Fun Things for Kids on Cape Cod in the Winter

Looking for family-friendly activities during winter vacation?   There are plenty of activities for kids on Cape Cod in the winter. The abundance of museums, indoor spaces, and winter-friendly outdoor activities make Cape Cod a great place in the winter. Here on the Cape, you can find plenty of family-friendly places to explore,  making new memories and traditions for your family.

Indoor Activities for Kids on Cape Cod in the Winter:

While many family traditions start the New Year with a polar plunge, a cold dip and walks on the beach may not be an attractive option for everyone there are tons of indoor activities that are the family friend and most importantly warm.

Visit Cape Codder Resort & Spa

If you are looking to break out your bathing suit before the summer months arrive head over to the Cape Codder Resort & Spa in Hyannis.

There you will find Indoor Water Park that is open year-round with a wave pool and lazy river. If you are willing to brave the colder temperatures, they also have a heated outdoor pool that is available year-round.

After a day full of fun and swimming you can visit one of their three restaurants and even catch live entertainment on the weekends.

Spend a Day at the Ice Rink

Another great way to spend a winter day on Cape Cod is by visiting the Hyannis Youth & Community Center. With a gymnasium and two full-sized skating rinks, there is always plenty to do.

Or stop by the Charles Moore Arena in Orleans, for open public skating every Sunday afternoon from 1:30-3:30pm. No registration necessary and skates are available to rent.

Go and See a Play

If your family is geared towards more ‘artsy’ activities try visiting the Cape Cod Theatre Company. The company offers classes during the winter and vacation weeks. They also put on multiple shows throughout the year and is well worth a visit.

The Harwich Junior Theatre also hosts kids and adult theater classes throughout the year. This is a perfect way for both your kids and you to work on a new skill!

Spend an Evening at the Movies

Want to check out the newest Pixar film? Make a night out of it and visit the Falmouth Cinema Pub.

Here you can dine on burgers, pizza, and more while enjoying a family-friendly movie. Adults can also buy an alcoholic beverage to make some of the less appealing family movies more entertaining.

Spend an Afternoon Bowling

One of America’s favorite pastimes is bowling. While the bowling alleys of yesteryear may be a little dated, a few bowling companies have reinvented how you bowl.

The Lanes Bowl & Bistro offers a more upscale experience. With comfortable seating and lane-side service, you will feel more like you are bowling in your living room than at a bowling alley.

Ten Pin Eatery in Hyannis offers more of a classic approach, but also offers laser tag, an arcade, and an escape room in the same location. If your kids aren’t into bowling, they can go experience some of the other offerings, while the adults bowl a few rounds.

Museums to Visit in Cape Cod in the Winter

If you are looking for more of an educational experience for you and your family, try visiting one of the several museums that are open in Cape Cod during the winter months.

Cape Cod Children’s Museum

One of the best museums for children in the Cape Cod area is the Cape Cod Children’s Museum. There you can a ton of interactive STEM exhibits the encourage creativity and imagination.

You are able to buy an annual membership to visit the museum as much as you’d like throughout the year. Alternatively, the price of admission is $12 per person without the membership.

Whydah Pirate Museum

What kid doesn’t want to see what it’s like to be a pirate? Visit the Whydah Pirate Museum in West Yarmouth to see what the Whydah looked like and some real-life artifacts that have been preserved from the ship.

Tickets cost $17 for adults and $13 for children and can be purchased ahead of time. The museum is open Thursday through Sunday, but typically has special hours when kids are off school.

Cape Cod Museum of Natural History

For those families with kids who are nature buffs, spend a day visiting the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History. The museum not only does a great job engaging budding your scientists with dozens of hands-on activities but also hosts a variety of family programs and activities during vacation weeks and school breaks.  Tickets are $15 for adults and $8 for ages 3-12.  Fall/Winter hours are Wednesday-Sunday 10am-3pm.

Sandwich Glass Museum

The town of Sandwich’s history is steeped in glass production history. The Sandwich Glass Museum seeks to preserve this history by displaying glass pieces throughout the ages. Perhaps more interesting to children is the glass-making demonstration that occurs hourly at the museum. You can witness the fascinating art of hand-blown art using a open fire furnace.

The museum is open from 9:30 to 5 Wednesday through Sunday during the winter. Admission is $12 for adults, $2 for anyone 6-14  and under 5 are free.

Woods Hole Science Aquarium

The Woods Hole Science Aquarium is a piece of history in itself. The aquarium was established in 1885 making it the country’s oldest aquarium.

Here your kids can learn about 140 different marine life species found in the Cape Cod area. The aquarium is mostly self-guided but has a ton of interactive features. Closed on weekends and holidays.

Escape Rooms

Upside Down Escape Games located in the Mashpee Commons is a great way for the whole family to beat the winter doldrums. Their interactive puzzle rooms offer a variety of fun themes like “Baggage Bandits” or “The Gingerbread Cottage”. The variety also allows you to come back for a new challenge. It’s best to register your group ahead and avoid waiting or being disappointed as it is a popular destination over the holidays and school vacations.

Outdoor Activities in Cape Cod in the Winter

For those of you brave enough to tough the cold winter days, there are a few outdoor activities available during the winter months in Cape Cod.

Go for a Hike

Cape Cod is home to hundreds of miles of hiking and walking trails. On a nice winter day, the views can be spectacular. We recommend taking a walk on the Cape Cod Canal Trail or visiting the Wellfleet Wildlife Sanctuary.

On January first every year you can take part in the annual First Day Hikes.  Spearheaded by the Barnstable Land Trust, this one day event hosts a multitude of guided hikes and events from P’town to Wareham. All events are free and open to the public, however, some do require advanced registration.

Hiking in the winter months can be chilly, but you will be rewarded with empty trails and exposure to wildlife that isn’t always active in the summer.

Visit the Cape Cod Lighthouses

Cape Cod is famed for its gorgeous lighthouses. Most of the lighthouses are accessible during the winter months and offer the same gorgeous views.

With over 27 lighthouses to explore, you and your kids can spend the entire winter searching for your favorite one.

Go on a Light Scavenger Hunt

During the holiday season artist, Michael Magyar displays a multitude of giant lights known as the Giants of Sandwich along route 6A in Sandwich and a few other towns. Make it a scavenger hunt, by driving around to the different displays and see if you can find them all! The Sandwich Chamber of Commerce can provide you with a checklist.

With all of the fun and entertaining places for kids on Cape Cod in the winter, you are sure to find the perfect activities for you own family to enjoy!