[Photo courtesy of Portland Museum of Art]
Scarborough Public Library takes “the Senior Scene” seriously as part of Age-Friendly Scarborough, an initiative to make our community one where residents of all ages can thrive. One of the ways the Library serves older adults is by offering free or discounted passes to local Maine museums, many of which are accessible to those needing mobility aids. These passes can be used to entertain visiting family or friends, or as a fun excursion on your own, thanks to the generosity of the Friends of the Scarborough Library. A free library card is needed to check them out.
The Portland Museum of Art (PMA) offers visitors more than one might expect from an art museum. Besides the regular collection, which includes classic Maine artists like Winslow Homer, Andrew Wyeth, and Dahlov Ipcar, and world renown painters and sculptors found in every art history book, PMA has rotating exhibitions, museum tours, events, films, and interactive workshops. The Library pass allows free entry for up to two adults and six children.
Looking to explore the outdoors in our beautiful state? Over 700,000 acres of Maine’s natural and cultural resources are managed by the Bureau of Parks and Lands. With a Maine State Park Pass, you can visit state parks and historic sites without paying entrance fees. The pass can be borrowed for up to three days at a time, so take a mini-vacation through Maine’s natural beauty on us. Heading out by yourself or in a car full of older adults? If you are a Maine resident and 65 years of age or older, you are admitted free with proof of age, no park pass needed.
Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens is another Maine treasure. Its cultivated beauty changes regularly as plants come in and out of bloom throughout the spring, summer, and early fall. The cost of entry is free with your library pass for up to two adults and an unlimited number of children. The sensory garden and children’s garden are not to be missed, and are fully accessible. For those who want a more active adventure, follow the hiking paths to find all the trolls, or Guardians of the Seeds, sculpted by Danish artist Thomas Dambo. Many of the destinations on the hiking paths are accessible by shuttle as well.
The Maine Wildlife Park (MWP) is a wildlife education center that older Mainers may still refer to as “The Gray Animal Farm.” Come see the moose and over 30 species of Maine wildlife. The animals at MWP are rescued animals; they are permanently injured, orphaned, at risk, or human-dependent after being raised in captivity. Our pass gets you in at a reduced rate of $3.50 per person for up to seven people.
The Children’s Museum and Theatre of Maine recently moved to a large new building at Thompson’s Point in Portland. Their “interactive spaces are grounded in the science of play and the latest research on how children learn,” according to the museum website. The Library pass entitles the holder to a 50% discount to one play session for up to four people.
Looking for fun, free events close to home? Scarborough Public Library offers programming for older adults, and people of all ages, all year round. See you at the Library!
Elsa Rowe
Community Engagement Manager
Scarborough Public Library
GRAB A FRIEND AND GO
(Driving distance from Library)
PORTLAND MUSEUM OF ART
(15 minutes) Free admission for up to 2 adults and 6 children
CHILDREN’S MUSEUM & THEATRE OF MAINE (Portland)
(15 minutes) 50% off for up to 4 people
COASTAL MAINE BOTANICAL GARDEN (Boothbay)
(1 hour 15 minutes) Free admission for up to 2 adults and accompanying children (unlimited)
MAINE STATE PARK PASS
(32 parks statewide) One vehicle free
MAINE WILDLIFE PARK (Gray)
(30 minutes) Up to 7 people for $3.50 (regular admission $7.50-$10
