Chamber of Commerce: Get a free map and other information from the Harwich Chamber of Commerce. On Rte 28 in Harwichport. 508-432-1600

Beach For Kids: Red River Beach offers full facilities. Parking Fees or summer sticker available at Town Hall, Rte 39, Harwich Center. Fresh Water Swimming: Fernandes Bog at Long Pond has buoys, easy parking and rest rooms. Sticker required from Town Hall.

Picnic Spot: Brooks Park. Main St., just opposite Brooks Free Library as you enter the village. Picnic tables, playground and a bandstand add up to a perfect Cape Cod town park and picnic area.

Fishing Spot: Fish from beach jetties at Red River Beach where there is easy access. Parents should definitely accompany their children for safety.

Biking Trail: The Cape Cod Rail Trail cuts through Harwich. Gain access at the Pleasant Lake General Store on Rte 124 and also at the Herring Run in West Harwich.

Hiking Trail: Hike around the 44 acres of Hawknest pond. This state-owned nature preserve shares a border with town conservation land near Rtes 6 and 137.

Libraries:
Brooks Free Library. 739 Main Street, Harwich. 508-430-7562
Chase West (next to Friendlys) Open Tues. and Sats. only 1-5. 508-432-2610 Call for story hours and other events.

RENT A BOAT: Cape Water Sports rents boats up to 26’. 508-432-7079

Tea Parties: 198 Belmont Rd., Harwich. Ages 5 and up are cordially invited to Formal Teas in July and August, featuring tea, cakes, crafts, poems, etiquette, fashion shows and fun. Reservations. 508-430-0606

Harwich Junior Theatre: Division St., W. Harwich. In addition to its award winning children's theater productions, the theater offers a full curriculum of classes taught by theater professionals. Information, 508-432-0934 Tickets, 508-432-2002

COMMUNITY DAY CAMP: Harwich Public school-sponsored day camp for Cape Cod students grades K -7 Sports, crafts, computers, beach, field trips + much more. 7:30am-5:30pm. Call to register. 508-430-2355

Outdoor Band Concerts: The Harwich Town Band performs at the Brooks Park Bandstand, Tues. nights in July and August at 7:30 pm.

Recreation Department: Residents and guests may enjoy a variety of activities and instruction:swimming, sailing, canoeing and tennis plus a 1/2 day playground program offered at the Community Center, Mon-Fri. 9-12 beginning the last week in June. Registration required in advance. 508-430-7553

CYBERDOCKS: This neat storefront has 20 computers, all hooked up to the internet. They offer web access, playstation, multi-user network games, classes, instruction and more. A great rainy day spot! 508-430-1555

FUN ON THE 'CURVE': Family fun abounds on the 'curve' where Rtes 28 & 124 meet. Go- carts, trampolines, bumper boats and batting cages bring people back year after year.

SEAL CRUISES & MONOMOY ISLAND EXCURSIONS: The friendly folks who operate the lower Cape's only ferry service to Nantucket, also offer trips to the famed Monomoy Island, the federal wildlife refuge on the spit of land off of Chatham. Home to over 400 large gray seals, and hundreds of rare species of shore birds, the island is a reminder of life on Cape Cod centuries ago--untouched and unspoiled, its beauty unparalleled. Departs Saquatucket Harbor. 508-430-7772

A popular Cape destination, Chatham is a very up-to-date town which has also managed to keep one foot firmly implanted in the past. From the historical cottages and magnificent oceanfront estates to the town's bustling Main St. center, Chatham has the quintessential feeling of today's Cape Cod.

Chamber of Commerce: Get a free map and other information from the Chatham Chamber of Commerce. Information booth located on Main St. in Chatham Village. 508-945-5199

Fish Pier: The Chatham Fish Pier (corner of Shore Rd. and Barcliff Ave.) is a working pier where the fishing boats return from up to 100 runs each day beginning shortly after noon (depending on the tide) and continuing for hours. Your family can view the fascinating activity from the visitors' balcony and watch the day's catch being off-loaded and sent to market!

