Embarking on a family vacation to Cape Cod opens a world of exciting possibilities, and among the myriad of experiences, visiting local museums stands out as an enriching adventure for children.
Cape Cod’s museums for children offer a unique blend of education, entertainment, and interactive exhibits that captivate young minds and spark their curiosity. From immersive historical displays to captivating art collections, these museums present an excellent opportunity for children to learn, explore, and create lasting memories with their families.
Let’s explore the top must-see museums that you can explore with your family while on vacation or for a day’s outing. The list covers Cape Cod, Nantucket, Martha’s Vineyard, and the Town of Plymouth.
Let’s Explore the Museums for Children on Cape Cod:
1. Cape Cod Children’s Museum
Address: 577 Great Neck Road South, Mashpee, MA 02649 Phone
Number: (508) 539-8788
Summer Hours July 1st – August 31st
Monday to Sunday: 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Saturday: 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Admission
Ages 1 and up | Admission is $15.00 per person.
Nestled in the heart of Cape Cod, the Cape Cod Children’s Museum is a vibrant and interactive space designed to captivate the imagination of young minds. With its hands-on exhibits and engaging activities, the museum offers a world of exploration and learning for children of all ages. From delving into the wonders of science to embarking on creative art projects, children are encouraged to discover, play, and grow.
The museum’s diverse exhibits encompass various themes, including maritime adventures, wildlife exploration, and imaginative role-play scenarios. Whether they’re piloting a ship, conducting scientific experiments, or building elaborate structures, every visit to the Cape Cod Children’s Museum promises endless entertainment and educational opportunities.
2. Cape Cod Maritime Museum
Address: 135 South St, Hyannis, MA 02601
Phone Number: (508) 775-1723
Museum Hours:
Weds – Sat.: 10AM – 4PM
Last ticket sold at 3:30 pm
Admission:
Adults (18+): $10.00 | Seniors (65+) |Students & Veterans: $8.00
Children: 3-5: $5.00
Active-Duty Military/First Responder Discounts under 3: FREE
The Cape Cod Maritime Museum is a captivating destination that celebrates the rich maritime heritage of the region. Aspiring young mariners and maritime enthusiasts alike will find a wealth of engaging exhibits and programs tailored to ignite their passion for the sea. The museum’s youth programs offer immersive experiences, allowing children to delve into the fascinating world of maritime history, boatbuilding, and nautical exploration.
With a focus on hands-on learning, the Cape Cod Maritime Museum offers interactive workshops and activities that inspire creativity and curiosity in young minds. Children can embark on exciting voyages of discovery, gaining insights into the art of boatbuilding, navigation, and oceanography. Through its dedication to preserving maritime traditions and fostering a love for the sea, the museum provides an enriching experience for visitors of all ages, making it a cherished destination for families seeking maritime adventures on Cape Cod.
The Young Mariner Program offered by the Cape Cod Maritime Museum is an immersive and educational experience designed for children aged 8 to 12 years old. This engaging program aims to introduce young participants to the fascinating world of maritime heritage, boatbuilding, and nautical exploration. Through hands-on activities, workshops, and interactive learning, children get the opportunity to delve into various aspects of maritime history and culture.
3. Cape Cod Museum of Natural History
Address: 869 Main Street, Brewster, MA 02631
Phone Number: (508) 896-3867
Summer 2023 Hours: Daily 10 am -3 pm | Last admission 2:30 pm
Special Hours: Monday, July 3rd: 10 am – 1 pm |Tuesday, July 4th: CLOSED
2023 Admission Prices
Adults (13 to adult) $15 | Seniors (age 65 and up) $12.00
Children (ages 3 to 12): $8.00 |Children (under 2): Free
Members: Free | Active military: Free
Nestled in the scenic town of Brewster, the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History is a haven for nature enthusiasts of all ages. This captivating museum highlights the diverse natural beauty and wildlife that thrives in the Cape Cod region. Visitors can explore fascinating exhibits, interactive displays, and engaging educational programs that celebrate the unique ecosystem and biodiversity of Cape Cod.
The museum’s picturesque trails and outdoor exhibits provide an immersive experience, allowing visitors to connect with the stunning surroundings and observe various native wildlife. From guided nature walks to hands-on learning activities, the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History offers an enriching and educational journey into the wonders of the natural world. Families and nature lovers alike will find this museum to be a treasure trove of discovery and appreciation for the remarkable environment that makes Cape Cod so special.
