Looking for a unique, family-friendly adventure that will wear your kids out in the best way possible? Look no further than the Desert of Maine in Freeport!
I took my three girls there yesterday, and let me tell you—this place is a hidden gem (literally and figuratively!). While we didn’t get to everything, we packed in a ton of fun and left with tired feet, happy hearts, and plenty of stories to tell.
Here’s what we did:
Scavenger Hunt: The girls loved running around the grounds searching for clues. It kept them engaged and exploring every inch of the desert (and made for some fun photo ops too!). My four-year-old loved yelling out "I FOUND THE LITTLE MAN!" If you do the hunt, you'll understand.
Train Ride: A shaded, breezy ride through the grounds was a perfect way to cool down and learn a little about this fascinating natural phenomenon. Short and brief, but on those especially hot days, the train helps get from point A to point B.
Gem Mining + Hidden Gnome Playground
The gem finding station was an instant hit — sifting through sand for sparkling stones never gets old. But the real surprise? Tucked just beyond the gem area is a hidden play space complete with a whimsical gnome house and climbing structures. It felt like stumbling into a secret forest village, and the girls could have stayed there all day.
Fairy House Building: There’s a quiet, whimsical area in the woods where kids are encouraged to build fairy houses using natural materials. My girls spent so much time here—it’s the perfect mix of creativity and nature play.
Playground & Ice Cream Break: A shaded spot to play and a scoop (or two) of ice cream helped beat the heat and gave the grown-ups a moment to rest.
Unfortunately, we were just too hot to try the mini golf this time, but it’s on our list for our next visit—and yes, there will be a next visit!
Know Before You Go:
- Bring sunscreen and water bottles—it really is sandy and sunny like a desert!
- Wear comfortable shoes for walking on uneven ground.
- Cool off with ice cream or hop on the shaded train for a breezy break.
- The site is stroller-friendly for the most part, though a carrier might be easier for certain spots.
- All activities are included in your admission, except mini golf. You can purchase tickets for either the desert itself, mini-golf itself, or buy a combo pass and save $2!
Why We Loved It:
The Desert of Maine is not only visually stunning but also packed with fun, interactive activities that appeal to a wide range of ages. It's educational without feeling like a "lesson," and imaginative without needing screens or gadgets. It’s the kind of place where childhood magic thrives.
Whether you’re looking to fill an afternoon or spend a whole day, this spot is worth the drive. We’re already planning our return trip—mini golf, here we come!
🔗 Learn more or plan your visit: https://www.desertofmaine.com
Disclaimer: I did not receive compensation for this article. All views and opinions are my own.
