Spring in Maine is like your favorite show dropping a surprise season… unexpected, packed with twists, and when you thought you knew the plotโฆeverything starts to change.
As winter fades and Maine shakes off its icy coat, a new side of Vacation Land emerges.
From snowy trails to blossoming gardens, there’s no shortage of family-friendly things to do in Maine as spring takes center stage.
Ready to trade snow boots for hiking boots?
Here’s your month-by-month spring guide of things to do in Maine to keep your calendar packed and your Instagram stories buzzing.
Things to Do in Maine
in March
When winter and spring canโt decide whoโs in charge, you get this magical Maine moment.
Winterโs on its way out, but Maine isnโt done having fun just yet.
March in Maine brings sled dog races, maple syrup, and those last snowy adventures before spring makes its grand entrance.
CAN-AM Crown Sled Dog Race
The CAN-AM races give ‘sledding’ a whole new meaning.
For over 30 years, the CAN-AM Crown has been the largest and most challenging sled dog race in the eastern United States.
On March 1, 2025, Fort Kentโs Main Street transforms into an electrifying racetrack as mushers and their canine teams tackle races of 30, 100 and 250 miles.
Where: Fort Kent, ME
When: March 1, 2025
What to Know: The best viewing is from 8โ11 am on Main Street, where the action starts.
Extra Fun: Stick around after the start of the race for the antique snowmobile parade down Fort Kent’s Main Street.
Where It Ends: Lonesome Pine Ski Lodge hosts all race finishes and celebrations.
Last-Chance Skiing in Maine
When you can ski in the morning and wear a T-shirt by noon, you know itโs spring in Maine.
March is your last call to carve through Maineโs snowy slopes.
While smaller ski areas close by mid-March, heavyweights like Sunday River and Sugarloaf keep the lifts running through April, with Sugarloaf sometimes stretching into May.
Itโs the perfect time to enjoy sunny spring runs, softer snow, and those end-of-season vibes.
Maine Ski Season End Dates:
Sunday River: April 23, 2025
Shawnee Peak: Early April
Sugarloaf: Late April (sometimes into May!)
Saddleback Mountain: Mid-April
Camden Snow Bowl: Late March
Spring in Maine can still feel a little like winterโso why not embrace it?
Some of Maineโs Top Resorts offer Heated Outdoor Pools, perfect for a swim even when thereโs still a chill in the air.
Maple Sugar Sunday
Natureโs sweetest science experimentโwhere trees turn into syrup, and pancakes rejoice.
On March 22- 23, 2025, over 70 sugarhouses across Maine open their doors for the sweetest day of the yearโMaine Maple Sugar Sunday.
Families enjoy tours, tastings, and live demos showcasing how pure Maine maple syrup is harvested and made.
Many maple sugar farms add to the fun with family-friendly activities, treats, and music. Itโs the perfect way to welcome spring, one syrupy bite at a time.
Where: Over 70 Maine Sugarhouses across the state
When: Always the 4th Sunday in March
Why to Go: Itโs free, family-friendly, and oh-so-sweet.
Pro Tip: Check the Maple Producers Association Website for participating locations.
Maine Restaurant Week
The real spring awakening? Restaurant Week! Maineโs food scene is ready to impress.
Maine Restaurant Week was created to support local restaurants after Maineโs long winters, and itโs become a foodie favorite.
From March 1โ12, 2025, participating eateries across the state will offer three-course meals priced between $25โ$55 per person.
Itโs the perfect way to shake off winter and indulge in Maineโs vibrant culinary scene.
When: March 1-12, 2025
Where: Restaurants statewide
Why Itโs Great: A tasty and affordable way to shake off winter hibernation.
Spring Fest at Sunday River
Skiing in a hoodie, sunshine on the slopes, and aprรจs-ski vibes.
Spring Fest at Sunday River is the ultimate farewell to winter and welcome to warmer days.
On March 29โ30, 2025, this all-day party features live music, mouthwatering food stations, and the chance to soak up the sunshine while spring skiing.
When: March 29 – 30, 2025
Where: Sunday River Ski Resort
Hours: 10:30 amโ4:30 pm
Things to Do in Maine
in April
Proof that spring in Maine is basically nature showing off.
During May, spring is waking up in Maine, and while the weather may be unpredictable, the fun never is.
From paddling races to blooming trails, April brings new adventures and plenty of reasons to get outside.
