptuously decorated with rich furniture,…

5. Main Library

0.26 MILES

The main branch of the Portland Public Library is located within the 83,000-sq-ft Baxter Building, an architectural gem that cleverly utilizes vast glass…

6. Portland Observatory

1.01 MILES

Built in 1807 atop Munjoy Hill, this seven-story brick tower was originally used to alert shipowners when their ships were heading for home. Now restored,…

7. Loring Memorial Park

1.29 MILES

This small art installation honors a local fighter pilot who fought in WWII and Korea. Four 9ft-high granite standing stones inscribed with virtues…

8. Portland Breakwater Light

1.35 MILES

Portland is graced by a handful of handsome lights, including the 1875 Portland Breakwater Light with its Corinthian columns. Dubbed the 'Bug Light'…