Beach For Kids: Ridgevale Beach is the best spot for families; it offers a protected inlet with calm water plus an open ocean side for those who love waves. Take Ridgevale Rd. off Rte 28. Lifeguards, parking, facilities. Freshwater Swimming: Schoolhouse Pond. Located off Sam Ryder Rd. near Old Queen Anne Rd. in West Chatham. Lifeguard, porta-potties. Resident sticker required.

Picnic Spot: Chase Park, on Cross St., near the center of town has picnic tables and a public rest room. Well away from st. traffic, very quiet and pristine.

Fishing Spot: Goose Pond, off Old Queen Anne Rd.

Library: Eldredge Public Library. 964 Main St.. Call for story hour and other events. 508-945-5170

Playground: A great playground is located adjacent to Veterans Field, behind Chatham Elementary School, across from the Railroad Museum. There’s a multi-level, wooden structure and a fenced tot area. The railroad museum across the st. has a vintage passenger car in the back which is fun to climb aboard. Another playground is located on George Ryder Rd., next to the airport.

Outdoor Band Concerts: Every Fri. evening at 8 pm, Kate Gould Park, Main St. during July and August.

SEAL CRUISES: Watch the seals frolic in the waters off the coast of Chatham! Trips are run through Beachcomber Boat Tours, 508-945-5265; Chatham Water Tours, 508-432-5895; Monomoy Island Ferry, 508-945-5450; and Monomoy Island Excursions, 508-430-7772.

LOBSTER/NATURE TOURS: Chatham Water Tours offers 1 1/2 hour lobster/nature tours from Stage Harbor in season. This is a hands-on experience hauling pots to discover lobsters and a multitude of other sea creatures with full narration of the spectacular coastline, local environment, shorebirds and other wildlife in the area. Call for information and reservations 508-432-5895

South Beach Birding and Natural History Tours: Chatham Water Tours offers some of the best birding on the outer cape. With the diversity of shorebirds, seabirds, songbirds and birds of prey, see pure natural history. Bird recording, coyote tracking and botany with Peter Trull, author and one of the most experienced Field Naturalists/Birders on the Cape. Call for information and reservations 508 432-5895

BOAT RENTALS: Canoes, windsurfers, sunfish, daysailers at Ridgevale Beach. 508-432-4339 or 508-432-7079

Skateboard Park: Located behind the airport on George Ryder Road in Chatham. Call for hours 508-945-5175

SUMMER RECREATION PROGRAM: Mon - Fri., 9-12 am for kids 7-14. 508-945-5175

SUMMER SHUTTLE SERVICE: Cape Cod RTA shuttles operate in Chatham to Lighthouse and Shore Road from Park & Ride lots on Rte. 28 in West Chatham. 800-352-7155

Cape Cod Baseball League: Catch a free baseball game with the hometown Chatham Athletics. See the Cape League Baseball feature story in this issue for baseball schedule.

CREATIVE ARTS CENTER: Art for kids, mornings in July and August. Call for program and schedule. 508-945-3583

CHATHAM AIRPORT: Located off Rte 28 on George Ryder Rd.; watch small planes take off and land. There is a good public playground abutting the airfield which is usually uncrowded.

COOL NATURE STUFF: The Chatham Nature Shoppe has lots of great items for kids. It's located behind the Ben Franklin Store.

MONOMOY ISLAND TOURS: Several local companies offer trips to the famed Monomoy Island, the federal wildlife refuge on the spit of land off Chatham. Home to over 400 large gray seals, and hundreds of rare species of shore birds, the island is a reminder of life on Cape Cod centuries ago--untouched and unspoiled, its beauty unparalleled. Trips are offered through Beachcomber Boat Tours, 508-945-5265; Monomoy Island Ferry, 508-945-5450; Chatham Water Tours, 508-432-5895; and Monomoy Island Excursions, 508-430-7772.

Chamber of Commerce: Eldredge Parkway off Rte. 6A. Get a free map and other information from the Orleans Chamber of Commerce Information booth. 508-240-2484

Beach for Kids: Skaket Beach with its large tidal flats is one of the best beaches on the lower Cape for kids. Take Skaket Beach Road off Main St.. Snack bar and rest rooms. Nets for butterfly catching, or minnow chasing are available at the snack bar. Parking fee.

