Children's Museum & Theatre of Maine kicks off 2026 with indoor beach bash

The Children's Museum & Theatre of Maine (CMTM) is inviting families to dive into the new year with their New Year's Indoor Beach Party. Attendees can meet real sea creatures like sea stars and anemones, craft a sea star wand in the MakerSpace, and grab a treat at the snack shack. The festivities will culminate with a countdown to 2026, featuring a special interactive performance and a Sea Star Drop in CMTM’s Maddy’s Theatre. You can book a two-hour party timeslot. Reservations are required to guarantee admission.

WGME 13Hannah DalyJanuary 13, 2026New Year's Eve

Maine kids share their hopes — big and small — for the new year

At an event at the Children's Museum & Theatre of Maine on Tuesday morning, kids talked about what they wish for in 2025.

Portland Press HeraldHannah DalyJanuary 1, 2025News, New Year's Eve

On New Year's Eve, party like a Mainer

Mainers party just a little differently than the rest of the world on New Year’s Eve.

Instead of dropping a ball from a big building in a big city, we drop a wild blueberry from a church bell tower in Kennebunk. Instead of making everyone stay up to the stroke of midnight, we hold some New Year’s celebrations in the afternoon or early evening, so kids and early risers can get to bed on time.

Portland Press HeraldHannah DalyDecember 23, 2024News, New Year's Eve

Children's Museum and Theatre of Maine celebrates New Year's Eve

The Children’s Museum and Theatre of Maine held a New Year’s Eve Indoor Beach Party to give families a chance to welcome in 2024, for the little ones who can’t stay up until midnight.

WMTWShultzie WillowsDecember 31, 2023New Year's Eve, Events

From glitz and glam to fun for the fam, there’s a New Year’s Eve party for everyone

There are plenty of events to choose from around Maine on Sunday to ring in 2024, from planetarium shows and family-friendly celebrations to dance parties and cocktail soirees.

The Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine in Portland is hosting a New Year’s Eve Indoor Beach Party from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. There will be beach-themed play experiences for kids and families, including creating ocean-inspired artwork, making sea star wishing wands and finger puppets.

Portland Press HeraldHannah DalyDecember 28, 2023New Year's Eve, Events

Children's Museum & Theatre of Maine hosts annual 'New Year's at Noon'

The Children's Museum in Portland hosted its annual "New Year's at Noon" today. This year's theme was an "indoor beach party." Hundreds of families kicked off their New Year's Eve celebration by making a "sea star wand" or learning about life underwater. Attendees brought in nonperishables to donate to Wayside Food Programs, and of course, they had a "sea star drop" instead of a traditional ball drop.

WMTWShultzie WillowsJanuary 2, 2023WMTW, New Year's Eve

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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.