School Break Road Trip from Portland, Maine:
Rocks, Wildlife & Hands-On Fun
Looking for a close-to-home adventure fit for your mini-explorers during April school vacation week? We’ve plotted a course for a day trip from Portland, Maine, packed with wonder, adventure, and discovery that we’re calling “The Little Explorers Loop.”
Whether your kids dream of space adventures, love digging into Earth’s treasures, or just need a break from screens, this family-friendly day trip aims to keep drive times shorter than an hour and your little explorers happy. Our Maine-made route highlights six stops along the 135-mile loop that blend science, nature, and hands-on fun, perfect for sparking curiosity and making memories together during school vacation week. From rocks to rockets, the drive features something for every adventurer.
Whether you do the whole route or pick your favorite stops along the way, it's an easy way to make the most of a spring day in The Pine Tree State. Parents: Remember to keep snacks handy and customize your stops depending on your kids’ ages and energy levels.
Buckle up: the journey’s as exciting as the destinations!
Download the Little Explorers Loop here on Google Maps
Hike With a View: Mt. Tire'm
Waterford, ME
This short-and-sweet hike is perfect for kids. Though it’s rated “moderate to advanced” on Maine Trail Finder, the trail leads to beautiful views with minimal effort, hikers said in reviews. Along the way, you'll find a fun “bear cave” of large boulders that kids will love climbing. Most families make it to the top in about 40 minutes, and the hike is doable for ages 5 and up.
Roadside Pitstop: World Traveler Signpost
1439-1435, ME-35, Bethel, ME 04217
Snap a photo at this quirky roadside attraction that features signs pointing to what appear to be destinations around the world, but are actually the names of nearby Maine towns. The yard next to the sign has whimsical wooden animal carvings and well-kept landscaping, making it a charming, quick stop.
Explore & Learn: Maine Mineral & Gem Museum
99 Main St., Bethel, Maine
Plan a visit to this fascinating museum dedicated to Maine's geological treasures. Kids will especially enjoy hands-on exhibits, glowing rocks in the dark room, and even real moon rocks! Don’t miss out on the museum’s AprilROCKS! series of kid-focused educational events during school vacation week.
Treasure Hunting: Tamminen Quarry
Coordinates: 44.284770, -70.641841, Greenwood, ME
Bring a bucket and get ready to dig! This public-access quarry is an easy walk from parking on Richardson Road and is an excellent place for kids to search for minerals like black tourmaline, mica, and smoky quartz. It’s a fun, hands-on way to spend time outdoors. Don’t forget to grab some fresh spring water nearby on Greenwood Road.
Wild Encounters: Maine Wildlife Park
56 Game Farm Road, Gray, ME
Opening just in time for school vacation week — April 15 — this park allows kids to see native Maine wildlife up close, including moose, bears, and eagles. It’s a great mix of education and adventure with paved paths and picnic spots.
Big Finish: Eartha, the Giant Globe
DeLorme Drive, Yarmouth, ME
Cap off your day with a visit to the world’s largest rotating globe. Eartha is massive and mesmerizing, and it's a terrific way to get your kids thinking about geography and travel.
This 3.5-hour loop winds through some of Maine’s most charming small towns. You’ll pass dozens of local businesses — cozy cafés, classic diners, antique shops, roadside stands, and more that make for perfect side quests to satisfy both curiosity and hungry bellies. So take your time, make a few spontaneous stops, and support the Maine makers and merchants who help keep our communities vibrant.
