Family Fun Things to Do in Kennebunkport, Maine, This Summer

Any trip to Kennebunkport must include a drive-by of the Bush compound, but what else is there for your family to do in Kennebunkport, Maine?

Outside The Cape Pier Chowder House.Photo byJoe Schlabotnik — Flickr.

An excellent day at Kennebunkport would include a visit to the Seashore Trolley Museum, a lobster boat tour, an afternoon of fun on the sandy beaches, you could Sail the Pineapple Ketch, and much more, so grab the family and let’s go.

Get some great seafood at Cape Pier Chowder House or one of these other fine eateries in town.

The Seashore Trolley Museum at Kennebunkport, Maine.Photo byDavid Wilson — Flickr.

The rustic old Seashore Trolley Museum in Kennebunkport, ME, is perfect for an afternoon of history and learning. You and the family can ride on an early vintage 1900s trolley car.

The Trolley Museum is the world’s largest and very first Electric Railway Museum dedicated to public vehicles, streetcars, and trolleys. While trolley cars are the primary focus of the collection, it also contains fast transit trains, Interurban cars, trolleybuses, and motor buses.

The museum at 195 Log Cabin Road is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm, but the trolleys typically run from Wednesday to Sunday. Check their events calendar and buy tickets for upcoming events in advance to ensure they are not sold out. What’s more, the museum is dog-friendly.

Sunrise at Goose Rock Beach.Photo byJohn Dalton — Flickr.

You don’t have to start at sunrise, but that is one way to maximize your day at the beach. Kennebunkport’s beautiful beaches provide hours of relaxation and enjoyment. You can enjoy a quiet afternoon on the waterfront, soaking up the sun, and enjoy a picnic on the sandy beach.

Take the entire family out for a day in the sun or under the surf at one of Kennebunkport’s famous beaches, such as Arundel, Kennebunk, or Goose Rock Beach. Just click on the beach name to get information about your non-resident beach pass and parking.

You can also take a scenic tour of the Kennebunkport shoreline with a kayak or canoe rental from Coastal Maine Kayak, Yak & Tackle Outfitters, Kennebunkport Marina, and visit nearby Goat Island Lighthouse. For the adventurous family, you can rent kayaks, paddleboards, motor scooters or avail of one of their guided tours.

Likewise, you could take a ride aboard a hired boat, stopping off at the many secluded beaches along the way. If you are looking for a great way to fill an afternoon or evening, plan a day trip to visit Rugosa Lobster Tours and Sail the Pineapple Ketch.

The Rugosa Lobster boat.Photo byJohn Dalton — Flickr - Adapted with PowerPoint Design Creations

The Pineapple Ketch Private Charter.Photo bythe owner.

Sail the Pineapple Ketch

Embark on a picturesque journey as you and your family sail the Pineapple Ketch, a 38' Down-easter Ketch that has been meticulously refurbished. With her unique tanbark sails and gleaming black hull, the Pineapple is a common sighting on Kennebunkport’s horizon — many locals refer to it as the Port’s “Pirate Ship.”

Family sails for up to 12 people start at $50 per person for a 1.5-hour sailing tour, book a mid-day sail for $55/person, a sunset sail for $75, or charter the entire boat for as little as $660. Call (207) 888–3445 or visit 95 Ocean Avenue.

The Bush Complex at Walker’s Point.Photo byJohn Dalton — Flickr - Adapted using PowerPoint Design Creation

Kennebunkport, ME, has tons of fun things to do with the family, no matter what season it is, but summer is always best. If you are planning a trip to the area, you should definitely visit Walker’s Point Estate. Though the compound is not open to the public, you can take pictures from a magnificent vantage point on Ocean Avenue with some parking.

Walker’s Point, often known as the Bush complex, is located along the Atlantic Ocean in Maine. George H. W. Bush, the 41st President of the United States (POTUS), and George W. Bush, the 43rd POTUS, spent many of their summers at the estate.

“Maine — The Way Life Should Be!”

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About the author

Stephen Dalton is a native of Old Town, ME, and a retired US Army First Sergeant with a degree in journalism from the University of Maryland. He is a Certified US English Chicago Manual of Style Editor. Top Writer in Travel, Food, Fiction, Transportation, VR, NFL, Design, Creativity, Short Story, and a NewsBreak Community Voice Pro.