Why Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens Is One of Our Family's Favorite Places in Maine

If you've been following along for a while, you probably already know that Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens is one of my absolute favorite places to visit in Maine. I've experienced it during the height of summer when the gardens are bursting with color, and I've also visited during Gardens Aglow, when the property transforms into a magical winter wonderland filled with millions of lights. No matter the season, it's always an incredible experience.

This time, while spending a few days exploring Boothbay with the family, we decided it was finally time to bring the kids. Anytime we can find an activity that combines the outdoors with learning and hands-on experiences, I'm all in.

Before any adventure begins, this mama needed coffee.

Thankfully, there's a beautiful café conveniently located right near the entrance. The space was bright, clean, and welcoming, with plenty of snacks, baked goods, and lunch options. Both my husband and I ordered the cold brew, and we both agreed, it was excellent. It was the perfect way to fuel up before spending the day exploring.

The Children's Garden is so much more than just a play area.

Just like the natural world, it's constantly changing, so every visit offers something new to discover. Designed to spark imagination, curiosity, and creativity, there are activities for children of all ages.

Our kids loved the playhouse and spent a long time playing house with new friends. The water play areas were great in the warm weather.

One of my favorite parts about the Children's Garden is that education is naturally woven into everything. Throughout the season, they offer programming for kids from preschool through high school, including story times, puppet shows, tasting garden-grown produce, and other daily activities that change throughout the summer.

When we visited, Chewonki was there with an amazing reptile presentation. The kids were able to get up close with tortoises, snakes, and lizards, and the educators were absolutely wonderful. They were so good with the children and made the experience fun, educational, and interactive. Both of my kids were completely fascinated.

My daughter is completely obsessed with fairies, so naturally, the fairy village became one of her favorite parts of the day. Visitors are encouraged to build their own fairy houses using natural materials like bark, sticks, stones, and leaves found throughout the area. Watching her imagination come alive while creating her own little fairy home was such a special moment.

It's one of those experiences that reminds you that kids don't need screens or elaborate attractions, they just need a little room to imagine.

Another huge highlight was searching for the famous troll sculptures created by Danish artist Thomas Dambo.

Hidden throughout the forest, these enormous recycled-wood trolls invite visitors on a scavenger hunt unlike any other. As you find each troll, you begin uncovering pieces of their story and the message behind Guardians of the Seeds, a reminder to reconnect with nature and care for our environment.

The kids absolutely loved searching through the woods to find each one. The walk to each troll was shaded, peaceful, and perfect for the warm summer day we happened to visit.

While the gardens are incredibly family-friendly, there's also plenty for adults.

Throughout the season they offer unique classes and workshops including Garden to "Glass Cocktails & Herbal Tonic Elixirs" and "Forest Bathing & Tea" and gardening workshops and nature-inspired educational programs. Its one of those places where every member of the family can find something they'll enjoy.

By the end of the day, we were already talking about coming back. Honestly, we're seriously considering purchasing the Family Membership.

It includes:

• Free admission during the regular season (May through October) for two named adults and their children or grandchildren under 18

• One complimentary guest pass each membership year

• 10% off purchases at the Gardenshop and Culinary

• Member-exclusive hours during June, July, and August

• Access to special member-only events and programs

• Discounted pricing on educational programs and special events

Considering how often we'd visit, it feels like an easy decision. I've already signed up for their email newsletter so I can keep up with all of the upcoming events throughout the year.

One of the best parts about visiting Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens is that it's located in beautiful Boothbay. Whether you're making it a day trip or planning a weekend getaway, Boothbay is full of fantastic local restaurants, unique shops, waterfront views, and family-friendly activities. It's the perfect destination to build an entire itinerary around.

We left Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens with tired legs, happy kids, and lots of great memories. Its hard to find a place that's equally beautiful, educational, relaxing, and entertaining for every age, but this truly checks every box. Whether you're visiting with young children, planning a date day, looking for a peaceful solo stroll, or attending one of their seasonal events, there's always something new waiting to be discovered.

We'll definitely be back very soon and I have a feeling this is going to become one of those places our kids look forward to visiting year after year.