5 Free Things To Do in Portland, Maine

According to some of its license plates, Maine has been dubbed “Vacationland”. Lighthouses and lobsters also come to mind. Save your money for quirky souvenirs and their delicious lobster rolls and do these free things to do in Portland with kids (or without too).

It’s a beautiful state with many natural wonders and attractions. We’ve visited its largest city of Portland a couple of times and enjoyed it. 

1. See Lighthouses

With several iconic lighthouses lining up its coastline, there’s a reason Maine is also called The Lighthouse State. Look into the Maine Open Lighthouse Day every September when visitors can climb, explore and learn more about lighthouses across the state.

There were six lighthouses within a 20-minute drive from downtown Portland. Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse is accessible to the public and volunteer-led tours are available. Portland Breakwater Lighthouse or Bug Light is also free to visit.

Though, the one lighthouse not to be missed when visiting the area is Portland Head Light. This is Maine’s oldest operating lighthouse built in 1791. It may also be the country’s most photographed lighthouse.

It is beautiful up close. The area is a fantastic place for photographs and for ocean views. We loved the trail that led to the rocky beach and was ideal for families.

There was a small museum and a gift shop on the premises. You can also see nearby Spring Point Ledge Light and Ram Island Ledge light across the way from here.

2. Play in the Parks

Portland has 60 parks and playgrounds and 10 community gardens. There were many green spaces scattered around the city and neighboring towns. They were easy to find for picnics or for kids to enjoy some downtime.

Deering Oaks Park features a rose garden with 38 varieties, a castle building now used as a visitor’s center, playgrounds and a duck pond. There is also a Farmer’s Market here on Sundays.

My kids also enjoyed Fort Williams Park which was located by the Portland Head Light. This 90-acre park has an arboretum, small beach, Children’s Garden and gun batteries to explore.

One of the city’s most popular places to hang out is the Eastern Promenade. It was designed by the same landscape firm who did New York’s Central Park and Boston Commons (two parks we love).

This 68-acre park has fantastic bay views and a two-mile trail along the harbor. If you’re here during the summer, there are free concerts on Thursday nights in July and August.

Payson Park was another popular park with a playground and the 2.5 acre Longfellow Arboretum. The Payson Hill Terrain Park is popular during the winter for skiing and snowboarding during the winter.

3. Explore the Downtown Area

We enjoyed exploring Portland’s downtown area and walking along some of its cobblestoned streets. Don’t miss the Old Port District.

This waterfront and warehouse district is filled with unique shops and restaurants housed in historic buildings. This was a wonderful place to walk around and window shop.

Families can also do the self-guided Portland Freedom Trail walking tour for some interesting history lessons. This trail had 16 marked historic sites that played a role in Portland’s abolitionist movement and Underground Railroad that helped African American slaves escape to freedom in the 19^th century.

These sites included homes, churches, buildings with hidden passageways and tunnels and the Eastern Cemetery where some of the city’s famous abolitionists were buried. Trail brochures can be downloaded online or available at the Maine Historical Society store.

Walk along the waterfront area to see the many sightseeing cruise boats dock and leave from. It was a beautiful area for a stroll especially during the summer.

Look out for a piece of the Berlin Wall by DiMillo’s Floating restaurant. You never know what you’ll stumble upon when exploring this city.

4. Learn at Museums

There is a thriving Arts District and vibrant artist community in Portland. It was surprising to find many art museums and galleries here. Luckily, some of them offer free admission.

Portland’s art galleries and its art museum offer free admission on the first Friday of each month for ART & ABOUT (rain, snow or shine). There are also local artists selling and showing their work and performers along Congress Street during this event.

The Portland Museum of Art (PMA) also has free admission on Fridays between 4-8 PM. This museum has over 18,000 artworks and many exhibits that include American (including some locals) and European artists.

Kids will also enjoy a visit to the Portland Fire Museum. This was located at the former home of Fire Engine #4. The museum contains artifacts and objects to preserve Portland’s firefighting history. The museum is only open the First Friday of each month.

The South Portland Historical Society Museum features exhibits on the city’s rich history as well as some rotating exhibits every year. Exhibits have included articles about the lighthouses and their keepers and the city’s history with shipbuilding and sardine canning factories.

5. Hit the Trails

Portland has a network of over 70 miles of trails within the city and surrounding towns. The trails are diverse from nature preserves to trails along the water.

One of the locals’ favorite is the Eastern Promenade. This 2.1-mile, multi-purpose paved trail was along the Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad with beautiful views of Casco Bay and all its activities.

The 3.5-mile Back Cove Trail loop is another popular one that has great city views. The Eastern Promenade connects to the Back Cove Trail and Bayside Trail which is an urban trail that goes through neighborhoods.

For some nature escapes, try Baxter Woods which is a 30-acre nature preserve. It has shaded trails among the pine trees.

Fore River Sanctuary is another nature trail but leads to Portland’s only natural waterfall, Jewell Falls. This area is also known for bird-watching. Lastly, Presumpscot River Preserve is a 2.5-mile trail through a ravine and along the river and the woods.

*What other free things to do in Portland can you add?

Check out these Portland, Maine Tours!

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