Family events in Portland, ME

At Paws & Pages, children practice reading with Smith, a certified therapy Golden Retriever, and his human companion, Jane. Each child enjoys a one-on-one session that creates a calm, encouraging space to build confidence and reading skills. Registration is recommended but not required... walk-ins are usually welcomed as space allows. To reserve a time, call, email, or stop by the Children’s Library at the Downtown Library.

Experience a sweet summer ride aboard Maine Narrow Gauge's Ice Cream Train. Every ticket includes a free ice cream treat. Pick up your treat, settle into your seat, and enjoy sunset views of Casco Bay as the train rolls along. It offers a relaxed way for families to make memories together.

At Thompson’s Point, this event welcomes families by offering free entry for children three and younger. Public ticket sales are announced.

Shalom Sunday is a summer community gathering in the park featuring complimentary bagels and coffee, time to connect with TBE staff members, and playful activities for families. A designated space is set aside for babies and toddlers two and under to enjoy together. Bagels are provided by Rose Foods while supplies last.

A four day camp themed around Wicked invites kids to dive into dance, art, and a little stage magic. Participants will explore music, movement, and imagination while preparing for a final day showcase for family and friends. Throughout the week, campers learn routines inspired by the theme, work on creative art projects and crafts, practice character play and storytelling, and build teamwork, confidence, and self expression through rehearsals that lead to the closing performance. No prior dance experience is required, making it welcoming to beginners as well as those who already love to move and create. Families can choose half day or full day enrollment, with pricing set at $145 for a half day and $260 for a full day. Aftercare can be arranged upon request, and a Klarna payment option is available. Capacity is limited.

Books-A-Million South Portland teams up with Altrusa of Portland for a summer book drive that puts brand new books into the hands of children across Greater Portland. At checkout, shoppers can choose to purchase a book that will be donated through Altrusa for local kids. Books for all ages are appreciated, with the greatest need for titles suited to grades K through 2. Altrusa volunteers plan to be onsite on select Saturdays and Sundays to share information and answer questions.

This family musical brings Disney and Pixar’s Finding Nemo to the stage in a streamlined 60-minute format filled with music, color, and larger-than-life undersea characters. After young Nemo is taken far from home, his father Marlin sets out across the ocean, meeting sharks, laid-back sea turtles, and the unforgettable Regal Blue Tang, Dory. The story emphasizes bravery, resilience, and believing in yourself through upbeat songs and vivid staging. Tickets are $22 per person. Members receive $5 off per ticket for any show in Maddy’s Theatre. The performance runs 60 minutes with no intermission. Stage credits include book, music, and lyrics by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, a book adaptation by Lindsay Anderson, and music and orchestrations adapted and arranged by Myna Conn. It is based on the 2003 Disney/Pixar film written by Andrew Stanton, Bob Person, and David Reynolds, and directed by Andrew Stanton. Presented by special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).

Matilda the Musical Jr. brings the beloved Roald Dahl story to life with an energetic, feel-good production filled with catchy songs, memorable characters, and uplifting moments. It’s an inspiring show about a clever young girl who uses her wit and courage to stand up for what’s right, proving that even the smallest person can make a big difference.

Learn how a devoted response team cares for seals throughout the Gulf of Maine. Representatives from Marine Mammals of Maine will explain natural seal behavior, the warning signs that an animal may be in distress, and the steps their staff and volunteers take when a rescue is needed. This program takes place at the Portland Public Library - Riverton Branch. Advance registration is recommended.

Plunge into a seaside-themed gymnastics journey where Super Kids set out across the seafloor to find a long-lost Mermaid and Merman palace. Along the way, participants practice flips, tumbling, and balance while imagining coral reefs, sea caverns, and shimmering waves. The quest includes discovering hidden treasures and creating memories as big as the ocean. Participants must be restroom independent. Membership is not required.

The Lincoln Park Summer Concert Series returns with an outdoor evening of live music at historic Lincoln Park in Portland, Maine. This installment features Memphis Lightning, an international act with an energetic blend of roots, blues, and rock and roll. Pack a blanket and enjoy the music with friends, family, or your pup in a welcoming community setting. Concerts are weather dependent. Admission is free and open to everyone.

