A trip to Cape Cod with kids is a treat, but keeping everyone entertained requires some planning. The following are a few of the many places you’ll want to be sure to explore!
When you’re visiting Cape Cod with kids who could use some hands-on learning and fun during a stay, head over to the Cape Cod Children’s Museum at least once. Located at 577 Great Neck Road South in Mashpee, this one-of-a-kind stop hosts indoor and outdoor exhibit spaces as well as year-round educational programming on-site. From displays that encourage creative thinking to those that highlight everything from nature and wildlife to weather and shorelines, kids will find something they love and plenty of reasons to return.
Let the kids access their inner pirate in Cape Cod with a visit to the Whydah Pirate Museum when you’re in the area. Found at 674 MA-28 in West Yarmouth, this museum is Cape Cod’s authentic pirate ship exhibition where guests can explore artifacts, discover treasures of all types, and interact with pirates too! A visit introduces kids to the story of the Whydah Gally and dives into details around seafloor research, diving, and archeology. There are educational programs hosted here throughout the year as well that bring the rich history of the Cape Cod shorelines to life!
Come be a part of the adventure at the oldest aquarium in America when you bring the kids to the Woods Hole Science Aquarium. Established in 1875, this aquarium is home to 140 species of marine animals hailing from the Mid-Atlantic U.S. waters. It’s a great place to enjoy a self-guided tour with the family and there are options to include behind-the-scenes looks at aquarium operations too. You’ll find the Woods Hole Science Aquarium located at 166 Water Street in Woods Hole.
The Sandwich Glass Museum is a wonderful place to enjoy a unique glass-blowing demonstration experience with the kids while you’re in town. Situated at 129 Main Street, the museum offers guests a chance to see molten glass drawn from the furnace before being blown into stunning shapes by professionals. This hands-on demonstration is designed for adults and kids alike for over 20 minutes and includes information about the glass industry in the area dating back to the early 19th century.
The Sandwich State Fish Hatchery is another stop worth adding to the list when you have little ones who are interested in nature and wildlife alike. Located along route 6A, the hatchery is an easy place to bring little ones and hosts thousands of fish on-site. Feeding options are available and there are plenty of opportunities to learn how the hatchery boosts wildlife numbers in and around Cape Cod.
Infuse some color and whimsy into your kid’s Cape Cod experience with a stop at the Butterfly Sanctuary at 26 Herring Pond Road in Bourne. This native butterfly habitat offers up education on butterfly conservation as well as a chance to explore pollinator-friendly gardens throughout.
Make more of your Cape Cod adventure by booking welcoming accommodations through New England Vacation Rentals. Reach out to learn more today!
There are a variety of routes to making the most of sightseeing across Cape Cod. Whether you’re a traveler that loves land-based excursions or can’t wait to get out on the water, there are options to suit every preference. The following are a few you won’t want to miss out on while you’re here!
A fantastic way to spend time when visiting Cape Cod is to get out on the water and cast a line. Beneath the waves, the waters are home to a variety of fish species, and waiting to reel in something exciting is always a treat. Independent anglers will find places like Scargo Lake in Dennis, Mystic Lake in Barnstable, and Buzzard’s Bay ideal for catching everything from bass and stripers to trout alike. Of course, if you prefer a guided experience on the water, there are plenty of chartered fishing experiences in Cape Cod to go around. Consider companies like Cape Cod charters for fly fishing, Reel Grit Sportfishing when you have your sights set on bluefish and tuna, or Albatross Fishing for bottom fishing trips across Cape Cod Bay just to name a few!
The land-based fun across Cape Cod is always a treat for travelers, but there’s something special about taking it all on from a vantage point on the waves as well. When you’re visiting and looking to make the most of fun on the water, booking a sailing charter is certainly the way to go. Companies like Sunset Sail offer up stunning evening experiences for groups of 12 while Cape Sailing Charters is happy to help guests book a half or full day of fun. Down Cape Charters & Boat Rentals as well as Cape Cod Catamaran Sailing Charters can customize time on the water to suit sightseeing or nature-viewing preferences too!
