While the beaches are the main attraction on Cape Cod, there are plenty of family-friendly parks, amusement centers and nautical activities to keep kids of all ages and their parents entertained all day.
The Cape boasts several mini-golf and entertainment complexes that are a hit with both kids and parents. Skull Island in South Yarmouth features an arcade, batting and soccer cages, go-karts, and a skate park in addition to its namesake golfing area. The adventure-themed mini-golf course is sprinkled with waterfalls, a haunted treasure cave, and a Swiss Family Robinson treehouse. Pirate’s Cove in Yarmouth provides an adventurous coastal New England style mini golf experience. You'll be putting your way through caves, under waterfalls and around iconic Cape Cod scenes including lighthouses, roaring sharks and pirate ships.
Cape Cod Inflatable Park in West Yarmouth is a marvel of play. It's the only park of its kind in the country offering both wet and dry inflatable rides. Kids can take a ride down a tropical waterslide, cross a shallow pool in the adventure climbing area, or bounce it out in multiple, themed bouncy houses. The park is open daily in summer.
Cape Cod Children’s Museum in Mashpee features a rotating lineup of exhibitions and special programming in addition to kid-approved mainstays such as the nautical-themed playhouses and pirate ships. The museum is most appealing to younger kids, where they can run from attraction to attraction, or perhaps sit (mostly) still for interactive reading and multimedia features.
If the kids run around with an eye patch quoting Captain Jack Sparrow then they'll be thrilled to spend a swashbuckling afternoon at Cape Cod Pirate Adventures. Suggested for those between the ages of three and ten, the authentic-looking pirate ship Sea Gypsy takes all aboard on a treasure hunt into Hyannis Harbor. Once aboard, kids will have their faces painted and be briefed on their duties-and how to avoid walking the plank. They'll hoist flags, blast water cannons into approaching "enemy" pirates and navigate maps in search of sunken treasure at sea. Afterwards, make time for the Whydah Pirate Museum in Yarmouth, where the kiddos can see and touch the world's only authenticated pirate treasure, recovered from the Whydah pirate ship that sunk off Cape Cod.
Want all the fun of a day fishing, but none of the hassle? Kids Fishing Hyannis takes kids and adults on a 90-minute cruise around the calm waters of Hyannis on group fishing expeditions. You'll set sail in a converted amphibious vehicle that features a roof for added sun protection. They supply the gear and bait, all you need to do is show up with a snack. The captain is up-to-date on the hot fishing spots--at least for small fish--so the kids are likely to have a productive day at sea. Catch and release is highly encouraged.
Hidden Hollow at Heritage Museums & Gardens is located within the 100 acres gardens and nature trail preserve in Sandwich. While the gardens feature an extensive collection of horticultural marvels and water features, there's also kid-friendly attractions. Hidden Hollow is an interactive and immersive outdoor learning playground where kids can climb tree stumps, skip across log balance beams, construct forts, create nature-inspired art, and experiment with water. Visitors can also take a ride a vintage carousel and explore seasonal exhibitions on the grounds.
Open May through September, the Wellfleet Drive-In Theater is a summer evening destination for families, showing a lineup of classic and new movies with kid-friendly ratings. The updated, retro drive-in was originally built in 1957 and features all the latest tech, including a 100′ x 44′ screen and a crystal clear sound system. There’s also a playground and snack bar on the premises, too.
On a rainy day, bowling is always on the agenda. Swing by the Ryan Family Amusements' locations in Buzzards Bay or South Yarmouth to play, make a day of it at Ryan's Ten Pin Eatery in Hyannis, where you can find arcades, laser tag and virtual reality too. At The Lanes Bowl & Bistro in Mashpee, mom and dad can enjoy a meal while the kids compete.
After a full day of adventures on land and sea with the kids, you'll be hungry. Sit down and recharge with a burger or classic New England style fish + chips for dinner and an ice cream cone for dessert!
Save Your Favorite Listings, Events, and Offers Here