Picnic Spot: Pilgrim Lake located off Monument Road. Plenty of parking, restrooms, picnic tables, fresh warm water to swim in, gaze at, float on, or cast your line into.

Playground: Complete with tunnels and rope bridges, it's tucked behind the Elementary school, off Eldredge Parkway; drive to the end of the school's parking lot and look for the sign pointing left; it's a very short hike from there. There's a great little toddler playground located on Eldredge Parkway, behind the tennis courts.

Fishing Spots: Pilgrim Lake off Monument Road. Rent a rod at the Goose Hummock Store on Rte. 6A near Rte. 28 junction.

Biking Trail: The Cape Cod Rail Trail cuts right through the town. Older kids can make it all the way to Coast Guard Beach, just past the Salt Pond Visitor's Center, in Eastham. Gain access beside the Mid-Cape Home Center on Main St..

Hiking Trail: Pahwah Point, in South Orleans is a beautiful place to hike. It runs along Pleasant Bay. Take Namequoit Rd. of Rte 28. Pack a lunch for this hike—there are picnic tables and a limited number of parking spaces. It’s a perfect distance for little ones.

Library: Snow Library, Main St. offers an ambitious summer series with loads of kids crafts & story hours. 508-240-3760

Skateboard Park: A good-sized, nicely designed area with ramps, etc, located on Eldredge Parkway, mid-way between the tennis courts and the Fire Department. Open daily. 508-240-3785

Charles Moore Arena: O'Connor Way. This ice arena is one place to definitely escape the heat! Public skating; group & tot lessons; Hockey & Skating camps run all summer. Rock Nites for kids 9-14 every Friday night 8-10pm. Skate rentals are available. 508-255-5902

Nauset Beach Band Concerts: Monday nights in July and August at the bandstand. Free!

Kayak Instruction for kids: Goose Hummock, on Town Cove in Orleans offers a terrific program called “Kids in Kayaks”. In protected waters, kids learn proper paddling strokes, safety techniques and play paddling games. 508-255-2620.

PIRATE ADVENTURE, TOWN COVE: This popular attraction offers 5 boat trips daily in season. Kids have their faces painted like pirates and board a real live pirate ship. Costumed pirate actors lead the group in a search around Nauset Inlet for sunken treasure. Kids man the water canons to ward off the enemy, follow a treasure map and pull up the booty from the deep. Everyone gets a fistful of plunder! Advance reservations are required as trips sell out days ahead. 508-430-0202

Cape Cod Baseball League: Catch a free baseball game with the hometown Orleans Cardinals.

Sailing Lessons: Arey's Pond offers sailing instructions for kids 8 and up. Group lessons available, Five-day course. Kids take the tiller and sail the first day! 508-255-0994

NAUSET BEACH: Take Main St. East to Beach Road. One of the most beautiful, expansive beaches anywhere, a must see for visitors to Orleans.

BOOGIE BOARD, KAYAK & IN-LINE SKATE RENTALS: Available at Nauset Sports near the Rotary. 508-255-4742

Recreation Programs: The town sponsors a varied recreation program available for residents and visitors. Running weekdays, 9 am - 12 pm, the "rec" programs offers competetive and synchronized swimming lessons, arts and crafts, day trips and more. 508-240-3785

MORE GREAT Kids programs: Nauset Continuing Education offers 20 fabulous programs for kids this summer. Among them are: sewing, sailing, steel drums, yoga, power boat instruction, kayaking lessons and trips, art classes and more. Sessions vary throughout the summer. Call for schedule. 508-255-4300

Academy of Performing Arts: 5 Giddiah Hill Rd. Offers a full range of instruction for children and adults including dance, drama, music and musical theatre. There are two week sessions in Ballet, Musical Theatre, Drama and Music. 508-255-5510

Chamber of Commerce: Get a free map, beach stickers and other information from the Chamber of Commerce, Town Hall Annex, Main St. 508-896-3500

Beach for Kids: All eight miles of Brewster beaches are calm and warm at low tide. The Brewster Flats stretch out for two miles into Cape Cod Bay. Be sure to check for incoming tides. If you walk out aimlessly, you could find yourself dangerously stranded. Breakwater Beach on Breakwater Road off Rte 6A has the biggest parking lot. Beach sticker is required. Best Freshwater Swimming: The ponds inside Nickerson State have lifeguards and facilities. Access and parking are free.

