17 Cool Things to Do on Cape Cod with Kids

The Woods Hole Science Aquarium was established in 1875, making it the country's oldest public aquarium. The Woods Hole Science Aquarium displays approximately 80 species of marine animals found in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic U.S. waters. The aquarium is designed for self-guided tours of the main exhibits and a behind-the-scenes look at aquarium operations.

Martha's Vineyard is a picturesque island paradise, just 7 miles off the coast of Massachusetts, but a world away from the hustle and bustle of the mainland. Martha's Vineyard is filled with charming streets, bakeries, and restaurants, as well as gingerbread cottages and low-key activities (such as the Flying Horses Carousel, alpaca farms, and beaches) suitable for all ages. 

The Cape Cod Children’s Museum is a hands-on, interactive space in Mashpee, Massachusetts, designed to inspire learning through play for children and families. It features exhibits on science, art, and imaginative play, including a pirate ship, treehouse, and STEM-based activities. The museum also hosts special events, educational programs, and seasonal celebrations throughout the year.

The Cape Cod Melody Tent is a unique, in-the-round performance venue located in Hyannis, Massachusetts. Known for its intimate setting and rotating stage, it hosts concerts, comedy shows, and theatrical performances during the summer season. With a history dating back to 1950, it remains one of the few continuously operating tent theaters in the United States.

Visit the John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum to learn about the legacy of President Kennedy and his deep connection to Cape Cod where he enjoyed special days with family and friends. The Cape was the one place he could relax and feel at home, even while bearing the weight of the world. Learn why Hyannis Port was considered the “heart and home” of the Kennedys then and now. Step into the unforgettable Summer White House days of the 1960s when a beloved President and his family brought joy and hope to the nation.

Hyannis Whale Watcher Cruises offers whale watching tours from Barnstable Harbor on Cape Cod, providing close-up views of humpback, finback, and minke whales in the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary. The cruises are led by experienced naturalists who share insights about marine life and ocean conservation. Their high-speed, spacious vessel ensures a comfortable and educational experience for passengers of all ages.

Wicked Waves Waterpark is Cape Cod’s largest aquatic park, offering a huge variety of slides, a wave pool, a lazy river, and a kid‐friendly splash island. The park also includes nearby inflatable attractions (CC Inflatable Park) and a surf house with a FlowRider surf machine, plus several dining and cabana options to round out the day. 

Amanda Banta said:  The Cape Cod Inflatable Park is the bounce house place of your kid's wildest dreams. This park has every kind of bounce house imaginable, ranging from typical bounce castles to giant slides that send you airborne to wild waterslides. As soon as my kids found the toddler waterslides they didn't want to leave - they spent hours there! Thrill-seekers can check out the Challenge Zone and, added in 2018, the H2O waterpark. A great perk is that only those who want to play need to pay. Parents who won't ride don't have to pay admission.

The Cape Playhouse brings Broadway-level productions to Cape Cod every summer, letting theater-loving visitors get their fix of outdoor plays and musicals while on vacation. The theater started in the 1920s and its stage has been graced by the likes of Bernadette Peters, Bette Davis, and more. The current season's schedule can be found online, along with Kids series, concerts, and other events.

Sundae School Ice Cream is a beloved Cape Cod ice cream shop known for its homemade, old-fashioned ice cream and nostalgic, parlor-style atmosphere. With locations in Dennisport and Harwich Port, it has been serving locals and visitors alike since 1976.

Amanda Banta said:  Ice cream from Sundae School is a must-have for Cape vacationers, so much so that the shops have attendants directing traffic in their parking lots on warm summer nights. Everyone in the family will be able to find something sweet from their extensive menu of flavors.

If you're a 'go big or go home type,' dig into a fresh strawberry or blueberry sundae, topped with a real cherry to boot!

Cranberry bog tours on Cape Cod offer a behind-the-scenes look at the region’s iconic cranberry farming, showcasing both wet and dry harvesting methods. Visitors learn about the history, cultivation, and processing of cranberries while walking through active bogs and interacting with local growers.

Grand Slam Entertainment, also known as Cape Cod Bumper Boats, is a family‑friendly amusement center offering bumper boats, batting cages, and a zip line among its attractions.

Amanda Banta said:  It's easy to dismiss Grand Slam Entertainment as another "tourist trap" along Route 28, but this place is a lot of fun and definitely worth a stop if you're traveling with kids and want something different to break up your beach days. My kids love the bumper boats and being able to spray each other while cruising and bumping around the pool. Little kids can ride with an older sibling or adult and everyone still have fun. Grand Slam also has batting cages, a zip line that flies over the bumper boats and a pan for treasure feature.

The Cape Cod Baseball League is a premier collegiate summer baseball league in Massachusetts, founded formally in 1923 and now featuring 10 teams across Cape Cod towns. It attracts top college players from around the U.S. to play in wood‑bat competition under scout observation, and many alumni go on to Major League Baseball.

Provincetown, on the the eastern tip of the Cape, offers tons of activity for families throughout the year. Walking around town is a great way to see the quaint buildings and picturesque landscape of the town. Commercial Street is a must stop for visitors, with its expanse of locally-owned boutiques, art galleries, antique shops and restaurants. Stop into the Lobster Pot for fresh fried seafood and of course a picture of its iconic neon sign. Active families will find plenty of fun and thrills among the beaches (two in the National Seashore), biking, kayaking, parasailing and more.

Ride, walk or run through 6 Cape Cod towns as you follow the Cape Cod Rail Trail. There’s plenty to see along the 25-mile trail and state and national parks to visit as you please.

Amanda Banta said:  Biking the Cape Cod Rail Trail gives you a chance to see gorgeous parts of the Cape while also keeping active. The trail, which follows a former railroad line, has more than 20 miles of mostly flat paved paths that stretch through 6 towns. Take a few breaks during your ride to enjoy the views; you will not be disappointed! There are many local shops from which you can rent bikes if you don't bring yours with you. The path is not exclusively for bikers; walkers and runners are welcome as well.

An afternoon cream tea consists of a variety of freshly baked scones and pastries, served daily with cream and jam. Guests can enjoy a cream tea in the dining room or outside among the English gardens.

Tracy Snyder Molina said:  New England knows how to tea time! And if you're looking for afternoon tea on Cape Cod, check out the Captain's House Inn. Afternoon Cream Tea includes savory tea sandwiches, scones, assorted cakes and pastries. In December, they typically offer a Holiday Tea menu with festive decorations, traditional English crackers and seasonal baked goods, too. The inn is a beautiful place to stay overnight, as well.