Kids can get to know the brass instruments during the Philharmonic Families program Saturday. Photo courtesy of the Kaufman Music Center
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Free activities for Kids in NYC include the Children's Museum of the Arts, which has pay-what-you-wish Thursdays from 4-6pm. Photo courtesy of the museum
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Pillow Fort photo by Seamus McCauley via Flickr 2 .0
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Hit the ice at the scenic Mohonk Mountan House, which offers winter day passes to enjoy its spectacular resort amenities. Photo courtesy of the venue
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Bryant Park's Bumper Cars are a mainstay of late-winter fun in the park. Photo by Janet Bloom
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Stranger Things: The First Shadow plays at the Marquis Theatre and gives the popular Neflix show a prequel. Photo by Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman
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Kids as young as 14 can apply for an eco-focused internship at Alley Pond Park in Queens. Photo courtesy of the Alley Pond Environmental Center
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See the skyline from a whole new vantage point on the Roosevelt Island Tram. Photo courtesy of NYCGo
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Visit the 180 Pool at the Crystal Springs Resort. Photo courtesy of the resort
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Portland Maine Family Travel Guide

Photo by Stephen Ritchie/CC BY-NC 2.0
Photo by Stephen Ritchie/CC BY-NC 2.0
8/9/19 - By Rose Gordon Sala

The charming coastal city of Portland, Maine, has undergone something of a revival in the last couple of decades, racking up awards for its restaurants and breweries. Families-in-the-know have always been drawn to its down-to-earth vibe and kid-friendly outdoor and indoor attractions, including a great children's museum, railroad museum, lighthouses, parks, and boat and ferry rides.

Portland is also a great destination for families seeking to explore the rest of Maine. Travel Down East to Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park or drive south to the family-friendly beaches of York, Kennebunk, and Old Orchard Beach. The latter includes a full-size amusement park right along the beach. Don't forget to stop at the various lobster shacks that dot Maine's coast for a roadside treat.

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The play-focused Children's Museum is the perfect spot for a rainy day. Photo by Shira Kronzon
The play-focused Children's Museum is the perfect spot for a rainy day. Photo by Shira Kronzon

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Take a hike in Acadia for a view of Bar Harbor. Photo by Kelley Heyworth
Take a hike in Acadia for a view of Bar Harbor. Photo by Kelley Heyworth

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