Things to Do in Cape Cod When It Rains

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Cape Cod is famous for its sunny beach days, but that doesn’t mean the fun stops when the rain rolls in. In fact, a little drizzle opens the door to an entirely different kind of adventure—misty zipline trails, cozy museums and hands-on experiences that bring Cape Cod’s culture, history and creativity to life. Whether you’re traveling solo, with kids or on a romantic getaway, these rainy-day activities will turn gray skies into golden memories.

Zipline Through the Trees at The Adventure Park at Heritage Museums & Gardens

For adventurers, climbing and ziplining in the rain can actually be quite fun and refreshing! The Adventure Park at Heritage Museums & Gardens may be outdoors, but plenty of people still join us on rainy days. With forested zipline trails, suspended bridges and climbing platforms that feel like a real-life adventure playground, the gentle pitter-patter of rain only adds to the excitement and quenches your nerves. Picture flying through the trees while taking in the fresh scent of cool, rain-fresh air.

To make the most of your visit, be sure to read our tips on what to expect, including how to plan your day, what to wear and more. Speaking of what to wear, fully secured, closed-toed shoes, such as athletic shoes or hiking boots, are required. Dress in layers for a rainy day. We highly recommend wearing protective gloves, which you can bring or purchase at our retail store.

Also, did you know that The Adventure Park has the best cancellation policy on the planet? Whether you need to reschedule due to weather, illness or a change of plans, you have the option of an account credit or a raincheck to come another day. For even more flexibility, ask about our upgrade to a refundable ticket!

Explore the Indoor Exhibits at the Heritage Museums & Gardens

When you’re done ziplining and climbing at The Adventure Park, walk next door to dry off in one of the many indoor art, history and culture exhibits at the Heritage Museums & Gardens. Inside, you’ll find more than 18,000 items that highlight the culture, work, leisure and life of the people in southeastern New England, with a special emphasis on Cape Cod.

Check out the antique automobile collection featuring 42 American-made cars ranging from 1899 through 1965. The 1908 Looff Carousel, a hand-carved carousel with the oldest horses carved in the 1880s, has been entertaining riders for over a hundred years. Also not to miss is a collection of the region’s art and history. And if your kids need to release their energy, head over to Hidden Hollow, a nature-based discovery area designed especially for children. As you make your way between buildings, you’ll get to view the many stunningly designed gardens, nature trails, sculptures and water features.

Watch a Glassblowing Demonstration at Sandwich Glass Museum

The Sandwich Glass Museum is an attraction that honors the past and present world of glass manufacturing while also showcasing studio artistry. It provides a permanent collection of glass art with several galleries devoted to special exhibitions that change seasonally.

Watch in awe as molten glass transforms into beautiful art right before your eyes during one of the live, 20-minute glassblowing demonstrations that take place every hour on the hour, starting at 10 am. In addition, view an educational video about the glass factory that brought prosperity to the Town of Sandwich in the nineteenth century, and then wander through the collection galleries and browse the gift shop for a souvenir.

What’s special in 2025: The museum is celebrating 200 years of glassmaking in Sandwich! To commemorate the bicentennial, the museum is hosting special events and offering special themed glassware for purchase. Look at their special events page for more information.

Feast Your Eyes on Pirate Treasures at Whydah Pirate Museum

Ahoy, matey! Grab the family and check out Whydah Pirate Museum, Cape Cod’s newest and only interactive science museum featuring real pirate treasures! The Whydah Galley, a pirate ship that sank in a storm off the coast of the Cape in 1717, lay hidden for over 260 years until it was discovered in 1984. Inside the museum, you’ll find the largest collection of pirate artifacts ever recovered from a single shipwreck, plus learn about real pirate stories and the ongoing mystery of a treasure that’s still mostly missing beneath the waves.

The museum contains multiple exhibit wings, the bell theatre room, a walk-through partial replica of the Whydah Gally, a gift shop and bookstore, and the SeaLab and Learning Center—the museum’s onsite conservation laboratory. The museum is a state-of-the-art facility that shares stories through high-tech exhibits and surround sound.

Shop, Eat and Play at Cape Cod Mall

Cape Cod Mall is the Cape & Islands only indoor, regional shopping center with anchors like Target, Macy’s, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Best Buy and more. With over 60 shops and eateries, including national and regional brands, you’ll be able to spend hours here on rainy days. The Cape Cod Mall is located off Routes 132 & 28 in the heart of the Hyannis retail shopping district.

For entertainment, Ryan’s Ten Pin Eatery has 11 bowling lanes, arcade games, virtual reality, laser tag and a large game room with live entertainment. Catch a movie at Cape Cod’s only stadium-style movie multiplex. When the rain subsides, challenge your family to a race at Lightning Speed Go Karts. Catch the latest mall deals for some fun.

There’s Plenty to Do When It Rains

We know there are so many fun ways to enjoy the beauty of Cape Cod when the weather is nice! Yet even on rainy days, you can still have so many unique adventures. We’ve shared some of our favorites here, but check out Cape Cod’s Chamber of Commerce website to learn about other activities.

We hope to see you the next time it rains (or shines!) at The Adventure Park!

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