Family-Friendly Museums

A morning or afternoon at a museum is a wonderful way to spend the day on the Cape. Cape Cod has dozens of interesting museums to visit, and many are fun for kids. Plus, quite a few have dynamic outdoor spaces to explore. Children who love marine science, technology, and nature will be thrilled with the museum options on the Cape! We do recommend calling before your visit to ensure they are open and inquire about public health protocol. Read on for a roundup of some of our favorite places to go with children.

Atlantic White Shark Center

235 Orleans Rd, North Chatham 508-348-5901

This family-friendly museum offers an in-depth look at the magnificent and often misunderstood Great White Shark. Stroll through interactive exhibits, videos, and displays to learn more about the White Shark and the groundbreaking research by the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy.

Cape Cod Children’s Museum

577 Great Neck Rd S, Mashpee 508-539-8788

One of the best museums for children on the Cape, the Children’s Museum encourages hands-on experiences to spark curiosity and creativity for families around the Cape. Check their website for special programs like sing-alongs and story-times.

Cape Cod Marconi Maritime Center

847 Orleans Rd, North Chatham 508-945-8889

The Marconi Maritime center celebrates the important history of 20th Century maritime radio, exploring innovative advances in science and technology. Summer programs specialize in STEM for children.

Cape Cod Maritime Museum

135 South St, Hyannis 508-775-1723

Learn about the rich maritime traditions and history of the Cape and Islands. This museum is geared for audiences of all ages, featuring exhibitions, collections, events, and educational programs.

Cape Cod Museum of Art

60 Hope Ln, Dennis 508-385-4477

The Cape Cod Museum of Art seeks to preserve the rich history of art on Cape Cod by showcasing regional artists as well as art inspired by the region. Check their website for information on youth art classes.

Cape Cod Natural History Museum

869 Main St, Brewster 508-896-3867

This Lower Cape institution seeks to inspire appreciation and stewardship for the unique natural environment and wildlife on the Cape. The small museum of natural history offers natural history artifacts and displays as well as traveling exhibits. The museum offers a rich schedule of workshops, films, walks, field trips, classes, and more. Check their website for an event schedule.

Chatham Railroad Museum

153 Depot Rd, Chatham 508-945-5780

Located in the beautifully restored 1887 railroad depot in Chatham, the Railroad Museum contains hundreds of exhibits as well as the New York Central model locomotives used at the 1939 New York World’s Fair. There is also a 1910 restored wood caboose available for children and adults to explore.

Coast Guard Heritage Museum

3353 Main St, Barnstable 508-362-8521

Interactive exhibits, programs, and STEM-based educational programs contribute to the Coast Guard Heritage Museum’s mission of honoring the heritage of the U.S. Coast Guard.

Heritage Museums & Gardens

67 Grove St, Sandwich 508-888-3300

Heritage Museums and Gardens sits on 100 sprawling acres, complete with walking trails, outdoor discovery opportunities, gardens, classic automobiles, and more. Hidden Hollow is an outdoor educational space built for children, encouraging imaginative play in hopes that families can rediscover the joy of being outdoors together.

Highfield Hall & Gardens

56 Highfield Dr, Falmouth 508-495-1878

Highfield Hall is not your typical historic building. This vibrant cultural center is surrounded by restored gardens, walking trails, and conservation land that children will love to explore. Check their website for an update on events and classes.

Whydah Pirate Museum

674 MA-28, West Yarmouth 508-534-9571

Visit the largest collection of pirate artifacts recovered from a single shipwreck anywhere in the world. The Whydah Museum is home to thousands of items from the Whydah pirate shipwreck. The museum contains multiple exhibit wings, a partial replica of the Whydah Gally, and the SeaLab and Learning Center— the museum’s onsite conservation laboratory.