In its decade-long reclamation, Rockland has kept kids in mind. 
There is always something to see or do and much of the entertainment is free or low-cost.

4 the active
Harbor Park, just behind the Maine Discovery Center offers plenty of area to stretch car-weary limbs.  Bell buoys and anchors are placed strategically for kids to climb and parents to photograph.  The parking area looking down to the piers is fenced, so chaperoned kids can gaze at lobster boats and schooners safely.
    The 4-mile long Harbor Trail stretches along the shore from Snow Marine Park to the Rockland Breakwater, but can be broken into smaller treks.  The round trip, Harbor Park to Snow Marine Park and back is a bit over 1 mile, and most of it is on a broad boardwalk.  Along it is a short trail down to a beach and views of working, sailing, and cruise ships.  The trail is generally “wheelie” friendly.  At the other end, the 1.7 mile walk out to the Rockland Breakwater on quarried granite blocks lends itself to wading and fishing breaks.  The Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse is open to visitors on weekends, May to October.
    Imagine a climbing structure that stretches for a whole block!  Rockland’s Community Playground at Merritt Park on Limerock Street sports an imaginative “boat” and clickedy-clackedy bridge.

4 the curious
The Project Puffin Center at 311 Main Street tells about the resurgence of the endangered species through film, guides, hands-on exhibits where all ages can take on the roles of puffin and puffin watcher, web-views of active puffin colonies on various islands, and gift shop resources. Donation suggested. Open year-round, though hours vary. www.audubon.org/bird/puffin
    What did airplanes and spaceships, bicycles and motorcycles, carriages and automobiles used to look like?  The Owls Head Transportation Museum can show you, year-round!
www.owlshead.org
    Many young readers enjoy Roop and Roop’s Keep the Lights Burning, Abbie. You can catch a ride to Matinicus Island and perhaps even see Matinicus Rock, the site of the book, through Matinicus Excursions.  Staying on the island (year-round population: 66) is like going back in time.  
www.matinicusexcursions.com, Matinicus Island Chamber of Commerce: 207.354.8354

4 souvenirs
Lighthouse Lullaby and other books about life and the sea are sold at Lighthouse Depot inside The Maine Lighthouse Museum at Gateway Center at One Park Drive.
    The best place in Rockland? Planet Toys at 318 Main, according to an 8 year-old boy we asked. When adult staff wear t-shirts that say, “You’re Never Too Old To Play,” you know that parents will have fun too.