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Museums #5 in Portland, Maine

Children's Museum & Theatre of Maine

4.5 · 1,438 reviews
Active, loud, and highly interactive.
Children's Museum & Theatre of Maine, 250 Thompsons Point Rd, Portland, ME 04102, United States
Interesting facts
1

The building was designed to meet strict environmental standards, resulting in LEED Gold certification.

2

The museum houses a 'Maddy's Theatre,' which is a fully equipped, professional-grade space dedicated specifically to young audiences.

3

The facility includes a 'MakerSpace' where visitors can use real tools and technology for engineering projects.

4

Many exhibits are designed to mimic Maine-specific environments, such as a mock tide pool and a lobster boat replica.

5

The museum operates a specialized sensory-friendly room for children who may become overwhelmed by high-stimulus environments.

Overview

The Children's Museum & Theatre of Maine is a 30,000-square-foot facility located on Thompson’s Point in Portland. The venue features a diverse range of interactive exhibits focusing on science, culture, and the arts, specifically designed for children up to age 12. Its centerpiece is a multi-story climber that spans several levels of the building. The facility includes a dedicated theater space for live performances and puppetry. Educational displays cover themes such as the Maine ecosystem, maritime history, and space exploration. The museum moved to this current purpose-built waterfront location in 2021 to accommodate expanded gallery space and improved accessibility. It integrates indoor and outdoor learning environments with views of the Fore River.

Photo spot

Inside the transparent, multi-story climbing tower for a high-angle perspective of the museum floor.

Insider tips

Book your entry sessions online in advance, as capacity limits are strictly enforced to ensure a quality experience.

Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes as the multi-level climbing structure involves significant physical activity.

Plan for extra time at the end of the visit to explore the outdoor walking paths along Thompson’s Point.

What to avoid

Do not attempt to visit without a pre-booked reservation, as walk-ins are frequently turned away during high-traffic periods.

Good to know

Closed on Mondays and some Tuesdays for cleaning and maintenance.

Etiquette

Adults must be accompanied by a child; socks are required for the climbing structures.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
2.5-3.5 hours
Best time to visit
Weekday mornings during the school year to avoid peak weekend crowding.
Address
Children's Museum & Theatre of Maine, 250 Thompsons Point Rd, Portland, ME 04102, United States
43.651, -70.291
Get directions
Details
Key exhibitsMulti-story Climber, MakerSpace, Maddy's Theatre, and the Maine-inspired Tide Pool.

Frequently asked

Plan for about 2.5-3.5 hours to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Weekday mornings during the school year to avoid peak weekend crowding..

Inside the transparent, multi-story climbing tower for a high-angle perspective of the museum floor.

Close by you'll find International Cryptozoology Museum, Western Promenade, Victoria Mansion.