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Portland ObservatoryvsChildren's Museum & Theatre of Maine
Portland Observatory and Children's Museum and Theatre of Maine are both endorsed by reviewers writing for major publications. On balance, Children's Museum and Theatre of Maine is preferred by most professionals compared to Portland Observatory. Children's Museum and Theatre of Maine comes in at #3 in Portland with praise from 3 reviews like Lonely Planet, Frommer's and Fodor's.
Portland Observatory
Fodor's
Condé Nast Traveler
Atlas Obscura
New York Times
Travel + Leisure
Frommer's
138 Congress St., Portland, ME 04101
From $0/night
Fodor's "This octagonal observatory on Munjoy Hill was built in 1807 by Captain Lemuel Moody, a retired sea captain, as a maritime signal tower." Full review
Condé Nast Traveler "America's last remaining signal tower also happens to offer some of the best views in the city." Full review
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Guests can choose either a self-guided tour with a laminated information card, or join one of the regular tours with one of the Observatory's volunteers.
Atlas Obscura "The only remaining historic maritime signal station in the United States. " Full review
New York Times "It’s on the National Register of Historic Places and you can climb to the top for a bird’s-eye view of Longfellow’s “beautiful town that is seated by the sea” before summer slips away"
What to Do This Summer: Portland, Maine
August 24, 2021
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Just be aware that entry to the observatory is timed and tickets must be purchased in advance: $10; $8 for 60 and older; $5 for ages 6 to 16; free for ages 5 and younger (138 Congress Street).
Travel + Leisure "For a 360-degree view of the city, visit this historic 86-foot tower where you can climb the seven flights of stairs at your own pace or request a guided tour for a deeper dive into the legacy of the building"
Frommer's "Atop Munjoy Hill, above the Eastern Promenade, this quirky shingled tower dating from 1807 was originally built to signal the arrival of ships into port." Full review
Children's Museum & Theatre of Maine Fodor's Condé Nast Traveler New York Times Frommer's
142 Free Street, Portland, ME 04101
From $0/night
Fodor's "Touching is okay at Portland's small but fun Children's Museum,." Full review
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An outside pirate-ship play area is a great place to have a picnic lunch, and don't miss the life-size inflatable humpback whale
Condé Nast Traveler "Once inside, check the events calendar—your kiddo has a very busy day of mud kitchen, pottery glazing, alphabet archery, butterfly painting, advanced tool time, then maybe a sing-along storytime" Full review
New York Times "Inside are some 30,000 square feet of exhibits, like “From the Mountains to the Sea,” where touch tanks filled with sea creatures such as horseshoe crabs...outside are play areas for children"
What to Do This Summer: Portland, Maine
August 24, 2021
Frommer's "Filled with interactive exhibits, the Children's Museum of Maine is a popular spot for families with young children." Full review
