Provicetown with kids (Boston, New Bedford, Fall River: fit in, sales, 2009)

[familymom]

Call me crazy but I am heading up there next week for a get away with 4 kids and my mother. We need to try and find things to do. Oldest is 10, youngest is 3. We like skateboarding?? Hiking?? remember Mom is with me. Lighthouse could be cool. We need to keep it relatively inexpensive, since things add up quickly when there are 6 of us.

[lrfox]

It's off season, so it shouldn't be too expensive. We always enjoy the Pilgrim Monument and Museum. I don't know if the Monument is open to climb this early in the season, but the Museum is. Check the website for more info Pilgrim Monument & Provincetown Museum: Home . Bring your bikes... biking is a lot of fun on the Cape. Ride the Cape Cod Rail Trail if the weather is nice: Cape Cod Rail Trail . Provincetown is an old New England town which means the streets are rough (cobblestone in places) and difficult to skateboard on. Here's a link to some skateparks nearby: http://www.capecodrec.com/rampandbike/rampandbike.html . The one in Welfleet is good and it's the closest to P-Town.

The National Seashore has some wonderful dunes to climb and beaches to walk. ( http://www.nps.gov/caco/ ). It's a long stretch of beach and you can access it anywhere from P-Town, Truro, Wellfleet and Eastham. I enjoy the beaches (Cahoon Hollow, preferably) that you can access in Wellfleet. It's going to obviously be too cold to swim, but you can walk and find shells and play on the dunes.

Starting April 11, Whale Watches are available again. These can be fun for everyone: Dolphin Fleet Whale Watch Provincetown Schedule . I would recommend doing this, but the seas can be rough this time of year... bring something for those who get seasick.

I think you'll find that it's still quite quiet this time of year in P-Town. A week may be a bit too long to stay just in P-Town so be prepared to drive out of town for activities. Many restaurants and shops in town may be closed, but take a walk down commercial street. It's a charming walk.

Hyannis has some nice restaurants long the Main street that would be worth checking out. It too will be quiet this time of year.

There's hiking and outdoor activities at Nickerson State Park in Brewster Nickerson State Park

You could consider taking a drive to Plymouth and checking out Plimoth Plantation ( Plimoth Plantation, Plymouth MA ) and the Mayflower replica at Plymouth Rock.

The city of New Bedford is close to Cape Cod and there's a nice Whaling Museum and Ocean Explorium as well as shops (including a cool Skateboard Shop called Solstice on William Street) and restaurants in the portion of downtown that is a National Park. There's also a little zoo that is pretty nice in New Bedford and a theater where a symphony orchestra and performing arts are hosted (Zeiterion Theatre).
links for New Bedford:
Whaling District National Park: New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park (U.S. National Park Service)
New Bedford Whaling Museum: New Bedford Whaling Museum - Whale History Education Research Humpback Whale Blue Whale
New Bedford Ocean Explorium: Ocean Explorium at New Bedford Seaport
New Bedford Art Museum: New Bedford Art Museum
Zeiterion Theatre: Zeiterion Performing Arts Center (Willy Nelson is playing the 16th)
Buttonwood Zoo: Buttonwood Park Zoo, New Bedford, Massachusetts ~ Home Page

The Battleship Cove in Fall River (15 minutes past New Bedford on I-195) is cool too: Battleship Cove, the world's largest historic naval ship exhibit.

You could also head to Boston and enjoy the numerous attractions there, but that's about a 2 hour drive from Provincetown.

Even though it's the slow season and not everything is open you should be able to find things to do especially if you're willing to work a little. It should be relaxing if nothing else. Enjoy.

[familymom]

Wow, what a great reply. More than I could fit into a month. We will check out the different sites. Thanks. Is it worth taking a ride on the ferry to Martha's Vineyard? I know its really off season but the ferry alone could be neat for the kids, may even see a whale or dolphin???

[lrfox]

Originally Posted by familymom

Wow, what a great reply. More than I could fit into a month. We will check out the different sites. Thanks. Is it worth taking a ride on the ferry to Martha's Vineyard? I know its really off season but the ferry alone could be neat for the kids, may even see a whale or dolphin???

It's worth a ride on the ferry... if you can, Nantucket may be a little more fun (hy-line or steamship ferries out of Hyannis) as its one larger town on the island instead of a bunch of smaller ones like Martha's Vinyard. It's not cheap though; ferries are expensive. If you really want to see a whale or dolphin, you should consider the whale watch. The waters between Hyannis and MV and Nantucket are shallower and not usually whale territory (though you could see some dolphins). The whale watch boats head to feeding grounds where whales and dolphins are sited commonly (it's just off of the tip of P-Town too). If you do try the ferry, bring your bikes because that's a fun way to get around the islands.

