15 Family-Friendly Ways to Enjoy Summer BY susan spencer Hyannis Harbor's Ocean Street docks are always busy with tour boats, ferries, and private yachts. susan spencer Editor's Note: This is the first in a series of travel articles on Cape Cod. Fifteen towns equal 15 family favorites for a memorable Cape Cod vacation. Each town has a unique flavor with not-to-be-missed attractions. We've picked out the best kid-tested destination in each town from the Cape Cod Canal to land's end in Provincetown to give you sure-fire family fun ideas.     Upper Cape BOURNE Cape Cod Canal Bike Paths Most visitors know about the Cape Cod Rail Trail, which runs 22 miles from Dennis to Wellfleet, but the paved service roads that extend seven miles on each side of the Cape Cod Canal offer a delightful alternative, with unmatched views of land and sea. Watch for cargo ships and sleek yachts traveling between Cape Cod Bay and Buzzards Bay. Sunsets over the Bourne Bridge are not to be missed. The paths are convenient to picnic areas, rest stops, and historic sites. SANDWICH Heritage Museums and Gardens The Cape Cod Children's Museum has old favorite like dinosaus and castles, as well as a submarine exhibit. Pictured is Nina Sundermeyer of Sandwich. There's something for everyone in this lush 100-acre estate. Take a turn on the 1912 carousel built by Charles Looff. Check out the several collections of art, history, and Americana or stroll the paths of the prize-winning gardens. The J.K. Lilly III Automobile Museum features eye-catching vehicles like the 1930 Duesenberg formerly owned by actor Gary Cooper and a new exhibit celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Model T. For the young at heart, there's a pirate exhibit with booty to find. Family activities are scheduled throughout the summer. FALMOUTH Woods Hole Science Aquarium The quaint village of Woods Hole is home to the world's top ocean scientists, but visitors can enjoy an up-close look at over 150 marine species at the National Marine Fisheries Aquarium, established as the nation's first public aquarium in 1885. Children can hold sea stars, horseshoe and spider crabs, and lobsters in the touch tank. The playful seals are fed twice daily and provide quite a show. Best of all, admission is free (donations accepted). An old fashioned cranberry wagon sits in front of Cape Farm Supply & Cranberry Company in Harwich. MASHPEE Cape Cod Children's Museum Cape Cod's seafaring theme is carried throughout the Cape Cod Children's Museum, a wide-open space for creative play and exploration. A 30-foot pirate ship is "moored" in the center of the room, with colorful costumes available for swashbuckling fun. A new exhibit for school-age children allows them to virtually command Salty's Sea Lab Submarine to explore underwater life. Perennial favorites like dinosaurs, tools, castles, and puppet theatre let children's imaginations run wild. Mid-Cape BARNSTABLE Hyannis Harbor Many people pass through Hyannis Harbor on their way to one of the islands or for an excursion, but the harbor itself is worth exploring. Relax on the lawn of Aselton Park, the gateway to the harbor, for free summer concerts and performances. Browse the open-air artist shanties. Or just enjoy watching the boats come and go Atlantic salmon are just one of the more than 150 marine species at the Woods Hole Aquarium. The Cape Cod Maritime Museum, at the edge of the harbor, is the area's comprehensive collection of nautical history. Look for the authentically constructed replica of the 1886 Crosby catboat, Sarah. "The museum's the perfect size for younger children," said Centerville mother of two, Jessica Hunt. "They have dress-up pirate gear, semaphore flags, and crafts to do, as well." YARMOUTH Miniature Golf There's something nostalgic about a game of miniature golf on a summer afternoon. While traditional course obstacles like windmills are becoming a thing of the past, newer "adventure" mini-golf courses challenge players with waterfalls and undulating terrain. susan spencer Dora and Colin Spencer walk through the Atlantic White Cedar Swap in Well Fleet. It is like exploring a rain forest. Route 28 is a paradise for visitors who want to indulge in themed mini-golf featuring safaris to shipwrecks. There are several to choose from along the commercial heart of