Deering Oaks, a 55 acre park in Portland, was created in 1879 by then City Engineer William Goodwin…read more(DYK: the park didn't have lighting for almost a century!). His hope was that "The Oaks" would be "a public breathing space". Over the years, the park has evolved - in 1883 the bandstand was built, in 1887 the duck house and fountain were installed, in 1894 the Castle was built (as a hut for ice skaters to warm themselves), and in 1902 a playground was built. Fast forward to current age and Deering Oaks is the home to farmers' markets, the Festival of Nations, performances of all kinds, Twilight in the Park, and a whole host of other amazing events. We've truly done an excellent job at making it a unique-to-Portland area where people truly can decompress and enjoy nature (I almost touched a squirrel here once, but he realized I had no snacks and quickly lost interest; next time... next time...; it was also the home to our rare great black hawk for a spell). Yes, there parts of the park that might be "a little rough", but all in all it's BEAUTIFUL. Spring and summer brings on a million shades of green and wee ones playing in the wading pool; autumn is positively ablaze with orange and red hues; and during winter you'll see the tree with long arms covered in lights, along with hockey and ice skating on the pond! For me, it's one of the best representations of the seasons that Portland has. Here's my suggestion to you: if you see there's trash in the park, be a good citizen, and pick it up. Let's continue to make it the space that Wiliiam Goodwin had planned for us 'lo those many years ago!

Duck poop all over lol watch where walk on the pathways. Free parking by the entrance by ranger…read morestation.

Every time I see this park it looks considerably nicer than it did the time before. It's meant to…read morebe apart mostly for toddlers and grade school children. Although at first I was turned off by the no dogs sign I realized that in Portland with our Somalian community that if dogs are allowed to play in the park Somalian children may not want to or be able to for religious reasons. It's a tiny park not really good for dogs anyway. The first time I saw this park it was midsummer and probably minutes from sunset, it didn't look as nice as it did the next couple times and perhaps it's because it's actually been cleaned up or repainted, or perhaps it's because the rough elements hasn't been seen in any of my following passing by's. I believe now that the neighborhood daycares and/or preschool uses park that parents are getting stricter and the police as well about keeping the drug addict and troublemakers and homeless winos from using the park 4 there less child oriented usages.. The park is at Cumberland and Montgomery and had a to jungle gyms and 10 benches and some grassy areas to sit or play or picnic on. If I was a kid I would give it a 5 star

This is a good park however there is litter everywhere which is disappointing. The equipment is…read morestill in good condition and they even have a little shower for hot days. If a local organization did a clean up day this park would get 4 stars.

Payson Park is a pretty wonderful spot in Portland, and I think that's because it's really a locals…read morepark -- set near the residential area of Back Cove, it's a nearly 50 acre park. It has baseball fields, basketball and tennis courts, a playground, the Longfellow Arboretum (which is near a tidal marsh, and apparently -- according to Wikipedia -- there are 40ish non-native tees there; honestly, I've never made it to that part of the park yet, but once spring is fully in bloom, I'll make it a point to wander down there), a community garden, and a storywalk. During the warmer weather, it's a great spot to picnic or do yoga; in the colder weather, it's got one of - if not THE - best sledding hills in the city. It also offers really spectacular views of Portland from the benches along Ocean Ave (year round, but even more so when the leaves are off the trees)!

This park was pretty good. I liked its location on the water. The park has a decent sized open area…read moreand a playground. The playground had 2 areas, one more traditional and the other more modern. There's also a splash pad but it gets muddy. Finally, there's a baseball field or two. Overall it's a nice park and I would recommend it.

Who knew this little park existed?…read more Locals. Hyper locals. That's who. Tucked away in the corner of Knightville (where Waterman curves into/becomes Ocean), this little park under the Casco Bay Bridge might not look like much upon first glance. But park nearby, walkover, and explore something beautiful and unexpected. Just past the no-longer-used railroad tracks are benches and stationary game tables. Beyond that (and down the hill) are beautiful views of Portland's working harbor and a plethora of sailboats. And just beyond that is a wooden pier straight out of some watercolor painting of the smaller fishing villages along Downeast Maine where floating docks are available for boats. So if you're looking for a new spot to take a walk, walk your dog, or hide in plain sight (which isn't such a bad thing... sometimes we all need to escape without escaping [which is incredibly hard to do in Greater Portland], so if you see me sitting on the wooden pier reading and drinking a coffee, do you mind not interrupting? I'm seeking peace of some kind.), the delightful Thomas Knight Park might just surprise you.

After demolishing the Million Dollar Bridge and re routing the flow of traffic with the new Casco…read moreBay Bridge years ago the city has done a great job with making this little nest park on Waterman Drive. (I wish the Farmer's Market was still here!) This park doesn't look like much from the road (which has 2 hour parking and ample spaces around) however, soon after walking in to the park you discover that it is bigger on the inside than you thought, kinda like a Tardis. The cobblestone path will lead you to the access ramp to the sidewalk on the bridge as well as some of those stationary binoculars to take in the sights like the Portland waterfront. There is also a small path down to a tiny beach. The paved path will take you under the bridge where you will pass the game tables. Go down the hill and discover some more grass and access to water (over rocks) as well as a bridge that leads to public docking. There is a small outbuilding with cushioned outdoor furniture. What you get now is sweeping views on both sides of you out across the South Portland and Portland sides of the Fore River/Casco Bay. Granted... There is a sewer treatment plant nearby but down here you wouldn't know it. People bring dogs and kids here to walk and play. Don't forget to bring bags and clean up since SoPo no longer provides bags. So one day... Drive past Shaws and McDonald's and the Ford Dealership and find a little oasis under one of the busiest roadways connecting these cities. You won't be sorry. Then... Instead of driving back toward Shaws, go around the other corner and discover the little shops that are no longer on the main track since the traffic pattern change.

