Fun Summer Activities On Cape Cod
In the summer, Massachusetts residents, along with visitors across the world, head to Cape Cod for summer fun. While the Cape is most known for some of the most beautiful beaches in the United States, there are also some fabulous activities for visitors to experience. Here are a few picks – for those rainy days, or times when you just want to get away from the beach.
Cape Cod Baseball League
The summer Cape Cod baseball league is famous among baseball fans, as it's been the top amateur baseball league in the country since the 1800s. Many of Major League Baseball's top players got their start in the Cape League.
The Cape League features ten teams, located in Bourne, Brewster, Chatham, Cotuit, Falmouth, Harwich, Hyannis, Orleans, Wareham, and Yarmouth-Dennis. The teams are nonprofit organizations that do not charge for admission, but may ask for donations. There are no tickets, just show up to the games you want to attend! All games are also kid-friendly.
Cape Cod Melody Tent
21 West Main Street
Hyannis, MA
508-775-5630
Hours: Varies by show
Cost: Varies by show
website
The Cape Cod Melody Tent in Hyannis is a nonprofit theater in Hyannis where every seat is within 50 feet of the stage. This season's schedule includes kids' performers the Wiggles, tween favorite Miranda Cosgrove from iCarly, and adult performers the Monkees, Martina McBride, and Guster.
JFK Hyannis Museum
397 Main Street
Hyannis, MA
508-790-3077
Hours: Mon – Sat 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sun noon – 5 p.m.
Cost: $2.50 children 10-17, $5 over 17, free for children under 10
website
President John F. Kennedy spent much of his time on Cape Cod, and the JFK Hyannis Museum seeks to showcase his days on Cape Cod. The museum includes a video narrated by Walter Conkrite, as well as over 80 photographs from 1934 to 1963.
Cape Cod Potato Chips Factory
Breeds Hills Road
Hyannis, MA
888-881-CHIP
Hours: Mon – Fri 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Cost: Free
website
Cape Cod Potato Chips, created in 1980 by Cape Codder Steve Bernard, are kettle cooked, and thicker than the average chip. Want to watch the whole process? Check out a self-guided tour at the Cape Cod Potato Chips Factory in Hyannis – but keep in mind that they are closed on weekends and holidays. And yes, you will get to taste these delicious treats!
Cape Cod Museum of Art
Route 6A
Dennis, MA
508-385-4477
Hours: Mon – Fri 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thu 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sun 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Cost: Adults: $8, Members and children under 18 Free
website
The Cape Cod Museum of Art features artwork and artists associated with Cape Cod, Nantucket, and Martha's Vineyard. With seven galleries, and library, a screening room, and a sculpture garden, you'll really learn about the history and culture of the Cape. The museum is also kid- friendly, and features a kids' treasure hunt in the galleries.
Cape Cod Lavender Farm
Island Pond Trail
Harwich, MA
508-432-8397
Hours: Mon – Sun 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Cost: Varies
website
Cape Cod Lavender Farm, opened in 1995, includes over 14,000 lavender plants and is one of the largest lavender farms on the East Coast. Make sure you check out the "enchanted garden" which is appropriate for adults as well as children.
Jodi Grundig is editor and publisher of Family-Friendly Boston and Mom's Favorite Stuff.
