Real Maine Mom Guide

Wow. Has it really been a month since the 2026 Kids' Pick Awards?

I'm still thinking about all of the special moments that made this year's event so memorable. The 3rd Annual Kids' Pick Awards was filled with genuine connection, encouragement, celebration, and so much support for the local businesses that help make Maine a wonderful place to raise kids.

What started a few years ago as a simple idea to recognize and celebrate kid-friendly businesses has grown into something that truly belongs to the community. Everyone is welcome at the Kids' Pick Awards, and every year I'm reminded just how much people value having a space to come together, cheer each other on, and celebrate the good happening all around us.

Captured so beautifully by local family photographer , these photos bring me right back to an evening filled with positivity, pride, and community.
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Thanks again to our lead sponsors - and so many other sponsors & event partners too ( you can see them all at realmainemom.com/kidspickawards). Thanks to the businesses who donated items for the fundraisers. Thanks to all of our volunteers. Last, but not least, thanks to all who came! The event wouldn't have been the same without you. Until next year... ❤️

🌟 DAD'S DAY IN POLAND, MAINE GIVEAWAY 🌟

Over the last couple of weeks, has been working with some amazing Poland, Maine businesses to put together this Father's Day giveaway. After spending the day there ourselves this week, we can confidently say it's a fun, family-friendly adventure that's closer than you think.

One lucky dad will win the ultimate day out with their family in Poland, Maine. Here's what's included:

• A $25 gift card to & also a hat, tumbler, and salsa from

• Admission for 4 to ._drew_and_his_animals_too ($40 value)

• A family paddle rental package from (up to a one-day kayak, canoe, or paddleboard rental for 4 people)

• A $100 gift card to Nonesuch River Brewing Restaurant

• A $30 gift card to

HOW TO ENTER

Do each of the following:
• Follow
• Like this post
• Comment on this post and tell us why Dad deserves this day out

✨️ Optional Bonus Entries:
• Follow each of the participating businesses and comment "Done"
•Tag a friend in the comments (one tag per comment)
•Stay tuned for our upcoming reel of this adventure & like that post! ❤️

We'll select a winner at random on June 12 and contact them via DM!

Thank you to these amazing local businesses for helping make this Father's Day giveaway possible. Win or not, you'll want to add this day trip to your summer plans.

This giveaway is not sponsored, endorsed, administered by, or associated with Instagram or Facebook.

Let’s hear it one more time for the 2026 Kids’ Pick Awards sponsors.

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✨️ Lil' Folk Farm

I truly love organizing this event for our local business community. There are not nearly enough opportunities dedicated solely to celebrating the small businesses that pour so much into our families and communities every single day.

Owning a local business is hard work, and this event exists to put local kid-friendly businesses in the spotlight and remind them how appreciated they are.

But the reality is that events like this cannot happen without monetary sponsors behind them.

Even with numerous, generous, in-kind donations and a team volunteering countless hours to bring this event to life, there are still many behind-the-scenes expenses that come with creating something this special.

Thank you to every single 2026 Kids’ Pick Awards sponsor for your trust, for believing in this event and investing in our local business community.

I hope our community continues supporting the businesses that chose to support this event, showing them the same love and support they have shown us.

~Lisa, Owner/Founder, Real Maine Mom

Let’s break down Tee Off for Doc 👇
Because this is so much more than a fundraiser.

Your ticket gets you a really fun summer night out with:

⛳️ Mini golf at
🎶 Live music by
🧠 Custom local trivia (think Maine + New England sports)
🎟 Raffle ticket entry into your choice of awesome local prizes
🍔 Great food + drinks available for purchase

And behind all of it? Supporting Doc & as they navigate this kidney transplant journey.

Come for the mini golf. Stay for the music. Show up for a really good cause.

July 16
minibar
Ticket link in bio / stories

Memorial Day weekend plans?

Attending a Memorial Day parade can be a meaningful way to start a conversation with our kids and remind ourselves why this special long weekend exists. It’s a day to honor and remember the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country.

Which parade is your family headed to?

The 2026/2027 Kid-Friendly Portland Guide is here.

Our 3rd annual edition was released on May 2nd and is now actively being distributed throughout Greater Portland and surrounding communities.

This year’s guide features a directory of local businesses made up of those who participated in our 1st annual Kid-Friendly Portland LIVE event this past January, along with additional businesses who reserved their spot in this year’s publication.

We’re also excited to include a special Kids’ Pick Awards winners section featuring community-voted favorites across many of the categories that we know local and visiting families are searching for. Recommendations straight from local families are hard to beat.

Whether you’re searching for your next outing, a family-friendly restaurant, birthday inspiration, rainy day ideas, or simply wondering what to do with the kids, this guide was created to help make life with kids in and around Greater Portland easier and more fun.

Where to find it: Keep an eye out at family-friendly businesses, community locations & events throughout Greater Portland & check out the online version anytime right on the home page of realmainemom.com.

A big thank you Jess of the Real Maine Mom team for helping to bring this publication to life with her thoughtful layout and design for the second consecutive year.

Thank you to all of the businesses who participated & supported our efforts in bringing this guide to life, and our guest contributor Natalie of for providing some awesome Maine camping tips!