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Sandwich Kids on the Cape Suggests. . . Beach For Kids: Sandwich has no ocean front beaches staffed by lifeguards so your best bet is Barnstable’s Sandy Neck Beach, bordering Sandwich, on Sandy Neck Beach Rd. off Rte 6A. It’s one of the most spectacular beaches on the Cape with miles of sand and pebble beach, sand dunes, and flowing marsh grass. There are many shallow pools for paddling and splashing at low tide. Snack bar and full facilities. Parking fee. Freshwater swimming is great at Wakeby Pond in the Ryder Conservation Area off Sandwich Cotuit Rd. Lifeguards and restrooms. Picnic Spot: The town marina has picnic tables, a small playground & rest rooms. Fishing Spot: Wakeby Lake off South Sandwich Road, a part of the Ryder Conservation area. Open from the Tues. after Memorial Day to the Tues. after Labor Day. With bathhouse and rest rooms, it's also a good place for swimming. Biking Trail: The 7 mile paved service road facing both sides of the Canal makes a popular bike trail but keep your eye on the road, the close-up views of passing freighters, tug boats, cruise ships and sailboats can be a real distraction! Gain access right at the Sandwich Marina on Freezer Road. Parking available. Hiking Trail: The Briar Patch in East Sandwich is a 57-acre town conservation area with plenty of marked woodland trails. Be on the lookout for Peter Cottontail because it was here that the famous author and pioneering conservationist Thornton Burgess encountered the wild animals which populate his beloved stories for children. PLAYGROUND: The Sandwich Marina has a great little area with a view! Also check out the Oak Ridge School off Quaker Meetinghouse Road, and the playground at the Wing School on Rte 130. SKATEBOARD PARK: Located on Quaker Meetinghouse Rd., behind the A & P. Call for hours 508-888-4361 SANDWICH GLASS MUSEUM: 129 Main St. The museum exhibits over 5,000 pieces of blown, mold-blown, pressed and decorated glassware produced at the Boston & Sandwich Glass Co., a 19th century premier glass manufactory in the U.S. Children’s activities, hot glass demonstrations, handicap accessible and Museum Gift Shop. 508-888-0251 PLASTER PALACE: Heritage Park Plaza, Rte. 130. Drop in and join the fun painting your own masterpiece. Choose from dozens of items; quick drying plaster means no waiting, take your creations home the same day. 508-833-2262 Library: 142 Main St. Offers various children’s programs, call for latest information. 508-888-0625 Cape Cod Canal Visitor Center: Run by the Army Corps of Engineers, located on the Cape side of the Canal, next to the Sandwich Marina/US Coast Guard Station. View an old patrol boat on display, old artifacts, tall ship memorabilia, etc. 508-759-5991 Heritage Plantation, Sandwich: Grove & Pine Streets. With 76 acres of lush gardens, there is plenty of room here for active families. The Plantation caters to kids with “Clue Tours”, where kids follow a trail of footsteps deciphering clues. Kids love riding on the 1912 carousel, and the whole family will enjoy the impressive antique automobile collection (which, by the way, houses Gary Cooper's 1930 Duesenberg). A special program for kids called Sizzling Summer Step Outs is offered Thursdays in July and August (see the Kids Calendar in this issue for details). Don't forget to bring a camera! Open Sat. - Weds., 9am - 6pm; Th. & Fri., 9am - 8pm. 508-888-3300 Green Briar Nature Center: See “Suggested Attractions” in this issue for a complete description. Thornton Burgess Museum: See “Suggested Attractions” in this issue for complete description. outdoor band concerts: The Sandwich town band performs Thurs. evenings during July and August at 8pm at the Wing School bandstand on Beale Avenue. Take a Walk on the Boardwalk: At Town Neck Beach near the center of town there is a newly rebuilt boardwalk which spans the marshland and is a quiet and peaceful place to meander. Peer directly out over the water at high tide. Plenty of parking. |
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| 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 because the close-up views of passing freighters, tug boats, cruise ships, etc. can be a real distraction! marine mammal visitor's center, buzzards bay: 120 Main St. The National Marine Life Center's future center for stranded marine animals offers exhibits, activities, gifts, souvenirs and more. Free admission. 508-759-8722 Library: Jonathan Bourne Library. 19 Sandwich Road. Call for story hour information. 508-759-0644 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 or 508-833-1902 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. APTUCXET TRADING POST: 24 Aptucxet Rd. (off Shore Rd.). 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. 