Maine Lobster Festival Children’s Events
From a petting zoo and touch tank to games, bounce houses and rock climbing, there are fun activities for kids of all ages at the Maine Lobster Festival!
In addition to fun activities, kids also get their own special events! Most children’s events take place on Sunday, Aug. 4, 2024.*
*Children’s Parade – Friday, Aug. 2, 10 am
Children dress up according to the festival theme and parade through the festival grounds for a chance to win awesome prizes. We’ve had mermaids, pirates, and even a robot lobster! Registration for this event is at 9 am at the far end of the Eating Tent. The 2024 Children’s Parade theme is “Through The Years,” and the Maine Lobster Festival encourages creative interpretations.
Cod Fish Carry – Sunday, Aug. 4, 11:30 am
One of the smellier (but still fun) events, the Cod Fish Carry, is a contest of speed. Participants run across the Maine Stage to a skiff, where they must put on fisherman’s foul-weather gear, including a Sou’wester (yellow fisherman’s hat), big rain jacket, and rubber boots as quickly as possible. After they are dressed, they must run over to a net containing a slippery, 12-pound cod, pick it up, and carry it back to the skiff. The person who does all of these things the quickest wins! This event is for children entering 2nd, 3rd, or 4th grade. Registration 10 am at the information booth.
Lobster Eating Contest – Sunday, Aug. 4, 12:00 pm
Lots of adults wish that they could participate in the Lobster Eating Contest. Sadly, this is a kids-only event. The rules are simple—the first person to finish eating a 1 1/4 lb. steamed lobster wins. Participants must finish two claws, two knuckles, and the tail to be considered done. The contest takes place on the Maine Stage. This event is for children age 8-11. Registration 10:30 am at the information booth.
Little Lobster Diaper Derby – Sunday, Aug. 4, 12:30 pm
Possibly the cutest event on Family Fun Day, the Little Lobster Diaper Derby is a crawling race for our youngest festival-goers. Parent coaches sit on each side of the Maine Stage, cheering them on, coaxing them toward the finish line using a range of creative methods, and ensuring that they stay on course. The first Little Lobster to finish wins! This event is for crawlers only, walkers will be disqualified. Registration 11 am at the information booth.
King Neptune’s Court
Every year kids, teens, and young adults join King Neptune’s court to help him and Blackbeard greet guests and participate in events during the Festival. Most participants are 7-12 years old, but kids at heart are welcome too! Fun opportunities include riding a Coast Guard ship, being on stage during the Coronation, and being on a float in the Big Parade! Costumes are available for kids and adults will need to provide their own. We welcome creativity! Deadline to apply is July 27.
