best 68 programs in Portland, ME

Dear Families, Welcome to the wonderful world of Swift Nature Camp an overnight camp for boys and girls ages 6-15 located in the beautiful Northwoods of Wisconsin. I’m Lonnie, the Camp Director, and I’m thrilled to share what makes SNC such a special place for kids and families alike. For nearly 30 years, our mission has been to create an environment where children can grow, discover, and make lifelong memories. Here at camp, we focus on friendship, personal development, and a deep connection to nature—all in a fun, supportive, and adventurous setting. All this without cell phones One of the things that sets Swift Nature Camp apart is our focus on fostering independence and confidence. Whether it’s trying a new activity like canoeing, taking on a leadership role in a group project, or simply navigating life away from home, camp provides endless opportunities for personal growth. We celebrate each camper’s unique personality and encourage them to step outside their comfort zone in a safe and nurturing way. Seeing kids gain new skills and pride in their accomplishments is one of the most rewarding parts of what we do. For our youngest campers, Discovery Camp is an especially magical experience. Designed only for first-time campers ages 6-12, this shorter program gives kids a chance to experience the joys of camp life in a way that’s just right for them. It’s amazing to watch these kids try new things—from learning about the natural world to singing campfire songs—and leave camp with big smiles and even bigger stories to tell. Discovery Camp is often the beginning of a long and cherished relationship with SNC, and we’re so proud to see those first-time campers grow into confident and capable young people. Another cornerstone of Swift Nature Camp is our connection to the environment. We believe that nature isn’t just a backdrop for camp; it’s a teacher, a playground, and a source of endless wonder. Through hands-on activities like pond studies, wildlife observation, and outdoor adventures, campers develop an appreciation for the natural world that stays with them long after camp ends. The Camp Zoo is always a favorite, campers can even adopt a pet while at camp.Our goal is to inspire kids to become curious, mindful stewards of the environment. At Swift Nature Camp, there’s never a dull day! With hundreds of land and water activities, campers are always engaged and excited. On land, some favorites include the Lego Cabin, Arts & Crafts, Archery, and exploring the Nature Center. On the water, campers learn Canoeing, Fishing, and Swimming, but the absolute favorites are Tubing behind the boat and jumping off the Water Trampoline. Never is there a dull day because every day is packed with fun, adventure, and opportunities to try something new. Of course, none of this would be possible without the amazing friendships that form here. SNC is a place where kids truly feel like they belong. Campers and counselors alike bring warmth, kindness, and enthusiasm to everything we do, creating a strong sense of community. Whether it’s cheering each other on during a game, collaborating on a creative project, or sharing laughs around the campfire, the bonds formed at Swift Nature Camp are something truly special. Thank you for entrusting us with your children. It’s an honor to be part of their journey and to help create memories that will last a lifetime. If you have any questions or just want to chat about camp, don’t hesitate to reach out. I can’t wait to see what the next camp season holds and to welcome your family to another amazing summer at Swift Nature Camp.

At Casco Bay Movers, we believe that dance offers an opportunity to create a lifetime of physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Through our classes, we strive to provide a unique and positive experience for all ages and levels, so that our students can gain confidence, musicality, generosity, individuality, and positive energy. We are committed to sharing the joy of dance with our students, and our experienced faculty is here to guide them and help them explore and reach their goals. Our classes offer a safe and enriching environment for all to learn and grow, and we are passionate about helping everyone develop emotional expression, creative thinking, physical fitness, and spiritual awareness.

At Muse, we provide a unique and entertaining experience where you and your friends can come together to paint and laugh. Our top-notch painting instructors make sure no one is left behind, and absolutely no art experience is required. We’ll provide everything you need to recreate the painting of the day, while you enjoy our bar & restaurant. Join us for a night of painting, sipping, and of course, laughing.

At STAGES Youth Theater, we’re delighted to welcome you! As a parent, educator, or young person, you’ll surely benefit from our comprehensive range of theater programs created for kids of all ages. We urge you to explore our website and discover all the wonderful opportunities available. If you have any queries, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. We look forward to seeing you at STAGES soon! At STAGES Youth Theater, we’re so pleased to have you join us! Whether you’re a parent, an educator, or a young person, you’ll be delighted by our selection of educational theater programs designed for children of all ages. We invite you to browse our website and discover all the exciting opportunities on offer. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We hope to see you at STAGES soon! At STAGES Youth Theater, we’re thrilled to have you here! We have a wide array of theater programs designed for kids of all ages, and we’d love to tell you more about them. Feel free to take a look at our website and learn what we have to offer. Should you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us. We can’t wait to see you at STAGES soon!

