Maine is a beautiful coastal New England state that offers numerous fun activities and events for families to take part in, during any time of the year. While that state is known for its outdoor fun in Acadia National Park and thrilling adventures sky diving, there are plenty of fun indoor attractions to visit as well. After hiking through the woods, kayaking in the bay, swimming in the ocean and exploring, check out these interesting museums that are perfect for families of all sizes.

For children who are fascinated by marine life, the Bar Harbor Whale Museum is the perfect place to visit. Children and adults of all ages can learn about the various creatures that inhabit the sea off the coast of Maine. Since its founding in 1991, the Museum has been visited by thousands of people and has displayed numerous exhibits, each one exciting in its own way. The Museum is a nonprofit organization that exists strictly as a benefit and a learning platform for students, educators and the greater public. Another great museum for the little ones is the Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine. Here, children have the opportunity to explore and play with other children while learning about various professions. Children can try their hand as a mechanic at the car repair shop or hop on the fire truck after suiting up. Each area of the museum offers something fun and exciting for children. Other exploration areas include Hank’s Market, Oakie Acres, Our Town Post Office, Toddler Park, the Animal Hospital, Dress-up Theatre, Space Shuttle, and the Tide pool Touch Tank along with many others.

While these two museums offer fun for children, the Portland Museum of Art and the Maine Lighthouse Museum provide fun and excitement for adults. At the Portland Museum of Art, visitors can take in more than 17,000 fine and decorative works of art, dating from the 18th century to present. This attraction is the largest and oldest art museum in the state of Maine. Whether you have a passion for paintings, sculptures, prints, photography, glass, ceramics, books, or furniture – this museum has it all. Be sure to check out all of the other fun and exciting attractions in Portland during your visit as well. The Maine Lighthouse Museum is a must-see attraction. If there are two things that Maine is known for, it’s the lobster, and their lighthouses. The rugged coast of Maine has more than 60 lighthouses from years past, and these intriguing structures continue to attract visitors from all over the country. The museum stands as a tribute to one of Maine’s most popular assets and contains the largest collection of lighthouse memorabilia and Coast Guard lighthouse artifacts in the world. The mission of the museum is to educate the public regarding these traditions while highlighting the heroism and progress of America’s Lighthouse and Lifesaving services and the United State Coast Guard. The museum is open seven days a week.

Plan a trip to Maine this year and take in the beautiful sights that this exciting state has to offer. Take part in outdoor activities or explore the museums for both children and adults. Maine has fun and excitement during any time of the year so plan a trip this winter, spring, fall or summer!