Family vacations in Cape Cod can be rewarding experiences or absolute disasters -- it all depends on pretrip homework. To make planning easier, we've done all the preparation. As part of a Huffington Post Travel series on traveling with children, here are recommended attractions for those planning Cape Cod family vacations.
Martha's Vineyard
is a small island a 45-minute
away from Woods Hole in Cape Cod. This picturesque destination has seven beautiful beaches as well as an upscale shopping center in Edgartown and a fun downtown area in Oak Bluffs full of bars and restaurants. Also available for sightseeing is the
, the oldest operating platform carousel in the United States. Martha's Vineyard is a great place for a day's exploration or a weekend getaway.
Address: 509 Falmouth Rd. No. 1C, Mashpee, MA 02649Phone: 508-477-8600Hours: Ferries at Woods Hole operate year-round, usually between 6 a.m and 10 p.m. See schedule at Steamship Authority website for specific times.Price: Adults, $8; children 5 to 12, $4.25; children under 5, free
Coast Guard Beach
recognizes
as one of America's top 10 beaches. With breathtaking views, soft sand and large waves for surfing, it's easy to see why. If you're lucky, you may spot seals lounging on the beach and enjoying the summer breeze.
Address: Nauset Rd., Eastham, MA 02642Phone: 508-349-3785Hours: Parking lots are open daily from 6 a.m to midnight. Salt Pond Visitor Center is open from 9 a.m to 4:30 p.m year-round with extended hours during the summer. Province Lands Visitor Center is open 9 a.m to 5 p.m early May through late October.Price: Pedestrians, bicyclists, $3; daily vehicle, $15; Cape Cod National Seashore annual pass, $45
Fishing
Many visitors enjoy the satisfaction of catching and cooking their own fish. Rent a boat at
for the day and catch delicious striped bass fish to cook for the family. Also, enjoy the ocean views, the wind and the waves.
Address: Harwich Port, MA. 02646Phone: 508-432-3783Hours: Open daily throughout the summer months. Call to book a charter time.Price: Half day (four hours), $500; three-fourths day (six hours), $700; full day (eight hours), $850
Hyannis Whale Watcher Cruises
Hyannis Whale Watcher Cruises provide a majestic experience for those who want to learn more about the creatures of the deep. Visitors embark on a three- to four-hour cruise where they can observe humpback, fin and minke whales. On select dates, Hyannis Whale Watcher Cruises offer special sunset dinner events that include dancing and live entertainment.
Address: 269 Millway Barnstable, MA 02630Phone: 508-362-6088Hours: Cruises are scheduled according to ocean tides, so departure times may vary from day to day. See cruise schedule on website for specific times.Price: Adults, $47; seniors 62 and up, $40; children 4 to 12, $28; children 3 and under, free
Water Wizz Water Park
Located in East Wareham, Mass.,
has over 10 rides and attractions, ranging from the Mussel Beach wave pool to the thrilling Hurricane Hill water slide. The
movie "Grown Ups" was filmed at this theme park, and other stars -- Chris Rock, David Spade and Kevin James, to name a few -- have been spotted there as well.
Address: 3031 Cranberry Highway East Wareham, MA 02538Phone: 508-295-3255Hours: Open June to September. June 19 to July 3, 10 a.m to 5 p.m. July 4 to August 20, 10 a.m to 6 p.m. August 21 to September 5, 10 a.m to 5 p.m.Price: Adults, $30; children under 48 inches and seniors 65 and up, $15; children 2 and under: free
Cape Cod Museum of Natural History
Learn about Cape Cod's natural environment in this fascinating museum built on 80 acres of conservation land. The
contains two floors of exhibits on whales, indigenous birds, crustaceans, mollusks, fish, frogs, turtles and snakes. Many displays are interactive and kid-friendly.
Address: 869 Main Street/Route 6A, Brewster, MA 02631Phone: 508-896-3867Hours: April 1 to May 31, open Wednesday through Sunday, 11 a.m to 3 p.m. June 1 to September 30, open daily from 9:30 a.m to 4 p.m.Price: Adults, $8; seniors, $7; children ages 3 to 12, $3.50; children under 3 free
ZooQuarium
ZooQuarium is a great way to interact with some of the mysterious creatures of the deep that live around Cape Cod. Attractions include a petting zoo, tidal touch pool and an educational theater.
Address: 674 Route 28, West Yarmouth, MA 02673Phone: 508-775-8883Hours: May 31 to June 30 open daily, 9:30 a.m to 4 p.m. July 1 to September 4, open daily 9:30 a.m to 5 p.m.Price: Ages 10 years and older: $12; ages 2 to 9: $8; under 2 years: free
What are your favorite vacation spots in Cape Cod?
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