The first settlers of Cape Cod, the pilgrims who came to America to escape the tyranny of English royal rule, are famous for making this area their home, but it wasn’t until the 1950s that our beautiful home Cape became a popular vacation destination for families. The Kennedys may have been the first to recognize Cape Cod’s charms, and the bridges and ferries helped make the island more accessible. Pretty Picky Properties wasn’t a thing back then, of course, but in our 20-years of existence we have helped provide travelers with family homes in which they will feel comfortable and relaxed, and guides such as this one offering tips for Cape Cod family getaways will ensure that every stay will be fun and exciting as well. Read on for our Cape Cod family vacation ideas!
The Best Cape Cod Family Getaways
Day 1: What Do Sharks Do on Mondays in Chatham?
Although you don’t want to meet up with a shark during your daily visits to Forest Beach in South Chatham, children and adults are often fascinated by the life and habits of these cold-blooded creatures, and with a visit to the AWSC Shark Center in Chatham, located at 235 Orleans Road, guests can enjoy an in-depth glimpse into their life and habitat. Open seven days a week from 10 AM until 4 PM and offering interactive exhibits, videos, and an entertaining selection of displays, this fun family friendly activity is also a great rainy day adventure.
Day 2: Dining with the Family in Hyannis
We are parents too, and we understand the difficulties of dining out with children that still tend to walk on the wild side, but a dinner at Baxter’s Boathouse will make everyone feel comfortable. Located at 177 Pleasant Street in Hyannis and offering sea views, a tasty seafood menu (including a kids’ menu that will appeal to the pickiest of tiny travelers), and the occasional glimpse of a celebrity or two, Baxter’s has been a local tradition since the 1960s and was a regular hangout for the Kennedys.
Day 3: Having a Fair Time in Falmouth
The all-American tradition of a day at the fair can be enjoyed during your summer journey to Barnstable. Taking place in July at the Cape Cod Fairgrounds (1220 Nathan Ellis Highway, Route 151 in East Falmouth), this fair features all that you would expect a fair would have, including carnival rides, food, farm animals, art, and crafts, but the Barnstable County Fair offers something extra. The world’s largest demolition derby won’t let you down, and as you watch all those cars crashing into each other, you may just feel a sense of calm, because who wouldn’t like to be able take out their frustrations safely and legally while behind the wheel? After the greasy food, the concerts were always our favorite parts of the fair, but to be perfectly honest, except for the lines on the best rides, we loved everything about our local county fairs!
Day 4: Seashells, Sea Glass, and Sand Castles in Orleans
A day on Skaket Beach in Orleans is bound to bring fun and serenity, but it can also be the perfect beach for hunting seashells and sea glass. The kids will have a blast looking for both, but personally our children have the most fun looking for the bits of colorful glass that has been “sanded” smooth by years of exposure to water and sand. And while we are on the topic of water and sand, did you know that eight parts sand to one part water is the perfect ratio for building sandcastles? Just something to think about while working with your littles to create these magical structures.
Day 5: The Family That Plays Together Should Enjoy Some Ice Cream in Brewster
Miniature golf, mini golf, goofy golf, whatever you call it, this sport has been the epicenter of family activities since its creation in the 1950s, and when in Brewster, add in the world’s favorite frosty and sweet treat and you have a wonderful night out on the town! Harbor Lights Mini Golf & Ice Cream, located at 81 Underpass Road in Brewster (right near our office!), is one of our most beloved family date night activities, especially as we parents can enjoy cold beer or wine if the ice cream isn’t quite hitting the spot. Harbour Lights offers Giffords ice cream in a variety of flavors (Peanut Butter Pie and Maine Blueberry tie for our favorite flavor), local beer, and 18 holes of fun.
Day 6: Where the Pirates Are in Yarmouth
The romance of pirate days has long charmed the children of America, and some of the most notorious pirates in the world were known to grace our Cape Cod shores, including Blackbeard, Captain Kidd, and Black Sam Bellamy. The Whydah Pirate Museum, located at 674 MA-28, tells all their tales. Offering the largest collection of authentic pirate artifacts, its interactive exhibits, artifacts, and the stories told will enhance your children’s enthusiasm about the glory days of pirates.
Day 7: Family Moments at Home with Pretty Picky Properties
Some of the best family moments will be enjoyed at home in your Pretty Picky Properties family homes. Offering all manners of amenities, including swimming pools, hot tubs, and large backyards perfect for family get togethers, your stay with us, no matter which town or village you reside within, will be one that draws your family closer together. Contact us to reserve your favorite today! View all of our rentals here.