6 Adventurous Things to Do on Cape Cod

Cape Cod is a beloved destination and a close family vacation hotspot for those on the East Coast and beyond. With its picturesque beaches, charming towns and endless opportunities for adventure, the Cape has plenty of entertainment. You’ll find plenty of memorable activities, from soaring through the treetops at a ziplining park to strolling historic streets lined with local shops. Here are six things to do on Cape Cod that will make your vacation truly unforgettable.

#1 Zipline Through The Adventure Park at Heritage Museums & Gardens

The first thing to do on Cape Cod is to visit The Adventure Park at Heritage Museum & Gardens—an outdoor ziplining and ropes course park offering an exciting outdoor adventure for all ages! Navigate through a series of platforms connected by bridges, ropes and ziplines, all set amidst the beautiful New England forest. With seven ziplines, five trails and 60 challenges, this aerial forest park provides a choose-your-own adventure for adults and children 7+ at any fitness and climbing level. After a safety briefing and practice session, you can work your way through the trails at your own pace—go as fast or as slow as you want.

Plenty of space is available for some downtime at The Park, so pack a lunch or purchase some nourishment from The Sandwich Pizza House (a nearby eatery serving pizza, subs and salads) and lounge at one of our many picnic tables for a break from the fun.

Never been to an Adventure Park before? Read about what you can expect and check out the ultimate park checklist so you’ll feel prepared and energized to visit the Adventure Park. Park Guides are available to hire for one or two hours, which is an amazing option if you’re new to ziplining and want a boost of confidence or have a big group.

#2 Explore Heritage Museums & Gardens

Next to The Adventure Park is Heritage Museums & Gardens, a 100-acre celebration of American culture that blends beauty with engaging exhibits for all ages. The land contains stunningly designed gardens, nature trails, sculptures and water features. The Hydrangea Gardens and the Rhododendron Garden are visitor favorites. Check out what’s blooming now. Walking trails wind through the woods, offering peaceful paths to explore seasonal blooms.

Additionally, the estate provides rotating exhibitions in art, history and culture. Highlights include a collection of vintage automobiles, the Old East Windmill (built in 1800), and Hidden Hollow, a nature-based discovery area designed especially for children. Explore on your own or join one of the many guided tours. 

#3 Spend a Day on the Sands of Mayflower Beach

A Cape Cod vacation wouldn’t be complete without a day at one of the many beaches like Mayflower Beach. Located in Dennis, Mayflower Beach is a popular, family-friendly beach known for its pristine white sands and clear, calm waters. Pack your sunscreen and towels, and head to the beach early to secure your parking spot and enjoy a fun day in the sun.

The calm water plus lifeguards on duty make Mayflower Beach a great place to swim and play. Dip in the water or just laze on your beach chair, devouring your beach read. Amenities nearby include restrooms and a snack bar. When the tide recedes, it exposes extensive tidal flats, making the area perfect for walking and exploring tidal pools.

#4 Go Whale Watching

Embarking on a whale-watching excursion is a quintessential Cape Cod experience. Humpback whales, a particular favorite due to what appears to be playful behavior like slapping their flippers and breaching, spend summer months in the area after spending winter months in the Caribbean. Finbacks and minkes are some of the other whales seen in the area. Witnessing these majestic creatures up close is both humbling and unforgettable.

Tours typically last around three to four hours, and it’s recommended to book in advance during the busy summer months. Daily whale watch excursions are offered in season (mid-April through October) by a variety of companies, including Hyannis Whale Watcher Cruises and Captain John Boats. Learn more about whale watching at the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce.

#5 Enjoy a Wide Range of Activities at the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History

The Cape Cod Museum of Natural History offers something for everyone—from indoor exhibits to outdoor activities to special events. The aquarium highlights the many freshwater and saltwater creatures living in the nearby streams, marshes and beaches around Cape Cod Bay. Spend some reflective time in the Naturescape Gallery, which provides a rotating art exhibit featuring Cape Cod and New England artists. At the Butterfly House, you can feed butterflies!

The museum has many fun opportunities for kids to get hands-on. Kids will have a blast exploring the Earth & Space Lab, where they can build a human habitat on Mars, discover how science shapes the world in the Science Rocks! room and make a mess and dig tunnels in the Mud Kitchen. For those who enjoy exploring outdoors, participate in one of the Mudflat Mania! events—a walk to the Brewster flats, where you can explore with pails, shovels, nets or sifters. The museum also has many special events for kids and adults, so learn more about the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History.

#6 Eat, Drink and Be Entertained at Main Street in Hyannis

Hyannis’ Main Street is a vibrant hub of activity, offering a mix of shopping, dining and entertainment. The mile-long street is lined with a variety of specialty stores, including antiques, art galleries, jewelry, books and much more. Over 40 family-owned and operated restaurants represent international cuisines, including upscale, casual and outdoor patio options. Additionally, Main Street hosts various events and festivals throughout the year, adding to its lively atmosphere. 

For a unique experience, stop into the John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum on Main Street to learn more about the Kennedys and their connection to Cape Cod. Of course, you can’t spend time on Main Street without savoring a scoop (or two) of ice cream at one of the local shops!

Discover Fun Things to Do on Cape Cod!

Cape Cod is a destination that offers something for every traveler, and it was tough to only pick six fun things to do! From the adrenaline rush of ziplining through treetops to the serene beauty of its beaches and the rich tapestry of its cultural streets, the Cape invites exploration and promises memorable experiences.

We’d love to see you here at The Adventure Park at Heritage Museums & Gardens! We think it’s a pretty unique place to be, and we hope you will create some incredible memories with us. If you have any questions, you can reach us at (508) 866-0199 or infoHAP@myadventurepark.com. We’ll see you in the trees!

We’re your answer to a day filled with fun, thrills, and a whopping great sense of achievement once you’ve mastered the course challenges. Make the most of your Cape Cod adventure by exploring these five incredible activities and creating memories that will last a lifetime.