Who loves a good maritime museum? I can’t be the only one who enjoys learning about the cultures that have grown up in communities where the water is a way of life.

Earlier this summer, as part of our trip to Maine, we spent the better part of a day at the Maine Maritime Museum in Bath. This facility did a great job of showcasing both the community’s shipbuilding heritage and the work for the U.S. Navy that continues just down the street at the Bath Iron Works. The exhibit about the life of a lighthouse keeper was particularly interesting, especially when taken with the nearly 360-degree video showing the beautiful and tempestuous view from a light in all seasons.

What impressed me most was outside the museum itself. The large ship play structure was inspired! It had accurate moving pieces — like ropes and rigging to haul on, a proportional ships wheel to turn — and a slide. Much joy was also taken in locking father and Little Brother inside the massive replica lobster pot.

But special praise is due to the staff running the demonstration of how completed boats were launched into the sea in the early 20th century. It was a quiet day, and he willingly ad-libbed an abbreviated (maybe three minutes instead of 10-15) and extra-interactive version of his show-and tell. I think we christened and launched that model ship at least a half-dozen times.

Another plus for this museum is their generous admission guidelines. We were able to visit for free under a reciprocity agreement with another maritime museum for which we are members. But the typical ticket includes a second free day of admission within one week, and children under age 6 are free.

Verdict: If you are in the area, set sail for this destination and its lovely spot along the river. The relaxed vibe is a great way to get into the vacation mindset.