Boothbay Harbor Memorial Library (207-633-3112) - Magic Mary’s Story Hour for preschoolers, Fridays at 10 am.

Bridge Academy Public Library (Dresden) (207-737-8810) - Stories for preschool/elementary age kids, Saturdays at 10 am. Hours are Tuesdays and Thursdays, 2-7, and Saturdays from 9-1.

Bristol Area Library (New Harbor) (207-677-2115) - Story Time for all ages, Fridays at 10:30 am.

Jefferson Public Library (207-549-7491) - Located at Jefferson Village School. Hours are Tuesdays and Thursdays, 4-7.

Rutherford Library (South Bristol) (207-644-1882)

Skidompha Public Library (Damariscotta) (207-563-1058) - Toddler Time: Stories songs, and rhymes for children 2-5, Tuesdays at 9:30 am. Book Babies: Stories, songs, fingerplays for babies 0-3, Wednesdays at 10 am. Saturday Story Time: Songs, puppets stories and crafts for all ages, 10 am. Children of all ages are welcome at all programs.

Waldoboro Public Library (207-832-4484) - Stories and activities for preschoolers, Wednesdays 10 am.

Wiscasset Public Library (207-882-7161) - Thursdays at 10:30 am.

CLC YMCA (207-563-9622) - off of Business Route 1 in Damariscotta

Harold B. Clifford Community Playground - on Back River Road in Boothbay

Wiscasset Annex Playground - across from the High School on Route 27

Boothbay Region: For more information, contact the Boothbay Region Land Trust at 207-633-4818 or brlt@bbrlt.org 

Lobster Cove Meadow - on Eastern Avenue in Boothbay Harbor – there is a hiking trail here about a mile long, but there is also an old road/ATV trail that offers easy walking. Boasts a freshwater wetland, field, old apple orchard, and forested upland, as well as unbeatable birding (over 140 species have been identified here!)

Ocean Point, East Boothbay - a lovely area to explore, whether poking along the shore or walking along the paved loop.

Ovens Mouth Preserve - on Dover Road in Boothbay– a unique 146-acre preserve with dramatic shoreline bordered by swift tidal water, quiet coves and salt marshes. moderately easy trails. There is a 93’ bridge connecting the East and West preserves. Ovens Mouth East offers easier hiking than Ovens Mouth West, with 1.6 miles of 3 moderately easy trails. There is a 93’ bridge connecting the East and West preserves.

Penny Lake Preserve - behind the Chamber of Commerce and Carousel Theatre – over a half-mile trail, with the added feature of a half-mile handicap/stroller accessible trail, leading back to the Penny Lake wetland and 16-acre field. Rich in wildlife!

Porter Preserve - on Kimballtown Road, Barter’s Island – BRLT’s most popular preserve, featuring 1.1 miles of moderately easy trails, expansive views of the Sheepscot River and Back River, a small off-shore island, a beach, and an old homestead. An interpretive trail guide is available at the kiosk.

Singing Meadows - on Cross Point Road in Edgecomb – a 16-acre hardwood-rimmed field, home to a wide variety of wildlife, with about a half-mile of trails. BRLT hosts an annual insect and butterfly safari here each August.

Bristol Peninsula and South Bristol: For more information, contact the Pemaquid Watershed Association at 207-563-2196 or info@pemaquidwatershed.org

LaVerna Nature Preserve - on Route 32 in Chamberlain – a longer hike, but fine for the adventuresome preschooler or well-equipped parent. Beautiful forest and lovelyrocky shoreline. 

Pemaquid Beach - a perennial favorite (off-season) walk.

Rachel Carson Salt Pond Preserve - on Route 32 in Chamberlain – not a hike, but a wonderful place to explore a large tide pool area.

Tracy Shores and Library Park - two hikes on either side of Route 129 in South Bristol. Library Park is a 1-mile moderate to steep hike offering excellent views of St. John’s Bay and Witch Island. Tracy Shores is moderate to very steep, with vernal pools, cascading streams, cliffs, and views of Jones Cove and the river.

Walpole Woods - on Route 129 in Walpole – a flat and easy hike, less than a mile, with a pond at its furthest point.

