Are you planning a Cape Cod family vacation this summer? With over 100 beaches on Cape Cod, it’s difficult for families to decide which beach is best for children. I’ve compiled a list of the most family-friendly beaches on Cape Cod.
Most of the Cape Cod beaches listed below are ideal for children because the water is gentle and warm. I also picked out beaches that have wide tidal flats which are great fun for kids to explore during low tide. Here are the best Cape Cod beaches for families.
Family Friendly Beaches in Falmouth, MA
Old Silver Beach, Falmouth, MA
Old Silver Beach is one of the best beaches on Cape Cod for families. Overlooking Buzzards Bay, Old Silver Beach is a popular swimming beach on the Cape. The waves are gentle and the water is warm, making it ideal for children. There is a sandbar that keeps it shallow, creating tide pools with crabs and minnows that are perfect for young children.
Stay for the sunset. Old Silver Beach is known for having the most picture-perfect sunsets on Cape Cod.
A portion of the beach is restricted to Falmouth residents, but there is a section of the beach that is open to non-residents. There are lifeguards on duty, restrooms, showers, and a snack bar on the beach.
Why do Families Love Old Silver Beach?
Families love the calm and warm water at Old Silver Beach. It’s a great swimming beach on the Cape for families with small children. At low tide, the shallow tide pools are filled with crabs and minnows, perfect for children.
Where to get Beach Passes for Old Silver Beach?
You can buy daily parking passes at Old Silver Beach. Old Silver Beach is managed by the Town of Falmouth. Check the Town of Falmouth website for the most up-to-date daily parking fee at Old Silver Beach.
Old Silver Beach address: Old Silver Beach, Falmouth, MA
Surf Drive Beach, Falmouth, MA
Surf Drive Beach is one of the best beaches on Cape Cod for families. It is ideal for families because it is a great beach for swimming. The water is calm and gentle. Due to the underwater topography, Falmouth beaches are warmer compared to other Cape Cod towns, making them ideal for swimming.
At Surf Drive Beach, kids will enjoy playing in the smooth sand and building sandcastles. There are lifeguards, restroom facilities, a concession stand, and parking at Surf Drive Beach. A parking pass is required.
Why do Families Love Surf Drive Beach?
Families love the calm and warm water at Surf Drive Beach. It’s a great swimming beach on the Cape for families with small children.
Where to get Beach Passes for Surf Drive Beach?
You can buy daily parking passes at Surf Drive Beach and Surf Drive Beach Extension on Mill Street. Surf Drive Beach is managed by the Town of Falmouth. Check the Town of Falmouth website for the most up-to-date daily parking fee at Surf Drive Beach.
Surf Drive Beach address: Surf Drive, Falmouth, MA
Family-Friendly Beaches in Eastham, MA
Coast Guard Beach, Eastham, MA
Coast Guard Beach is one of Cape Cod’s best beaches for families. It is a popular beach for boogie boarders and surfers due to the sandbars. It is also a good beach for ocean swimming.
Coast Guard Beach marks the beginning of the 30 mile (48 km) Cape Cod National Seashore. Tell the kids to keep their eyes peeled for shorebirds and seals! Parking for Coast Guard Beach is located at the Little Creek Parking Lot. There is a shuttle from Little Creek that will take you to the Coast Guard beach.
Why do Families Love Coast Guard Beach?
Families love to boogie board at Coast Guard Beach. It’s also a great beach for seal sightings and bird watching.
Where to get Beach Passes for Coast Guard Beach?
You can buy daily parking passes at the entrance booths at Coast Guard Beach. Coast Guard Beach is managed by the National Park Service and is a Cape Cod National Seashore Beach. Check the National Park Service website for the most up-to-date daily entrance fee for Coast Guard Beach.
You can also buy a Cape Cod National Seashore annual pass at the Coast Guard Beach entrance booth. This may be more economical than buying daily beach passes to Coast Guard Beach.
Coast Guard Beach address: Coast Guard Beach, Eastham, MA (Parking at Little Creek Parking lot)
First Encounter Beach, Eastham, MA
First Encounter Beach is a family-friendly beach on Cape Cod. The water is calm and gentle because the beach faces the bay. The water is also warm, which is ideal for swimming. It is a popular beach for families. Stay for the spectacular sunset.
Look for a plaque at the north end of the beach commemorating First Encounter Beach as the site where the Pilgrims and Native Americans first met.
Why do Families Love First Encounter Beach?
Families love the calm and warm water at First Encounter Beach. It’s a great beach on the Cape for families with small children.
Where to get Beach Passes for First Encounter Beach?
First Encounter Beach is managed by the Town of Eastham. You can buy daily passes at First Encounter Beach.
First Encounter Beach Address: 1699 Samoset Rd. Eastham, MA
Family-Friendly Beach in Provincetown, MA
Herring Cove Beach, Provincetown, MA
Herring Cove Beach is one of the best beaches on Cape Cod for families. It is a beautiful beach with miles of soft sand. The water is calmer and gentler at Herring Cove Beach because it faces Cape Cod Bay, making it ideal for swimming.
