Maine Staycation: 7 Fun Things to Do While Staying Close to Home

From historical sites to gorgeous scenery, Maine is the perfect place to visit when planning a family vacation or staycation. There's plenty to explore in the Pine Tree State.

Here are seven great places to visit in the state of Maine:

1. 19th Century Willowbrook Village: Located in Newfield, here you will see displays of over 10,000 artifacts featuring 19th-century crafts and trades. Collections include more than 60 horse drawn sleighs and carriages, an 1849 Concorde stagecoach and an 1894 carousel.

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2. York's Wild Kingdom: Located in York Beach, this zoo features animals like the white Bengal tiger, bear cubs, zebras and a number of species of monkeys. Each area supplies information on the animals, their habitats and behaviors, so kids can learn about them. The amusement park is home to over 22 rides accessible to both young and older kids. Families on vacation or staycation can discover all the Kingdom has to offer.

3. Funtown Splashtown USA: Located in Saco, this park is the home of Excaliber, Maine's only wooden roller coaster, Dragon's Descent, New England's largest vertical thrill ride, Thunder Falls, the area's longest and tallest log flume ride thunder Falls and a large collection of family and kiddie rides.

4. Northern Maine Museum of Science: Located in Presque Isle, this museum supports science education by means of exhibits and programs, educational field experience on nature trails, scientific collections for research and educational programs for educators and students.

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5. Moose and Photo Safari: Located in Millinocket, visitors can get up close and personal with moose and local wildlife on this fun van-led safari.

6. Bar Harbor Whale Watch Company: Located in Bar Harbor, these boating tours feature whale watching, sightseeing, lighthouse and nature trips which sail daily throughout the summer season.

7. Children's Discovery Museum: Located in Augusta, this museum offers an interactive environment for visitors. Role-play exhibits include a restaurant, grocery store and bank. There's also a living oceanic touch tank, music and a theater area.

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