Your Source Book For Family Fun
CAPE COD TRAVEL WEBGUIDE
BOURNE

Divided in half by the Cape Cod Canal, the world's widest sea-level canal, Bourne is spanned by both the Bourne and Sagamore bridges and is the first town visitors see when driving on to Cape Cod. A stop to tour its villages of Bournedale, Buzzards Bay, Cataumet, Gray Gables, Monument Beach, Pocasset, Sagamore and Sagamore Beach is surely worthwhile. Bourne was incorporated in 1884 after being originally settled about 1640 and is historically notable as the site of the Pilgrim's Aptucxet Trading Post, built to encourage trade with native Americans and the Dutch who lived to the south. Today, the canal continues to be its main focus but in Bourne, summer tourism is an important part of the economy.


KIDS ON THE CAPE SUGGESTS...

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE: Get a free map and other information from the Cape Cod Canal Region Chamber of Commerce. 70 Main St., Buzzards Bay, at the Railroad Station. 508-759-6000
BEACH FOR KIDS: Scusset State Beach, located near the junction of Rte 3 and Rte 6 on Cape Cod Bay, has full facilities, showers, a play area and snack bar. Parking Fee.
PICNIC SPOT: Bourne Scenic Park located off Rte 6, overlooking the Canal on the north side, near the Bourne Bridge. Within its 100 acres there are playground areas, campsites, fishing and swimming. Day use fee $2.00 per adult, children free. 508-759-7873
FISHING SPOT: Many miles of the Cape Cod Canal are accessible for fishing — try the portion by Scusset Beach for flounder during the summer season.
BIKING & HIKING TRAIL: The 7 mile paved service road facing both sides of the Canal is ideal, but keep your eye on the road. The close-up views of passing freighters, tug boats and cruise ships can be a real distraction!
PLAYGROUNDS: A great spot is at Monument Beach, with a view of the harbor. Take Clay Pond Road across the tracks at the Post Office, going toward the water; take the first left, then the first right. Sagamore beach also has a playground as does the Hoxie School, on Williston Rd.
ADVENTURE ISLE: Brimming with activities sure to delight young and old, Adventure Isle has state-of-the art bumper boats with their own lagoon which wraps around an 18 hole miniature golf course, complete with shipwreck! Tots will love "kiddie-land" offering a number of rides for the little ones.The go-cart tracks are great and kids love the giant slides. A fully air conditioned 25,000 sq. ft. indoor facility features roller skating, laser tag, bumper cars, arcade, snack bar and party rooms. Rte. 28. 508-759-2636
MARINE MAMMALS VISITOR’S CENTER, BUZZARDS BAY: The National Marine Life Center’s future center for stranded marine animals offers exhibits, activities, gifts, souvenirs and more. Free admission. 120 Main St. 508-743-9888
BMX RACES- Bicycle Motorcross races for kids of ALL ages take place weekly throughout the summer on Otis Airforce Base, in Bourne. These events are great fun, and open for all kids to race. The races run on closed courses that are irregular, with turns, jumps, rollers, and other obstacles to challenge riders’ skills. Riders are organized by ability and age, starting with age 5. Safety is emphasized with mouth guards, pads, helmets and other measures. Races take place most Tuesday and Friday evenings, with various clinics offered on Saturdays. Call for schedule and information: 508-968-4972
APTUCXET TRADING POST: A significant historic site where in 1627, Pilgrims built a wooden trading post and created the first written trade agreement in North America. The small railroad station, used by president Grover Cleveland when he had a summer White House at Gray Gables, has been relocated here. There is a nice picnic area overlooking the Canal, and restrooms are available. 24 Aptucxet Rd. (off Shore Rd.). 508-759-9487
JUNIOR RANGER PROGRAM: Join Canal Park Rangers to explore the many worlds which surround the waterway. Camp craft, marine life, tree, bird & wildflower identification plus a host of other outdoor activities for kids 6-12. Meet the Rangers at the picnic pavilion, Midway Recreation Area, Rte 6A, Bourne. July & August only. Call for schedule. 508-759-4431 x622
OUTDOOR CONCERTS: Held at the Buzzards Bay band shell beside the Canal on Thurs. nights from 7 - 9 in July & August. Featuring family music (Dixieland, folk, etc.). Free admission, free parking, and rest rooms are open at the train station at the base of the railroad bridge.
BOWLING & ARCADE GAMES: Ryan Family Amusements features bowling, candlepin and/or ten pin, a large game room filled with the hottest, coolest arcade and skill games and private party rooms for birthdays, company parties and group events. 200 Main Street, Buzzards Bay. 508-759-9892
CAPE COD BASEBALL LEAGUE: Catch a free baseball game with the hometown Bourne Braves. See the Cape League special feature & baseball schedule in this issue of Kids on the Cape.