Hours spent traveling to a destination can feel a little longer when accompanied by a consistent stream of “are we there yet?” and extra bathroom breaks, but sharing the world’s wonders with your kids is worth it. If you relax at a slower pace, you might even be able to experience your destination with a dose of freshly renewed child-like wonder! Whether you’re visiting or are a native, Cape Cod is a magical place, and sharing it with the whole family can make some amazing memories. When exploring with kids, it’s always helpful to have some tricks up your sleeve! Activities and special outings that help ensure conked-out kiddos at the end of the day always help. Thankfully there are loads of fun things to do with kids on the Mid Cape! Here are some ideas for starters
Gone Fishing!
Fishing is a quintessential activity on the Cape, and there are plenty of opportunities to reel in a good time with the family in the Mid Cape area!
351 Sesuit Neck Rd. East Dennis
508-863-2533
Enjoy a three-hour fishing excursion on Cape Cod Bay! Fishing trips occur daily, including a short boat ride to and from the fishing grounds. The 52-foot Albatross is a vessel worthy of adventure and sure to excite the little ones.
Packet Landing/ Bass River, South Dennis
508-737-3162
1-3 hour chartered family fishing trips are available, or if you’ve got adventurous fishers in the family, head out a bit further to catch BIG fish like tuna, bluefish, or striped bass!
Sesuit Harbor, South Dennis
508-269-3003
Fish in Cape Cod Bay near scenic Barnstable Harbor! This father + son fishing charter primarily fishes for striped bass with light tackle. They provide customized fishing trips of varying lengths depending on your needs!
See The Sea!
Fishing not quite your speed? No worries! There are plenty of ways to enjoy being on the water without a fishing pole.
109 Rt. 28, West Dennis
508-362-5555
This 90-minute narrated trip down the Bass River is entertaining and educational. Windmills, a working lighthouse, and nature sanctuaries are just a few of the lovely sights you’ll see!
109 Main Street (Rt. 28), West Dennis
508-398-0060
Rent a single or double kayak for a little paddle down the Bass River on your own! They’ve got you covered if you’re looking to buy instead of rent.
Hyline Cruises: Hyannis Harbor Cruise
220 Ocean St, Hyannis
1(800) 492-8082
This 1-hour family-friendly cruise explores local landmarks and dives into the area’s history. Kids ride for free on morning trips!
with Naturalists from Mass Audubon’s Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary
East Dennis
508-349-2615
Learning is best when it’s hands-on, right? You’ll get a chance to join a naturalist for up-close marine life exploration. This 2-hour excursion is educational, exciting, and fun!
Bike-tastic Rides!
There’s nothing like a coastal bike ride. Fresh air, spectacular views, and a chance to get out some extra energy. It’s a win-win-win!
Bike Rentals from Barb’s Bike Shop
Rt. 6A, Brewster (on the Rail Trail)
508-896-7231 OR
430 Rt. 134, South Dennis
508-760-4723
Bike rentals for the whole family! Barb’s bike shop has two convenient locations on the Rail Trail. If you have your own bike and just need a tune-up before hitting the trail, Barb’s got you covered! Repair services and retail available.
249 Great Western Rd, South Dennis
508-398-0011
Located right on the Rail Trail, Dennis Cycle Center is stocked up with plenty of bikes and equipment. Whether you need a tune-up or you’re looking to rent, they’ve got your back. They rent kids’ bikes, road bikes, hybrids, comfort bikes, and even tag-alongs and baby seats!
High Time For Adventure!
If you’re looking for something a little more novel and exciting, look no further. Zooming go-karts or soaring parasails are in your future!
11 South Gages Way, South Dennis
508-394-6755
Go-Karts, trampolines, batting cages, basketball, an arcade… An afternoon (or day!) can be easily spent at Cartwheels. Don’t forget to grab some ice cream while you’re there!
1372 Route 134, East Dennis (next to Lost Dog Pub)
508-385-UFLY (8359)
“No one flies higher on Cape Cod!” Enjoy a 1-hour long jet ski trip or parasail and soak up the amazing views Cape Cod has to offer. Children may be passengers on jet ski rides.
Pirates Cove or Skull Island in Yarmouth
Enjoy a round of putt-putt with obstacles and features like pirate ships, waterfalls, and even glowing skulls! Are you on par?
518 Main Street Route 28, West Yarmouth
508-771-6060
Bounce house or outdoor inflatable with water slides? You can enjoy both as long as you go before 6pm when the water features shut down. This is a great way to get those bouncing-of-the-walls kids to bounce their energy away!
518 Main Street Route 28 West Yarmouth, MA 02673
Museum Time!
Whether you’re into regional art or pirates, the Mid Cape museum scene has you covered!
60 Hope Ln, Dennis
508-385-4477 x16
Featuring regional exhibitions focusing on artists from Cape Cod and Southern Massachusetts. The museum features seven galleries, a sculpture garden, and a library. Regular community events are offered as well! Check out their calendar to see what’s going on!
674 MA-28, West Yarmouth
Housing the largest collection of pirate artifacts recovered from a single shipwreck anywhere in the world, the Whydah Pirate Museum is a unique, educational, and just plain fun way to spend a morning or afternoon. Shiver me timbers, matey!
Down By The Bay
There are plenty of beautiful beaches to spend time at on the Mid Cape. The whole family can enjoy sandcastles, strolls, shell collecting, and swimming!
Throw a rock, and you’ll most likely hit a beach on the Mid Cape. Take your pick! Mayflower Beach, Sea Street Beach, Corporation Beach, West Dennis Beach…. The list goes on and on!
If it’s chillier than expected or rain is in the forecast, you can still ensure the kids get some fun water play in!
1225 Iyannough Rd. Suite #1, Hyannis
855) 861-4370
This indoor water park is open year-round and features 30,000 square feet of indoor/outdoor water fun! A wave pool, plenty of slides, and a “stormy” river outfitted with waterfalls, rapids, and even a humpback whale (who just might spray you with water!) create a fun and dynamic atmosphere.
Fun, Fun, Fun!
We hope these ideas help get your adventure-filled time on the Mid Cape started with a bang, whether you’re visiting or recently moved to the area. It’s a special part of the world, and experiencing it alongside a child can make it even more special. Have fun out there!
