In the Boothbay region, about 40 percent of the population living here year-round is 65 or older. What does this often mean? Grandkids coming to visit in the summer! What are some fun things grandparents can do with them to share the beauty, culture and fun of Maine?

1. Take a ride on the Rocktide trolley around town. Kids love the trolley, and grandparents can point out the landmarks as you travel. Maybe you remember when Sherman's used to be Sullivan's Department Store. Paint a verbal picture of how the town looks 10, 20, or even 40 years ago.

2. Take a trip to Damariscotta Lake State Park. The water is beautiful, warm and clear, and kids will be fascinated that they can still see the sand on the bottom 20 feet out in the water. Build sandcastles on the shore and take lots of photos.

3. Introduce the kids to lobster. Probably best to start with a lobster roll, as a fully cooked one still in it's shell might be a bit much for some. Head down to Shannon's Unshelled to let them try one, and if it's not to their liking, grab a hot dog instead. Then turn around and treat them to a Wannawaf ice cream sundae. Walk across the footbridge and maybe down to one of the public floats so they can dangle their feet in the water and marvel at the beauty of the harbor.

4. Take a visit to the Montsweag Flea Market. Kids will love looking at the dozens of booths with different items for sale, and might even find a special treasure to remember Maine by. If flea markets aren't your thing, take a trip to Wiscasset instead and introduce them to Big Al’s Super Value Odd Lot Outlet for a toy or tee. Either way, give the kids a few dollars to spend.

5. When's the last time you went mini golfing? We've got a course right in town, Dolphin Mini Golf at the intersection of Route 27 and Hardwick Road. Afterward you can visit the Ice Cream Hut or hit the arcade. Or both. If you feel like adding a road trip in, head to Bar Harbor for Pirate's Cove Adventure Golf, Long Shot Golf Center in Brunswick, or Golfer's Crossing Mini Golf in Rockport — just to name a few.

There are dozens more possibilities to add to this list. Fly a kite. Visit the Botanical Gardens or the Railway Museum. Travel around Ocean Point and search for seashells along the shoreline. Hike the land trust trails (not recommended for those really hot days!). Whatever you do, share the beauty of the region and have fun.