A popular beach for families with children, it’s perfect because of the calm water, sandy beach, and proximity to the snack bar. Stay for the spectacular sunset.
Why do Families Love Herring Cove Beach?
Families love that the water is calm and gentle at Herring Cove Beach. Since it’s a bay facing beach, Herring Cove Beach is a popular swimming beach for families.
Where to get Beach Passes for Herring Cove Beach?
You can buy daily parking passes at the entrance booths at Herring Cove Beach. Herring Cove Beach is managed by the National Park Service and is a Cape Cod National Seashore Beach. Check the National Park Service website for the most up-to-date daily entrance fee for Herring Cove Beach.
You can also buy a Cape Cod National Seashore annual pass at the Herring Cove Beach entrance booth. This may be more economical than buying daily beach passes to Herring Cove Beach.
Herring Cove Beach address: Route 6, Provincetown, MA
Family-Friendly Beaches in Dennis, MA
Corporation Beach, Dennis, MA
Corporation Beach is a family-friendly beach on Cape Cod. It’s a beautiful beach with white sand and low sand dunes. Kids can spend hours looking for crabs and minnows during low tide.
Lifeguards are on duty at Corporation Beach. There is a snack bar at the beach. There are restrooms and shower facilities.
Why do Families Love Corporation Beach?
Families love the wide tidal flats at Corporation Beach, keeping kids entertained for hours looking for crabs and minnows.
Where to get Beach Passes for Corporation Beach?
Daily beach passes for Corporation Beach are sold at the parking lot. Corporation Beach is managed by the Town of Dennis.Check the Town of Dennis website for the most up-to-date daily beach pass fee at Corporation Beach.
Corporation Beach address: Corporation Road, Dennis, MA
Mayflower Beach, Dennis, MA
Mayflower Beach is a family-friendly beach on Cape Cod. Families love going to Mayflower Beach during low tide because of its wide tidal flats. Kids will be entertained for hours hunting for crabs, minnows, and critters!
There are facilities, showers, lifeguards, and a concession stand on the beach.
Why do Families Love Mayflower Beach?
Families love the wide tidal flats at Mayflower Beach, keeping kids entertained for hours looking for crabs and minnows.
Where to get Beach Passes for Mayflower Beach?
Daily beach passes for Mayflower Beach are sold at the parking lot. Mayflower Beach is managed by the Town of Dennis. Check the Town of Dennis website for the most up-to-date daily beach pass fee for Mayflower Beach.
Mayflower Beach address: Dunes Road, off Bayview Road, Dennis, MA
Princess Beach, Dennis, MA
Princess Beach is a family-friendly beach on Cape Cod. Scargo Lake’s freshwater beach attracts families looking for freshwater swimming. The lake is great for kids because it has a sandy bottom and is shallow along the shore. Princess Beach has a playground, restrooms, and picnic areas.
Why Families Love Princess Beach?
Families go to Princess Beach for freshwater swimming. The water is shallow and calm, ideal for small children.
Where to get Beach Passes for Princess Beach?
Daily beach passes for Princess Beach are sold at the parking lot. Princess Beach is managed by the Town of Dennis.Check the Town of Dennis website for the most up-to-date daily beach pass fee for Princess Beach.
Princess Beach address: Scargo Hill Road (Route 6A), Dennis, MA
Family-Friendly Beaches in Hyannis, MA
Kalmus Park Beach, Hyannis, MA
Kalmus Park Beach is a family-friendly beach on Cape Cod. It’s a beautiful beach with soft sand, perfect for sandcastles. Because of the breeze and waves, it’s a popular beach for windsurfers. The nice thing about Kalmus Park Beach is that it has a separate sheltered area for swimming that is ideal for children.
Lifeguards are on duty at the beach. There are restrooms and a snack bar at the beach.
Why do Families Love Kalmus Park Beach?
Families appreciate the separate covered swimming area at Kalmus Park Beach. Windsurfers are kept away from children playing in the water.
Where to get Beach Passes for Kalmus Park Beach?
You can buy daily parking passes at the gatehouse at Kalmus Park Beach. Kalmus Park Beach is managed by the Town of Barnstable.
Kalmus Park Beach address: 670 Ocean Street, Hyannis, MA
Veterans Park Beach, Hyannis, MA
Veterans Park Beach is a family-friendly beach on Cape Cod. The shallow water at Veterans Park Beach is perfect for children. Families also appreciate the gentle waves at Veterans Park Beach.
Lifeguards are on duty at the beach. There is a playground, a snack bar, picnic tables, and restrooms at Veterans Park beach.
Why do Families Love Veterans Park Beach?
Families appreciate the shallow water and gentle waves at Veterans Park Beach. It’s also nice to have a playground to go to when the kids need a break from the beach.
Where to get Beach Passes for Veterans Park Beach?
