Summary of Activities
Explore the Town
The coastal fishing town of Kennebunkport is nothing short of darling. Set aside time to walk around and discover the many shops and restaurants. The entire town center can be explored in a few hours, with all roads leading back to the Dock Square hub.
Hit the Beach
For nearly three miles of soft white sand, head to Goose Rocks Beach, which is protected by an offshore barrier reef known as—Goose Rocks. This is an ideal spot for you to spread out your blanket, chairs, and umbrella for a fun day of relaxing, swimming, and combing the shore for seashells. Just be aware that this beach has no lifeguard.
Eat Lobster
You can’t visit Maine without enjoying lobster at least once. While there are numerous fine establishments in town offering lobster rolls, baked lobster, and steamed lobster, for value and a kid-friendly atmosphere, we recommend Mabel’s Lobster Claw, Arundel Wharf, and Cape Pier Chowder House.
Go on a Nature Hike
Nearby in Wells, the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge is a magnet for nature lovers and birdwatchers. There are numerous easy self-guided tours through forests and sea marshes on raised boardwalks, which offer the chance to see a variety of seabirds and other animals.
Scream for Ice Cream
There are plenty of places to enjoy ice cream in Kennebunkport, but for something special, head to Rococo Artisan Ice Cream where every day they offer 14 different flavors of hand-crafted ice cream on rotation. You’ll have to make return trips to experience all the gourmet flavor possibilities, which include such decadent concoctions as Amarula Pecan, Coffee Pow, Guava and Maria Cookies, and Strawberry Habanero.
Brush Up on Local History
Conveniently located in the middle of Kennebunkport, the First Families Kennebunkport Museum houses exhibits that illuminate centuries of local history. You can take a tour or peruse the wide variety of artifacts ranging from sea captains’ belongings to items from George H.W. Bush’s compound.
Walk or Bike on Ocean Avenue
Starting in the town of Kennebunkport and heading east along the shore, Ocean Avenue is a must-do coastal drive (or, for families with older kids, a must-do walk or bike ride) that delivers sweeping views of the Atlantic and the chance to ogle the many impressive mansions that line this stretch of road. You’ll pass Walker’s Point, where President George H.W. Bush’s summer home dominates a spit of land that juts into the sea.
Stock Up on Salt Water Taffy
Got a sweet tooth? Make your way to The Candyman, where you’ll find over 50 flavors of homemade salt-water taffy plus lots of penny candy available by weight. The taffy is exceptionally soft and delicious, with flavors including blueberry, caramel swirl, root beer float, and the dubious-sounding “chicken and waffle.”
Witness the Catch of the Day
It’s one thing to eat a lobster, and it’s quite something else to watch lobstermen pulling in their lobster traps. Jump aboard the Rugosa, a classic New England wooden lobster boat, for a memorable Maine experience. You’ll enjoy a scenic tour of the beautiful coastline and watch the crew haul their lobster traps, learning everything you wanted to know about lobster.
Kid-Friendly Hotels
At the hip-yet-kid-friendly Lodge on the Cove, complimentary loaner bikes are provided for exploring the quiet streets around the resort. There’s also a heated outdoor saltwater pool, a firepit for s’more-making, Ping Pong and shufflepuck tables, lawn games, and free breakfast and wi-fi.
Reminiscent of summer camp, Hidden Pond is a secluded 60-acre resort that features two-bedroom cottages and an organic farm with a farm-to-fork restaurant, Earth. After dinner, grab a basket stocked with classic s’mores ingredients and enjoy dessert by the bonfire.
Located minutes from Goose Rocks Beach, Sandy Pines Campground provides an experience that is authentically Maine, delivering ocean views and a variety of resort-level amenities and outdoor activities.
