Wilkinson Park
Dawn to Dusk
A very secluded playground that also has multiple baseball fields and wooded trails to walk through. Wilkinson park never gets super busy at is tucked away behind trees. There are bathrooms and benches surrounding the park. Make sure to bring bug spray though because the mosquitoes can be bad.
Public Library
A great public library for all ages. They really go above and beyond with their teen and children programs. For example, the first Friday of every month is a teen hangout with food an music. Even if you aren't doing a program there is plenty of things to do like play board games, computers, or toys. There are bathrooms and free parking.
Sunday closed
Monday 10:00 – 6:00
Tuesday 10:00 – 8:00
Wednesday 10:00 – 8:00
Thursday 10:00 – 8:00
Friday 10:00 – 6:00
Saturday 10:00 – 6:00
Willard Beach
6a to 9p
A nice 4 acre beach that is perfect for sunbathing or playing in the sand. There is a nice small playground and seasonal bathrooms. It is best in the off-season because free parking is limited. If you go at off hour times there shouldn't be a problem. The water isn't the cleanest because of all the nearby boats but it is a great beach to soak in the sun.
Hinckley Park
8a to 6p
A gorgeous 40 acre park/ walking trails contain two ponds. These trails happen to be some of the most popular in the Portland area. One of the reasons for this is the gorgeous scenery especially during the fall and spring. This also happens to be the time the trail can get a little muddy. The 3/4 loop around both ponds is perfect for a quick walk and you can keep going down the wooded trail.
Clark's Pond Trail
Dawn to Dusk
A quick 1.1 mile trail following the edges of a pond The trail is made up of mostly dirt and by following the sidewalks at the end starting on Westbrook St. for 6/10 of a mile you can make it a loop. The best place for parking is in the Home Depot parking lot. At the back end of the lot you will see signs and a kiosk. There is great bird watching and the trail is easy to follow just by following the white dots. There are no bathrooms.
Eastern Promenade Playground
Dawn to Dusk
A perfect small playground in Eastern Promenade Park. There are places to eat and benches dotting the outside of the wood-chips. If you walk down to the water there are plenty of things to do such as search for shells. There aren't any great bathroom options in the park. Parking is also on the street or in the smaller lot for the park.
Payson Park
6:30a to 10p
The best all-around park in South Portland has everything from basketball to a playground. The community here is great and there is even activities in the Winter like sledding ice skating. There is also a well maintained community garden to look at. Payson Park has plenty of sports facilities including seasonal portable bathrooms. There is a large parking lot for vehicles.
Reiche School Playground
A nice smaller playground for younger children who also want a field to run around in. You can use the school lot so parking is easy. There aren't any bathrooms though. There are separate swings and a basketball court on the premises too. There is also a cool 3d climbing structure. This is a bit taller and may be a bit dangerous for really young kids.
8a-6p
South Branch Trail
Dawn to Dusk
A network of trails extending from the back of the Cinemagic parking lot in South Portland. The trails total about a 1/2 mile but are really well maintained with plenty of nature and wildlife to admire. They also do a great job providing bridges which makes the trail a lot easier to walk on. The dirt path is relatively flat and easy for smaller children.
A quick 1.1 mile trail following the edges of a pond The trail is made up of mostly dirt and by following the sidewalks at the end starting on Westbrook St. for 6/10 of a mile you can make it a loop. The best place for parking is in the Home Depot parking lot. At the back end of the lot you will see signs and a kiosk. There is great bird watching and the trail is easy to follow just by following the white dots. There are no bathrooms.