Yarmouth (See sidebar for details.) DENNIS Cape Cod Center for the Arts Visual art, theater, film, and music are centered on the Cape Cod Center for the Arts in Dennis Village. Children preschool age and older will be enchanted by puppetry, rollicking concerts, juggling, magic, and more on the stage of the Cape Playhouse, home to America's Oldest Professional Summer Theater. School-age children will enjoy exploring the sculpture garden and galleries or honing their artistic skills in summer programs at the Cape Cod Museum of Art. Mom and dad might want to come back for an evening performance at the Playhouse or a new independent film at the Cape Cinema. Lower Cape BREWSTER Nickerson State Park There's more to the beach than saltwater and sand dunes. Nickerson State Park hosts eight sparkling freshwater kettle ponds, formed by retreating glaciers over 10,000 years ago, among its 1,900 forested acres. Miles of walking, horseback-riding and bicycle trails, including a stretch of the Cape Cod Rail Trail, run through the park. Nickerson Park has over 400 campsites where you can pitch your tent, park your RV, or even rent a yurt. Note: Reservations for peak camping times fill up months in advance. HARWICH Cranberry Bogs The sandy, slightly-acid soil of Cape Cod makes it ideal for cranberry cultivation, and much of that agriculture takes place in Harwich. Take a 90-minute minibus tour of a working, organic cranberry farm at Cape Farm Supply & Cranberry Company. Wander along the historic Bank Street Bogs, farmed since the 1880s but now preserved by the Harwich Conservation Trust. The Harwich Historical Society at Brooks Academy Museum features a permanent exhibit of pictures and artifacts relating to the cranberry industry. CHATHAM Veterans Field Baseball and Playground The Chatham Athletics, a perennial favorite in the NCAA's top-ranked Cape Cod Baseball League, have been featured in movies like Summer Catch and books including Jim Collins' chronicle, The Last Best League. You can watch the Major League Baseball superstars of tomorrow at Veterans Field, where admission is by donation and you find a bleacher seat or bring your own lawn blanket. Overlooking the ball field is one of the best playgrounds on the Cape, which has been recently renovated to include stateof the-art, safe play structures resembling a lighthouse and ship, and ride-on fish for little ones. ORLEANS Skaket Beach Beaches on Cape Cod Bay are perfect for families with young children because the water is gentler than at the more turbulent ocean side. At low tide, you can walk out almost a mile to explore the flats. Skaket Beach in Orleans is a popular place to enjoy the best of the bay (get there early on a sunny day to snag a parking space). An interpretive sign tells you what types of shellfish, birds and other marine life can be discovered on the tidal flats. A snack bar and restrooms are on site. Outer Cape EASTHAM Cape Cod National Seashore Salt Pond Visitors Center The reason the Cape's outer shore still looks more like the dunescape celebrated by Henry David Thoreau in the 1800s than the high-rise-developed beaches of many other coastal regions rests largely with the establishment of the Cape Cod National Seashore in 1961. The National Seashore encompasses over 43,000 acres, with six beaches, several self-directed nature trails and historic sites. At the Eastham Visitors Center, children ages 5 to 12 can complete activities to earn a Junior Ranger award. A schedule of family campfires, beach walks, and interpretive programs is posted daily. WELLFLEET Atlantic White Cedar Swamp Trail The Atlantic White Cedar Swamp Trail, in the Cape Cod National Seashore, is an easy, 1.2-mile-long trail that takes visitors from the sandy dunes into the cool, swampy woods where early settlers found lumber for making everything from houses to tableware and pipes. Walking along the elevated boardwalk that winds through the swamp feels almost like exploring the Amazon. Trail guides and maps are available at the trailhead. TRURO Cape Cod Highland Lighthouse The oldest and tallest of Cape Cod's storied lighthouses is Cape Cod Highland Light, high on the bluffs of Truro. The current structure was built in 1857, but in 1996 was moved back 453 feet from the eroding cliff. You can view an interpretive video, climb the lighthouse