Visiting Maine with the Kids? Here's a List of Amusement Parks and Beaches

When vacationing in Maine, often times children cannot appreciate the smell of the pine trees and the beautiful ocean views. Not to mention the amount of driving time on bumpy roads (often resulting in car sick little ones) it takes to get to each boring destination. Here is a list of fun things to do with your children that don't include staring at leafs changing color or collecting sea shells.

1.) Funtown Splashtown USA. Located in Saco Maine, Funtown is a small amusement park with rides for all ages and an attached water park. Highlights include Northern New England's largest vertical thrill ride called the Dragons Descent, a giant wooden roller coaster, and New England's tallest and longest log flume ride. (Feel free to ride this over and over and over. I always do.) There is something to do for the whole family at this place. Mini-golf, water slides, swimming, games, kiddie rides, you name it.

Prices for those 48 inches and taller is $35.00 for a pass that includes the rides AND the splashtown area water slides and two rides on the grand prix cars. The price is $25.00 for a pass that is strictly for rides only. For seniors and those shorter than 48 inches, the price for a combined pass is $25.00 and for the just rides only pass it is $17.00.

2.) Storyland. Located in Glen Newhampshire, it is not in Maine, but very close by. This is a little theme park where fairy tales and nursery rhymes come to life. From visiting the old woman who lived in a show, to riding in Cinderella's pumpkin coach, there is never a lack of storybook adventures. A favorite of mine is the raft ride called Dr Geysers Wild Ride. It spins you around in circles and you get splashed from a hole at the bottom of the raft. People walking near the ride can deposit a quarter into a machine and push a button that aims water straight at you when you pass by a certain water spot. Great fun! I would have to say it is best geared for kids under the age of 13.

Prices from the website for 2007 say that the cost of admission is $23.00 dollars per person, except for children 3 and under who get in for free. The cost of admission includes unlimited rides, shows, and attractions.

3.) Santa's Village. Also located in Glen, Newhampshire, is just like a visit to the north pole. Rides include a Christmas Carousel, Little Drummer Boy Ride (Santa's village version of the tea cups), The Great Humbug Adventure where children ride through Scrooge's house and tickle the humbugs with joysticks, The Yule Log Flume, (How cute is that??) Santa's Express Train, and many others. There is even a 3D holiday movie show. Santa's Village is even open right up until Christmas.

Children under 4 get in for free. The price of a ticket for anyone over 4 is $21.00. Ages 62(Yes, what an odd age to pick.) and older get in for $19.00

4.) Yorks Wild Animal Kingdom. Located in York, Maine, The Wild Animal Kingdom is a combination Zoo and theme park. It holds an 18 hole mini golf course, a haunted house, petting zoo, a number of family rides including the paddle boats and merry go round as well as a large picnic area and a number of gift shops and games. There are, of course, a number of animals to look at including Maine's only White Tiger.

Prices for a Zoo and Ride package are as follows. $18.25 for adults , $14.25 for kids 4-10 and $4.00 for children 3 and under.

Prices for the strictly Zoo package are as follows. $14.00 for adults, $9.00 for kids 4-10 and $1.00 for children 3 and under.

5.) Palace Playland, Old Orchard Beach, Maine. Palace Playland is a large, family oriented amusement park located right on the beach of the Atlantic ocean. With a variety of adult and children rides, games, food, and the beach right there, what more could a person ask for?

There is no admission fee, however you do have to pay for each ride you get on. This seems like a bit of a downside but it really is a wonderful place to visit with the kids.

These are just the big attractions to visit. There plenty of other things to do with children in Maine. Such as visiting one of the many beaches, which include:

Reed State Park. Located in Georgetown. Pemaquid Beach State Park, located in Pemaquid, Maine. Popham Beach State Park, located in Bath, Maine. Old Orchard Beach, Old Orchard Maine. All of these are great family beaches.

Enjoy your stay in Maine. Make sure to bring some towels for the beach, a camera, and some Dramamine for the long, long ride.