Mums do travel

Travel with and without teens

  • Home
  • Destination
    • UK
      • London
      • Kent
      • Northern Ireland
      • Wales
      • Elsewhere
    • Europe
      • Austria
      • Croatia
      • France
      • Gibraltar
      • Greece
      • Hungary
      • Italy
      • Netherlands
      • Norway
      • Portugal
      • Russia
      • Spain
      • Turkey
    • North America
      • USA
      • Canada
      • Carribean
      • Costa Rica
    • Africa
      • South Africa
      • Tunisia
    • Asia
      • Thailand
      • Bali
      • Singapore
    • Australia
  • Inspiration
    • Things to do in…
    • Things to do in London…
    • Where to stay
    • Language learning
    • Family travel interviews
    • The journey
    • Recipes
  • Published in
  • About
  • Contact
  • Travel shop
Home / Type of trip / Coast / Things to do in Cape Cod with kids

Things to do in Cape Cod with kids

September 25, 2015 by Gretta Schifano 21 Comments

Cape Cod watersports. Copyright Jusr Go Places

Cape Cod watersports. Copyright Just Go Places

This is a guest post by Shobha George who blogs and podcasts about family travel at Just Go Places.

Cape Cod

Cape Cod is in the state of Massachusetts on the Atlantic coast of the USA. The peninsula is shaped like a flexed arm: the Outer Cape faces the Atlantic while the other side forms a bay with the mainland, and is known as the bay side. We spent a relaxing week there 12 years ago, just before my daughter started school, and we loved exploring the seashore and going out on a whale-watching trip. Here are Shobha’s tips for things to do in Cape Cod with children.

“Cape Cod is a popular family destination in the USA for many reasons. It’s got an unpretentious, picturesque charm with its fishing villages, genteel towns, ponds, marshlands and seashore. With so many indoor and outdoor activities for the whole family to enjoy, your kids will be having too much fun there to miss their electronics!

The area has a long history, even though it is best known as a summer vacation area.  Provincetown, at the very tip of the Cape, is where the Pilgrims first set foot on American soil. They didn’t like it and moved on to Plymouth on the main land mass of Massachusetts. Plymouth went down in the history books as their first settlement.  The Pilgrims may not have known what to do with Cape Cod but modern visitors will be spoiled for choices.

Fun at the Beach

The Cape Cod National Seashore is a protected national park with 40 miles of beaches along the Atlantic Ocean for you to enjoy. You also get beaches on the bay side of the Cape which are much calmer than the ocean side. These beaches are perfect for small children, as are the small beaches along the ponds.

Sand sculpture in Cape Cod. Copyright Just Go Places

Sand sculpture in Cape Cod. Copyright Just Go Places

Playing in the Water

Cape Cod is great for the water sports-loving family. Equipment is easily available to rent so don’t worry about carting any gear on holiday. You can go canoeing, kayaking and paddle boarding. Off the coast, there is also great fishing with boats that you can charter for a half-day or full-day. My son and his father have done a lot of deep-sea fishing and have caught so many fish, they usually throw some of them back into the ocean.

Biking on the trails

There are lots of easy biking trails on the Cape. The two that we have ridden are the Shining Sea Bikeway and the Cape Cod Rail Trail. The Shining Sea Bikeway is an eight-mile road along the coast. The Cape Cod Rail Trail runs 22 miles over a disused railroad track converted to a bike path. These trails are pretty flat, paved and an easy cycle ride for the whole family through pretty vistas. Make sure you bring sunscreen and water because that sun can get pretty hot!

Cape Cod bike trail. Copyright Just Go Places

Cape Cod bike trail. Copyright Just Go Places

Whale and seal watching

There are half-day whale watching trips from either Barnstable or Provincetown. Some of the companies state they can guarantee whale sightings which I find a dubious claim. You can also take a boat to Monomoy Island which is a protected wildlife habitat off the coast of Chatham. Seals are a protected species here. The abundance of seals has attracted the great white shark as well. The sharks find the seals easy munchies. Chatham has taken to referring to itself as the summer home of the great white shark. I like the way they have taken a negative and made it into a positive!

Thrills and spills

My children have yet to meet a theme park they did not like. In Cape Cod, we have gone to Cape Cod Inflatable Park a couple of times which is a riff on the theme of the TV show Total Wipeout. The whole park is made up of giant inflatables which are a lot of fun for kids and adults alike. Last year, the whole park was revamped to include even more rides. There’s a separate area for toddlers and water slide inflatables. For older teens and adults, there is also a separate ‘challenge’ area with advanced rides such as trapezes and zip lines.