You can buy daily parking passes at the gatehouse at Veterans Park Beach. Veterans Park Beach is managed by the Town of Barnstable.
Veterans Park Beach Address: 480 Ocean Street, Hyannis, MA
Family-Friendly Beach in West Barnstable, MA
Sandy Neck Beach, West Barnstable, MA
Sandy Neck Beach is one of the beaches on Cape Cod for families. It is a stunning beach with beautiful sandy beaches and coastal dunes. There is even a section of the beach that is accessible by horseback. Sandy Neck Beach is a great place to go bird watching and is home to a number of endangered species.
There are lifeguards, restrooms, and a concession stand at Sandy Neck Beach Park. During the summer season (from Memorial Day to Labor Day), you will need a day pass or parking permit to enter. Day passes can be purchased at the gatehouse.
Why do Families Love Sandy Neck Beach?
Families love the beautiful sandy beach at Sandy Neck Beach. It’s also easy for families because there is a snackbar on site.
Where to get Beach Passes for Sandy Neck Beach?
You can buy daily parking passes at the gatehouse at Sandy Neck Beach. Sandy Neck Beach is managed by the Town of Barnstable.
Sandy Neck Beach Park address: 425 Sandy Neck Road, W. Barnstable, MA
Family-Friendly Beaches in South Yarmouth, MA
Parker’s River Beach, South Yarmouth, MA
Parker’s River Beach is a family-friendly beach on Cape Cod. Families appreciate the gentle waves and warmer water at Parker’s River Beach. It’s a great beach for building sandcastles, swimming, and relaxing.
Lifeguards are on duty at the beach. There is a playground, a snack bar, a picnic area, and restrooms at Parker’s River Beach.
Why do Families Love Parker’s River Beach?
Families appreciate the warmer water and gentle waves at Parker’s River Beach. It’s also nice to have a playground to go to when the kids need a break from the beach.
Where to get Beach Passes for Parker’s River Beach?
You can buy daily beach stickers at the entrance booth to Parker’s River Beach. Parker’s River Beach is managed by the Town of Yarmouth. Check the Town of Yarmouth’s website for the most up-to-date daily beach sticker fee for Parker’s River Beach.
Parker’s River Beach address: South Shore Dr., South Yarmouth, MA
Bass River Beach (Smuggler’s Beach), South Yarmouth, MA
Smuggler’s Beach is a family-friendly beach on Cape Cod. Families appreciate the gentle waves and warmer water at Smuggler’s Beach. The soft sand makes it a great beach for building sandcastles, swimming, and relaxing.
There are restrooms, a fishing deck, and a mobile concession stand at Smuggler’s Beach.
Why do Families Love Smuggler’s Beach?
Families appreciate the warmer water and gentle waves at Smuggler’s Beach.
Where to get Beach Passes for Smuggler’s Beach?
You can buy daily beach stickers at the entrance booth to Smuggler’s Beach. Smuggler’s Beach is managed by the Town of Yarmouth. Check the Town of Yarmouth’s website for the most up-to-date daily beach sticker fee for Smuggler’s Beach.
Smuggler’s Beach address: South Shore Dr., South Yarmouth, MA
Family-Friendly Beach in Orleans, MA
Skaket Beach, Orleans, MA
Skaket Beach is a family-friendly beach on Cape Cod. Skaket Beach faces Cape Cod Bay so the water is warmer and calmer, making it ideal for children. At low tide, kids can spend hours looking for crabs and minnows in the tidal pools. Stay for the spectacular sunset.
Skaket Beach is a lifeguarded beach with restrooms and a snack bar.
Why do Families Love Skaket Beach?
Families appreciate the warm and calm water at Skaket Beach. It’s also nice to have a snack bar at the beach.
Where to get Beach Passes for Skaket Beach?
You can buy daily beach parking passes at the entry gate to Skaket Beach. Skaket Beach is managed by the Town of Orleans. Check the Town of Orleans website for the most up-to-date daily beach parking fee for Skaket Beach.
Skaket Beach address: 200 Skaket Beach Road, Orleans, MA
Family-Friendly Beach in Wellfleet, MA
Indian Neck Beach, Wellfleet, MA
Indian Neck Beach is a family-friendly beach on Cape Cod. It’s a great beach for children because the water is shallow and calm. The water is also warmer and not as chilly as other beaches. At low tide, Indian Neck Beach is fun for children, they can spend hours exploring the tidal pools and hunting for crabs and other critters.
Why do Families Love Indian Neck Beach?
Families appreciate the warm and calm water at Indian Neck Beach.
Where to get Beach Passes for Indian Neck Beach?
Indian Neck Beach is only open to Wellfleet residents or temporary residents. You can apply for a Wellfleet beach parking permit with your vacation rental or hotel stay. Check the Town of Wellfleet website for details on how to apply for a beach parking permit.
Indian Neck Beach address: Pilgrim Spring Rd. off U.S. 6, Wellfleet, MA