Picnic Spot: Nickerson State Park, located on Rte 6A. There's plenty of parking, picnic tables, water views, etc.

Fishing Spots: Cliff Pond in Nickerson State Park boasts some of the best fishing around. Cliff Pond is stocked with trout and "land-locked" salmon!

Biking Trail: The Cape Cod Rail Trail runs through Brewster. Gain access at Underpass Rd off Rte 6A. There is a large parking lot at the pizza place which allows parking for the rail trail.

Hiking Trails Abound in Brewster: There are some nice short hikes on Rte 6A at the Natural History Museum. Be sure to pack some snacks for your little hikers and some cold drinks. Remember to turn around before your kids show any sign of tiring—you definitely don't want to have to carry any more than your backpack for the warm trip back.

Library: Brewster Ladies' Library. 1822 Main St. (Rte 6A). Craft programs, story hours and nature walks are scheduled throughout the summer. 508-896-3913

Recreation Programs: The town sponsors a host of recreation programs for children, mornings during July and August. Swimming and tennis lessons are offered to children and adults. An instructional sailing program is offered at Upper Mill Pond for 2nd grade and up. A playground program for children five and up is held at the Elementary School on Underpass Road. 508-896-9430

PAINT YOUR OWN POTTERY, BREWSTER: Pottery By, Me., a paint-your-own ceramics studio which caters to kids is located at 2623 Rt 6A. 508-896-6140

Punkhorn Parklands: Take Stoney Brook Road to Run Hill Rd and find 800 acres of conservation land at the end of the road is a nice spot to explore the wilderness. 508-896-3701 x135

Playground: A beautiful, playground is located at the Drummer Boy property in East Brewster, right on Rte. 6A. The park is a beautiful spot for a picnic, as well. Both elementary schools (on Rte 6A and on Underpass Road)have fine playgrounds too.

NEW ENGLAND FIRE & HISTORY MUSEUM: 1439 Main St.. (Rte 6A). This musem highlights the history of the American fireman, displaying authentic items from the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries, including fire trucks, equipment and art work. There is also an outdoor play area for the kids and a picnic area, so you can bring your lunch. 508-896-5711

Nickerson State Park: Open to the public free of charge for day-use. Considered the "jewel" of the State Parks system, the park offers many family amenities.

Boat Rentals: Rent a boat on Flax Pond in Nickerson State Park. Pedal boats, kayaks, aqua bikes, sea cycles, sailboats and sailboards (kid-sized, too). 508-896-8556

CAPE COD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY: 869 Main St. (Rte. 6A). Located amidst more than 350 acres of land on Cape Cod Bay, the Museum houses exhibits on coastal change, whales, birds and both freshwater and marine life. Outside, three nature trails ramble through woodland, salt marsh and coastal habitats. A continuing archaeological dig is conducted on Wing Island in July & August. 508-896-3867

BREWSTER TOWN BAND: Performs every Sunday evening in July & August at the bandstand in Drummer Boy Park, 6pm.

WOODSONG FARM: Lund Farm Way (off Millstone). This attractive equestrian center offers riding lessons for children ages 5 & up (plus adults). Day programs Mon - Fri, 9am - 2pm include a popular pony camp. The summer horsemanship programs are available for children with or without prior training. 508-896-5800

Brewster Bookstore: 2648 Main St. Call for story hours. 508-896-6543

Cape Cod Baseball League: Catch a free baseball game with the hometown Brewster Whitecaps.

BASEBALL clinics: The Brewster Whitecaps clinic is great fun with instruction by NCAA college coaches and ball players; for boys and girls ages 6-13. The clinics are held weekday mornings beginning in late June at the home of the Brewster White Caps at Cape Cod Regional Technical High School, in Harwich (Rte 124). Applications are available at Brewster Town Hall Visitors Center, the Brewster Ladies Library and at all Brewster Whitecaps home games. Or kids may register each Monday at the clinics, 8:30am. 508-896-3424