Meet the Playwrights of CMTM's 2025 Youth Playwriting Festival

Here at the Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine, we believe young voices have the power to move, delight, and inspire us all. That’s why we’re so proud to present the 2025 Youth Playwriting Festival—an annual celebration of original plays written by young people for a family audience. These plays are filled with heart, humor, imagination, and truth — and they’ll be brought to life by our company of actors in Maddy’s Theatre this spring, May 31–June 1.

Get to know the incredible young playwrights whose stories will take center stage this year!

TheatreHannah DalyMay 20, 2025Youth Playwriting Festival, YPF, Maddy's Theatre

Bid, Play, Give Back: Don’t Miss These Live & Silent Auction Highlights at the Imagination Ball!

Step into a world of imagination and impact at the Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine’s first-ever Imagination Ball! Whether you're joining us in person or bidding online, every bid you make supports play, learning, and belonging for all children through CMTM's Community Fund. Starting bidding now at: IMAGINATION BALL VIRTUAL AUCTION PAGE

Hannah DalyMay 2, 2025

A Must-Visit Gem for Families Exploring Portland, Maine

If you're planning a family getaway to Portland, Maine, the Children's Museum & Theatre of Maine (CMTM) is an essential stop that promises joy, discovery, and for kids of all ages. Located at Thompson’s Point, this vibrant three-story museum and theatre is a haven for young explorers and a perfect addition to any family itinerary.

Tips for VisitingHannah DalyMay 2, 2025Tips for Visiting

Klaus' Incredible Growth Spurt: A Guest Blog from CMTM's Live Exhibits Coordinator Colin Marshall

If your kids seem like they’re growing overnight, wait until you meet Klaus! Our Atlantic Rock Crab recently surprised the CMTM team with a dramatic molt — emerging from his old shell nearly twice his original size. Like all crustaceans, Klaus sheds his exoskeleton to grow, revealing a soft new shell that hardens over time. You can find Klaus in From the Mountains to the Sea on the 3rd Floor — come say hi and see his impressive new look for yourself!

Live AnimalsHannah DalyApril 9, 2025Aquarium, From the Mountains to the Sea, Klaus

Science For Tots

Discover the Science for Tots series! This weekly program is designed around sensory-rich experiences for children ages 2-5 and their caregivers. During Science for Tots, we meet young children where they are by introducing them to STEM concepts like science, engineering, math, and the environment through rich sensory experiences. Read on to learn more about how even the youngest explorers think like scientists!

ProgramsHannah DalyFebruary 27, 2025Science for Tots, For Tots

Leaning into Love - A Message from Julie

Here at the Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine (CMTM), it’s one of our favorite weeks of the year—LOVE week! We can’t wait to celebrate with you. The next several days are chock full of heart-filled activities, but how else do we lean into LOVE at CMTM? - A Message from CMTM’s Executive Director, Julie Butcher Pezzino

UpdatesHannah DalyFebruary 6, 2025Love Weekend, Love Week

Enjoy theatre with student groups at CMTM!

Opportunities for your students to engage with live theatre! We’re thrilled to share some amazing opportunities for your students to engage with live theatre through the Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine (CMTM).

TheatreHannah DalyFebruary 3, 2025Maddy's Theatre, Theatre, Play Festival

Interview - Behind the Scenes with Nathan LaPointe: Playing Pete in Pete the Cat

CMTM is thrilled to bring everyone’s favorite feline rockstar to life in “Pete the Cat,” running in CMTM’s Maddy’s Theatre from February 1-23, 2025. In anticipation of opening night, CMTM spoke with Nathan LaPointe, who plays Pete the Cat, about the importance of music, cats, and what audiences can expect from this rockin’ production.

TheatreHannah DalyJanuary 24, 2025Maddy's Theatre

Gary the Eel Swims into the Spotlight at CMTM

Discover the incredible journey of Gary the American Eel and explore stories of science, culture, and conservation at the Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine.

Exhibits, Live AnimalsHannah DalyJanuary 9, 2025From the Mountains to the Sea, Aquarium, Gary the Eel

Blog: New at CMTM

The Children's Museum & Theatre of Maine is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that exists to inspire discovery and imagination through exploration and play.