The Beach Times
The Top 5 Fun Places for Kids in Falmouth
Posted by Kinlin Grover | Monday, June 3, 2019
As you first enter Cape Cod over the Bourne Bridge, take Massachusetts Route 28 to the south, and you'll quickly end up in the town of Falmouth, a community with about 30,000 residents, great beaches, and amazing access to the Cape's waterways. In fact, Falmouth has beaches on both Buzzards Bay and Vineyard Sound, making it the only town on Cape Cod to boast those features.
Those visiting Falmouth with their kids will also love the plethora of available activities in all parts of the town. You'll have no problem keeping your kids occupied because of the following top five fun places for kids in Falmouth.
1) Cataumet Crossing Light Mini Golf
Mini golf is always a hit with the kids and just outside of North Falmouth is where you’ll find Cataumet Crossing Light Mini Golf. The great thing about this venue is that there's more than just mini golf, as they have bumper boats, batting cages, and an assortment of rides for young children. There's also Lazy Sundaes Ice Cream, made at the world famous Richardson's Dairy, so your kids can have a treat after playing in the sun.
Although not officially part of the business, Cataumet Crossing Light Mini Golf shares a parking lot with Daily Brew Coffee House and The Parrot Bar & Grill, allowing you to easily step out for a cup of joe or take the family for dinner at the end of the day.
2) Uncle Bill's Country Store
Just down the North Falmouth Highway from the mini golf place sits Uncle Bill's Country Store, a fascinating location for old and young alike. To be clear, the main reason why your kids will like Uncle Bill's is because of its old fashioned penny candy, but older children might appreciate the handcrafted furniture, ship models, artwork, and jewelry sold there, as well.
This gift shop is attached to the Silver Lounge Restaurant, which is home to one of Cape Cod's best lobster rolls and features an extensive children's menu, so you can easily make a stop by Uncle Bill's after your meal.
3) Shining Sea Bikeway
The Shining Sea Bikeway is a 10.7-mile path that heads through cranberry bogs, marshland, and farms while providing remarkable views of West Falmouth Harbor, Salt Pond, and Oyster Pond. Riding or walking along the path is an excellent activity to do with your kids because it provides free entertainment and allows them to get outdoors for the day. The main parking areas for the path are in North Falmouth and Woods Hole, although you can enter and exit the bikeway in numerous locations along the way.
If bringing the bikes on your Cape Cod vacation is impossible, you can rent from Bike Zone or Art's Bike Rental near the trailhead in North Falmouth or Corner Cycle in downtown Falmouth. Art's Bike Rental has trailer bikes, pull-behind trailers, and bicycle baby seats, while Bike Zone features kids' bike rentals and pull-behind wagons. There are swimming areas, restaurants, washrooms, and information centers as you head along the Shining Sea Bikeway, as well.
4) Woods Hole Aquarium
The Woods Hole area has one of the country's top oceanographic institutions and also features a world-class aquarium to explore with your kids. The aquarium is small but gives children the chance to get up close with and even touch lobsters, clams, small fish, starfish, and shells, while learning about marine mammals, sea turtles, and other species native to the Cape Cod area.
Admission to the Woods Hole Science Aquarium is by donation, and since the venue dates back to 1885, it's the oldest marine aquarium in the entire country.
5) Highfield Hall
Deep in the woods just outside of downtown Falmouth is where you'll find Highfield Hall & Gardens. The hall sits in a restored Victorian home from 1878 and is surrounded by 400 acres of conservation land, providing plenty of space for your kids to wander around and explore. Of particular interest to the young ones are the trails through Beebe Woods and the family-friendly events featuring bands, artists, and activities held through the year.
Highfield Hall & Gardens is open from the middle of April until the end of October every year and is free for kids under 12. Many special events are free for adults, as well, although regular admission is $8 for non-members.
So Many Children’s Activities
The Cape is full of notable things to do with your kids, and if you’re staying in the Falmouth area, you won’t have to travel far to find them.
Cape Cod truly is a destination for the entire family, as there are very few places in the country where you can hike, bike, play mini golf, eat at delicious restaurants, visit the beach, and check out a renowned aquarium over the course of a few days, but that is precisely what you can expect in Falmouth.
Activities Aquarium Bike Paths Biking Country Store Falmouth Highfield Hall Kids Mini Golf Shining Sea Bikeway Whoi Woods Hole Aquarium