Mad Science is a leader in science enrichment for elementary-aged kids. Through its unique interactive programs, Mad Science helps kids to explore the fascinating world of science. With fun and exciting hands-on activities, Mad Science gives children the opportunity to learn about everything from chemistry to engineering in a fun and engaging way. Mad Science provides a variety of engaging programs for children of all ages. From preschoolers to fifth graders, Mad Science offers a range of activities to help kids explore and learn about science. These activities are designed to entice and stimulate the curiosity of young minds. Through experiments and other hands-on activities, Mad Science helps kids to understand the basics of science, and also ignite their passion for learning. Mad Science also offers a number of special events and activities, such as summer camps and birthday parties. These events provide kids with an opportunity to explore science in a fun and exciting environment. With Mad Science, kids can gain a better understanding of the world around them, and develop a lifelong enthusiasm for science.

At our organization, we are passionate about being a reliable and important resource to the community. Our mission is to provide a space for children to grow and learn, and to foster a network of support for families. We believe in the power of relationships and collaboration. We work closely with parents, guardians, and a variety of partners to create a comprehensive foundation of educational resources for children and families across Maine and beyond. Our team is committed to serving as a strong and dependable resource to ensure that every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential. We strive to support and enhance the learning and development of children and families in our community.

Portland Pottery offers a range of exciting classes for kids! Our 8 week sessions are the perfect opportunity for your child to learn and create in a fun and creative environment. Experienced instructors lead each session, which meets once a week for 90 minutes. We are happy to accept kids from the ages of 6-16, providing them with an amazing learning experience. If your child is looking for a group experience, Portland Pottery can also arrange custom classes for groups of six kids or more. Our classes always provide a unique and memorable experience for kids and parents alike. Call or email us for further details about custom classes.

The YMCA of Southern Maine is dedicated to youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Our Portland Branch is home to a variety of programs and services that make it a great place for kids and adults alike. From the gymnasium and four squash & racquetball courts to the Men’s Dormitory program and In-Town Camp & Specialty summer day camps, there’s something for everyone here. Our Portland Branch is also the home of the Greater Portland swim team. Plus, the Association office is housed at this location, making it a great spot for all YMCA-related needs. If you’d like to learn more, stop by or give us a call today! The YMCA of Southern Maine is proud to offer a variety of programs and services at all of our branches. At our Portland Branch, you’ll find even more to love. From the gymnasium and four squash & racquetball courts to the Men’s Dormitory program and In-Town Camp & Specialty summer day camps, there are plenty of activities that promote youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. We’re also home to the Greater Portland swim team and our Association office, making us a great one-stop shop for all of your YMCA needs. Come by today or give us a call to learn more!

At Midcoast School of Music, we strive to make music accessible to everyone. We offer expert instruction on guitar, bass, drums, piano, voice, and horns in a variety of formats. Our experienced instructors work hard to integrate real-world instruction into their lessons, providing hands-on, practical, and engaging classes. We also provide classroom-style courses for our students to gain an understanding in music theory and improvisation. Our instructors provide personalized feedback and guidance to help our students build confidence and develop discipline, while keeping the classes fun and entertaining. At Midcoast School of Music, our goal is to make music accessible to all. We provide individualized instruction and a wide range of courses, so that everyone can find the perfect fit for their musical journey. Our experienced instructors will ensure that each student has the tools they need to succeed and enjoy the music-making experience.

At Maine Academy of Modern Music, we understand the importance of music in children's lives. We are committed to offering a wide range of music classes and opportunities for music education across the state of Maine. Our instructors provide quality tutoring in person or remotely, so our students – whether soloists or part of a band – can make the most of their musical pursuits. At the Maine Academy of Modern Music, we believe that music is a powerful way to help kids learn, grow, and express themselves. We strive to nurture our students’ creativity and collaboration, and to foster a sense of community through music. With our range of classes and experienced instructors, we provide a learning environment where music education is accessible to all.