Looking for things to do with little kids in Falmouth MA? My parents live on the Cape, so we spend a lot of time dow there in the Summer. Of course the beaches are great, my personal favorite is Old Silver in North Falmouth, though I haven’t been in years.
Surprisingly, we don’t actually spend much time at the beach as a family. Its a whole to do, getting everyone ready, working around nap time, bringing enough food and keeping the water cold, hauling the beach toys and chairs and towels the most annoying part–parking. So, if we do go to the beach, we go after the lifeguards and parking attendants leave.
Luckily, there are a lot of fun things to do with little kids in Falmouth MA, besides going to the beach.
The Knob – Woods Hole
So this technically DOES have a beach, but its not the main attraction. Get to the Woods Hole early to snag one of the few parking spots near the Knob and enjoy a little nature walk through various trails to a pretty viewpoint out on the water. Less than a mile round trip, this is a super easy trail for little kids. If you go down the hill on Northern side of the trail (to the right) there is a nice beach look for shells and climb on rocks. Go to the Southern side (to the left) and see the boats and wade into calmer water.
Woods Hole Aquarium
While you’re in the neighborhood, stop into the Woods Hole Aquarium, which is free! Its pretty small so don’t have crazy high expectations, but definitely worth a visit with your little one, especially if you’re already in the area. While you’re there, check out Coffee Obsession or Pie in the Sky for a treat.
Shining Sea Bike Path
There are tons of places to get on here, but I like to start at the “Falmouth Village” entrance and head down to the water toward Woods Hole. Depending how far you get, you can even make a little detour to go over to the Nobska Lighthouse.
Highfield Hall and Gardens
While they often have fun exhibits and a nice holiday market, we go to Highfield Hall to walk the trails in the woods, visit the beautiful gardens, and see the fairy houses. You don’t have to walk too far to discover treasures on their grounds, but there are quite a few trails that are kid and dog friendly here.
Mullen-Hall Playground & Falmouth Library
This school playground is epic. Both of my kids have a blast in the fun play structures and love running around the huge field, and beg to ride the Carousel of Light over and over. The best part is its right across the street from the library, so we can run over for bathroom breaks or diaper changes, or to get some time out of the sun on hot days.
Eight Cousins Bookstore
While you’re downtown, this is an awesome kids bookstore (that also has adult books), a must visit in downtown Falmouth. We love to go here for puzzles, games, and toys as well. There is also an ice cream shop a few stores down, perfect for a visit after the playground!
Heritage Museum and Gardens
This is one of our favorite places to visit on the Cape, not technically in Falmouth, but in Sandwich. Amazing gardens to roam around with different blooms depending on the time of the year (the rhododendrons and hydrangeas are always favorites here) and a merry go round that is included in the price of admission, which means your kiddo can ride it over and over and over. But the absolute best part is the “Hidden Hollow” which is basically a nature playground with an art area and an epic treehouse.
The best thing to do with little kids in Falmouth MA- Smitty’s Ice Cream
We have to get ice cream at least once during every visit to Falmouth. Besides having amazing ice cream, they have an old trolley that just sits on the property that the kids love to explore.
