Ready for an epic family day in Portland, Maine? Be your kids’ hero. Take them to the Children’s Museum. Then enjoy an award-winning shaved ice dessert at Zephyr Ice.
The Children’s Museum and Theatre of Maine “CMTM” is located on Thompson’s Point in Portland, overlooking the Fore River estuary. It has exhibits that will entertain ages 1-12.
Upon entering the building, you will see the giant hamster climbing adventure on the right. Plan to spend at least 15 minutes here at the beginning or save it for last. Kids can crawl , climb, and slide their way through this giant enclosed obstacle course. The front is fenced so you can still yell your encouragement to them. Kids LOVE this feature. There is a seating area right in front. This is the only place in the museum where food and drinks are allowed. Bathrooms are also in the lobby.
Check the daily schedule for special plays especially made for kids in the attached theater. Maddy’s Theatre is small and comfortable. It features a constant rotation of child friendly (45-60 min) plays. Entrance is on the first floor of the museum as you walk in. What a great way to introduce kids to live theater!
Then head to the second floor for “Our Neighborhood,” filled with interactive make believe exhibits. Here you will find a mini airport, lobster boat, and fire engine complete with fire pole! Younger kids could spend most of the day here.
On the third floor are the exhibits tailored to slightly older kids.
Check the activity schedule for the day. There is a MakerSpace room that allows kids to develop their creative sides, building and crafting. They sometimes will offer special science or art classes as well.
My favorite is the small aquarium room. You will find exhibits featuring freshwater creatures like trout and turtles. Saltwater exhibits feature tons of starfish and coral. This room has a calming atmosphere which I really appreciate.
There is a dark room with many interactive light exhibits. It has a huge periscope that you can view the Portland skyline through. My children loved the “Big Pixels” GIANT LITE BRITE.
They have an enormous pneumatic tube exhibit room. Full of innumerable small plastic balls that fly through the tube mazes all powered by air. Kids can adjust the airstreams to control the balls. This is fun for all ages. There are access areas at the base for the littlest ones to send the balls flying.
The main attraction of the 3rd floor is the giant water table activity area. The museum does have child size waterproof aprons to wear. This area can get very wet but definitely is my kids’ favorite part of the whole museum. You can easily spend 30 minutes on this exhibit alone.
If it is nice out, explore the outdoor playground just past the enclosed climbing wall. There you will also find an interactive Wabanaki exhibit.
Keep the fun going and head for dessert at Zephyr Ice.
The hidden gem ZEPHYR ICE serves the BEST “shave ice” around. Zephyr Ice is located in city center, and less than 10 minutes from the Children’s Museum. It is owned by a dedicated and talented couple who use the freshest ingredients to make their snow-like indulgences. They make EVERYTHING from scratch. Their ice cream is super creamy, try the unique macadamia nut! Served as a small scoop of ice cream in a cup with a mound of fluffy shaved ice on top. Their homemade seasonal fruit syrups are drizzled on top, and I honestly have never had a bad one.
Be sure to check out cherry, grape, or peach when in season! My husband loves the banana and cantaloupe. My favorite is strawberry and dark chocolate! They also have decadent cookies and cream, coffee, and chocolate combos.
Zephyr Ice is very kid friendly. It can get crowded at times but the skilled and personable staff move quickly. We try to go on almost every trip to Portland. Try it once, it wont be your last!
TIPS:
Children’s Museum and Theatre of Maine, Portland, Maine – Google Maps
Book your tickets ahead of time for the Children’s Museum. Ideally try to go off season or on a weekday to avoid crowds.
Museum costs are about $20 per person. Discounts are available for those who receive SNAP BENEFITS
Museum parking is located on site, at pay to park sites. They do patrol this pretty frequently so don’t forget to pay.
If it is summer, check the Thompson’s Point summer concert series schedule. On those days I would plan an earlier outing to the museum.
Did your kids have a great time at the giant “Big Pixels” wall? Surprise them with a fun throwback toy, Lite Brite!!! (#ad). Check out my list of favorite family products.
Zephyr Ice, Portland, Maine – Google Maps
Zephyr parking is meter on the street.
Zephyr Ice is open all year round, check their website for the most up to date hours as they can change seasonally.
Thompson’s Point also features an Ice Rink and ceramic painting. It is located on the same peninsula as Amtrak and Regional Rail lines. See my other blogs about these activities:
Pottery Painting and Flatbread pizza in Portland
Have you been to the Children’s Museum? What is your favorite flavor at Zephyr Ice? Shoot me a message with your favs!
Unless otherwise stated, all photos throughout this blog are my own and cannot be printed or distributed without my permission.
Astray Fish 
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