Damariscotta/Newcastle Area: For more information, contact the Damariscotta River Association at 207-563-1393 or dra@craclt.org 

Alewife Stream in Damariscotta Mills - explore the newly renovated fish ladder. A must-see in May and June when the alewives are running! 

Dodge Point Preserve - on River Road in Newcastle – about a 3 mile loop of moderate difficulty. One of the region’s most popular hikes, featuring multiple beaches and historic remains, including old brickyards and an ice pond, and an interpretive trail

Great Salt Bay Heritage Trail - on Route 215 in Newcastle – You can make this hike as long as you like. Fun for kids, as it offers extensive bog bridges and a metal bridge early on, as well as lovely vistas of Great Salt Bay.

Mills Overlook - on Academy Hill Road in Newcastle– a one-mile loop, easy to moderate, culminating in a rocky outcropping that overlooks Damariscotta Mills and Great Salt Bay.

Salt Bay Farm - on Belvedere Road in Damariscotta – Trails crisscross the DRA property, which is easy, rolling terrain. Fields, wetland, salt marsh, and shoreline are wonderful for bird-watching. 

Whaleback - on Business Route 1 in Damariscotta – An easy trail, about 1/3 mile, leading visitors through the amazing oyster shell midden remains. Passes through an apple orchard and along a lovely stretch of the Damariscotta River.

Waldoboro Area: For more information, contact the Medomak Valley Land Trust at 207-832-5570 or mvlt@midcoast.com 

Mill Pond - on Finntown Road - short hike to a beautiful stretch of the Goose River, with a nice rock for a picnic. Less than a mile round-trip.

Goose River Peace Corps Preserve - across from Mill Preserve – another relatively short hike along a lovely stretch of river. Of historical interest, look in the river for old mill equipment. This is from a mill that washed out in a flood years ago. Be cautious, as the current is fast here.

Nelson Preserve - Friendship - owned by Maine Audubon, this is a good spot for a short hike and a picnic. Beautiful deep green mosses.

Osborn-Finch Preserve - Dutch Neck Road - an easy, short (under 1⁄2 mile) hike to the Medomak River and back. This preserve includes 2 acres of grassy field and 9 acres of moss-draped woodlands featuring old-growth white and red spruce.

Waldoboro Town Forest - on Route 1 near the park & ride – a nice flat trail through old growth hemlocks, with a magical feel. A great spot to build fairy houses!

Wiscasset Area and Inland Lincoln County: For more information, contact the Damariscotta Lake Watershed Association at 207-563-1393 or dra@draclt.org, or the Sheepscot Valley Conservation Association at 207-586-5616 or svca@sheepscot.org

Davis Stream Interpretive Trail - on Route 126 in Jefferson – an easy 1⁄2-mile trail, overlooking Davis Stream and a floodplain.

Marsh River Preserve - on Osprey Point Road in Newcastle – An easy 1-mile trail with a 1⁄4-mile secondary loop. Wonderful rock outcrops and lovely vistas of theMarsh River. Pick up an interpretive guide at the kiosk.

Sortwell Memorial Forest - in Wiscasset with over 200 acres of trails through pine forest. Trailheads can be found on Willow Lane, at the WiscassetCommunity Center, the primary school, the high school, and the Morris Farm.

Stetser Preserve - Egypt Road, Alna - this mile and a half loop trail winds through hilly woods and old logging trails, and a short spur trail leads to a view of the property's beautiful pond

Whitefield Salmon Preserve - on Howe Road in Whitefield - a 56-acre forestlandteeming with wildlife. Nearly two miles of easy trails along the Sheepscot River.

