As you know, I dread the end of summer. I love fall, I do, for all the reasons the rest of the world loves fall, but honestly, summer is just such a special, magical time and I have a hard time saying goodbye. I feel like just when it starts to get really good, it’s over. Kind of like all good vacations. To help ease my dread over the end of summer and anxiety over the start of fall, we ventured to a new (to us) summer spot for one last hurrah to close out summer and spent the last summer before James’ school starts — Kennebunkport, Maine. I got so many great recs fro things to do while we were out here and where to eat etc. and also lots of questions, so I put together a Kennebunkport with kids guide.
I’ll say that we have now only been here once and there are many people who are a lot more knowledgable about this part of Maine than myself (and Maine in general). But if you have more suggestions or recs to add, please let me know and I’ll update the post. With that said, I find it helpful to read guides from people who are visiting for the first time with kids of similar ages to see what they liked/didn’t since we’d probably do the same types of things for our first visit, and you know I used to write about travel for work, so I love putting together these posts.
We had been to Maine before but a different part for a wedding years ago when James was just around Brooks’ age. We loved it and would love to go back there, but it was definitely a hike and we flew. I had covered Kennebunkport as a wedding destination many years ago and always wanted to visit with the fam. It’s a doable 4.5 hour drive from Connecticut (really the limit of what’s possible for our family given our kids’ ages and probably me too – I don’t love super long drives). I was thrilled to come back and explore the area for a long weekend to close out summer, and got tons of great recommendations from longtime vacationers and residents and discovered some gems of our own that I’m excited too hare in my Kennebunkport with Kids guide.
WHERE WE STAYED
We stayed at the Nonantum Resort and would highly recommend it for anyone with kids. It’s in a great location – about a 10 minute walk to town and right on the water. It’s a beautiful scenic setting – they were actually hosting two weddings the weekend we were there and it’s not hard to see why. The rooms have a New England, Nautical, very Maine vibe. It’s low-key and unpretentious and perfect for families. We stayed in a suite with two rooms, which was great for our fam. But what we loved the most about it is how it’s set up for families and kids. They have a breakfast buffet every morning, which makes vacation with kids so much easier. They always wake up early and being able to just pop downstairs and have it all done for you is so nice. The kids love having choices, and honestly, it’s great for us too and it’s nice to have a few hour window, so we can make it without feeling rushed. There is a heated outdoor pool, bike rentals, paddle boards and kayaks to rent, as well as a lobster expedition and other boating tours you can catch from the duck. But what we found the most helpful with our kids is that they offer a kids camp seven days a week with a lineup of activities throughout the day, from arts and crafts to crabbing and cookie making. There are counselors there to help out, so parents can just sit nearby and supervise and if you want babysitting at night, you can book that as well. It rained one of the days we were there and I honestly, don’t know what we would have done without the kids club. They turned what would have been a ruined vacation day into a great time for the kids and a reprieve for the parents. Our kids even got to meet and play with other kids while there was face painting and bracelet making and cookie-decorating and tie-dyeing.
WHERE TO EAT
Latitudes at the Nonantum: We ate here for multiple meals and it was great. We loved eating out on the lawn while the kids ran around and played and having lunch while the kids swam.
Earth at Hidden Pond: This is a farm-to-table restaurant that everyone recommended. We were hoping to steal away for a date night there, but didn’t get the chance but definitely worth checking out.
The Boathouse Restaurant: Centrally located in town, this restaurant offers scenic views of the harbor and boats and delicious food.
Alisson’s Restaurant: We didn’t make it here but it came highly recommended for families and it’s situated in town.
Mabel’s Lobster Claw: I’m so bummed we couldn’t get in here. You need to make a reservation like a year in advance (okay, not a year but way in advance) but I’m told it’s 100 percent worth it.
Tides Beach Club: Gorgeous setting and good food.
Federal Jacks: This is a low-key restaurant/bar that’s good for grabbing a bite with crazy kids.
Nunan’s Lobster Hut: We didn’t get to compare too many but I’m told this is the best place for fresh lobster and it’s definitely delish.
White Barn Inn Restaurant: We didn’t get to visit but this came recommended by many especially for a date night.
The Clam Shack: This is a fun spot located in town where you can grab a lobster roll, hot dog, slice of blueberry pie. Felt very authentic.
Some other recs we didn’t get to visit:
Via Sophia
Chez Rosa
Wandby Landing
Roma Pizza
The Lost Fire
WHAT TO DO
Beaches: Kennebunkport is home to some beautiful beaches. We were recommended Mother’s Beach, Gooch’s Beach, Goose Rocks Beach and Colony Beach. The beaches are probably the number one thing to do so obviously top of. mylist for my Kennebunkport with kids guide.
Raptor Falls Mini Golf: What is it about family vacations that makes you want to play mini golf?
Shopping and Ice Cream in Town: The town of Kennebunkport is filled with adorable shops and restaurants. It’s such a fun place to walk around and shop and grab some ice cream and candy.
Lobster Tour: There are several companies that offer lobster tours and the excursions are about a two hours, which is a good amount of time for littles imo. You can grab the Rugosa lobster tour right from the marina at the Nonatum, which is so convenient and a great activity.
Pineapple Ketch: We didn’t go on this sailing tour, but many recommended it, and you can take it right from the Nonantum marina a swell.
Deep Sea Fishing: The Libreti Rose takes off from the Nonatum Resort marina and is a great fishing expedition but a longer trip so better for bigger kids than mine..
Paddle Boarding and Kayaking: You can rent them at your resort or there are some places in town to rent and a fun way to enjoy the area.
Crabbing: A fun activity for the kids that we were able to do right from our resort’s dock.
Antiquing: There are so many great antique stores all around Kennebunkport. I wish I had gotten more time to explore them all, but definitely wroth doing.
Seashore Trolley Museum: A great place to stop when it’s raining or not because you can do an outdoor ride on a trolley.
Motorland Classic Car Museum: We didn’t go but car lovers will want to stop by.
The Playlot: A great spot to take your kids on a rainy day.
Garden Street Bowl: Another great rainy day activity.
Let me know if you have any questions or if there’s anything else I should add to my Kennebunkport with kids guide.
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