508-759-9487 Campfire Presentations: Ranger-led sing-a-longs; Cape tales; guest speakers; marshmallow toasting & more! Weds. eves all summer at the pavillion in the Midway Recreation area on Rte 6A, Bourne; also Thurs. at the campground headquarters in the Scusset Beach State Park. (July & August only) 508-759-5991 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 pavillion, Midway Recreation Area, Rte 6A, Bourne. July & August only. Call for schedule. 508-759-5991 Outdoor Concerts: Held at the Buzzards Bay band shell beside the Canal on Thurs. nights from 7 - 9 in Juy & 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. Bourne bridge adventure golf: At the Old Bourne Bridge Approach behind the Tanger Outlet Stores and Sandy’s Restaurant. Two beautiful and challenging 18-hole mini-golf courses with castle, waterfalls, lighthouse, bridges and more! 508-759-1747 Ryan family amusements: 200 Main St., Buzzards Bay. Kids love bumper bowl, because -- everyone scores! Candlepin bowling featuring automatic scoring. Parties are our specialty. There is a game-room too with video games, skee-ball, pinball & prizes. 508-759-9892 Adventure Isle: Rte. 28, Bourne. 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 one of the largest in the nation and kids love the giant slides. 508-759-2636 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. |
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| Falmouth
Falmouth has been a tourist resort since the mid-1800's when wealthy Bostonians began purchasing picturesque farms as summer retreats. The town continued in the 1800's to welcome wealthy visitors who travelled non-stop from their City homes on a private train nicknamed the Dude Train. The area's classic New England look stems from the tasteful influences of wealthy sea captains and civic leaders prominent in the late 1800's. With its picturesque village green and its many outdoor attractions, Falmouth with its villages of Woods Hole, Teaticket, Hatchville and Waquoit remains today a preferred Cape Cod destination. Kids on the Cape Suggests. . . Chamber of Commerce: 20 Academy Lane. Get a free map and other information. 508-548-8500 Beach For Kids: Surf Drive Beach is perfect for smaller children with its protected salt-water pool. Full facilities and snack bar. Parking fee. Freshwater swimming at Grews Pond in Goodwill park. Restrooms & lifeguard. Picnic Spot: Goodwill Park. Run by the Falmouth Recreation Department, the park offers swimming, BBQ pits, kids playground, volleyball courts and restrooms. There are 2 entrances to the park- from Palmer Ave (off Rte 28) or off Gifford St. (from Main St. near the library) 508-457-2567 Fishing Spot: Try Coonamessett Pond off Rte 151 where you can catch bass, pickerel, yellow perch, or bullhead plus white perch. Biking Trail: Shining Sea Bikeway. Running along the beach coast from Falmouth to Woods Hole is a 3.3 mile route. Several bike rental places are located nearby. Hiking Trail: Ashumet Holly and Wildlife Sanctuary, Currier Road off Rte. 151. (Two miles from Mashpee Rotary). A great woodsy place for nature walks with self guided tours and varied educational programs. Admission: Adults $3; seniors and children 16 and under $2; Members free. Currier Road off Rte 151, (2 miles from the Mashpee Rotary). Open from dawn to dusk. 508-362-1426 Libraries: Falmouth Public Library: 123 Katherine Lee Bates Rd. 508-457-2555 E. Falmouth Branch: 310 E. Falmouth Hwy. 508-548-6340 N. Falmouth Branch: Chester St. 508-563-2922 W. Falmouth Library: W. Falmouth Hwy. 508-548-4709 Woods Hole Library: 581 Woods Hole Rd. 508-548-8961 (Call for story hours) PLAYGROUNDS: In Woods Hole, on Bell Tower Lane. In East Falmouth at the Elementary School off Maravista and at North Falmouth Elementary School on Old Main Road. Falmouth Recreation Dept: A town-sponsored playground program will begin after 4th of July weekend. Call for schedule. Swimming and tennis lessons are coordinated through the Rec. Dept. Scheduling details 508-457-2567 Bowling Alley: Leary Family Amusements, located near the town offices off of Main St. offers 'Cosmic Bowl' on Friday and Saturday nights throughout the summer. It's a fun, wild night of bowling with a light show, rock music, and bumper bowling for the kids. 508-540-4877 Skateboard Park: Skateboarders gather on Gifford St. at the park built especially for them. Call 508-457-2567 for hours. Patriot Boats: Enjoy fishing, scenic cruises and sailing right out of Falmouth Harbor. Patriot Boats has been taking families fishing for scup, fluke and tautog for over 30 years. All bait and tackle is included, as well as instruction. The 65-foot Schooner Liberte offers 2-hour daysails, four times a day. Scenic sunset cruises every evening. Great family fun on the water! For reservations and information, 508-548-2626 or 800-734-0088. Falmouth Ice Arena: 9 Skating Lane. Limited open skating plus kids camps are offered during the summer. 508-548-7080 ASHUMET HOLLY RESERVATION: Off Rte 151 at 286 Ashumet Rd., E. Falmouth.The Mass Audubon sanctuary features more than 40 acres of hiking trails and is known for its collection of Holly trees. 