While a train excursion may not come immediately to mind when travelers think of time on Cape Cod, an experience at the Cape Cod Central Railroad is truly one of the most unique routes to relishing the terrain! With a depot located at 252 Main Street in Hyannis, the Cape Cod Central Railroad is a heritage railroad that operates on the line known as Cape Main. It’s operated by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation and a highlight for visitors is often the chance to book a scenic ride complete with onboard dining. A trip on the Cape Cod Central Railroad is a chance to savor the sights of dunes, marshes, and cranberry bogs along the way. Daytime rides include narrated histories of the areas you’ll pass by while weekends are for train rides that showcase brunch and lunch alike. There are even options to book sunset rides when you’re looking to infuse a little wonder and romance into the experience. Trains run rain or shine making this a great addition to any itinerary.
Elevate your Cape Cod adventure when you book inviting accommodations through the team at New England Vacation Rentals. Reach out to learn more and to start planning your next trip.
There is no wrong time of year to visit Cape Cod but the summer season will always be our favorite. The weather is beautiful and you will find there to be plenty of exciting activities and events taking place in the area. Take a look at the Cape Cod summer happenings below:
Come enjoy the celebration of Cape Cod’s signature blue, white, and pink flowers, Hydrangeas, with the annual Cape Cod Hydrangea Fest taking place every summer. This 10-day festival features a variety of exciting activities including daily tours of private gardens that showcase these beautiful flowers. The rest of the festival features exciting workshops and lectures, painting demonstrations, and promotions with local nurseries. The Cape Cod Hydrangea Fest is the perfect event for those with a green thumb. The festival will take place July 7th through the 16th 2023 at a variety of locales around Cape Cod.
There is no place better to spend a few hours shopping than Commercial Street. This local neighborhood is home to a variety of locally owned shops where you can find practically anything. The summer season is when Commercial Street is at its busiest so you can expect each shop to be open for most of the day. Pick up some souvenirs or find some hand-crafted items to bring back home.
Cape Cod is home to many beautiful beaches but one of the most popular ones to visit is Race Point Beach. This gorgeous area is always pristine and makes for the perfect spot for a summer walk. Enjoy the warm summer air and wade your feet into the cool ocean water. Take a look out in the distance for local birds flying in the skies or ships traveling in the distance. Race Point Beach is always a relaxing time when you visit.
Another spot for a relaxing yet memorable time is Heritage Museums and Gardens. These are not your standard gardens and instead are an incredible display of beautiful flora and flowers. The outdoor discovery center is perfect for children and will teach them a thing or two about the area. You cannot pass up a time to visit this beautiful location.
The summer season will be here before you know it. Book a stay at one of our vacation rentals today and see the summer season for yourself.
Great News! When reserving a New England Vacation Rental you now have Down the Cape Concierge to take care of all of your vacation requests. Our mobile service is here for anything you may need prior to and during your trip. We hope this innovative approach to fulfilling guest requests provides a comparable digital experience to sitting at an actual concierge desk.
Down the Cape Concierge has partnered with a variety of local businesses to offer you the very best vacation services and amenities on Cape Cod. We have taken the time and worry away from you, by providing on-demand guest services wherever you are staying.
To guarantee you’re ready for a relaxing vacation prior to getting over the Bridge, we offer multiple Pre-Arrival services. Want the house stocked when you get there? Need a midweek beer run? Last minute items for a family party? Our customizable “Shop & Stock” packages will ensure that the kitchen is filled with all the essentials. Planning any outdoor activities? We can have bikes, kayaks, or SUPs delivered right to your units. Just let us know what you need.
We are also delighted to suggest and secure reservations to any of Cape Cod’s finest restaurants, as we specialize in organizing group dining events. As guests of New England Vacation Rental, you will have access to preferred seating at some of the best dining destinations on the Cape. In the event you will need local transportation, we can book any size or class vehicle you may need.
Care to indulge yourself in seaside relaxation? Down the Cape offers a number of in unit spa services, including massages available at your convenience. Need to work off that Fisherman’s Platter? Many of our private service partners include trainers and yoga teachers. Please inquire with our concierge to secure a service prior to your stay.
While you are planning your trip or even if you are already on the Cape feel free to chat with our concierge desk to adjust your itinerary, request assistance with organizing on the fly family parties, even local advice,and suggestions (even traffic shortcuts!). All of our services can be done right on your phone! Just chat with our concierge desk and we can get started with your itinerary today. Make sure you have the rental address and your confirmation number handy!Down the Cape Travel Guide has curated the best beaches, kids activities, coastal dining, and unique experiences via the Happy Stays X app.
