Maine-Stay: Summer Vacation Recommendations for Maine Camp Families

As we know, sending kids to camp in Maine has many advantages, including that parents and younger siblings also get to spend time in the “Pine Tree” state, especially pre- and/or post-Visiting Day weekends.  Now’s the time for camp parents to plan their travel to Maine if they haven’t already, and here are some ideas of places to stay and things to do. Places to Stay: From beautiful seaside resorts and inns with harbor views to well-situated downtown hotels amidst great restaurants and shopping, there are so many wonderful accommodations throughout Maine.  Some favorite MCE properties* that we’ve stayed at and recommended to many camp families based on location, wonderful service, great Maine feel, and more, include:

• Cape Elizabeth – Inn By the Sea
• Kennebunkport – Nonantum Resort
• Portland – Hilton Garden Inn Portland Downtown Waterfront, Hyatt Place Portland-Old Port, The Press Hotel, The Westin Portland Harborview
• Rockport – Samoset Resort *Note – many properties take reservations a year in advance for Visiting Day weekends, so it’s good to book as early as you can and/or put your name on a waitlist.  There is often increased availability during the week or on other weekends.  And, in addition to summer, Maine has a lot of other great happenings in the fall and beyond, so that’s a nice time to come to stay, too.  Here’s a more comprehensive list of accommodations to explore. Things to Do: There is no shortage of amazing things to do while visiting Maine.  Last summer, I had the joy of spending a week’s vacation in Maine after Visiting Day.  I traveled from Bar Harbor down to Kennebunkport and enjoyed amazing active adventures, great food, and wonderful accommodations the whole way. Highlights included white water rafting, hiking, biking, kayaking, taking a Lobster Boat tour, and eating many lobster rolls and other delicious Maine favorites. Here’s my travelogue that you can use to help plan your trip. Some other fun activities not included here, which I’ve done in the past with kids have included a Duck boat tour in Portland, Old Orchard Beach for rides, games, and candy, and Ogunquit’s Marginal Way walking path. For more information to plan your Maine stays, visit the Maine Tourism or Visit Portland sites, or feel free to email me at . — Maine Camp Experience Resources & Tools

You can share your own Maine camps memories & expressions of gratitude on our Memories of Camp section of our  website.

Looking for the perfect Maine camp for your child?  Try out our helpful tool where you can select a camp by choosing: type of camp (girls, boys or coed) and session length (1-8 weeks).  It helps to narrow down a few camps to a manageable list that includes rates.  Then you can research these camps in more depth.

Next, be sure to  to discuss these camps as well as for free, year-round advice and assistance on choosing a great Maine summer camp for your child.