This is a small pocket park in the Knightville area of South Portland next to the McDonald's at the…read moreMill Creek shopping center... almost across from the treatment plant. If you are on the way to Thomas Knight Park, this is on the way. It can be easy to miss but this Spring the city paved the parking area next to the park so there is plenty of parking. There is a fence around much of it, but it is not completely fenced in. The end near the playground is fenced, but as you near the opposite end by the basketball court, there is no fence there. The playground is up to date and we often see a few children there with parents. A few benches are inside the park and there is a nice grassy area between the playground and basketball court; bring your own ball. Dogs are allowed in this park, please pick up after them.

One of the most beautiful lighthouses in Maine! I love going and walking on the path and seeing all…read morethe sites! Make sure to see the fort ruins as well, it's very fun!

Im patting myself on the back for booking this trolley and lighthouse tour!…read more Our guide, Wendy, was stellar- knowledgeable- friendly - funny and genuine. She showed us incredible architecture, shoppes, etc. What a doll! Since we were the last tour of the day, we got to stop here. A MAGNIFICENT way to end a lovely trolley ride! The park has stunning views and we loved the lighthouse. We took plenty of photos and enjoyed a sumptuous gelato from a food truck. GOOOOOOOOO HERE !!!!!

I love the views! It's great for a picnic and a little bit…read moreof history. There's plenty of open space for you to hang out with family or friends and enjoy the ocean views and breeze. While it may be controversial, I'm glad they moved the food trucks to the lower lot. It's less crowded when you arrive and less crowded near the food trucks - meaning only people getting food are in the area, vs people walking/running through with animals and kids that aren't going to the food trucks. It's also less noisy not being next to the generators. We love the food trucks there and will continue to enjoy them while also enjoying the peaceful hill. The kids in the family really enjoy the canons and the playgrounds. The times we have gone the playgrounds have been clean - thankfully no needles or trash anywhere to be seen.

The Eastern Promenade is a popular place to take a walk in Portland and see the water. There were…read morelots of people so we had to search for parking but it wasn't bad. We walked down to the Portland Paddle area. You can reach the water but there is not a beach there. Some people find a place for a picnic on the grass. Others ride bikes around the Promenade. The views of Casco Bay are good.

The West End is a promenade that's located on the edge of an area called Brahmall Hill and is…read morecurrently listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982. It's got beautiful and historical architecture with it's Victorian homes (and, apparently, former sea captain homes as well), stunning views of NH's White Mountains on clear days, spacious green areas and walking paths, a tree swing, the Western Cemetery fraught with our cities deceased wealthier ancestors, great walking areas, and it even once won an award from the Portland Phoenix for having one of the best secret spots to make-out in a tree (I kid you not). To me, the Western Prom is the established, composed, unruffled older sister (who's probably quite proper and likes garden parties) to the Eastern Prom. I'd like to think I've got a little West End in me, and it's fun to pretend I belong there when I'm picnicking and watching the planes come in and out of PWM from a distance. I've seen kiddos practicing lacrosse here with their dad, people relaxed under trees reading, friends playing a pick-up game of bocce while drinking something out of red solo cups. There used to be more events held here (... the legendary Halloween parade is not to be missed); so hopefully those concerts and outings begin to happen again!

Lots of benches and green space, a meandering path with some interesting trees and a few small…read moregardens, and some lovely Victorian houses to look at as you meander. Unfortunately the views aren't that great (unless maybe at sunset) and there isn't a lot of shade seating. A good option if you're already in the area but not a destination park in my mind.

First of all, the lady at the front was so nice, because we're trying to use a card to get it…read morecheaper, but I had forgotten mine. She was very friendly and gave it to us anyways. Second of all, the second floor with all the maine things was hands down my son's favorite. The fire truck with the pole, the train that we just rode on to get there, the fisherman boat with the lobster, they definitely need more food for the diner. We love the water thing upstairs.It was very different than the one in boston

Amazing fun children's museum! There's something fun for everyone! They have an incredible craft…read moreroom where we make everything and get to take it home! We can decorate a boat! We even made a few cool jellyfish!! There's a cool water station, light room, firehouse, pilot, boat ramps and such! Honestly LOVE how this museum has a theatre - Finding Nemo but it's sold out! It's great for small kids and young families! We had our newborn and she still had fun- even watching the bee hives and pet hospital! Empowering little kids and making science fun for them! Love this place!

Wide open spaces…read more Memorial Park is a cool park nestled in between the ocean and the Libby Library. Definitely not a bad location for a park, this one just seems small at first but just keeps going. All kinds of things in the park, tennis courts, basketball courts, a nice gazebo, a memorial for veterans and even a nice little lighthouse model at the main entrance. Gentle, rolling hills makes Memorial Park a great place for a gentle walk in your bare feet. During the summer there is a Summer Concert Series of music as well as other events and activities. This is a very popular park and you see all kinds of people during all kinds of things. Some playing sports, other strumming on musical instruments and some just laying on the grass catching the sea breezes. In the winter people even use the park for cross country skiing, snow shoeing and some sledding for the little kids on the small hills. A very nice park in an extremely nice location.