For things to do and concierge services at your fingertips just download the Happy Stays app via Apple or Android stores.
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Once again, we are looking forward to having you as our guest here on the Cape and wish you a delightful and memorable stay.
The annual family vacation is more than just an opportunity to visit places you have never seen before; it’s about spending time with your spouse, your children, and tightening up bonds that can loosen during the other 11 months and 51 weeks of the year. We lead such busy lives in today’s world, busier than at any other time in history, especially with the advent of cell phones that make it easy to multi-task. We can keep up with the news, text our friends, and play our favorite games while doing homework, taking a meeting, or eating dinner, and now is the time to stop, breathe and unplug. These fun New England family activities are going to give you the opportunity to get to know your family again as you enjoy a week (or longer!) on Cape Cod!
Each of our properties are different, but all will offer some way of enjoying the company of your family and friends. Board games are provided in some of our homes, allowing hours of fun. Monopoly championships and Scrabble tournaments may be what keeps you from exploring Cape Cod, at least for a few hours! For families traveling with younger children, Candyland never goes out of style and can be purchased at the local department store. If board games aren’t included, it’s ok; jigsaw puzzles take up very little space in your luggage and can be spread out on the coffee table or island to be put together as you come and go. Today’s puzzles are designed to be a little more difficult, coming in all shapes and sizes, including some really fun three-dimensional ones!
Some of our more luxurious family rentals come with game rooms that offer full-size pool or air hockey tables for even more hours of entertainment! Teens don’t always get that their parents had a life before them, so whooping them soundly at a game of pool can give you “street cred” that will linger long after you’ve returned home. A game of pool also offers time to talk and catch up on what is going on in your opponent’s life. Take advantage of these little moments; you never know when you will have another opportunity like this!
A trip to Cape Cod can help you build memories that will last a lifetime. Whether you stay in or go out, you’re sure to love your stay with New England Vacation Rentals! Contact us today if you have any questions!
Family vacations can be the best experience of your life or the worst—there really is no in-between. When you choose to take your next family summer vacation on Cape Cod, we can promise it will be the best one you’ve ever taken! Offering adventures and activities that appeal to all ages, there will be so much to do during your Massachusetts getaway that you’ll have to come back next year to experience it all! This guide to summer on the Cape will ensure you can choose the Cape Cod family activities you absolutely can’t wait another day to try!
There’s something lonely and yet majestic about a classic Cape Cod lighthouse; standing tall and proud overlooking the waters, even after all our years on Cape Cod we still give a sigh of delight when we see one! Offering a romantic focal point and the perfect backdrop to all our special occasions, your Cape Cod getaway would be lacking if you missed out on viewing the Chatham Lighthouse or the Nauset Lighthouse in Eastham. If you’re on a road trip, be sure to stop at any of the lighthouses you see!
Offering natural history tours, seal watching tours, and of course their unforgettable Sunset Cruises, Blue Claw Boat Tours has something for everyone! It’s BYOB (or snacks for the younger crowd) as you glide across a saltwater river to where it opens into Little Pleasant Bay and the show of a lifetime! If you’ve never experienced a Cape Cod sunset, this summer promises to be the perfect time to start! This is one of our favorite Cape Cod family activities.
Summer theater has been a Massachusetts tradition for longer than we can remember, and the Cape Cod Playhouse is one of our favorite places to catch a Broadway show! This year’s celebrity line-up promises to outshine all other years as Tony-winning actors and directors perform The Importance of Being Earnest, Chorus Line, and Little Shop of Horrors for the delight of audience members from all over the world.
Every adventure doesn’t have to be a grandiose one. Sometimes, enjoying a delicious muffin from the best bakery in town is all the excitement you need, and Woolfie’s Bakery is the one we suggest. Only open in the summer and early fall, the blueberry coffee cake muffin is the one we dream about all winter long, but your littles may prefer the chocolate chip ones!
Not every moment of every day has to be filled with exciting Cape Cod family activities, and when you stay in one of our summer escapes, you will find the quiet moments may very likely be the highlight of your entire trip. Enjoy dinner al fresco as you watch the sun set over the horizon, listening to your children chatter happily and your spouse laughing aloud; these are the moments we all hope for and Cape Cod vacations aim to please! Reserve yours with New England Vacation Rentals today! Click here to browse our wonderful vacation rentals, including our five-bedroom and six-bedroom rentals perfect for large groups!
