A Maine Family Holiday at Nonantum Resort

If you’re looking for a fantastic stay in Kennebunkport, Maine, with the kids, look no further than Nonantum Resort. It’s a beautiful property set in a charming seaside village, complete with rocky beaches, waterfront cottages, sailboats, lobster fishermen, quaint shops and restaurants.

The Nonantum is ideal for a family trip, as it offers a long list of kids’ activities (there’s a special tent dedicated to them, complete with a popcorn machine, movie screen, and arts and crafts), sports (everything from kayaking to shuffle boarding), a heated swimming pool, and biking. We loved staying so close to the water, and the hotel’s decor is cozy and nautical enough to create a distinct seaside sense of place.

Nonantum Resort Family-Friendly Hotel Review

Guest Rooms

The hotel opened more than 100 years ago, in 1884, and the Carriage House was part of the original inn in the home of sea captain Henry Heckman. While the rooms have been modernized over the years, the public spaces retain the charm and elegance of the original structure.

We stayed in a very comfortable and spacious Family Suite in the Carriage House. These suites include air conditioning, cable television, telephones and free WIFI.

The Nonantum has retained much of its history in the decor, with an old-fashioned elevator, old-fashioned phone on the wall, pictures of boats scattered throughout and gorgeous views of the water.

Family Activities and Dining

The hotel really caters to kids, offering crafts, kayaking excursions, family movie nights, ice cream parties, princess and pirate parties, paddle board demonstrations, cooking demos, campfires, sing-a-longs and marshmallow roasts.

There are good restaurants and and a more casual pub, which makes it easy to stay on the premises and just chill out. It’s important to note that there are additional fees for renting kayaks, bikes and boat trips, but if you know this before you get there, you’ll be prepared.

Breakfast is complimentary and quite impressive, with homemade muffins, oatmeal and a large selection of cereals, eggs and pancakes.

Location

The location is excellent, right near Kennebunkport’s quaint strip of shops and restaurants. We happily spent the day loitering by the pool and taking part in the hotel’s activities. Excursions include a visit to the local Ben & Jerry’s and seeing George Bush’s famous home in town.

The Nonantum closes for the season mid-December and reopens in April.

Getting to Nonantum Resort

The Nonantum is a 30-minute drive from Portland, Maine, a 90-minute drive from Boston, and a 5-hour drive from New York City. There is also a regional train service with seasonal stops not far from the resort.

Want Help Booking a Vacation at Nonantum Resort?

We can help! To have one of our Family Vacation Consultants provide guidance with your request, use the Check Availability button on the resort’s family-friendly review page in the CB! Hotel Collection to reach out for the hotel’s best available pricing. We’ll follow up directly by email.

For help planning a full family itinerary in Maine or anywhere else in North America, request assistance on our Connect with a Travel Advisor page.

Relevant Links:

Best family hotels and things to do in Maine with kids

3 Iconic Experiences in Maine for Families

Family beach vacation ideas and reviews 

Editor’s Note: Holly received a media rate at the Nonantum Resort. As always, our opinions are our own. Photos provided by Nonantum Resort.