With April Vacation right around the corner, there are plenty of activities for families to enjoy—from kid-friendly museums to endless outdoor activities, you are sure to stay busy! Here are a few local attractions that the entire family will love.
The Cape Cod Museum of Natural History on 6A in Brewster is a wonderful destination for the entire family to enjoy. The museum is home to many exhibits, educational programs, and nature tours. Its focus centers on the preservation of the natural world and the wildlife found on the Cape. Those looking to get outdoors can also visit the three nature trails outside of the museum. Our favorite, the John Wing Trail, takes you over the marsh, through the woods, and ends on the beach!
Herring Run
April vacation is the perfect time to visit a herring run! During the spring season, herring travel energetically to their spawning grounds. Visitors can watch the herring jump up and out of the water, often in large groups, creating quite the sight. Cape Cod online has put together a great guide for those looking to catch these sightings throughout the Cape.
Heritage Museums and Gardens in Sandwich is a great spot to take advantage of the joys of spring. Heritage is home to over 100 varieties of trees, shrubs, and flowers. Visitors can walk through the many trails and exhibits. Those who plan to visit during April vacation can delight in the sight of the daffodils, pansies, and other beautiful flowers in bloom. Opening day for the season is April 20th, so be sure to get your tickets in advance!
Enjoy Some Fresh Air!
Cape Cod is home to several bike paths. The Cape Cod Rail Trail offers 22 miles of spectacular views, with some areas right along the water. Visitors can bike, walk, or roller blade along these smooth, paved paths and stop at the many nearby shops, restaurants, beaches, and attractions. We recommend visiting the Shining Sea Bikeway, a 10.7 mile path in Falmouth. Ride the route from Woods Hole and finish the day in Falmouth Village for a bite to eat.
You’re gonna need a bigger boat after you visit this Chatham attraction! The Chatham Shark Center, run by the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy, offers an in-depth look at the Great White Shark. The Center’s exhibits, videos, and interactive features are a great way to educate the entire family about the critical balance of our marine ecosystem.
For those of you who aren’t as up to par on your pirate trivia, the Whydah Gally was a pirate ship run by Captain Sam Bellamy that sank in a nor'easter off the coast of Wellfleet on April 26th 1717. Known as the only authenticated pirate wreck in the world, The Whydah Gally is definitely a part of Cape Cod’s history that you’ll want to educate yourself on, and what better way to do so than by visiting their museum?! The Whydah Pirate Museum is chalk full of actual artifacts recovered from the wreck and interactive experiences that’ll make you feel like you’re starring in a Pirates of the Caribbean movie.
Atlantic White Cedar Swamp Trail
The winding pathways of White Cedar Swamp will have you wanting to get lost in the enchanting forest for hours and hours. If you venture out to this trail in South Wellfleet during April Vacation, expect to see an abundance of wildlife, beautiful blooms in the towering trees, and little lakes and ponds among the foliage that’ll have you wanting to dive in and take a dip! Conveniently located right off of Marconi Beach, work up a sweat on your walk before resting your head in the soft sand of one of Wellfleet’s most beloved beaches.
Axe throwing for the adventurous adults, captivating arcade games for the kids, and bowling lanes as far as the eye can see. If you’re looking for a family-fun activity that will bring out the inner child in everyone, head to Ryan Family Amusements in South Yarmouth! Spend a day surrounded by an abundance of fun games and activities guaranteed to keep you entertained for hours!
The Provincetown Dunes
Take your April vacation international by exploring the dunes of Provincetown! We say international because when you’re surrounded by the rolling hills of soft sand that cascade as far as the eye can see, you feel like you're on a different planet! Only a short drive from the hustle and bustle of Commercial Street, the dunes are a great place to escape to before being enveloped by the excitement of Provincetown!
These local attractions are just a few examples of ways to get your family out of the house while practicing social distancing and safety precautions. Be sure to mask up, make your reservations, and enjoy your vacation!