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Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine Claimed

At the Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine, we set the stage for every child to imagine and learn through play.

At the Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine, we celebrate the joyful exploration of childhood at our award-winning and vibrant three-story destination in Portland, ME. Home to over 15 interactive exhibits and a robust calendar of professional theatrical performances for young audiences, our goal is to inspire and delight children of all ages and ensure everyone feels welcomed and celebrated. With one hundred years of children’s theatre history and nearly fifty years as a children’s museum, we are recognized as one of the state’s top destinations for fun, interactive play, and learning. Everyone belongs at CMTM. Visit kitetails.org to learn more and support our work.

Fall hours:

Monday: Closed (Open for Members 10 am – 1 pm)

Tuesday: Closed

Wednesday: 9 am – 4 pm

Thursday: 9 am – 4 pm

Friday: 9 am – 4 pm

Saturday: 9 am – 4 pm

Sunday: 9 am – 4 pm

Excellent
4.5
Based on 1269 reviews
Ryan Lynn
We had a great time with our 2 and 4 year old, spending about 2 hours at the museum. Plenty of activities for the kids. They especially liked the dress up activities like fireman and doctor. The water play was super engaging and fun as well! We ended watching a theater show about making chowder. They had each kid in the audience participate in making the chowder. Thank you for the great experience!
Kevin N
Our 7-year-old daughter absolutely loved this place and begged to come back the next day. If you visit, be prepared to do a lot of standing around because there's not many places for an adult to sit, but the kiddos love it! The only disappointment was the theater show, which was sold out days in advance.
Noelle Van Ee
Great attraction. My children, 8, 3.5, and .5 years, all had plenty to engage and enjoy. Beautiful, well-crafted exhibits. Favorite was water play area. Museum does excellent job provide both stimulating and reflective spaces on each floor. Baby and I enjoyed Seaside Cottage reading nook for quiet moments and a bottle feed. Appreciate nursing room also available although occupied at the time.
Matthew Valentinas
Order your tickets in advance for a certain part of the day. Our toddler was one of the younger ones but he still had a great time. 3 floors of things to do. Fairly crowded but they organize how many are inside at once so it's not too much. Space for strollers and outside things to do as well and parking is easy enough. Nice views of the back back of Portland I believe and right next to the Thompson's Point area where bands play. Highly recommend.
TJ Ribeiro
After a long drive from CT with out little one to Maine, we felt she deserved a little spoiling. Children’s museum did just that!Little bit of everything from live animals, to arts and crafts to plenty of play areas.Out 16month old loved it
Lindsey Stuntz
Very nice place to bring the kids! Save the top floor for last! Clean and colorful! We will be back! Also Calib at the front desk was very personable and friendly with my little ones. Such a nice place!
Michael Tarselli
Bustling, bursting with energy and fun from all sides. Climbing structure and sandpit on the first floor; local civilian forts and dress-up on 2; river ecosystems and kinetic sculptures on 3.I’d advise to get there early. Try the makerspace and story corner (2). Then hit up the top floor - yes, your kid will get wet! Bring snacks or $5 to purchase; you’ll visit for 90-120 minutes and there is not a coffee or drink area. Overall excellent; we’ve been 3x in 5 years.
Daniel Thompson
Phenomenal children's museum. I imagine kids of all ages would enjoy their time. Our kiddo (6 going on 7 at the time of our visit) was the perfect age. The water table on the 3rd floor kept him engaged for at least an hour!I also particularly appreciated the museum's approach to accessibility. The elevator was roomy with easy access on and off. Additionally many (if not all) of the exhibits were designed with accessibility for those with limited mobility in mind.Having to pay for parking was a bit of a disappointment, but it wasn't terribly expensive.
B K
We came from Boston to explore new places. For small city as Portland, this childrens museum is great. No buffet, but they have snack area at first floor. So take your lunch with yourself.I was surprised to see outdoor playground in the territory of museum. Its safe for baby from 12 months.so overall impression is good, we liked this museum.
adam zalewski
Ok place . Size of place is not that big. Water exhibit on 3rd floor is very cool and worth it. Note they honor veteran discounts after you buy online tickets and credit you the difference which is great and appreciated. Parking is $2 per hour, maybe need 2 hrs to go thru place.
Julie Kibbe
Fun place, lots of space to run around. Had to pay for parking, which was disappointing. But the kids loved the water play, aquarium, and craft room. It was not packed like I thought it would be during spring break.Worth the trip
Lauren Lilyestrom
Stopped by here on my way home to Massachusetts to see a show with the kids, after the spent the week with family in northern Maine. The show was excellent- well cast, well acted, well costumed, and we all enjoyed it.... Until I herded the kids to the car only to find a $23 ticket on my windshield.Parking is $2/hr. We were there for 1.5 hrs. To add further insult, if you don't pay within 3 days the fee increases by $10. And if you pay online they charge an additional $3.50 credit card processing fee... Without giving a bank debit option (you can mail it in, but that information is buried in the FAQs and if I'm mailing on day 3 then what?).There is signage. I saw it driving in (while negotiating world peace with the 3 and 7 year old, after having been driving for ~4 hours). I didn't park in front of a sign or pay station and forgot to hunt one down. That's all on me.But I'm pretty sure I'm not the only tired, frazzled mother who tries to do something nice only to find that I'm being slapped with a fine that seems disproportionate to the "crime"... and also fairly callous.I recognize it's not the museum's responsibility to remind patrons or post additional signage, as the lot is not theirs. But... It was a cuss-inducing end to an otherwise enjoyable experience.
Leah Cross
We had a magical time at the museum with our 2.5 and 5yo's. The staff was all so engaging with the kids and seemed genuinely interested in them. The kids spent hours giggling and experimenting. I would highly recommend it!
Eric Manly
This children's museum in Portland, Maine is a delightful port of discovery for curious kiddos. Packed with three floors of interactive exhibits, it offers a mix of science, local flavor, and imaginative play.* Dive into Discovery! The museum offers more than just lobsters! Explore the wonders of Maine's natural world, from the engaging aquarium on the third floor to interactive science exhibits throughout.* Cast Off for Fun! Of course, a trip to a Maine children's museum wouldn't be complete without a lobster adventure. The "Our Neighborhood" exhibit on the second floor features a beloved lobster boat exhibit, complete with a mini lobster shack for dramatic play.Tips for Landlubbers:* Parking is difficult, so be prepared to search for a spot.* Bring a change of clothes if you plan to visit the water exhibit on the third floor.* Check the schedule for interesting classes offered on the second floor.