Cape Cod Inflatable Park. Copyright Just Go Places

Cape Cod Inflatable Park. Copyright Just Go Places

Just this brief list shows you the different types of activities available for a fun family holiday on Cape Cod. You can find something that will be suitable for everyone in all different age groups. Cape Cod is perfect for a quintessential American holiday!”

Shobha is an American expat based in London with her family (husband and two kids, twins aged 9). Shobha and her family visit the Cape Cod peninsula every summer because they have a house in Martha’s Vineyard, an island off the coast of Cape Cod.

Thanks to Shobha for sharing her tips for Cape Cod. If you’ve been to Cape Cod, do you have any tips to add? If you haven’t been to Cape Cod, does it sound like somewhere that you’d like to visit?

Share this:

  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)
  • Click to print (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)

Related

Categories: Coast, Things to do in..., USA
Tags: Cape Cod, seal watching, whale watching

About Gretta Schifano

I'm a freelance journalist and blogger specialising in family travel with teenagers, trips when parents manage to travel without their kids, and 50+ travel. I also write about vegetarian travel, parenting teenagers, adoption, SEN, ADHD and anxiety. My work's been published by the Financial Times, Guardian, Independent, National Geographic Traveller, Lonely Planet and others. I've lived and worked in Italy and Spain and am now based in rural south-east England with my husband, adoptive and birth kids and our dog. I previously worked as a social action radio producer for the BBC.

Facebook - Twitter - Google+

Subscribe to posts by email?

Privacy & Cookies: This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use.
To find out more, including how to control cookies, see here: Cookie Policy

Comments

  1. Jaime Oliver says

    October 1, 2015 at 9:27 pm

    This sounds so beautiful … i have to say that sand sculpture was by far the best i have ever seen!
    Jaime Oliver recently posted…Saving For Your Child’s Education 101My Profile

    Reply
  2. Rachel says

    October 1, 2015 at 6:49 pm

    I like the idea of paddle boarding but don’t think i would spent that much time on the board I would probably send more time in the water from falling off. Whale watching is something I would love to do.
    Rachel recently posted…Fat To Fit Friday week 5My Profile

    Reply
  3. Donna @OrdCyclingGirl says

    September 30, 2015 at 8:36 pm

    Cape Cod and cycling alongside the coast sounds pretty awesome. I’ll definitely be adding the Cape Cod bike trail to my list of ‘must-do’ cycling adventures.
    Donna @OrdCyclingGirl recently posted…Catalunya: City Sight-Seeing & Cycling Around GironaMy Profile

    Reply
  4. Globalmouse says

    September 30, 2015 at 7:14 pm

    Cape Cod is somewhere I’ve always been intrigued by and would love to visit – sounds like there’s loads to do too!
    Globalmouse recently posted…Frugi Family – AW15 – Embracing the cold with Frugi’s Autumn / winter collectionMy Profile

    Reply
  5. Penny A Residence says

    September 30, 2015 at 10:48 am

    Provincetown was awesome fun! That was pre kids, but this makes me want to go back with them.
    Penny A Residence recently posted…Home Reflections: Shortlisted in the Amara Interior Blog AwardsMy Profile

    Reply
  6. Sonya Cisco says

    September 29, 2015 at 10:00 am

    Looks like a fab place to visit – plenty to see and do.
    Sonya Cisco recently posted…What the f*** do I do with myself now?My Profile

    Reply
  7. Kara says

    September 29, 2015 at 5:59 am

    I have always wanted to go whale watching and that sand sculpture is amazing
    Kara recently posted…Win a Family Ticket to Christmas Wonderland at Paultons ParkMy Profile

    Reply
  8. sam fernley says

    September 28, 2015 at 9:26 am

    A place I would love to go! I did fly over it on my way back from NY and I was nose pressed to window looking at the coastline formation. Would be a dream to visit.
    sam fernley recently posted…History at National Trust DinefwrMy Profile

    Reply
  9. Joanne Dewberry says

    September 28, 2015 at 8:31 am

    My son would adore the whale watching!
    Joanne Dewberry recently posted…Men in Suits. Meeting Paddington BearMy Profile

    Reply
  10. Mary Louise says

    September 27, 2015 at 7:08 pm

    I always did wander where Cape Cod was – very interesting.
    I would love to ride the bike trail. Cape Cod seems like a great place to visit.
    Mary Louise recently posted…An Important CastingMy Profile

    Reply
  11. oana79 says

    September 26, 2015 at 8:59 pm

    I would love to go back to America, anywhere, Cape Cod, New York, you name it! We were last there when Emma was only 2 and would love her to relive the experience, now that she is a bit older.xx
    oana79 recently posted…Marvel Kids Game ReviewMy Profile

