Between lobster dinners and souvenir shopping, your Maine vacation might be slowly taking a toll on your pocketbook. Dive into these free activities to keep the family entertained while keeping your wallet fat.
Viles Arboretum
Six miles of gorgeous trails are at the center of this arboretum experience, where the family can get a bit of exercise while seeing beautiful butterflies, watching birds and witnessing wildlife. Visit the antique apple orchard or stop by the Governors’ Grove, where one white pine is dedicated to every governor the state has seen.
Where: Augusta
Website:vilesarboretum.org
Portland Museum of Art
While not always free, this art journey turns into a budget bargain come Friday evenings. From 5-9 p.m., the museum offers free admission to the public, where they can see seasonal exhibitions, take a tour and absorb the hundreds of paintings, sculptures and more. Keep kids close, but let their minds explore what’s artistically possible.
Where: Portland
Website:portlandmuseum.org
Haystack Mountain School of Crafts
On Thursday nights, families can tour this crafting facility for free from 4-6 p.m. Attend lectures and see concerts from visiting artists who really know their stuff. Crafting is serious business in Maine. See what all the fuss is about!
Where: Deer Isle
Website:haystack-mtn.org
Bar Harbor Whale Museum
Take the kids to learn about the world’s largest mammal at this popular Bar Harbor destination, where admission is free and donations are accepted. Learn about whale conservation and research from the museum staff, or just tour the multiple exhibits, complete with massive whale bones and facts galore.
Where: Bar Harbor
Website:barharborwhalemuseum.org
Beaches
The main benefit of living in a coastal state is easy — beaches! And Maine has plenty of them. Up and down the coast, sandy beaches meet pristine waters where families can play and explore Maine’s beauty.
Where: Throughout Maine
Website:visitmaine.com/region/beaches
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