M P
Clean, bright, and a very friendly staff. It's definitely one of the best children's museums we've visited. The spaces are nicely divided, making it easy to corale our 2 kids into a singular area without losing track of them while also allowing them some freedom to go explore. The place isn't giant, but it's big enough. We especially love the makers' space open 1-2 times daily.
Scott Carlson
Super fun for the kids. I was a little disappointed and thought there would be more but the kids had a blast so thats all that matters.
Ethereal Opus Design
My daughter loves this place! She especially loves the top floor with the ball learning and play areas as well as the dark room with various light up activities. She could spend the whole day playing with the water balls.The only thing I personally don't like is the field trip groups. Every time we go there are bus loads of kids that are so excited they become rude unmanageable towards the younger kids. I wish we could figure out what days to go, if any, that don't have field trip groups. But kids will be kids and I can understand their excitement
Kelly Hall
Our family had a great time at the Children's Museum! It was our first time. The kids had a blast on the climbing structure on the first floor and also spent a long time on the second floor doing dress up and playing at the different neighborhood exhibits. My kids are 5 & 7. There was lots to do for younger ones too with a dedicated toddler only area. There is an aquarium and another area for water play on the third floor. We ended the day outside on the playground. Even though it was winter it was a mild day so it was nice to have them get some energy out. We will definitely be back!
Michael Manley
Awesome experience! But not a lot of onsite parking available so had to park on nearby street for small fee. Kids, 4 and 10, thoroughly enjoyed it. It was a little crowded for my liking but kids didn't seem phased by the amount of other guests.
Craig D Colby Jr
The ONLY complaint I have is that there isn't enough playtime for children with autism that can't handle the crowds. My boy usually wants to leave early because he can't handle the massive noise and crowd. They DO have certain days for these types of kids but I think they need more. But ...5 stars all around. The staff is exceptional and caring. Love this place
Jill Shaw
Always a great time. With a variety of exhibits both my 3 and 7 year old are entertained. It’s very clean, with plenty on hand washing and sanitizing stations. The staff is always so helpful and kind. Sometimes it’s a little hectic during peak hours but it never seems “too crowded”
Chris
Had a great time here seeing everything. It was busy due to it being a holiday weekend. We went as to find out if it would be worth getting a family season pass. Our conclusion is yes, our 2 - and 3 year old sons absolutely had a blast. Especially when we made it to the 3rd floor where the fish and water center was. We will be purchasing this family pass.
Sandra Hermosilla
Super nice museum many activities and hands on for the kids my grandsons loved it.
Amanda Guzik
Lots of kids but so much fun! Has three levels. Water play and air play with balls was our favorite. Town with fishing boat and market to cook it up made her day. Very cool colored lights exhibit and lots of climbing. Not really for adults, centered around children but had a good time watching her play.
Tiffany Whaley
My two boys had a great time. We drove from Lincoln to visit, well worth the drive it's way better than the one in Bangor. Make sure you bring a extra pair of clothes for the little ones the 3rd floor they will get wet with the water stuff, but so worth it. They do have a section for kids 3 and under my 1 year old had a great time too. Highly recommend going.
Kristen White
I took my two Autistic kids here for their Play Your Way time slot, and they had a WONDERFUL time!! The staff was super friendly, understanding and accommodating, and the third floor with the water station and ball sculpture were a HUGE hit. So nice to have a neurodivergent-friendly place to take my kiddos, and feel truly welcome. Can't wait to go back!
Samuel hawkes
Great place to bring kids. There are tons of different activities and themed rooms to entertain kids with just about any interests. The water room is always a big hit. Also the animal/aquarium area is nice. My kids have fun here every time we go. All the parking is paid. There is not much for food options really close.
Lauren Crawford
Tickets were sold out for every slot the day we visited. Thank goodness as it was PACKED. Crazy loud, little bodies running everywhere. It was a rainy day. Kiddo loved the third floor water tables. Loved the local themes.
Melissa Yunke
My 3.5 year old daughter and I are annual pass holders and have an amazing time every time we go. There’s always something new to do between the theater and all of the wonderfully thought out exhibits. The only thing I wish they would do is add the flip down potty seat for toddlers in their bathrooms. Note for parents, if you have a 2,3 or 4 year old, you’ll want to make sure and pack your travel potty seat. I’ve only made the mistake of forgetting it once.
Craig Colby
Classy organization, to say the very least. I wish we could just show up and get tickets by the door though. That's a very minute detail I am willing to overlook. My four year old son absolutely loves this place, which is why we got a membership recently. We live over an hour away but it's well worth the time travelled.
Shenelle Letourneau
Very fun. The most interactive part was 3rd floor. I think 2nd floor was more for younger kids and to play with friends. It was cool to see the art and culture area, but my 9 year old wasn't as interested. He did learn to write his name in Korean, which was a cool experience. Bathroom on every floor, which was easily accessible. They also had water bottle refile stations. There is no food in the museum, but they do allow bottles and water. We went 12-3 but only stayed until 2:30 and were definitely hungry, but we could have stayed longer with the water play area.
Katie Shaw
So much fun for our 6.5 and 2.5 year olds. There's an aquarium, water fun, a mini imaginary world with a firetruck, boat, train, kitchen and airplane. Small well padded play area for little little ones. Makers space to create something with paper or recycled materials. There's a climbing wall that is like a large crawlspace wall. So much education, free play and fun. Excellent place to go. I'd recommend it 100%!
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Agenda
Agenda
December 2024 Dec 2024
Collapse All Expand All
Dec
31
Tue
New Year’s Eve: Indoor Beach Party at Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine @ Children's Museum & Theatre of Maine
Tickets
Dec 31 @ 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
New Year's Eve: Indoor Beach Party at Children's Museum & Theatre of Maine @ Children's Museum & Theatre of Maine | Portland | Maine | United States