[Beachcomber4]

I read in a local publication that there have been some from shore sightings of whales recently. Not sure where but the National Seashore Visitor's Center on the way to P-Town would have plenty of info.

[DreamworksSKG]

Here's info on the Martha's Vineyard off season ferry
most ferries run starting in May - the passenger ones, but this one is year round.
http://www.steamshipauthority.com/ssa/

Here's what I would suggest to do on the Cape and Provincetown Off season

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(Chatham)
Monomoy Island Seal Cruises
Call for off season hours
Monomoy Island Ferry - Seal Tours, Beach Shuttle, Birdwatching, Flyfishing on the Monomoy Islands of Chatham, MA
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Wellfleet Drive In Flea market - starting April 18
Wellfleet Drive-In Theater
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I would recommend a Drive In Movie at the Welfleet Drive in. You just pay, drive in, and tune into the movie on your car-stereo :-)
Wellfleet Drive-In Theater
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I would check out the cape cod bay beaches for sunset pictures, etc.
and walk out when the tide is low, keep in mind the water fills in from the sides, so know when to start heading back in! Don't stay out too long!
Brewster Cape Cod Beaches - Paines Creek Beach - Brewster Cape Cod
Check out Paine's Creek Beach in Brewster! (Paine's creek rd.) off 6A. for
cool sunset pictures, and a great place to walk out on the sand bars.
Paines Creek Beach on Flickr - Photo Sharing!
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I'd suggest driving 6A in the off season start at the Bridge with a stop at the christmas tree shop
Along Route 6A, Shopping Old King’s Highway, Gift Shops Cape Cod
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then go to sandiwch and see the glass museum
and the old historic town
and stop at the Green Briar nature center

Pairpoint Glass Company offers visitors a chance to see glass being made from 9am to 4pm weekdays. Their retail shop is also open weekends; among the lovely glass items you’ll find here are witch balls and friendship balls, suncatchers, paperweights and a full line of cranberry glass.
Driving east, follow the gently curving road into Sandwich. If you turn right, you’ll be in Sandwich Village proper; stay on 6A and there’s a smattering of interesting shops up ahead, along with a wonderfully scenic drive. One notable stop is the Sandwich Antiques Center on the left at the traffic light. A cooperative, it has high quality inventory of furniture, decorative items and vintage jewelry.