    Reply
  12. JuggleMum, Nadine Hill says

    September 26, 2015 at 7:50 am

    I’ve never been to Cape Cod but there are so many places in America that I’d love to explore – I’ve only just scratched the surface!
    JuggleMum, Nadine Hill recently posted…The School RunMy Profile

    Reply
  13. Anne says

    September 25, 2015 at 9:11 pm

    I’ve not been to Cape Cod but it certainly sounds like a fun place to visit with the family.
    Anne recently posted…School – The next big step!My Profile

    Reply
  14. Bex @ The Mummy Adventure says

    September 25, 2015 at 7:26 pm

    The inflatable park looks brilliant! I wouldn’t want to take the kids though, they might slow me down !
    Bex @ The Mummy Adventure recently posted…CopenhagenMy Profile

    Reply
  15. Fritha says

    September 25, 2015 at 3:10 pm

    I would LOVE to go whale watching, it’s on my bucket list of things to do!
    Fritha recently posted…The MAD blog awards, a night away and the start of nesting..My Profile

    Reply
  16. Jen Walshaw (@Mum_TheMadHouse) says

    September 25, 2015 at 1:12 pm

    Oh one, yes one day we will do all this and more as a family. it is on our to visit places.

    Reply
  17. Sarah Ebner says

    September 25, 2015 at 12:47 pm

    We went to Cape Cod a long time ago, before we had kids, and it was gorgeous. Such a lovely place for a family holiday – lucky Shobha! And great tips too.
    Sarah Ebner recently posted…Lincoln Castle: Magna Carta, gorgeous views and the strangest chapel…My Profile

    Reply
  18. Michelle says

    September 25, 2015 at 12:18 pm

    All I know about Cape Cod is the reference to it in the movie Splash! I have always wanted to visit Massachusetts, and reading about all the things you can do in Cape Cod, would mean I would factor that into a trip there.
    Michelle recently posted…My Stay at Home Farm Hotel, Honiton, DevonMy Profile

    Reply
  19. Shobha says

    September 25, 2015 at 11:36 am

    Thanks very much for having me on your blog!
    Shobha recently posted…The Weekly RTW Blog Roundup Ed. 2My Profile

    Reply
    • Gretta Schifano says

      September 25, 2015 at 12:53 pm

      Thanks for writing this Shobha!

      Reply
  20. Sonia says

    September 25, 2015 at 9:06 am

    Cape Cod is on my to do list and this just makes me want to go more!! Fab post x
    Sonia recently posted…September Degustabox ReviewMy Profile

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




CommentLuv badgeShow more posts

Search site

Follow me!

Email: gretta at mumsdotravel dot com
Follow me on FacebookFollow me on Google+Follow me on TwitterFollow me on InstagramFollow me on YouTubeFollow me on PinterestFollow me on Bloglovin

You'd like posts by email?

Booking.com

Most popular posts:

  • How to pack for an 8 kg luggage allowance
    How to pack for an 8 kg luggage allowance
  • Where to find Mary Poppins film locations in London
    Where to find Mary Poppins film locations in London
  • Thailand with teenagers: a two-week summer itinerary
    Thailand with teenagers: a two-week summer itinerary
  • What to do when your teenager doesn't want to go on your family holiday
    What to do when your teenager doesn't want to go on your family holiday
  • How to shop in the souks of Tunis medina, Tunisia
    How to shop in the souks of Tunis medina, Tunisia
  • Itinerary for a three-night Berlin sightseeing trip with a teenager
    Itinerary for a three-night Berlin sightseeing trip with a teenager
  • Top things to do in Sicily with teenagers
    Top things to do in Sicily with teenagers
  • 5 of the best: UK castles for family stays
    5 of the best: UK castles for family stays
  • 60 free things to do in London with a teenager
    60 free things to do in London with a teenager
  • Is your teenager ready to stay at home alone?
    Is your teenager ready to stay at home alone?

Recent Posts

  • How to apply for Italian citizenship: everything we’ve done so far
  • How to explore London’s top attractions from home
  • Amsterdam virtual museum & gallery tours
  • Introducing Armchair Travels
  • How to explore Florence, Italy, from home

About

  • About
  • Published in
  • Contact

Disclosure

This is a personal blog written and edited by me, Gretta Schifano. Sometimes I’m given products or sent on trips to review, but I always make this clear and give my honest opinion. See my About page for full details.

Copyright © Mums do travel 2019
Header by Suzanne Barton
Website by
Callia Web

Sign up for my free newsletter:
Subscribe to the Mums do travel mailing list... it's FREE!
You'll receive family travel news, offers and competitions. Once you sign up you can download my tips for saving money on family travel.
Your information will *never* be shared or sold to a 3rd party.
Sign up for my free newsletter: