Exciting Fun Things for Kids to Do in Cape Cod

exciting fun things for kids to do in cape cod

Cape Cod, Massachusetts, is a treasure trove of family-friendly activities, making it an ideal destination for kids of all ages. Known for its pristine beaches, charming villages, and rich history, Cape Cod offers a mix of outdoor adventures, educational experiences, and entertaining attractions that will keep kids engaged and delighted throughout your stay. Here’s a comprehensive guide to exciting fun things for kids to do in Cape Cod, brought to you by The Kids Point.

Beach Adventures

No trip to Cape Cod is complete without a day at the beach. The region’s coastline offers an array of kid-friendly beaches, each with unique features:

  • Paine’s Creek Beach (Brewster): This beach is perfect for younger kids, with gentle tidal pools ideal for exploring marine life. Kids can search for crabs, small fish, and seashells while wading in calm waters.
  • Craigville Beach (Barnstable): A favorite for families, this beach offers soft sand and mild waves, perfect for boogie boarding or building elaborate sandcastles.
  • Coast Guard Beach (Eastham): Known for its natural beauty, this beach is part of the Cape Cod National Seashore and is a fantastic spot for nature walks and bird watching.

Pack your buckets, shovels, and sunscreen, and let the kids immerse themselves in the joys of beachcombing, swimming, and sandcastle-building.

Whale Watching Tours

Cape Cod is one of the best places in the world for whale watching. Hop aboard a whale-watching tour from Provincetown or Barnstable Harbor and marvel at these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. Expert naturalists guide these tours, providing fascinating insights into different whale species, their behaviors, and the marine ecosystem. Seeing a humpback whale breach the water is an unforgettable experience for kids and adults alike.

Interactive Museums

Cape Cod boasts several interactive and educational museums that cater to curious young minds:

  • Cape Cod Children’s Museum (Mashpee): This hands-on museum offers interactive exhibits and play areas designed for kids aged 6 months to 8 years. From a pirate ship to a pretend grocery store, the museum encourages imaginative play and learning.
  • Whydah Pirate Museum (Yarmouth): Dive into the world of pirates with artifacts from the Whydah, a real pirate ship that sank off Cape Cod’s coast. Interactive exhibits and authentic treasures captivate kids and spark their imaginations.
  • Heritage Museums and Gardens (Sandwich): While known for its beautiful gardens, this museum also features a vintage car collection, a working carousel, and seasonal scavenger hunts that kids love.

Nature Walks and Wildlife Exploration

Cape Cod’s natural beauty is a playground for young adventurers. Explore its trails, wildlife sanctuaries, and nature centers:

  • Cape Cod Rail Trail: This 25-mile paved trail is perfect for biking or walking with kids. It winds through picturesque towns and offers plenty of scenic spots for breaks.
  • Mass Audubon Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary: Kids can explore salt marshes, woodlands, and sandy beaches while spotting birds, crabs, and other wildlife. The sanctuary also offers educational programs and guided tours.
  • Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge (Chatham): Discover diverse habitats, including dunes, salt marshes, and tidal flats. Guided tours are available for families who want to learn more about Cape Cod’s unique ecosystems.

Mini Golf Adventures

Mini golf is a quintessential Cape Cod activity, with whimsical courses scattered across the region. Favorites include:

  • Pirate’s Cove Adventure Golf (South Yarmouth): With its pirate-themed decor, waterfalls, and caves, this course is a hit with kids.
  • Skull Island Adventure Golf (Yarmouth): Featuring dinosaurs, skulls, and tropical landscapes, this course provides a thrilling mini-golf experience.
  • Harbor Lights Mini Golf (Brewster): This family-friendly course combines mini golf with ice cream for a sweet ending to your game.

Outdoor Sports and Activities

For active families, Cape Cod offers a range of outdoor activities:

  • Kayaking and Paddleboarding: Rent equipment from local outfitters and paddle through the calm waters of Cape Cod Bay or the protected coves of Nantucket Sound. Keep an eye out for seals and seabirds along the way.
  • Fishing Trips: Join a family-friendly fishing charter and introduce kids to the joys of catching their own dinner. Many tours provide all necessary equipment and guidance.
  • Hiking: Explore trails like the Fort Hill Trail in Eastham, which offers stunning ocean views and opportunities to spot wildlife.

Day Trips to Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard

A ferry ride to Nantucket or Martha’s Vineyard adds an extra layer of adventure to your Cape Cod vacation. Once there, explore:

  • Children’s Beach (Nantucket): This beach is ideal for families, with calm waters, a playground, and picnic areas.
  • The Flying Horses Carousel (Martha’s Vineyard): Located in Oak Bluffs, this is the oldest operating platform carousel in the U.S. and a must-visit for kids.

Family-Friendly Dining

Cape Cod’s restaurants cater to families with kid-friendly menus and casual atmospheres. Don’t miss:

  • Sundae School Ice Cream (Harwich Port): Treat your kids to homemade ice cream, sundaes, and floats at this classic soda fountain.
  • Kream N Kone (Dennis): This casual spot serves up fried seafood, burgers, and fries, making it a favorite for families.
  • Four Seas Ice Cream (Centerville): A Cape Cod institution, this ice cream shop offers a variety of flavors that kids will adore.

Rainy Day Activities

Cape Cod has plenty of indoor activities for when the weather doesn’t cooperate:

  • Ryan Family Amusements (Multiple Locations): Bowling, arcade games, and more make this a go-to spot for indoor fun.
  • Cape Codder Water Park (Hyannis): This indoor water park features slides, a lazy river, and a wave pool, ensuring hours of entertainment.
  • Movies at Wellfleet Drive-In: If it’s only drizzling, catch a family-friendly movie at this iconic drive-in theater.

Seasonal Events and Festivals

Depending on when you visit, you might catch one of Cape Cod’s family-friendly events:

  • Cape Cod Inflatable Park (West Yarmouth): Open during the warmer months, this park features giant inflatable slides, obstacle courses, and water attractions.
  • Sandwich Glass Museum (Holiday Season): During the winter, this museum’s festive displays and glass-blowing demonstrations captivate visitors of all ages.
  • Yarmouth Seaside Festival (October): Enjoy crafts, live music, a parade, and a fireworks display during this annual event.

Historical Exploration

Introduce kids to Cape Cod’s rich history with visits to:

  • Plimoth Patuxet Museums (Plymouth): A short drive from Cape Cod, this living history museum showcases life in the 17th century, complete with costumed interpreters and interactive exhibits.
  • Nauset Lighthouse (Eastham): Climb to the top of this iconic lighthouse for panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean.
  • Historic Sandwich Village: Stroll through the oldest town on Cape Cod and visit sites like the Hoxie House and the Dexter Grist Mill.

Cape Cod is a paradise for families, offering endless opportunities for adventure, learning, and relaxation. Whether your kids are building sandcastles on the beach, marveling at whales, or exploring pirate lore, the memories you create here will last a lifetime. With its blend of natural beauty, engaging attractions, and family-friendly amenities, Cape Cod promises a vacation that’s as fun as it is unforgettable. So pack your bags, gather your crew, and get ready for an adventure-filled getaway on this picturesque peninsula – brought to you by The Kids Point!