Acadia National Park Awakens
Rise and shine! Acadiaโs sunrise game is so strong, even the coffee feels unnecessary.
While Acadia National Park is open year-round, the real magic begins in mid-April when the snow melts, and key roads and attractions reopen for the season.
Starting April 15, 2025, the Hulls Cove Visitor Center will welcome back guests, and scenic spots such as Park Loop Road and Schooner Head Road will start to open and thaw outโweather permitting, of course.
What Opens in April: Hulls Cove Visitor Center (April 15), Park Loop Road, and Schooner Head Road Access.
Camping Reminder: Blackwoods Campground permits are required from April 1โNovember 30.
Want to mix adventure with luxury and relaxation? These Luxury Family Resorts in Maine offer the best of both worlds, with activities for kids and top-notch amenities for you.
Kenduskeag Stream Canoe Race
Nothing like a little friendly competitionโespecially when it involves paddles, and a risk of getting splashed.
On April 19, 2025, the Kenduskeag Stream Canoe Race brings 16.5 miles of paddling excitement from Kenduskeag to downtown Bangor, ME.
A tradition since 1967, this is New Englandโs largest paddling event and a true sign that spring has arrived in Maine.
With charming local talent and the occasional splash-worthy capsize, itโs as much fun for spectators as for the racers.
When: Saturday, April 19, 2025
Where: The race starts in Kenduskeag and ends in downtown Bangor.
Why Go: New Englandโs largest paddling event is full of charm and community spirit.
Bonus Fun: Cheer on the localsโtheyโve been racing here for decades.
April Rainy Day Indoor Rescues
Who needs screens when youโve got a bin of crunchy, squishy, and totally fascinating fun?
April weather in Maine can be, letโs say, “unpredictable.“
When spring showers hit, Maineโs best childrenโs museums are the perfect escape. From hands-on exhibits to creative play spaces, here are a few spots to keep the kids happy (and dry).
โฆย Childrenโs Museum and Theatre of Maine
Things to Do in Maine
in May
May is when Maine truly hits its strideโflowers are blooming, whales are splashing, and small towns are throwing parties to celebrate the season.
Itโs time to embrace the best of spring in Maine…
Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens
Where storybook charm meets spring blooms…
Starting May 1, 2025, the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens in Boothbay comes alive with 295 acres of blooms, trails, and fresh spring vibes.
From the playful Childrenโs Garden to the kitchen garden and quiet paths, itโs the perfect spot to shake off winter and soak up Maineโs natural beauty.
When: Opens for the season May 1, 2025
Where: Boothbay, ME
What to Expect: Blooming flowers, fresh air, and endless photo ops.
Whale Watching Season Starts
The original Maine celebrity sightingโwhales!
Whale-watching season in Maine kicks off in mid-May, bringing the chance to spot these gentle giants up close.
Whether youโre heading out from Bar Harbor or Boothbay Harbor, be ready for chilly ocean breezesโdress in layers and pack binoculars for the best views.
Bar Harbor Whale Tours: Most tours last around five hours, giving you a better chance of spotting whales thanks to their close access to prime feeding grounds.
Boothbay Harbor Whale Tours: These 3-4 hour tours are slightly shorter but stand out for their especially scenic routes, with chances to spot seals, dolphins, and historic lighthouses along the way.
Pro Tip: Itโs chilly on the waterโpack layers, hand warmers and binoculars!
With so much to do along the coast, staying oceanfront just makes sense… From cozy inns to luxury resorts, here are some of the Best Oceanfront Places to Stay in Maine.
Kennebunk May Day Festival
Nothing says spring like a parade, some music, and a chance to wave at strangers in costumes.
Celebrate the arrival of spring at the Kennebunk May Day Festival on May 3, 2025.
Kick off the day with a community pancake breakfast, then enjoy spring-themed crafts, live music, and family games.
The highlight? A colorful parade down Main Street at 1:30 pm, making it the perfect way to welcome the season.
When: Saturday, May 3, 2025
Where: Main Street, Kennebunk, ME
What to Do: Spring arts and crafts, live music, and family-friendly games.
Why Spring in Maine is Worth the Trip
From snowy trails to blooming gardens, the changing seasons in Maine are anything but ordinary.
Whether chasing winterโs final thrills or soaking up springโs first blooms, this is a great time to visit Maine.
So, pack your layers, bring your appetite, and get ready to discover all the fun things to do in Maine in springโitโs calling, and you wonโt want to miss it!
Happy Travelsโฆ
