Describing my feelings for Cape Cod as mere affection would be too modest. We keep coming back here countless times with our family. There are certain spots I insist on revisiting during each trip; they’re like old friends.
Now, being married with two kids, both my spouse and our boys also have their own summertime activities they’re eager to tackle.
Below are some activities for families visiting Cape Cod with children and teenagers that we all thoroughly recommend, be it your initial summer getaway or perhaps your tenth visit.
Top Family-Friendly Cape Cod Hotels I Love
One of the things about Cape Cod is that families tend to come back annually to the same hotels or rental homes, frequently reserving them as much as a year ahead of time. If you’re looking for accommodations available after May, they will likely either be very pricey or not up to expectations—or perhaps both.
Additionally, maintaining cleanliness and simplicity comes at a high cost during the season in Cape Cod. The nightly rates for all the accommodations we have visited range from $250 to $1,500 per night.
Whenever we decide to go all out and indulge ourselves, we choose to stay at the
Chatham Bars Inn
or the
Wequasset Resort
Close to Orleans, both evoke the refined essence of upscale New England.
The homey
Hawthorne Beachfront Hotel
It is located on one of the finest sections of Shore Road. Given its proximity to the Chatham Bars, this might be the best option.
top bang for your buck on the Cape
When we desire something straightforward and budget-friendly (for Cape Cod), we head there or to the
Three Seasons Resort
in Denis Port.
Whenever we desire additional room along with a complete resort ambiance, we opt for asuite at the
Red Jacket Beach Resort
in South Yarmouth.
The
Inn on the Beach
In Harwichport, there’s a guesthouse that offers a more personal experience but is excellent for families if you manage to secure one of the spots.
private seaside cottages.
Where to Rent a Vacation House on Cape Cod
Beach houses are a very popular option on Cape Cod. If you’re planning to book a
vacation rental
, give some thought to what part of the Cape you want to be on.
In my opinion,
South Yarmouth
is the ideal choice for families because of its closeness to
everything
what we deem as family entertainment.
Staying in
Eastham
places you close to both the tranquil beachside shores and the
National Seashore
, and nearer to Wellfleet and Provincetown.
The
Cape Cod National Seashore
is a
National Park
Additionally, a safeguarded zone for aquatic creatures along with several hundred types of avian, reptilian, and various other small animals.
Chatham
is seen as the epitome of classic Cape Cod style, and I concur with this view. It remains our top choice for towns, even though it is incredibly popular.
Harwich
and
Yarmouth
come in as close runners-up among the top Cape Cod towns for families.
Remember that the Cape is compact enough that regardless of your accommodation spot, you can discover the majority of it within a single week.
More Resources & Ideas:
-
Where to
Eat on Cape Cod - Ways to Enjoy a Family-Friendly Weekend in Newport, RI
- Sights to Explore, Foods to Taste & Activities to Enjoy During a Family Getaway in Boston Over the Weekend
-
Organize a day trip to
beautiful and historic
Martha’s Vineyard
. -
Print my
Packing Checklist for a Beach Getaway
Essential Activities for a Family Getaway on Cape Cod
Find Your Thrills on Highway 28
Nothing beats anything better for children than this.
Grand Slam / Cape Cod Bumper Boats
On Route 28 in Harwich, our teenage boy absolutely loves this spot for its
batting cages
and
bumper boats
with water ammunition.
Children aged 5 years old and above can enjoy the bumper boats independently, whereas those below 5 years old must be accompanied by an adult. Additionally, they offer some waffle cones in the batting cage section for the entertainment of younger brothers or sisters.
This location has expanded over time and currently boasts a
zip line
and
climbing wall
For older children and teenagers as well. Teenagers and parents might want to give it a try too.
pitching prowess
in the
radar cage
. It’s humbling.
Tip
Pack towels, sunscreen, and insect repellent, particularly during the later part of the day.
Bud’s Go-Karts
provides quite an excitement. My teenager really enjoys this one.
If young children wish to stay close to their older brothers or sisters, they can drive alongside with an adult supervising. If needed, you can slow down for them; it’s not a problem even if others end up passing you.
There are both
age and height requirements
when you’re steering your own vehicle.
There are several
Pirate’s Cove
Adventure Golf courses
Across the nation nowadays, it remains the most spectacular among miniature golf venues in Cape Cod and continues to be our top choice.
Remember that the pirate theme is exceptionally executed, complete with intermittent cannon fire and menacing pirate chuckles. Young children who are sensitive to sound may start to cry as early as your third hole due to the noisy elements.
However, teenagers enjoy the theatrical elements of the course so much that you can turn it into an entertaining event as they navigate through all 18 holes.
Skull Island
It ranks as our second-choice spot for miniature golf. The venue also features go-karts, making it simple to spend an entire night here. Additionally, there’s a great driving range where teenagers and adults can split up at times if they prefer separate activities.
The
Inflatables Park
at
Wicked Waves Water Park
Has taken over the spot where inexpensive trampoline parks used to be, which my eldest child enjoyed. While this new option requires more financial and temporal commitment, it serves as another excellent destination suitable for people of all ages and provides an entire day filled with entertainment.