Celebrate the new year with a special indoor seaside celebration! Meet real sea creatures like sea stars and anemones, create a Sea Star Wand in MakerSpace, and stop by the snack shack for a summer-themed treat. Then, countdown to 2025 with a special interactive performance and Sea Star Drop in CMTM’s Maddy’s Theatre. Enjoy a beach-themed take-home to remember all the fun courtesy of event sponsor L.L.Bean.* Book your two-hour party today!

 

EVENT DETAILS

 

DATE/TIME: Tuesday, December 31, 10 am – 4 pm. Play Your Way, 9 am – 10 am. No snow date is provided at this time.

 

LOCATION: Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine, 250 Thompson’s Point Road, Portland, ME 04102

 

WHO SHOULD ATTEND: Activities are recommended for children and their families. Adults must be accompanied by a child.

 

TICKETS: This event requires tickets. General admission is $18, and all parking at Thompson’s Point requires payment. Snacks are included in admission. This is a block-out date for CMTM members. For more information about block-out dates, visit kitetails.org/family-memberships.

 

ACTIVITIES: Visitors can expect the following activities and more!

  • Sea Star Drop: Engage your imagination with the CMTM Acting Company at a spectacular sea star drop in Maddy’s Theatre as we count down to 2024. (Recurring)
    Location: Maddy’s Theatre – 1st Floor

  • Sea Star Wishing Wand and Under the Sea Mural: Celebrate in MakerSpace by creating a Sea Star Wishing Wand and adding your art to the Under the Sea mural. Special and free-choice materials will be available for designing your wand to help ring in 2024!
    Location: MakerSpace – 2nd Floor

TICKETING NOTE: This is a block-out date for CMTM members. Members receive a 10% discount. For more information about block-out dates, visit our membership page. Scholarship and All Access or Celebration Pass members can contact the Front Desk at 207-828-1234 or [email protected] in advance of the date to reserve their complimentary tickets, pending availability.

* Enjoy one gift per child.

 

Thank you to L.L.Bean and HP Hood for their generous sponsorship of this event.

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Categories: Kid Friendly Museum NYE Tags: Children's Museum Museum NYE th
December 2024 Dec 2024

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  • Monday10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
  • TuesdayClosed
  • Wednesday10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Thursday10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Friday10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Saturday9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Sunday9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
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