Maine is a place to be enjoyed in the sun. But Maine happens to be in New England, where sunshine comes around as reliably as an old boat starts on the first crank.

The Boothbay Harbor Region has plenty of other options when the sun goes missing, including many family-friendly attractions.

Parents.com recently tabbed Boothbay Harbor as one of its most family friendly spots for a vacation for reasons including scenic boat rides.

But, here are some things to do with the family when the weather won't cooperate.

Maine State Aquarium

At the end of McKown Point Road there may be colorful lobsters, fang-faced wolffish, friendly catsharks or families of clown fish.

The Maine State Aquarium boasts species such as lobsters, cod and pollock that are likely to be found patrolling in the Gulf of Maine and in the Harbor. The aquarium also allows families to get up close and personal with several marine species, including creatures not normally found in coastal tidepools, like chain catsharks.

The aquarium is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission costs $13 for adults ages 13 to 65, $3 for children ages 3 to 12 and seniors over 65. Admission for children under three is free. For more information, call 207-633-9559.

Read a book

The Boothbay area isn't lacking when it comes to literature.

With a library, a bookstore and a used bookstore in downtown Boothbay Harbor, a stop for reading is as easy as checking into the Boothbay Harbor Memorial Library or popping into Sherman's or the Friends of the Library Used Bookstore.

For hours and events for the Boothbay Harbor Memorial Library, visit www.bmpl.lib.me.us or call 207-633-3112.

For those on Southport who do not wish to leave the island, the Southport Memorial Library is open Tuesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays. Located near Newagen Harbor, the library, which hosts scads of other entertainment options can be reached by car or by boat. For more information, call 207-633-2741.

Skidompha Public Library is just a tad farther. Located in central Damariscotta, it boasts an array of books and other media. For more information, call 207-563-5513 or visit www.skidompha.org.

Hop on board

For the more mechanically-inclined, the Boothbay Railway Village offers a glimpse to the past with its collection of locomotion.

But, it isn't just trains; the Railway Village boasts plenty of automobiles and other attractions that highlight the history of motorized movement.

For more information about the Village or hours of operation, visit www.railwayvillage.org or call 207-633-4727.

Work out

The Boothbay Region YMCA has plenty to cure the rainy day blues, from racquetball courts to swimming pools and most things in between.

Rates are scaled and short-term membership options are available. For more information, visit www.boothbayregionymca.org or call 207-633-2855.

Catch a flick

Want to check out a summer blockbuster or watch an independent film about Maine farmers? The Harbor Theatre covers both ends of the spectrum.

The theatre switches it up throughout the year, with everything from Hollywood mega-hits to independent movies. For more information visit their website or call 207-633-0438.

The Lincoln Theater in Damariscotta offers an eclectic array of films from now and yesteryear. For more information, call 207-563-3424.

Elsewhere

Downtown Boothbay Harbor, Wiscasset and Damariscotta offer a slew of shopping and eating options out of the rain.

Dolphin Mini Golf 207-633-4828 features an arcade and shell museum in addition to nautical-themed greens, and Hendricks Hill Museum in Southport offers a glimpse to the past, 207-633-1102).