As Spring Break season rolls around, the thought of fighting crowds of partying students for blanket space on the southern beaches of our nation can leave us feeling less than thrilled about our getaway. You’ve grown, matured, and to be perfectly honest, can no longer “hang” like you used to. We get it, because we’re where you are in our stage of life as well. But just because you’re not the party animal you once were, it doesn’t mean you should just give up and stay home; we think it means you should come to Cape Cod and participate in these fun Cape Cod Spring Break things to do!
It still can be pretty chilly in March and April on Cape Cod, so swimming is definitely off the menu, but there’s still fun to be had without entering the surf! Take pictures in front of the Chatham Lighthouse, grab a blanket and a good book and spend a few sunny afternoon hours escaping into the story, or bundle up and take a walk with your sweetie under the glow of starlight and moonbeams. These tranquil beach moments will be a reminder of how smart you were to choose Cape Cod—especially when you don’t have to fight for your piece of the sand!
A key element in an enjoyable spring break is the music. Whether itis headbanging rock, smooth sounding jazz, or in this case, the happy lilt of an Irish tune, your Cape Cod Spring Break will be a lot more memorable when spent listening to the music you love. O’Shea’s Olde Inne, a traditional Irish Pub located at 348 Main Street in West Dennis, holds Irish Music sessions every Sunday from 5:00 PM to 7:30 PM. Open to all musicians,you can participate or simply enjoy your Guinness as you tap your toes to the old Irish favorites that make your heart beat faster.
A good meal does more than just fill your belly, it feeds your soul,and when you dine at the restaurants we list in this guide, you’ll understand exactly what we are talking about! Whether you choose a former church in Chatham that now serves the best Italian style seafood you’ve ever tasted (The Impudent Oyster, 15 Chatham Bars Avenue),the fine French cuisine you’ll find (Chillingsworth Restaurant, 2449 Main Street in Brewster), or any of the other wonderful restaurants on the Cape, you’ll come away feeling peaceful, happy, and full!
Gone are the days of rooming with a dozen other college students in cheap hotels with questionable hygiene issues. You’ve grown to expect the kind of service, style, and yes, cleanliness you will only find in a New England Vacation Rentals vacation hideaway! Reserve yours today and celebrate this Cape Cod Spring Break with style!
Whenever we start planning our next vacation, the destination is carefully chosen and decided by a number of qualifications: Is the scenery breathtaking? Are the attractions family friendly? How delicious is the food? And most importantly, what type of shopping expeditions can we expect? There’s nothing better than filling the empty spots in our suitcases and sifting through our treasures upon our return, reliving the vacation one trinket at a time. When you choose Chatham on Cape Cod for your once in a lifetime vacation getaway, you’re guaranteed an experience you won’t want to end—especially when you spend your time treasure hunting with our Chatham Shopping Guide!
Quirky, charming, and destined to be the highlight of your Chatham shopping expeditions, Ducks in the Window offers a unique gift shopping experience. Featuring rubber duckies that match the personality of everyone you know, and the opportunity to personalize some for an extra special goodie, this special shop has been a Chatham tradition since opening day!
Take a piece of the Cape home with you when you explore the wares of Mayflower Shop, offering a taste of everything that makes our village special. If you can’t find it here, you probably don’t need it anyway. While you are definitely going to enjoy the gifts, home décor, and hobby items you can find here, we bet you won’t be able to stop laughing at the selection of funny greeting cards they sell. Padding your schedule with extra time might be a wise thing when shopping at Mayflower!
When you’re this close to where our county’s dreams began, you’re going to expect the antique stores in the area will be filled with artifacts and mementoes that bring that history to life. Chatham Village Antiques offers a fascinating glimpse into America’s past; the trinkets and treasures found here will look beautiful in your home or office.
We finish our tour of Chatham’s Main Street with a visit to Yankee Ingenuity, another Cape Cod tradition. Featuring a little of this, a lot of that, and everything in between, it’s their selection of Cape Cod gifts that always bring a smile to the faces of shoppers. With soaps, jewelry, coasters, artwork and more, this special boutique should be moved to the top of your vacation bucket list and Chatham shopping activities!