4. Heritage Museums & Gardens
Includes Hidden Hollow, Looff Carousel, Wetu (Wampanoag home)
Address: 67 Grove Street, Sandwich, MA 02563
Phone Number: (508) 888-3300
Heritage Museums & Gardens is now open for the Regular Season from 10 am – 5 pm daily.
Tickets: Adults $22 | Youth (3-17) $12 |Children 2 & Under Free, Members Free
Visitors must be 16 years or older to visit Heritage without an adult.
Gardens Aglow: November 24-26; November 30-December 3; December 7-10, 14-17, 20-23
Hours are 4:30 pm – 8:30 pm. Tickets go on sale in September.
Tickets: Adults $24 |Youth (3-17) $14 | Adult Members $22 |
Youth Members (3-17) $12 |Children 2 & Under Free
Heritage Museums & Gardens is a captivating destination located in Sandwich, which offers a delightful mix of art, history, and nature. Hidden Hollow, a beloved family-friendly outdoor discovery area, allows children to immerse themselves in interactive play and exploration amidst the stunning landscape. The Looff Carousel, a vintage treasure, provides a whimsical ride for visitors of all ages, evoking a sense of nostalgia and joy.
The Wetu, a replica of a traditional Wampanoag home, displays the rich cultural heritage of the Indigenous people of the region. Through the integration of art, horticulture, and historical exhibits, Heritage Museums & Gardens creates a unique and enriching experience, leaving visitors with cherished memories and a deeper appreciation for the beauty and heritage of Cape Cod.
5. Salt Pond Visitors Center
Address: 50 Nauset Road, Eastham, MA 02642
Phone Number: (508) 255-3421
Hours:
Sunday – Saturday |6:00 AM–12:00 AM
Admission: $25 per car | $20 per motorcycle
The Salt Pond Visitors Center is a gateway to the Cape Cod National Seashore, providing information, exhibits, and programs about the region’s diverse natural resources and ecosystems. From guided hikes to educational exhibits, visitors can explore the beauty and ecological significance of Cape Cod’s unique landscapes.
6. Sea Space Marine Discovery – Provincetown
Address: 333R Commercial Street, Provincetown, MA 02657
Phone Number: (508) 487-5500
If your child is fascinated with the ocean, then this is a must-visit attraction. Sea Space Marine Discovery is an interactive marine science center in Provincetown that offers hands-on exhibits and programs focused on marine life, conservation, and research. Call for program information.
7. Shark Discovery Center
Address: 235 Orleans Road, North Chatham, MA 02650
Phone Number: (508) 348-5901
Hours: 10 AM – 4 PM
Tickets average $10 per person but do change depending on the time of year.
Teach your children about sharks! The Shark Discovery Center in Chatham is an educational facility dedicated to understanding and promoting shark conservation. Through informative exhibits and programs, visitors gain a deeper appreciation for these apex predators and their vital role in the marine ecosystem. Just don’t watch Jaws before you spend the day here!
8. Whydah Pirates Museum
Address: 674 MA-28, West Yarmouth, MA 02673
Phone Number: (508) 534-9571
Hours: 10 am to 4 pm daily
Admission: | Adults $17 | Children $13 | Children under 4 Free
Is your child a fan of Pirates of the Caribbean? If so, they will love an afternoon at the Whydah Pirate Museum . This is a fascinating attraction that highlights artifacts and stories from the famous pirate ship Whydah Gally, which sank off the coast of Cape Cod in 1717. Visitors can learn about the notorious pirate captain Samuel “Black Sam” Bellamy and the history of piracy in the region. Ahoy mates! Start the adventure today!
9. Woods Hole Science Aquarium
Address: 166 Water Street, Woods Hole, MA 02543
Phone Number: (508) 495-2001
Hours: Outdoor seal enclosure: Tuesday-Saturday, 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Indoor aquarium: Tuesday-Saturday, 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Closed Sundays, Mondays, and on all federal holidays.
Admission: N/A
The Woods Hole Science Aquarium is the oldest public aquarium in the United States, offering visitors the chance to observe and learn about marine life native to the Northeast region. From seals and lobsters to various fish species, the aquarium displays the diverse marine biodiversity found in local waters.
On to Nantucket For the Whaling Museum
10. Whaling Museum – Nantucket
Address: 13 Broad Street, Nantucket, MA 02554
Phone Number: (508) 228-1894
Hours: Open Daily, 10 am–5 pm (through Sep 4)
Open Daily, 10 am–4 pm (Sep 5–Oct 9)
Open Mon–Sat,10 am–4 pm (Oct 10–Dec 30)
Admission: |Adults $25 |Children ages 6 to 17 $5 |Seniors over 65 $20
The Whaling Museum on Nantucket preserves the island’s rich maritime history, particularly its whaling heritage. With an extensive collection of artifacts and exhibits, visitors can learn about the island’s whaling past, the Nantucket’s role in the whaling industry, and its impact on the region’s history.
