Whether you’re chasing shade or on the hunt for the perfect splash zone, these kid-friendly cool-off spots are probably what you are looking for when summer in Maine really heats up! Best for toddlers and preschoolers – but always enjoy at your own risk. Most locations are unsupervised, so parental discretion is key, and in our opinion this is especially true when you are participating in activities around water.
Splash Pads
Open daily (generally 10am–7pm) in summer, Portland’s splash pads are simple and great for younger kids.
- Deering Oaks Park Ravine
- Peppermint Park Splash Pad
- Payson Park Splash Pad
- Rising Eddy Community -Pool and splashpad, NEW in 2026 & now open! Fee for entry.
Tip: These pads may be unfenced and are unsupervised. Be sure to pack snacks, water bottles, towels, sunblock and a change of clothes.
Saco Splash Pad
New in 2025, this splash pad in Saco is a nice size cool off spot that is a hit with local families & it’s free! There is an adjacent dry playground and the area is not fenced off. Limited picnic tables available. Open daily during daylight hours. More Information.
Splash Pads Coming Soon:
Robie Park Splash Pad – Gorham
Get pumped up – because a new splash pad feature is coming to Gorham! Robie Park will include a new water feature/splashpad that is hoped to be complete before the end of Summer 2026.
Water Parks & Pools
These paid options offer some price breaks for littles or based on time of the day or pool only plans:
Aquaboggan Water Park – Saco
Great for little & big splashers, alike! Options include:
- Toddler Ticket (under 38″): $6
- Junior Ticket (under 48″): $32
- Pool-Only Pass: $29
- Toddler Season Pass (Under 38″): $35
- Season Pass (38″+): $95
Some notable features include a shaded wading pool, toddler splash zone, kid-friendly water slides and picnic areas.
Funtown Splashtown USA – Saco
Want just a short visit? The Afternoon Special (after 3 PM) is ideal. We love this park for littles because kids under 38″ tall are free, so if you want a go to solution for the summer all you need is an adult season pass. The ride selection in the amusement park is great for this age as well.
👉 funtownsplashtownusa.com/rates
Raptor Falls
New Attractions in 2026 will help you cool off this summer- The Megalopond bumper boats are a fun way to cool off with built in water squirters and a drive through cave. Also NEW in 2026, the Dino Downpour attraction allows you to race an opponent in filling a water bucket to dump on their head! And to top it all off, enjoy some ice cream!
Shipwreck Cove at Seacoast Adventure Park – Windham
Kids love this water playground featuring a plunging bucket, 12 bubblers, 3 slides and water squirts. Select a 2 hour time block to play and pre-purchase tickets online.
- General (40″ or taller): $16
- Junior (children under 40″ tall, limited slides): $8
- Infants (0-12 months): Free
- Spectator (no slides): $10
👉 seacoastadventure.com/shipwreck-cove/
Beaches & State Parks
These are the local options we find especially appealing for families with littles:
Outlet Beach – Sabbathday Lake (New Gloucester)
A quiet freshwater beach with calm water and sandy shores. Open for swimming from 9 – 5 daily.
- Admission: $6 adults (14+) / $4 kids (3-13) (under 2 free) Cash Only
- On-site snack shack (ice cream), picnic tables, and a gentle shoreline
- Rentals available: Life jackets, tubes, pedal boats, kayaks, canoe and paddle boards.
Ideal for kids & adults – and calm days by the lake.
👉 brescaandthehoneybee.com/information
Mother’s Beach, Kennebunk
Parents love this beach for its gentle waves and kids love the tide pools & playground right on the beach. Sometimes you can score free parking on side streets with designated parking, otherwise parking fees apply.
👉 https://www.kennebunkmaine.us/308/Beaches
Range Pond State Park – Poland
A family favorite with shallow entry, roped swim area, and soft sand.
- Day Pass: $6/adult Maine Residents, $1/ages 5–11, under 5 free
- Changing rooms, picnic tables, and a playground. Lifeguards, if available, on duty mid-June to mid-August.
👉 maine.gov/dacf/parks/rangepond
Ferry Beach – Scarborough
Easy beach access from moderately-sized paid parking lot.
- Ocean beach, changing rooms, small picnic area
- Parking fees apply; no lifeguard on duty
Sebago Lake State Park – Casco
A classic day trip with tons of family-friendly features:
- Sandy beach, lifeguarded swim areas, snack bar, and playground
- Day Use Fee: $6/adults, $1/ages 5–11, under 5 free
Early mornings are best for easy parking and low crowds.
Tips Before You Go
- Check official websites for current hours, rates and closures
- Pack towels, extra clothes, snacks/water, and sun protection
- Always give children your undivided attention near water
- Many options often fill up fast on weekends – go early!
Looking for More?
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