Seal watching from Chatham Fish Pier – FREE
Chatham Pier Fish Market – 45 Barcliff Ave Extension, Chatham
There is so much to see from the observation deck at the Chatham Fish Pier, a true working pier. Seals swimming right up to the docks hoping to get whatever is thrown overboard or washed off of a fishing boat, commercial fishing boats unloading their catch and a great view of the harbor. Kids love watching seals play around and looking for “handouts” from the boats. The Pier is also a port for Coast Guard rescue boats. While you’re there grab some seafood to go at the Chatham Fish Market!
Parking: You won’t have to pay anything to watch something so interesting with beautiful scenery – parking is free, but limited. Check the tides, and arrive a bit before high tide so you get a parking spot. Bathrooms are onsite. The Chatham Fish Pier is located at the corner of Shore Road and Barcliff Avenue on Aunt Lydia’s Cove.
Woods Hole Science Aquarium – FREE admission
166 Water St, Woods Hole
A great place to see sea life up close and a great rainy day stop with the kids … and it’s FREE! Kids love this building filled with two floors of tanks that include 140 species of marine animals found in Northeast and Middle Atlantic waters, from grouper and sea bass to sea horses and star fish. There are models of sea turtles and a touch tank upstairs. Interactive displays engage children, including the Sounds of the Sea display where kids can listen to specific marine sounds.
Admission is free; donations are accepted in the main foyer.
Hours: early Sept to mid-June Mon–Fri 10am–4pm. Mid-June to early Sept daily 11am–4pm.
Interesting facts – Established in Woods Hole in 1885, the WHSA is the country’s oldest marine aquarium, is owned by the US government and operated by the National Marine Fisheries Service and the Marine Biological Laboratory.
Parking: Parking nearby the building is limited and you’ll find mostly metered street parking. Meters only accept quarters, have a two-hour maximum and are free post 6pm. The Dwyer Dock parking lot on Water Street just before the drawbridge costs $4.00 and is only a 5 minute walk to the Aquarium. The Fisheries parking lot, located on Water Street (left in the driveway after Waterfront Park), is open on weekends with no charge and is about a 3 minute walk to the Aquarium.
Read more about Woods Hole Science Aquarium here!
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Eat Now Play Later at Ten Pin Eatery – $12.99
Cape Cod Mall – 769 Iyannough Rd, Hyannis
Get any kids menu meal for $2.99 and get a $10 game card good in the arcade or towards laser tag or virtual reality. Children’s Menu items include Foot Long Hot Dog, Chicken Fingers, Pasta, Hamburger, Cheeseburger, Mozzarella Sticks, Kraft Mac N Cheese and Grilled Cheese, each comes with a drink and Fries or Broccoli. Portions are plentiful for kids; the fries are a favorite at Ten Pin as they are flat fries and are nice and crispy!
Set inside the Cape Cod Mall this place mimics a Dave & Buster’s and includes bowling, dining, a large sports bar, a huge arcade and just across the way is their virtual reality and escape room area. Ten Pin is the perfect family outing and rainy day activity for the kids.
Hours: Daily 9am – Midnight.
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Cape Cod Bumper Boats – $8
Grand Slam Entertainment, 322 Main Street – Route 28 Harwich Port
The Cape’s largest bumper boat pool is loads of fun and located at Grand Slam Entertainment in Harwich. These solar assisted powered fun machines are super easy to navigate and allow drivers as young as 6 years old to drive by themselves! Each boat has a water shooter. Bring a towel and maybe even a change of clothes. The pirate overhead sprays water intermittently and kids loved it. Each boat ride is 7 minutes. Zip Line, rock wall and batting cages are also available at this family fun hot spot. Grand Slam Entertainment has been a favorite on the Cape since 1988.
Regulations: Boat Captains must be at least 42 inches tall and at least 6 years of age. Younger participants can ride with someone older. They do not allow 2 riders over 46 inches tall in one boat and the max. weight allowed in one boat is 240lbs.
Pricing is by boat, not person.
Hours: Saturday – Sunday 9am – 9pm.
Cape Cod Children’s Museum – $10
577 Great Neck Rd, Mashpee
Great rainy day activity for kids 7 & under. Hands-on learning experiences that spark curiosity, creativity and imagination. This museum is filled with activities for kids – a ship, train, submarine as well as diner, music, puppet theater and great farm area. They have all the imaginative play you would expect including capes, store, cafe, post office and more. Admission is $10.00.
Hours: Labor Day through June 15th: Monday – Friday 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sunday 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
June 15th – Labor Day; Monday – Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Sunday 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
