You know it’s summer in Maine when the wildflowers bloom; jackets are doffed in favor of t-shirts, and we are out enjoying the warmth of the sun taking part in festivals, enjoying hikes in nature, and having a fun day outdoors. If you’re looking for some ways to have some summer fun in Maine this year, check out these things that belong on everyone’s Maine summer bucket list:
1. See a drive-in movie at Saco Drive-In Theater
Seeing a movie at a drive-in theater has been a fun summer pastime for decades and thankfully there are still a few of these places around. Saco Drive-In Theater is the perfect place to take in a movie on a summer evening from the comfort of your car. Get some popcorn and soda from the concession stand and after the movie, you won’t have to wander the parking lot looking for your vehicle.
2. Skowhegan State Fair
The Skowhegan State Fair has been running for over 200 years and is the oldest festival in Maine. It is usually held in mid-August. Ride on massive carnival rides; enjoy a demolition derby; snack on fair foods; watch truck pulls, and enjoy so many more activities and take in tons of entertainment at this fantastic fair.
3. Go river tubing with Bullfrog Adventures
Tubing down a lazy river is the ultimate summer activity. You can plop your tube in the river, or rent one and join Bullfrog Adventures on an adventure along the Kennebec River or the Dead River. Bring your friends along and enjoy the day together.
4. See sunflowers and more at Viles Arboretum
Viles Arboretum is astoundingly beautiful throughout the year, but summer is special with all the sunflowers in bloom. There are six miles of trails to explore, spread out over the 224-acre preserve. Your kids can take part in summer camps and the arboretum is kind enough to scale the price to your income.
5. Maine Lobster Festival
Maine and lobster have gone hand in hand since statehood was established. Lobster rolls are on most menus, so of course there will be a festival centered around Maine’s favorite food. The Maine Lobster Festival takes place in Rockport each summer, and you’ll enjoy tons of entertainment and activities while scarfing down your fill of delicious lobster rolls and other delicacies.
6. Cool off at Aquaboggan Waterpark
A waterpark is always an excellent way to beat the summer heat and Aquaboggan Waterpark is a Maine favorite. Ride the legendary Yankee Ripper; slide down the Turbo Drop; play in the Wave Pool, and even enjoy some mini-golf. It’ll make for a very full summer day.
7. Spend a whole day antiquing at Fairfield Antiques Mall
Get inside with some air conditioning and browse through artifacts from decades past at Fairfield Antiques Mall. It’s the state’s largest antique shop and it has more than 100 vendors spread out over 30,000 square feet. You can bring home objects of nostalgia and find some whimsical and old-fashioned items to decorate your home. You’ll surely find a wonderful treasure here!
8. Hike or bike the Eagle Lake Carriage Road Trail
Summer is the perfect time to enjoy a lakeside trail. Whether you want an easy stroll or get your bicycles out, bring the whole family along on the Eagle Lake Carriage Trail. It’s a six-mile loop trail and it’s easy to traverse. You can travel along as much or as little of it as you like. Maybe even stop for a bit of fishing along the way.
9. Get an old-fashioned ice cream at Red’s Dairy Freeze
When you’ve been out and about working up a sweat with a summer adventure, few things are better than a good old-fashioned ice cream to cool off and enjoy a sweet treat. Red’s Dairy Freeze is the ideal place for an ice cream cone, a shake, or a sundae. Families have been coming here since 1952.
10. Search for sand dollars at Long Sands Beach
A day at the beach is always a fantastic way to spend a summer day. Swim, bodysurf, sunbathe, read a book, and stroll around searching for sand dollars. Long Sands Beach is known as a good spot to find them. Just remember that the fuzzy ones are still alive and should be left alone, but the dried shells of expired ones are an intriguing find. The best time to find them is after a storm.
How many of these things were already on your Maine summer bucket list? What are your favorite summer activities in Maine? Let us know about your favorite experiences in the comments. If you want to get out and about and explore by car, these road trips in Maine are wonderful for summer adventures.
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