10 Things That Should Be on Every Maine Summer Bucket List

You know it’s summer in Maine when the wildflowers are blooming; the jackets are swapped for t-shirts and we’re outside enjoying the warmth of the sun, attending festivals, taking nature hikes and spending a beautiful day outdoors. If you’re looking for ways to have summer fun in Maine this year, check out these things that are on every Maine summer bucket list:

1. Watch a drive-in movie at the Saco Drive-In Theater

Seeing a movie at the drive-in theater has been a fun summer pastime for decades and thankfully, some of these places still exist. The Saco Drive-In Theater is the perfect place to see a movie from the comfort of your car on a summer evening. Grab popcorn and soda from the kiosk and after the movie, you won’t have to wander around the parking lot looking for your car.

2. Skowhegan State Fair

The Skowhegan State Fair has been running for over 200 years and is the oldest festival in Maine. It usually takes place in mid-August. Ride giant rides, enjoy a demolition derby, sample fairground snacks, watch truck pulling, and enjoy many more activities and plenty of entertainment at this fantastic fair.

3. Go river tubing with Bullfrog Adventures

Rafting down a calm river is the ultimate summer activity. You can throw your inner tube into the river or rent one and go on an adventure on the Kennebec River or the Dead River with Bullfrog Adventures. Bring your friends and enjoy the day together.

4. See sunflowers and more at Viles Arboretum

The Viles Arboretum is stunningly beautiful year-round, but it’s especially beautiful in the summer when the sunflowers are in bloom. There are 6 miles of trails to explore, stretching across the 200-acre preserve. Your children can participate in summer camps, and the arboretum is kind enough to adjust prices to suit your income.

5th Maine Lobster Festival

Maine and lobster have gone hand in hand since the state’s founding. Lobster rolls are on most menus, so naturally there would be a festival centered around Maine’s favorite food. The Maine Lobster Festival takes place every summer in Rockport, and you can enjoy plenty of entertainment and activities while devouring delicious lobster rolls and other delicacies.

6. Cool off at Aquaboggan Waterpark

A water park is always a great way to escape the summer heat, and Aquaboggan Waterpark is a Maine favorite. Ride the iconic Yankee Ripper, slide down the Turbo Drop, play in the wave pool, and even play some mini golf to make a summer day one to remember.

7. Spend a day antiquing at Fairfield Antiques Mall

Settle into air-conditioned rooms and browse artifacts from decades past at Fairfield Antiques Mall. It is the largest antique store in the state and has more than 100 dealers in over 30,000 square feet of space. You can take home nostalgic items and find some quirky and old-fashioned items to decorate your home. You’re sure to find a wonderful treasure here!

8. Hike or bike the Eagle Lake Carriage Road Trail

Summer is the perfect time of year to enjoy a lakefront hiking trail. Whether you want to take a leisurely stroll or break out your bikes, take the whole family on the Eagle Lake Carriage Trail. It’s a six-mile loop and easy to walk. You can do as much or as little of it as you like. You might even be able to stop for a little fishing along the way.

9. Get an old-fashioned ice cream at Red’s Dairy Freeze

If you’ve been out on a summer adventure and worked up a sweat, there’s little better than some good old-fashioned ice cream to cool off and enjoy a sweet treat. Red’s Dairy Freeze is the ideal place for a cone, shake or sundae. Families have been coming here since 1952.

10. Look for sand dollars at Long Sands Beach

A day at the beach is always a fantastic way to spend a summer day. Swimming, body surfing, sunbathing, reading a book and strolling around in search of sand dollars. Long Sands Beach is known as a good place to find them. Remember that the furry specimens are still alive and should be left alone, but the dried shells of the dead specimens are a fascinating find. The best time to find them is after a storm.

How many of these things have been on your Maine summer bucket list? What are your favorite summer activities in Maine? Share your favorite experiences with us in the comments. If you want to get out in the car and explore, these Maine road trips are wonderful summer adventures.