Cape Cod, a peninsula jutting into the Atlantic Ocean, is a quintessential summer destination brimming with activities perfect for a family vacation. The Cape Cod summer family activities that we will take a look at are beaches, ice cream, and mini-golf, classic summer fun.
Beaches
Cape Cod boasts miles of pristine coastline, each beach offering a unique experience. From the expansive Cape Cod National Seashore to smaller beaches on the Upper Cape, beaches abound on the Cape. Going to the beach is THE premier Cape Cod summertime activity.
Popular Beaches
If the Cape is a flexed arm and curled fist, the outside part of the forearm and fist has been preserved as the Cape Cod National Seashore, some of the best beaches in the country. Many have steep dunes with a beach below leading to the sea. This list includes Race Point Beach with a soft sand beach located at the very tip of Provincetown, with wide expansive views of the ocean. It’s also a perfect place to watch the sun set. Head of the Meadow Beach is another gorgeous beach that is part of the National Seashore but is located in Truro, with sloping dunes, soft sand, and crashing waves.
Other beaches on this list include Sandwich’s Town Neck Beach, which is accessed via the Sandwich Boardwalk. The planked walkway arches over marshland and provides gorgeous views ending at Town Neck Beach. Old Silver Beach in Falmouth is a popular spot to soak up the sun. Craigville is perfect for families as it’s flat and easy to get to, but still beautiful. Sandy Neck Beach is a large beach with soft sand on the bay side
| Beach Name | Location | Highlights |
| Coast Guard Beach | Eastham | Rugged beauty, seals are often spotted offshore |
| Craigville Beach | Centerville | Calm waters, ideal for families with young children |
| Head of the Meadow Beach | Truro | Sloping dunes, soft sand, and crashing waves. |
| Nauset Beach | Orleans | Wide sandy beach, powerful waves, great for surfing |
| Old Silver Beach | North Falmouth | Warm water, gentle slope, concessions, popular and busy |
| Race Point Beach | Provincetown | Scenic views, whale watching opportunities, sunsets over the water |
| Sandy Neck Beach | Barnstable | Expansive beach, soft sand |
| Town Neck Beach | Sandwich | Long boardwalk to beach, great views |
Ice Cream
No summer vacation is complete without indulging in ice cream. Cape Cod has a rich tradition of homemade ice cream parlors. From Sandwich to Provincetown, ice cream is as ubiquitous on the Cape as traffic jams in the heat of summer. Some, such as Sundae School and Four Seas, offer indoor and outdoor dining. Twin Acres is a classic ice cream stand. Captain Frosty’s is also known for its food, and Lewis Brothers is a Ptown favorite. Eating ice cream is one of the ultimate summertime activities on Cape Cod!
Popular Ice Cream Shops
| Ice Cream Shop Name | Location | Specialties |
| Captain Frosty’s | Dennis | Soft serve ice cream, fried seafood |
| Four Seas Ice Cream | Centerville | Local favorite since 1934, homemade ice cream, unique flavors |
| Lewis Brothers | Provincetown | Homemade ice cream, unique flavor options, ice cream alternatives |
| Sundae School | Dennisport | Homemade ice cream, classic sundaes |
| Twin Acres Ice Cream | Sandwich | Large portions, over 70 flavors |
Mini-Golf
For family-friendly entertainment, mini-golf is a must. Many courses offer creative themes and challenging obstacles. Whenever I see a mini golf course, it’s hard for me not to stop! I love the obstacles and the kitsch factor. Whether it’s hitting a golf ball under a waterfall or a hippopotamus, mini golf is a favorite summertime activity on Cape Cod. The Cape’s courses run the gamut from over-the-top, such as Wild Animal Lagoon, which is full of fantastical obstacles, to others that are more about obstacles that are embedded into the greens, including Harbor Lights and Sandwich Mini Golf.
Popular Mini-Golf Courses
| Mini-Golf Course Name | Location | Theme |
| Arnold’s Mini Golf | Eastham | Classic course with fun obstacles |
| Harbor Lights | Brewster | Tree-lined, challenging, ice cream |
| Holiday Hill Mini Golf | Dennisport | Nautical theme with water features |
| Lightning Falls | Hyannis | Waterfall, ice cream, family fun |
| Putter’s Paradise | Yarmouth | Classic course, spouting whale, nautical theme |
| Sandwich Mini Golf | Sandwich | Challenging 18 or 36-hole course, playing over water |
| Wild Animal Lagoon | Yarmouth | Animal theme, fountains, popular |
Other Activities
In addition to beaches, ice cream, and mini-golf, here are other Cape Cod summer family activities worth doing:
- Whale watching tours
- Bike trails
- Cape Cod League Baseball
- Shopping in quaint villages
- Seafood dining
- Historical sites and museums
Cape Cod provides a memorable summer vacation experience for families, with activities to suit all ages and interests. When I’m vacationing with my crew, our favorite Cape Cod summer family activities include mini golf, going to the beach, and eating ice cream.
