Cape Cod really is perfect for families. Numerous attractions are designed to entertain, and tire out, the little ones. Want to do more than build sand castles at the beach? This tour contains a number of fun and educational activities all over the Cape.

Day 1: A Day at the Beach

Ease your way into the laid-back Cape Cod lifestyle by spending the morning at the beach. Beaches most suitable for children include Old Silver Beach, in Falmouth. Spend the afternoon at one of the Cape's pristine ponds, such as Grews Pond in Falmouth.

Day 2: Sandwich 

Sandwich offers several attractions that are big hits with children and pleasant for adults as well. Heritage Museums and Gardens contains several buildings with collections as diverse as antique cars and baseball memorabilia. Dexter Grist Mill offers a fascinating history lesson at a gristmill that still functions. Green Briar Nature Center & Jam Kitchen has walking trails and, yes, a jam kitchen.

Day 3: Cape Cod Canal Bike Path & Cartwheels 2

Spend the morning riding the Cape Cod Canal Bike Path, a flat, easy trail. Another way to see the canal is by boat: Cape Cod Canal Cruises runs an inexpensive family cruise. In the afternoon, head to Cartwheels 2. Kids can't resist the go-carts, bumper boats, and minigolf.

Day 4: A Museum for Kids

Particularly fun for the younger kids is the Cape Cod Children's Museum in Mashpee, where you can spend the morning. The perfect afternoon activity is a discovery cruise organized by OceanQuest, which leaves from Great Harbor in Woods Hole and treats your kids like miniscientists. End the day in Falmouth with a free outdoor concert at Peg Noonan Park (Fri) or Bigelow Marine Park (Thurs), or a free outdoor children's movie (Wed).

Day 5: Kids Stuff in Yarmouth

There are several children's activity sites in Yarmouth along Route 28. If the trampolines, go-carts, and minigolf don't tire them out, you can take them to the ZooQuarium to hang out at the petting zoo and catch a sea lion show.

Day 6: Cape Cod Museum of Natural History

Your kids will be having so much fun they might not realize they are learning something at the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History, in Brewster. Don't forget to explore the paths behind the beach, especially the John Wing Trail, which leads all the way out to Cape Cod Bay. Look closely as you walk; you may spot a turtle or even a rare bird. The museum keeps lists of all the birds spotted in recent days.

Day 7: Cape Cod National Seashore

Kids love the huge dunes and big waves at the Cape Cod National Seashore. Just be sure you stay near the lifeguards and keep an eye on the little ones. A number of terrific walking trails from Eastham to Provincetown within the national seashore are fun to explore, especially the Pilgrim Spring Trail, in Truro. After a morning at the beach, don't forget to stop at Ben & Jerry's Scoop Shop, in Eastham. Spend the afternoon whale-watching out of Provincetown.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.