More Museum Discovery on Martha’s Vineyard
11. Martha’s Vineyard Museum
Address: 151 Lagoon Pond Road, Vineyard Haven, MA 02568
Phone Number: (508) 627-4441
Admission
Adults: $18 | Seniors: $15 |Children 7-17: $5 | Children 6 & Under: Free
Year-round Islanders’ Rate: Adults: $15 | Seniors $12
MV Museum members are always free.
Museum hours
Open Tuesday to Sundays
10:00 am – 5:00 pm
June 6 – Oct 8, 2023
10:00 am – 4:00pm
Oct 10, 2023 – June 4, 2024
The Martha’s Vineyard Museum offers an exciting and educational summer program called “Discovery Days” designed specifically for kids. During this engaging program, young participants have the opportunity to embark on week-long sessions filled with fun and interactive learning experiences. Each session is carefully crafted to explore different aspects of Martha’s Vineyard’s history, culture, and natural beauty, providing a well-rounded and enriching experience for children.
From hands-on activities and creative crafts to fascinating field trips and engaging storytelling, Discovery Days instills a sense of wonder and curiosity in young minds. Led by passionate educators, the program encourages children to discover the unique heritage of Martha’s Vineyard while fostering a love for learning. With its vibrant and inclusive approach, Discovery Days at Martha’s Vineyard Museum promises to be a summer of excitement, exploration, and unforgettable.
memories for kids of all ages.
Check Out Plymouth for More Historic Museums
12. Mayflower II – Plymouth
Address: 137 Warren Avenue, Plymouth, MA 02360
Phone Number: (508) 746-1622
Hours: 7 days a week | 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Admission: Member Free | Adult $17.95 |Senior $16.00 |Child $12.95
All aboard as we step back into history! Mayflower II, an iconic reproduction of the original Mayflower, is a living history museum that offers a captivating glimpse into the Pilgrims’ journey to North America.
Docked at Plymouth’s State Pier, this awe-inspiring vessel takes visitors back in time, displaying the challenges and triumphs of the Pilgrims’ historic voyage. Your children can imagine what life was like on the boat as the pilgrims crossed the Atlantic.
13. Plimoth Patuxet Museum – Plymouth
Address: 137 Warren Avenue, Plymouth, MA 02360
Phone Number: (508) 746-1622
Hours: 7 days a week | 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Admission: Member Free | Adult $33.95 | Senior $30.50 | Child $19.95
The Plimoth Patuxet Museum is an immersive living history museum that transports visitors to the 17th century. With its authentic recreations of a Wampanoag Homesite and Pilgrim Village, the museum offers an immersive experience of daily life, traditions, and interactions between the Wampanoag people and the Pilgrims. Children can step back in time to discover what it was like to be in the area centuries ago. This is a great museum to combine with the Mayflower tour.
14. Plymouth Grist Mill
Address: 6 Spring Lane, Plymouth, MA 02360
Phone Number: (508) 746-1622
Hours: 7 days a week | 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Admission: Member Free | Adult $9.95 | Senior $8.95 |Child $7.95
The Plymouth Grist Mill is a historic water-powered mill that highlights the traditional process of grinding corn. Nestled in Town Brook, this living history site offers tours and demonstrations, providing insights into the essential role of the mill in Plymouth’s early years.
Cape Cod Vacation with Kids
A family vacation to Cape Cod and its neighboring areas presents an excellent opportunity for young minds to embark on a delightful journey of exploration and discovery. These 14 captivating museums for children offer a perfect blend of education, entertainment, and immersive experiences that will leave a lasting impact on your family. Whether you are a resident or simply visiting for a holiday, they are all a must-see if the whole family!
Whether children are fascinated by pirates, marine creatures, or the wonders of the natural world, these museums on Cape Cod are sure to ignite their imagination and curiosity. Through interactive exhibits, hands-on activities, and expert-guided programs, children can learn while having fun, making each visit a memorable and enriching family experience.
So, as you plan your next family vacation or weekend outing to Cape Cod and its surrounding areas, be sure to include these exciting museums for children in your itinerary. For more to do with kids on Cape Cod check our our Adventure Parks or other fun places for Kids on Vacation on Cape Cod.