Places to Swim (free and open to public except where noted)

Barrett Park - Linekin Bay on Wall Point Road in Boothbay Harbor

Biscay Pond - Biscay Road in Damariscotta

Boyd Pond - Old County Road in Pemaquid

Bristol Mills - Route 130 in Bristol

Damariscotta Lake State Park - Route 32 in Jefferson. Fee: $4 for ages 12 and older.549-7600

Damariscotta Mills - Damariscotta Lake on Route 215 in Nobleboro

Pemaquid Beach Park - Snowball Hill Road in Bristol. Seasonal day use fee: $4 for ages 12 and older. 677-2754

Damariscotta River at Dodge Point - River Road in Newcastle (hike in)

Damariscotta River - Glidden Street, Newcastle

Grimes Cove - Route 96 at Ocean Point in East Boothbay 

Hendricks Headlight - Beach Road in Southport 

Ross Pond - Old County Road in Pemaquid

Damariscotta River Association - Belvedere Road in Damariscotta Lincoln Academy, on Academy Hill in Newcastle Wawenock Golf Club, on Route 129 in Walpole

Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens (207-633-4533) - Nearly 250 acres, with a mile of waterfront, located on Barters Island Road in Boothbay. The gardens are open year round. Explore the Garden of the FiveSenses or the new Children’s Garden, or simply walk some of the many beautiful pathways around ponds, through the woods, and along the water’s edge. Special programs for kids and families are offered regularly, including Story Time in the Forest, which is Thursdays in July and August (starting July 8 – please call for specifics). Admission to the gardens is $10 for adults, $5 for kids age 3-17, and free for children under 3.

Maine State Aquarium (207-633-9559) - West Boothbay Harbor - Home to a fantastic array of sea creatures found on the Maine Coast, from lobsters of various colors and sizes, to northern shrimp, to sport-fish. Features an 850 gallon tank where visitors can pet a live shark or skate, as well as a twenty-foot touch tank filled with anenomes, sea cucumbers, starfish and sea stars, mussels, scallops, oysters, crabs, and much more. Open seasonally. Free for kids 4 and under, $3 for kids 5-16 with an adult family member, and $5 for adults.

Beau Chemin Farm (207-832-5789) - Finntown Road in Waldoboro - organic heirloom produce and flowers, heritage livestock, trails.

County Fair Farm (207-549-3536) - Route 32 in Jefferson – a full farm stand, baby animal barn, and free wagon rides on weekends.

The Morris Farm (207-882-4080) - Route 27 in Wiscasset - A working farm and educational resource for the communities of Midcoast Maine. Welcomes visitors, also offers day camps, after-school programs, and special programs.  

Springtide Farm (207-529-5747) - Rial Herald Road in Bremen - charming cashmere goats.  

Winter’s Gone Farm (207-882-9191) - Route 27 in Wiscasset - alpacas.

Bailey’s Orchard (207-549-7680) - North Hunts Meadow Road in Whitefield - apples.

Beau Chemin Farm (207-832-5789) - Finntown Road in Waldoboro – flowers, raspberries.

Biscay Orchards (207-563-3026) - Road, Damariscotta - apples, flowers, pumpkins.

Clark’s Cove Farm (207-563-8704) - Ridge Road in Walpole - apples.

County Fair Farm (207-549-3536) - Route 32 in Jefferson - apples, pumpkins and flowers. 

Crummett Mountain Farm (207-549-7314) - Mountain Road in Somerville - organic wild blueberries . Call for hours very early in the morning and please leave your phone number.

Popp Farm (207-737-4351) - Route 128 in Dresden - strawberries, cranberries, peas and beets.

Sand Hill Farm (207-549-5089) - Hill Road, Somerville - organic strawberries. 549-5089. 

Sheepscot General Store at Uncas Farm (207-549-5185) - Townhouse Road, Whitefield - strawberries. Call ahead.

Windsong Herbs & Gardens (207-677-3770) - Windsong Way, Walpole - organic herbs andflowers.

Boothbay Railway Village (207-633-4727) - A turn-of-the-century village with over 24 buildings containing historical exhibits, including an auto museum. Admission ($5 for kids 3 to 16, and $9 for adults) includes a ride on the authentic narrow-gauge steam train. Open seasonally. Located on Route 27 in Boothbay.

Wiscasset, Waterville and Farmington Railway (207-882-4193) - On the Cross Road in Alna: museum, gift shop, and historic narrow gauge train with approximately 4 miles of track through the Alna countryside. Trains run on weekends, from April into December. $4 for kids 4 to 12, and $6 for people over 12.