Maine Maritime Museum

Maine Maritime Museum offers an exciting hands-on journey through Maine's rich seafaring history that kids genuinely enjoy. Children can explore historic ships, take scenic boat rides on the Kennebec River, and engage with interactive exhibits that bring maritime life to life. With both indoor and outdoor attractions spread across a beautiful 20-acre waterfront campus, there's plenty to keep young explorers engaged and active.

• ✓Historic boat tours where kids can climb aboard and explore real vessels
• ✓Seasonal narrated river cruises on the Kennebec River
• ✓Interactive Boat Shop where children can watch traditional boat building
• ✓Pirate-themed scavenger hunts and hands-on activities throughout the museum
• ✓The Sherman Zwicker, a historic Grand Banks fishing schooner kids can board and explore

1. 1.Start with the boat ride if weather permits, they can fill up quickly during peak times and kids are most energized early in the visit
2. 2.Don't miss the Donnell House where kids can dress up in period costumes and explore a sea captain's home
3. 3.Pack a picnic to enjoy at the waterfront picnic area with stunning river views, there's no on-site restaurant
4. 4.Visit the working Boat Shop where craftspeople build traditional wooden boats; kids are fascinated watching the process
5. 5.Wear comfortable walking shoes as the campus is spread out, and bring layers as it can be breezy by the water

Visit on weekday mornings in late spring or early fall for smaller crowds and pleasant weather. Summer weekends are busiest, so arrive right at opening (9:30 AM) to enjoy the boat tours and outdoor exhibits before it gets crowded and hot.

Admission includes all exhibits, ship tours, and boat rides (weather permitting). Free parking is available on-site. There's no café, so plan to bring snacks or visit nearby Bath for lunch.

Open year-round with daily hours. River boat cruises typically operate May through October, weather permitting. Special holiday events and programs are offered throughout the year. Winter visits focus more on indoor exhibits but are less crowded.

Head to downtown Bath (5 minutes away) for family favorites like Mae's Cafe & Bakery for casual lunch and baked goods, or Kennebec Tavern & Marina for waterfront dining with a kids' menu.