Children's Museum of Maine, Portland, ME (4.5 smiles)

We went to the Children's Museum of Maine in Portland today, January 25, 2009 here is my review....

Date:  1/25/2009

Parking: There is a municipal parking garage on Free Street that offers discounted parking for musuem visitors. Make sure you have your ticket stamped by the musuem for your discount. They also list the Gateway Garage on High Street or parking next the museum (not at a discount). We parked right along the street.

Gate/Admissions: [$$$$] $8.00 per person under age 1 is free. Group rates are available.

Birthday Parties: Yes

Bathrooms: There are large bathrooms on every floor. They also have family style bathrooms on the main floor. Every bathroom has a changing table!

Cleanliness: Clean

Store: They have a souvenir store on the main floor and on the lower level they have a tables and chairs for guests to bring a picnic lunch. During the warmer weather they have picnic tables outside also. Keep in mind there is no eating in the exhibit area of the museum.

Overall: Fabulous! My son had so much fun. He loved the ball area where you roll balls down inclines and he also enjoyed climbing around in the tree house. They have a water exhibit set up and as you can imagine it was a hit! They also have a touch tank that the staff opens during the day, a fire engine, a store, a cafe, a race car, a veterinarian's office, a farm exhibit, a campsite, a logging exhibit, a wildlife exhibit, a craft area, a boat and a children's theatre. I know I am missing a few things. Check out their website for a complete list of exhibits. I did not see any strollers in the museum. I saw a lot of babies in carriers on thier parents, but not one stroller. I don't see how you could bring a stroller in there because there are a lot of narrow spots and stairs. I will call the museum tomorrow and find out what their policy is on strollers. In my opionion if you are in Portland or anywhere near Portland you should check this museum out. We loved it!

**Update:  I found out that you are allowed to bring strollers in, but they discourage it on busy days.  You can park your stroller where you hang jackets.  It's located right behind the front desk area.