508-563-6390 OceanQuest Cruises: Oceanquest is a non-profit marine education organization located at Waterford Park, Water St., Woods Hole. Passengers travel off the coast in their 60’ research vessel to participate in hands-on marine experiments. Kids haul traps, operate instrumentation, explore touch-tanks and learn about our native waters--the ecosystem, and basic oceanography. The trips are exhilarating, educational and unforgettable! 800-376-2326 Cape Cod Baseball League: Catch a free baseball game with the hometown Falmouth Commodores. See schedule here. Woods Hole Shuttle: The Cape's Transit Authority operates a trolley, the Woods Hole Shuttle, (equipped with bike racks!) between the Falmouth Mall and the quaint seaside village of Woods Hole. Tickets available on board for $1 or from the Falmouth Chamber of Commerce. Call for schedule & additional routes. Bus Service routes also to Falmouth Hospital and Rte 28A in No. Falmouth and to the Barnstable County Fair on weekends. Call 385-8326 or 800-352-7155. NATIONAL MARINE FISHERIES AQUARIUM: Woods Hole: Albatross and Water Streets, The oldest research aquarium in the country, visitors can get behind the scenes and see how an aquarium works. Touch tanks with local species are fascinating. It’s free! 508-495-2001 |
| Mashpee:
Look past the usual sites of a Cape Cod summer resort and you will find a rich Native American cultural heritage that lies in the heart and soul of Mashpee. Sadly, there are very few descendants left of the original Marsipees, part of the 40,000 members of the Wampanoag Federation of tribes which flourished on the Cape in the 1600's. Kids on the Cape Suggests. . . Chamber of Commerce: Get a free map and other information from the Mashpee Chamber of Commerce. Located at Mashpee Commons. 508-477-0792 Beach For Kids: The popular South Cape Beach on Great Oak Road about 5 miles south of the Mashpee rotary, Rtes 28 and 151. Parking fee. Full facilities. Fresh water swimming is great at Mashpee Pond, which has a beach in Attiquin Park on Lake Ave. off Rte 130, and at John’s Pond off Rte 151. Restrooms & picnic facilities. Picnic Spot: Mashpee River Woodland has has a nice picnic area with tables. Park on Mashpee Neck Road, off Rte 28. Cape Cod Children's Museum: 577 Great Neck Road South. Hands-on exhibits, science workshops, arts and crafts, and more. Visit the Toddler Castle, Starlab Planetarium (at scheduled times), 30' Pirate Ship and Ames Room just to name a few. Open 10-5 Monday-Saturday, 12-5 Sundays. 508-539-8788 color me mine, paint your own pottery studio: Located in a bright and airy free-standing building in Mashpee Commons (near the CVS), the ambience here will really bring out your family’s creativity! Choose from a huge variety of ceramic items and have a ball painting them. Ask about their special Ladies’ Night and Family Night. Additionally, a Kids Pizza Bust is offered on Friday nights during July and August where parents can drop off the kids (pre-registration rqd.) 508-539-8500 Fishing Spot: John's Pond off Rte 151. Plenty of trout, pickerel and bass. Hiking Trail: Lowell Holly Reservation in South Sandwich (off Rte 130). Over 100 acres covering the peninsula which nearly divides Mashpee-Wakeby ponds. A shaded path cuts through holly and beach tress, red maple, black birch and rhododendron. Picnic tables. Library: 100 Nathan Ellis Hwy. (off Rte 151 near Mashpee Commons) Call for story hour information. 508-539-1435 Wompanoag Museum: Rte 130. Learn about native culture and lore. Guided Tours. 508-477-1536 FREE CONCERTS: Mashpee Commons offers excellent free concerts from 7 - 8pm most Wed. & Fri. nights in mid June, July and August with entertainers running the gamut from blues to bluegrass and country to jazz. 508-477-5400 Additionally, New Seabury Resort's Popponesset Marketplace holds free concerts Thurs., Fri. & Sat. nights from 7-9:30pm in July and August with an eclectic selection. 508-477-9400 PLAYGROUNDS: On Old Barnstable Rd. at the K.C. Coombs Elementary School and on Rte 130 at Heritage Park. Mashpee Leisure Services: A town-sponsored summer program for kids includes a 2-week summer camp, swim lessons, gymnastic camp, baseball camp, scuba diving lessons, golf and tennis lessons. All programs are open to non-residents. 508-539-1446 MY DOLLS: Lovell's Lane, Mashpee. This interesting, one of a kind store, is as much a museum as it is a shop. Hundreds of 'dolls of color' are lovingly displayed in this charming spot off Rte 130 in Mashpee This unique Cape Cod store is not to be missed by collectors and lovers of dolls and children of all color. 508-477-5100 NATURALIST Guided Tours: Year after year, the Mashpee Conservation Commission has offered free programs for families that are among the best on the Cape. Among the naturalist guided activities are, Family River Fun, Children Discovery Hikes, Animal Hunts (kid search for clues to different animal species), Creature Features, Sunset strolls and more. Programs run daily all summer. 508-539-1400 x540 |