Best Family Friendly Summer Activities on Cape Cod (Besides the Beach)

cape cod beach summer

A trip to the beautiful beaches of Cape Cod is a bucket list adventure, but there is so much more to the area than the coastline. These are some of the best family friendly activities to try when you venture to the Cape

Cape Cod Lavender Farm

cape cod lavender farm lavender bunches new england
Credit: Cape Cod Lavender Farm

In Harwich, the Cape Cod Lavender Farm offers the unique opportunity to stroll through over 7,000 plants on property. The family-owned farm is free to visit when it is open from March through December. 



For peak bloom and the most vibrant colors, plan your trip between late June and mid-July. This is when the lavender is harvested and turned into handcrafted beauty and home products which are sold throughout the Cape and Islands

Aside from the family friendly lavender fields and gardens, there is the Enchanted Garden. This special garden is home to miniature castles. Among the greenery, the whole family can search for hidden faerie portals for a day filled with imagination. 

Cape Cod Inflatable Park 

Cape Cod Inflatable Park
Credit Mary Heth Sandcastle Publishing

Did you know Cape Cod is home to the largest wet and dry inflatable park in the world? Whether you are a guest at the park’s hotel or staying in the area and looking for a kid friendly day, there is everything from slides to a trapeze and tightrope.

Tickets are required for anyone wishing to try out the many rides, slides and competition games or to access the wet rides. Non-riders in the dry area gain free admission. Non-riders can watch their family play on the inflatables or discover the park’s arcade, temporary tattoo spot, cafe, and gift shop. 



Family Friendly Boat Rides

Credit Ben Nugent, Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce

With an ample amount of water access, it is no surprise that there are many family friendly boat rides throughout Cape Cod. Many small companies operate from docks throughout the area, but one of the best places to catch a ride is at the Hyannis Harbor dock. 

Here, you can find Pirate Adventures’ ride. On this pirate ship, the whole family comes together as you search the sea for stolen treasure. Just a short walk away, you can find Whale Watcher Cruises. In their 30 years of operating on the Cape, they have a 99% sighting rate, so you will almost certainly see some of the ocean’s largest creatures. 

These family friendly boat rides can be extremely popular during peak summer months, so be sure to book your tickets in advance.

Cape Code Skatepark

Cape Cod is also famous for skateparks and offers an exhilarating experience for skateboarders of all skill levels. Cape Cod skatepark skatepark features ramps, rails, and obstacles designed to challenge and inspire riders.

Whether you’re a beginner looking to learn the basics or a seasoned pro honing your tricks, Cape Cod Skatepark provides the perfect setting. With its welcoming atmosphere and supportive community, it’s not just a place to skate, but also a hub for camaraderie and shared passion. So grab your board, head to Cape Cod Skatepark, and prepare for an unforgettable ride on the asphalt waves.

Beaches

Summer won’t be complete without an actual beach trip. Cape Cod offers a variety of family-friendly beaches. Chatham’s Cockle Cove beach is a favorite for many families because of its gentle and calm waves. It’s the perfect playground for your kids.

And to make sure you don’t worry about how to protect them from the sun, make sure to bring good sunscreen, hats, beach umbrellas, beach towels, and a beach mat. This way, when you’re lounging on the beachside, you and the kids will be protected from the harsh heat of the summer sun.

Mini Golf

The best family activity for a cloudy day on the Cape is mini golfing at one of the many themed courses. For an immersion into the wild, head to Wild Animal Lagoon in Yarmouth, or go on a nautical adventure at Cataumet Light Mini Golf in Cataumet. Each course offers a distinct atmosphere and hours of fun for the whole family. 

Skull Island Miniature Golf is the place to visit for a full day of activities to please all ages. After a round of mini golf, visit the arcade, hit a bucket of balls at the driving range, or have a race around the Go-Kart track

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