Teenagers and older children might enjoy the selection of high-speed water slides, wave pool, meandering river, and surf simulator. For younger ones, there’s a dedicated area with a splash park, shallow wading pool, and gentler small slides where they can play happily.
And indeed, they can utilize all the available energy from the 20 or so inflatable items. You have the option to purchase one.
entry pass for the bounce house facility
On its own. If you choose this option, you only cover the children; the adults go along as companions.
free
.
But reserve this for
late afternoons or when the sky is overcast.
You’ll be hot following your tots around in the summer sun. And you don’t want them overheating before they’ve made the most of the park.
Catch Some Sea Creatures
One of the finest and most budget-friendly things to do on Cape Cod is to purchase a
pail and one of those extended-handle scoops
You’ll notice all the tacky souvenir shops along the shore.
Stuff it with some chicken or ham, find a rocky pier, drop the net into the water, wait for about a minute, and ta-da! Soon you’ll have a net brimming with crabs.
This was our eldest son’s preferred activity when he was around six years old.
Certain children possess the endurance for fishing at the jetties and piers. Yet, few experiences can match the thrill of hooking a fish. Nonetheless, crabbing offers a safer bet with comparable satisfaction.
Look For Whales
A
whale-watching cruise
It’s a traditional first-experience-in-Providence-town activity.
We’ve taken
pleasant day trips from Provincetown
And Barnstable. Look at reviews to ensure the captain you sail with is well-informed and has a track record of spotting whales.
Remember that these journeys can seem lengthy for small children. You may encounter extended periods with nothing happening during the whale-watching. Additionally, your kids might not find it as exciting as you anticipate.
Additionally, nature does not adhere to schedules, and there’s always a possibility that your only reward will be a lengthy boat trip back with empty hands.
Tip
The rough waters may pose difficulties for children or parents who experience motion sickness.
•
Read more
:
5 + Ideas to Assist Children Who Experience Motion Sickness
.
Browse a book store
If you spot a dim light, go towards it.
Falmouth
It features a charming Main Street and houses one of our favorite spots.
children’s’ book stores
,
Eight Cousins
.
Check the website for
kid-centered author events
and the occasional
family game night
during the summer.
There are limited activities for children here compared to other areas of the Cape. However, I enjoy Falmouth because it’s less frequented and typically not as packed as some of the other Cape Cod towns. It boasts a quite pleasant environment.
playground
next to the water, and the compact yet meticulously maintained and very engaging
Cape Cod Children’s Museum
is located 20 minutes away from Mashpee.
View films and spot celebrities
The
drive-in movie theater
In Wellfleet, they consistently screen at least one family-oriented movie throughout the summertime and it embodies a piece of Americana. The site also features a compact miniature golf course along with a rather sizable weekend flea market.
For a unique viewing experience, consider stargazing. Grab a telescope and make your way to the
Chatham lighthouse
(1) In the late day, when my spouse and child prefer to go. It is located on Shore Road just beyond Chatham.
Relax on the beach
Race Point Beach
Outside of Provincetown is also part of the
Cape Cod National Seashore
And it consistently ranks among the best beaches globally.
We frequently stop by during late afternoons on our return trip from P-Town and usually find it quite uncrowded at the beach.
Tip
: While the
National Seashore
It is a stunning and extensive beach area; however, it features powerful undercurrents and rip tides. Make sure you keep a vigilant watch over the children.
The
beach at Chatham
is the wide, long stretch of beach most people expect when they come to the Cape.
It’s highly sought after and bustling, which is why numerous families continue to remain in the area of Chatham. However, it’s spacious enough that you can always locate an empty spot for your blanket, even during the busiest days.
Shallop, Company, Mayflower, Marconi, Corn Hill
and
Ballston
Beaches also feature lengthy and broad stretches of sand alongside the water.
As you go along, you will encounter numerous tiny coves that may not be suitable for extended periods of beachcombing and waves but offer delightful opportunities to stretch your legs after driving, gather seashells, and peek into tide pools.
Take The Scenic Routes
Don’t, don’t,
don’t
Drive alongside Route 6; it tends to be monotonous, and you won’t truly capture the essence of the Cape. Whenever possible, choose an alternative path instead.
scenic route 6A
, meandering through woodlands, beside farmlands, and across interior lakes.
Aside from offering numerous activities and dining options,
Route 28
traverses Orleans, Chatham, Harwich, and Yarmouth, providing a glimpse into the traditional Cape Cod experience
cranberry bogs
, marshes and calm small lakes equipped with rowboats.
To find the upscale version of Cape Cod as depicted in sleek coffee-table books, simply take a short drive away from here.
Chatham down Shore Road
(perpendicular to Main Street). The homes are unbelievable. You also pass the
Chatham Bars Inn
With its stunning beach cabanas, even if you’re not lodging there, you can’t help but admire its picturesque quality.
Skip Hyannis
Hyannis is nice, but it tends to be overly praised and frequently much busier compared to other towns which I consider far more delightful, such as
Harwich
and
Yarmouth
.
Other than escorting older children to the small and touching
John F. Kennedy Library & Museum
, I think it’s fine to pass Hyannis by.
*All photographs provided courtesy of the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce/Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism.
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