Learn, play, and engage young minds, no matter the season. This Maine museum makes it possible

School vacation week presents a familiar challenge for Maine parents: keeping children engaged and learning when school is out. Fortunately, a solution is readily available just off I-295 in Portland. The Children’s Museum and theatre of Maine offers an environment where curiosity is encouraged, imaginations are sparked, and learning feels like play.

A Different Kind of Museum Experience

Upon entering, visitors will find a departure from traditional museum settings. The Children’s Museum and theatre of Maine intentionally avoids “do not touch” restrictions, instead designing spaces for exploration, testing, and interactive play. This approach is central to the museum’s mission.

Did You Know? The museum features exhibits covering art, making, culture, science, STEM, exploring, technology, and how things work.

Brittany Liscord, the museum’s STEM and Live Program Manager, describes the museum as “a fabulous mixture of art and making and culture and science and STEM and exploring, technology and how things work.” This intentional variety is designed to address a critical need.

The Importance of Early STEM Exposure

Studies indicate that 62% of kindergarteners with limited exposure to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) may struggle with related concepts throughout their academic careers. The museum aims to mitigate this risk by providing engaging, play-based learning experiences.

Hands-on exhibits, such as “Go with the Flow,” a water play exhibit exploring motion and cause and effect, and an airplane exhibit focused on physics, allow children to grasp complex concepts in an enjoyable way. These experiences aren’t limited to academic benefits; they also foster confidence, problem-solving skills, and social-emotional resilience.

Expert Insight: By prioritizing hands-on learning and removing traditional barriers to exploration, the Children’s Museum and theatre of Maine is responding to a growing understanding of how children learn best – through active engagement and playful discovery.

The museum’s philosophy—that a place where children can move their bodies is also a place where they can exercise their minds and creativity—is particularly relevant in an era dominated by screen time. The museum is also committed to accessibility, offering $1 admission to those with an EBT card and providing space for strollers and coats.

Looking Ahead

The Children’s Museum and theatre of Maine is positioned to continue serving as a valuable resource for Maine families. The museum could expand its programming to reach even more children, potentially offering workshops or outreach programs to schools and community centres. It may also continue to refine its exhibits based on visitor feedback and emerging educational research. The museum’s commitment to accessibility could lead to further initiatives to remove financial and logistical barriers to participation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of exhibits does the museum offer?

The museum offers a wide variety of exhibits covering art, making, culture, science, STEM, exploring, technology, and how things work, including “Go with the Flow” and an airplane exhibit.

What is the Museums for All program?

As part of the Museums for All program, individuals with an EBT card can enter the museum for $1.

What does the museum’s STEM and Live Program Manager say about the museum?

Brittany Liscord says the museum is “a fabulous mixture of art and making and culture and science and STEM and exploring, technology and how things work.”

What are your favourite ways to encourage hands-on learning and exploration with the children in your life?