As you’ll be needing a place to temporarily store your Cape Cod treasures, and knowing that the best vacations deserve the best vacation rentals, may we suggest our Chatham homes for rent? Located close to all the best shopping spots and designed to make you feel at home, we can promise THIS will be the best part of your Cape Cod escape. Reserve your stay with New England Vacation Rentals today!
A wise lyricist once sang about the changing of the seasons, and although we may be throwing a different spin on one of our favorite songs, the changing of the seasons on Cape Cod are usually followed by an exciting event that must not be missed! If you are planning a visit to our town in the next few months or so, this list of Dennis Port Attractions will give you something special to do during your stay; just plan your stay in our New England Vacation Rentals Cape Cod escapes to take place during your favorite!
Pretty much everyone remembers writing poetry during their oh-so-dramatic teen years. On September 13th, when you visit Dennis Port’s Gathering of Poets, held at 5 Hall Street, you can try it again (maybe without so much drama!) at an open mike event held from 6:00 PM until 7:30 PM. Read what you have written, or read some of your favorite poetry written by others in a nurturing environment. Costing nothing to participate in, we’re sure you’ll find your stay on Cape Cod contributes to your creativity!
September is really the perfect month on the Cape, still warm enough to enjoy some time at the beach, but with the promise of fall in the air, cool enough to not feel sticky and hot, making it the perfect time for the Cape Cod Roots & Blues Festival! Held at Nauset Beach, with a portion of the proceeds going to charity, you can enjoy the perfect September day with good music, food, and drink and do a good deed at the same time!
Fall’s bounties bring a smile to our face every year, and this dinner and auction is a big reason why! Costing $35 for adults, $15 for students, and taking place at 100 Cable Road in nearby Eastham, this is your opportunity to experience Cape Cod life like a local. Featuring delicious foods prepared by students from the culinary arts department as well as from local restaurants, there will be music and more to keep you happy and occupied. Learn about local wines and keeping a garden, bid on awesome prizes in the silent auction, and of course, eat until your stomach can’t handle another bite at the 4th Annual Farm & Sea-to-Table Dinner & Auction.
Designed to bring families closer together, while still giving them the space they need, your Cape Cod vacation promises to be better than you dreamed when you stay with us. Reserve your stay today!
Cape Cod, Massachusetts is a beautiful seaside area in New England that is one of the most sought after vacation destinations on the East Coast. In addition to the breathtaking scenery and the abundance of amazing restaurants to choose from, Cape Cod also boasts a rich history. One of the best ways to experience both the natural and historical world of Cape Cod is to visit the museums of the area. Below are our top picks of museums on Cape Cod!
Bringing the entire family on vacation to Cape Cod? There are several family friendly museums in the area that are sure to keep the kids entertained while they learn! The Cape Cod Children’s Museum, located in the town of Mashpee, Massachusetts, is dedicated to the mission of having families learn together, all while having fun. They have hands-on exhibits that explore science as well as arts and crafts. There is a special area for toddlers to play and learn, a pirate ship for older children to explore, and a planetarium! The Children’s Museum is open 7 days a week all year long, so no matter when you visit Cape Cod, you can make it part of your trip.
If you are interested more specifically in the natural world, the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History in Brewster, MA has a range of exhibits and activities that explore the ecosystem of the area. Families can explore nature trails, visit the fresh and salt-water aquariums, or participate in one of the many family programs that the museum offers. You are guaranteed to leave the CCMNH with a renewed appreciation for nature!
The Cape Cod Museum of Art, founded in 1980, is dedicated to collecting and exhibiting exceptional works of art that have a connection to the Cape Cod area. Located Dennis, MA, the Cape Cod Museum of Art displays exhibitions of pieces from their permanent collection, borrowed artwork from other institutions, and juried pieces from contemporary artists. Their collection ranges from traditional New England paintings to abstract modern works. No matter what style of art you prefer, there is something for every at the Cape Cod Museum of Art!
Perhaps the most unique museum on Cape Cod is the Cape Cod Maritime Museum. This museum, situated on the waterfront in Hyannis, MA, is devoted to preserving the historical maritime history and culture of the region. Wholly unique, even for Cape Cod, the museum has exhibitions on marine art, boat building, and currently boasts the largest collection of scrimshaws that tell the tales of the area’s whaling history. As you can see, Cape Cod has a wide variety of museums to explore, no matter where your interests lie!
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