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then meander along 6A stopping at some antique shops
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to Brewster
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Go to paine's creek and check out the tide
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Go to the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History
in Brewster
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Then Check out Nickerson Park
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Then head up to Provincetown
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You can do Chatham on a day trip and the national seashore.
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Brewster: Nickerson park, has miles of hiking-biking trails , also connects with the Cape Cod Rail Trail
http://www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/trails/nickerson.gif
Nickerson State Park
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Cape Cod Rail Trail
is a long bike path that goes from Dennis to Wellfleet
you can rent bikes at many locations bike shops etc
Cape Cod Rail Trail
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If the kids want to see a Glacial formation take them to
Doane Rock!
Doane Rock - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Its in Eastham Mass, near the Salt Pond Visitor center, just off Doane Rd.
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I would highly sugge
st in Provincetown to do ART's DUNE Tours
I believe they start up in April
Call them just to check
they take you out in the provinceland dunes ...where the dune shacks were for artists and even drop you at the beach for a few minutes...
cars aren't allowed in the dunes, so its a cool way to see the dunes up close and get a little history information as well
Arts Dune Tours – Cape Cod | Discover America | Cape Cod Family Attractions
Welcome to Art's Dune Tours - "You got to have Art's !" Offering historical tours of the famous national seashore sand dunes in Provincetown, Cape Cod, Massachusets
Welcome to Art's Dune Tours - "You got to have Art's !" Offering historical tours of the famous national seashore sand dunes in Provincetown, Cape Cod, Massachusets
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Pilgrim Monument is a good visit
great sweeping views of the cape
Pilgrim Monument & Provincetown Museum
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Provincetown Art Association and Museum
THE PROVINCETOWN ART ASSOCIATION AND MUSEUM
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April 11th-30th the dolphin fleet has whale watches at 10am and 1:30 pm
I find Dolphin Fleet to be the best, though there are other
ones as well
WhaleWatch.com
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I might suggest checking to see if the Flyers' Long Point shuttle is operating to long point.
its the very tip of the cape and has a great view of the harbor, and a lighthouse you can walk right up to
Flyer's Boat Rentals and Apartments - Provincetown Long Point Shuttle - Cape Cod
For off-season schedule call 508-487-0898 ext 205 to confirm times.
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I would suggest checking out the trails at the Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary
Wellfleet Bay | Mass Audubon | Nature Connection
Nature/Visitor center hours: . Columbus Day to Memorial Day: Tuesday through Sunday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m
Trails : Every day from 8am to dusk
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You would want to check out Race Point Lighthouse
Race Point Light Station
you can also make reservations to stay in the Keeper's House - starting May 3rd.
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I might recommend a sail on the schooner hindu if they are open
Welcome To The Schooner Hindu!!!
May be only memorial day - labor day, not sure
might call them
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Race Point Aviation has sightseeing tours by air every day
Fly Cape Cod
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Provincetown Bike Rentals
Ptown Bikes - Provincetown Bike Rentals, Sales & Service
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Again not sure if this attraction is open in the spring
but might want to call and find out
Provincetown Trolley
Provincetown Trolleys Inc.
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Portuguese princess whale watch
Portuguese Princess - Provincetown Whale Watch
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Provincetown SHopping:
Provincetown Chamber of Commerce: Shopping
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Map of Provincetown:
Provincetown Chamber of Commerce
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Cabot's Candy Shop - Provincetown
Cabot's*Candy
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Marine Specialties:
225 Commercial St. Provincetown
Marine Specialties Provincetown
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Things Past
Decorative Accents For The Home at ThingsPast.com - Remembrances of Things Past - Provincetown
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Shell Design, Providing visitors with precious tokens of their time on the Cape for 15 years. 14kt gold charms, (Nantucket Baskets, whale tails, shells, anchors, etc.). Affordable gold and silver earrings. Something for everyone. Earrings, bracelets, necklaces and toe rings. Visit us for that "little something" to forever remind you of your visit to Cape Cod., 307 Commercial Street at Lopes Square, 508 487-4958, CEHJNQSTUW
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Might want to visit Truro Vineyards in Truro
they open April 3rd
Truro Vineyards of Cape Cod
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Cape Cod Museum of Natural History, 12pm-4pm, Wednesday through Sunday through 12/30. Closed during January. 2/1-3/31 Wednesday through Sunday 12pm-4pm. 4/1: Wednesday through Sunday 10am-4pm. Exhibits on the Cape’s flora & fauna, whales, indigenous birds, mollusks and much more. Interactive children’s activities. Nature trails. Lectures & workshops. Adults $8; seniors $7; ages 3-12 $3.50; under 3 free. 869 Rte. 6A, Brewster. 508-896-3867
Cape Cod Museum of Natural History :: Welcome to Cape Cod
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Cape Cod Children’s Museum, 10am-3pm Tuesday-Thursday, 10am-5pm Friday & Saturday, 12pm-5pm Sunday. Hands on exhibits, pirate ship, indoor planetarium, daily programs and more. 577 Great Neck Road South, Mashpee. 508-539-8788
Welcome to Cape Cod Childrens Museum!!!
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I would definitely recommend you visit the Sandwich Glass Museum
Sandwich Glass Museum, daily 9:30am-5pm through 12/31. Closed during January. February & March 9:30am-4pm Wednesday through Sunday. April 1st on daily 9:30am-5pm. Over 5,000 glass creations. Exhibits and demonstrations. $5 adults; $1.25 kids 6-14; free 6 & under. 129 Main St., Sandwich. 508-888-0251.
Sandwich Glass Museum
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Green Briar Nature Center, Thornton W Burgess Museum
Green Briar Nature Center
Natural history programs for children and adults are offered year-round and include classes, field trips, guided walks, and workshops on the natural sciences. New this year are our nature-related birthday parties. Outreach programs to area schools and other institutions are also an important part of Green Briar’s services to the community. Members of the education staff visit schools, nursing homes and clubs offering slide presentations, lectures and classes.

Green Briar is also home to the Robert S. Swain Natural History Library, which has a collection of books, periodicals and other materials on the natural history of the Northeast, particularly the eastern Massachusetts region. Books are available for reference or loan to members of the Society.

Adjacent to Green Briar is the 57-acre Briar Patch Conservation Area, home of Peter Rabbit and many of the other Thornton Burgess animal characters. Walking trails are open to the public.

HOURS:

January - March
• Tuesday - Saturday, 10 am - 4 pm

April - December
• Monday - Saturday, 10 am - 4 pm
• Sunday, 1 - 4 pm

6 Discovery Hill Road
East Sandwich, MA 02537

Admission by donation

Phone: (508) 888-6870

Saturdays
Animal Story Time, 10:30am. Half hour story about “Peter Rabbit”. Visit with a live animal. $1. Suitable for children 3 and up. Green Briar Nature Center, 6 Discovery Hill Road, East Sandwich. 508-888-6870.
(call for info)
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JFK Hyannis Museum, Thursday through Saturday 10am-4pm and Sunday 12pm-4pm. Closed during January. Open mid-February through mid-April. Multimedia exhibit of Kennedy photos and videos. 18 & over $5; 10-17 $2.50; under 10 free. 397 Main Street, Hyannis. (508)790-3077.
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Edward Gorey House, Friday & Saturday 11am-4pm and Sunday 12pm-4pm through 12/21, reopening mid April Thursday-Saturday 11am-4pm; Sunday 12pm-4pm. The life and works of Edward Gorey. Featuring and exhibit on Edward Gorey’s children’s books. Adults $5, students & seniors $3, children 6-12 $2. 8 Strawberry Lane, Yarmouth Port. 508-362-3909.
Celebrating the life and works of American author & illustrator Edward Gorey
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I would suggest Plymouth Plantation on the way down in Plymouth as well
and a stop at Plymouth Rock, Mayflower, etc. and a walk downtown
good seafood restaurants in plymouth as well

Plimoth Plantation, 9am-5pm mid March through November. Living history museum. Tour a 1627 pilgrim village, the Mayflower II or a Wampanoag Indian homesite. Off Route 3, Plymouth. 508-746-1622.
Plimoth Plantation, Plymouth MA
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Woods Hole Aquarium, 11am-4pm, Monday-Friday. Started in 1885, small, public aquarium showing approximately 140 species of marine animals found in Atlantic waters. Albatross St., Woods Hole. 508-495-2001.
Woods Hole Science Aquarium
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Cape Cod Maritime Museum, Tue-Sat, 10am-4pm; Sun 12pm-4pm. Exhibits on the Cape’s turbulent maritime heritage. Interactive exhibits the whole family will enjoy. Adults $5; seniors/students/children 6-16 $4; under 6 free. 135 South St, Hyannis. 508-775-1723.
Cape Cod Maritime Museum
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Salt Pond Visitor Center, 9am-4:30pm. Main visitor facility for the Cape Cod National Seashore. Orientation movies, museum, bookstore, trails, restrooms. Nauset Road, Eastham. 508-255-3421.
Cape Cod National Seashore - Visitor Centers (U.S. National Park Service)
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In Wellfleet check out the marconi station site. -
is the location of the first telegraph transmission between USA and Europe
also great views of the ocean!
(off route 6)
Marconi's Wellfleet (Cape Cod) Wireless - Stormfax®
Cape Cod National Seashore - Marconi Beach (U.S. National Park Service)
Marconi Beach Pictures Cape Cod
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Centerville Historical Museum, Tue-Sat 12pm-4pm through 12/15. Collection includes period rooms, furniture, Sandwich glass, Elmer Crowell carved birds, Revolutionary & Civil War uniforms and weaponry, vintage dolls and toys. Also, special exhibits: The Suffrage Movement 1836-1920 and Hell-Bent for the White House. $5; seniors/students $4; children free. 513 Main St., Centerville. 508-775-0331.
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Here;s some info on how to eat a lobster:
Cape Cod Travel :: Dining :: How to Eat a Lobster
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I would highly suggest a day trip to Chatham
lots of quaint shops and a cool view of a lighthouse at the Chatham "break"
Chatham Chamber of Commerce Cape Cod Vacation
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Chatham:
Check out Monomoy Island Wildlife Refuge
Monomoy NWR Home Page
Cape Cod Connection - Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge

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Chatham has some neat walking trails
Chatham Conservation Foundation
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[tamiznluv]

Originally Posted by Beachcomber4

I read in a local publication that there have been some from shore sightings of whales recently. Not sure where but the National Seashore Visitor's Center on the way to P-Town would have plenty of info.

That would be Cape Cod Harbor and that is off P'town. 60 wright whales have been seen off of P'town in the last few days. Good luck and enjoy your vacation!

[lrfox]

Dreamworks, excellent post! There's a ton of information in there and all of it good.

For what it's worth, The Portuguese Princess and Dolphin Fleet merged into one organization as of last year (2008 season), they're now one fleet.

Once again, great post.

[familymom]

Thanks for all the great info. Many of the sightseeing trips seem to be opening after Easter or only in the summer months. Too bad for us, but I am sure we will still find plenty to do. Just combing the beaches for shells and flying a kite is a great way to spend a day with my kids.

[DreamworksSKG]

Definitely check out Sandwich MA (and have a Sandwich at one of the Sandwich shops) ..heh not many places where you can say: I had a sandwich in Sandwich :-)

Sandwich is also right where the Christmas tree shop is.

A must see is the Glass Museum. they have glass blowing and such.

Sandwich Glass Museum

Fyi a good time to go to the Cape is in September...- Yes kids are back in school then, but most of the attractions are still open - and you can find bargains. You can still sometimes swim in the ocean too.

If you can manage a week in early-mid september at the Cape it is great.
fewer crowds and the benefits of everything still being open.

---Jeff--
Winchester, MA