tower (children must be 48" tall), or browse the gift shop inside the historic lighthouse. Steps away, the observation deck overlooking the ocean is a great location for a memorable photo. PROVINCETOWN Expedition Whydah Sea Lab & Learning Center This icon of MacMillan Wharf is often simply referred to as "the pirate museum." Here visitors can view remnants of North America's only verified pirate treasure, artifacts from Captain "Black Sam" Bellamy's vessel, Whydah, which sank in a storm in 1717. The shipwreck was discovered off Wellfleet in 1984 by underwater explorer Barry Clifford and his crew, and archaeological study of the site is ongoing. Noteworthy artifacts include the ship's bell - inscribed, "THE WHYDAH GALLY - 1716" - a man's boot, jewelry, and weapons. Whether it's beaches, historic sites, culture, or just fun and games, the Cape's 15 towns have something to please everyone in the family. Susan Spencer is an award-winning freelance writer who lives with her family in Whitinsville and Brewster, Massachusetts. If You Go To... • Bourne: Cape Cod Canal service roads (pedestrian and bike paths) can be accessed from several points, including the Cape Cod Canal Visitor Center at the east end in Sandwich, 60 Ed Moffitt Drive; and the Herring Run Visitors Center on the north side of the canal, in Bournedale. http://www.nae.usace.army.mil/recreati/ccc/ccchome.htm. • Sandwich: Heritage Museums and Gardens, 67 Grove St. 508-888- 3300. April 1 through Oct. 31, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Adults $12, Seniors 65+ $10, Members $9, Youth 3-16 $6, Children under 3 free. www.heritagemuseumsandgardens.org. • Falmouth: Woods Hole Science Aquarium, Water Street. 508-495- 2001. Summer hours Tuesday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Closed federal holidays. http://www.nefsc.noaa.gov/nefsc/aquarium/. • Mashpee: Cape Cod Children's Museum, 577 Great Neck Road South. 508-539-8788. Summer hours 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday - Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. Free for Museum members, $6 Ages 1 - 59, $5 Seniors 60+ www.capecodchildrensmuseum.org. • Barnstable: Hyannis Harbor, Ocean and South Streets. Links to Town of Barnstable events and other arts programs are at www.harboryourarts. com. Cape Cod Maritime Museum, 135 South Street, 508-775- 1723. Tuesday-Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday 12 to 4 p.m. Admission $5, Students & Seniors $4, Children 6 & under free. www.capecodmaritimemuseum.org. • Yarmouth: Route 28 mini-golf establishments include: Pirate's Cove http://www.piratescove.net; Skull Island www.bassriversportsworld.com; Putter's Paradise, 119 Route 28, 508- 771-7394; and Wild Animal Lagoon, 62 Route 28, 508-790-1662. • Dennis: Cape Cod Center for the Arts, including The Cape Playhouse, Cape Cinema and more: 820 Route 6A. Theater box office 1-877-385- 3911. www.capeplayhouse.com. Cape Cod Museum of Art 508-385-4477. www.ccmoa.org. • Brewster: Nickerson State Park, Route 6A, 508-896-3491 http://www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/southeast/nick.htm. • Harwich: Cranberry Bog Tour, 374 Main Street, 508-432-0790. Adults $15, children 6-18 $10. Call for reservations. www.cranberrybogtours.com. Bank Street Bogs- www.harwichconservationtrust.org. Harwich Historical Society and Brooks Academy Museum, 80 Parallel Street, 508-432-8089 www.harwichhistoricalsociety.org. • Chatham: Veterans Field, Depot Road. Chatham Athletics/Cape Cod Baseball League www.chathamas.com. • Orleans: Skaket Beach, Skaket Beach Road. Town of Orleans Parks & Beaches Department 508-240-3775. www.town.orleans.ma.us. • Eastham: Cape Cod National Seashore Salt Pond Visitors Center, Nauset Road and Route 6. 508-255- 3421. Open daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. www.nps.gov/caco. • Wellfleet: Atlantic White Cedar Swamp Trail is located next to the Marconi site in South Wellfleet, off of Route 6. • Truro: Cape Cod Highland Lighthouse, look for signs to Highland Light off of Route 6, North Truro. May 17 to Oct. 19 open 10 a.m. to 5:30 daily. www.capecodlight.org. • Provincetown: Expedition Whydah Museum, MacMillan Wharf. 508-487-8899 10 to 5 daily, May 1 to Oct. 31 (open 'til 8 p.m. - June, July & August). Regular admission $8, Children (6-12) $6. www.whydah.com.