Mainely Parents

07/20/2025

Did you know kids get in FREE at the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens every Wednesday through July and August? Thanks to a partnership with L.L. Bean, kids can explore the gardens at no extra cost to families. No need to reserve tickets—just bring them along with a ticketed adult, and they’ll check them in at the door.
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To save even more money, we recommend buying adult tickets online in advance which saves $4!
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For more information and to reserve your adult tickets, check out their website at mainegardens.org
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07/18/2025

🚨 What’s Happening in Education — and Why Maine Families Should Care

The Department of Education is under threat — and the impact would hit Maine’s schools hard. From the loss of after-school programs to rising local taxes, this isn’t just a federal issue. It’s a family issue.

We broke it all down in this post — what’s happening, how it affects Maine (especially rural communities), and what you can do right now to protect our schools.

📣 What You Can Do:
✔️ Call your representatives
✔️ Attend your local school board meetings
✔️ Stay informed and involved
✔️ Share this post to help other families understand what’s at stake

📚 Resources to Follow:
– maine.gov/doe (Maine Department of Education updates)
– nea.org
– mainepublic.org

🗳️ We fight for our kids by showing up—locally, statewide, and nationally.

Follow for more Maine-centered policy updates, parenting resources, and ways to take action.

07/14/2025

☀️ Summer’s in full swing—but there’s still time to make a splash! ☀️

Goldfish Swim School - Portland is offering Jump Start Clinics—a fun, fast-track swim lesson option designed to help swimmers gain confidence and skills in just one week. With four consecutive lessons (Tuesday–Friday) with the same instructor at the same time each day, kids see real results, fast! 🏊‍♀️💦

📅 Weekly sessions now through August 15

📍 Goldfish Swim School – Portland

🕒 Consistency = Confidence + Progress

Perfect for busy summer schedules and swimmers eager to make the most of the season. There’s still time to jump in and make waves before summer winds down! 🌊✨

👉 REGISTER today! (link in our bio)
https://goldfishswimschool.com

07/08/2025

Kid-approved cabins? Check ✔️

We stayed overnight at the Desert of Maine and were so happy with how family-friendly their on-site cabins are — just a short walk from all the attractions, but tucked into quiet, wooded surroundings.

📍Desert of Maine, Freeport, Maine


Some of our favorite kid-friendly touches:
🛏️ Multiple sleeping options to fit your crew comfortably
🚪 Private outdoor space for playing, relaxing, or morning coffee
🛁 A full bathroom (a big win with littles!)
🍽️ Kitchenette with cooktop, sink, and mini fridge for snacks & meals
🪑 Built-in seating area for meals, games, and winding down
🌿 Plenty of open space inside and out so no one feels cramped

If you’re visiting with kids, we definitely recommend making it an overnight!
Note: Amenities vary by cabin type — check their site to find the best fit for your stay.

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07/05/2025

It feels tough to celebrate this year so we opted out of the chaos and kept it lowkey. A 10k for myself, pool time for the girls, and everyone in bed by 8:30 👌🏼

We hope your family has a wonderful and safe holiday weekend!

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06/29/2025

🎉 Splish splash, birthday bash! 🐠

We celebrated Allie’s birthday at Goldfish Swim School - Portland and it was a hit with the whole crew! From swimming fun to easy party planning (aka stress-free for parents 🙌), this was one of our favorite birthday parties yet.

Check out our full review, tips, and tricks on the blog! 💦

Make your child's birthday unforgettable with a Goldfish Swim School birthday party. Fun, active, and weatherproof entertainment awaits!

06/29/2025

From tiny town parades to waterfront fireworks, we rounded up some of the best 4th of July celebrations happening across Maine in 2025! 🇺🇸 Whether you’re looking for fireworks, family fun, or small-town charm—it’s all in one spot.

View the full list here 👇🏼
https://mainelyparents.com/maine-4th-of-july-fireworks-2025/

06/28/2025

Looking for family-friendly and accessible beaches in Maine?
We’ve rounded up some of the best spots with ramps, beach wheelchairs, accessible bathrooms, and easy parking — because everyone deserves a perfect beach day. ☀️🌊

View the list here 👇🏼
https://mainelyparents.com/wheelchair-accessible-beaches-maine/

06/27/2025

🌟 Jump Into The Fast Lane with Goldfish Swim School's One-Week Summer Swim Clinic! 🌟

Looking for a fast, fun way to boost your child’s swim skills this summer? Jump Start Clinics at Goldfish Swim School - Portland are just the splash of progress they need! 💪🏊‍♂️

📅 When: Weekly sessions from June 24 – August 12
📍 Where: Goldfish Swim School - Portland
🕒 What: 4 consecutive 30-minute lessons (Tues–Fri), same time & instructor each day for max progress!

Perfect for busy schedules and eager swimmers ready to level up and make waves all summer long! 🌊

➡️ Register now or swim by to learn more: https://portal.iclasspro.com/gssportland/classes?programs=57

06/06/2025

Curious minds at work 🦀✨
We spent the afternoon at Seacoast Science Center and the girls couldn’t get enough of the touch tanks — petting crabs, asking ALL the questions, and learning about our local ocean life. Huge thank you to the incredible staff who patiently answered every single questions our girls came up with. This spot is such a gem for hands-on learning and low-key family adventures by the sea 🌊
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