Head into the marsh on a family-friendly walk to search for plants and wildlife through playful, discovery-based activities that engage all five senses. Space is limited and available on a first come, first served basis. Pricing is $22 per nonmember family and $18 per member family, based on two adults and two children. Additional participants are $10 per adult and $5 per child, with a maximum of $30 for a nonmember family and $25 for a member family. Maine Audubon works to make its programs inclusive and accessible. To request accommodations, email events@maineaudubon.org, and submitting requests at least seven days before the program begins helps ensure needs can be met.

Enjoy a series of family-friendly outings in Gorham that welcome all ages, with activities especially geared toward families with children in grades K through 5. Each adventure covers an easy one to two miles on local paths and preserves, with destinations rotating among Claire Drew Trails, Hawke's Preserve, West Sky Preserve, Tannery Brook, Little River Preserve, Gambo Preserve in Shaw Park, Cummings Preserve, and the Cross Town Trail. One week features a mountain biking session on the Weeks Road Trails. Events proceed in typical weather and pause only for lightning.

Texas Roadhouse hosts a Dine to Donate event benefiting the Prestin family. When guests dine in or dine out and present the event flyer, either digitally or on paper, 10 percent of the bill will be directed to Ariella's Fund at Annie's Angels. Ariella is currently at Boston Children's Hospital awaiting another surgery, and her parents are traveling between Maine and Boston to be with her. The event also features raffle items, baked goods, and more.

A weekly Pokémon Trading Card Game league welcomes players for relaxed, friendly matches with others. Drop in for a short visit or stay for the entire session, the pace is casual and flexible. Participating players who are registered League members can receive a free Pokémon prize pack. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

Designed for preschoolers ages 3 to 5, this interactive story time pairs early learning with hands-on creativity. Children will listen to a marsh-themed tale read aloud, then create a related craft. Each child must be accompanied by an adult. Pricing is $12 per nonmember child and $10 per child for members. Maine Audubon works to make programs inclusive and accessible for all. To request accommodations, email events@maineaudubon.org, and submitting requests at least seven days before the start can help ensure needs are met.

This drop-in program welcomes children of all ages along with their caregivers. Each session features a mix of read-aloud stories, sing-alongs, and playful movement to make storytime fun and engaging. Some sessions may include special guests or seasonal activities.

Settle in for a narrated journey on the Maine Narrow Gauge as the train makes a 40 minute round trip along Casco Bay. Ride in unique, carefully restored passenger cars and take in the views throughout the trip.

Board the Joseph S. Kennedy for a 90 minute sightseeing cruise across Casco Bay, gliding past storied forts, classic lighthouses, and island vistas. Enhance the trip with optional food, either a Maine lobster roll with chips for $40 or a fresh summer salad for $16, and choose from local beer, wine, and canned cocktails available to purchase onboard. Well suited for both locals and visitors, this relaxed outing blends striking coastal scenery with a taste of local flavor.

A 90-minute sunset cruise on Casco Bay aboard the historic vessel Joseph S. Kennedy offers sweeping views of lighthouses, historic forts, and local marine life. The ship’s own long history adds character to the trip, creating an easygoing setting for time with friends. Local beer, wine, and canned cocktails are available for purchase on board, and guests may bring their own snacks. It is a relaxed outing meant for unwinding and making lasting memories on the water.

The Amazing Acro-Cats return to The Hill Arts with a lively showcase starring trained rescue house cats. Across roughly 90 minutes, these former orphans, rescues, and strays ride skateboards, leap through hoops, ring bells, balance on balls, and show off athletic tricks. The grand finale features Tuna and the Rock Cats, an all-cat band on guitar, drums, and piano, joined by the Jazz Cats on saxophone, trumpet, and clarinet. The tour supports Rock Cats Rescue, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to cat welfare, rescue, adoption, and positive reinforcement training, which has placed hundreds of cats and kittens in homes since 2009. A portion of ticket sales benefits local rescue partners, who will have a table at the event for those interested in learning how to help cats in the community. The Acro-Cats have been seen on Netflix’s Cat People, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Animal Planet’s Puppy Bowl, CBS News Sunday Morning, PBS Nova’s Cat Tales, and the podcast This Past Weekend with Theo Von. The performance runs about an hour and a half without an intermission, and a meet and greet follows the show. Guests may step in and out during the performance, and are asked to ensure doors fully close for the cats’ safety. All seating is reserved, with premium front rows first for the meet and greet and including a Purrbill, while other sections include meet and greet access afterward in row order and do not include a Purrbill.