Even when autumn weather is too brisk for a day at the beach, Cape Cod is a good destination for a weekend of family travel. Traveling there is easier in the fall without the beach traffic (or lines at the ice cream stands).
Colorful fall foliage lines the roads and frames picture-perfect villages and ocean views, and most of the attractions that draw summer visitors are still open.
Stop in Brewster to visit Cape Cod Museum Of Natural History, where hands-on activities prompt kids to discover how science shapes their world. Reserve ahead for guided family nature walks on Sundays in September.
At Whydah Pirate Museum in West Yarmouth, kids can see and touch real pirate treasure and learn how it was discovered in the recovery of a pirate ship sunk off Cape Cod in 1717.
September and October are good months for spotting whales in the waters off Cape Cod, and you can find whale-watching cruises departing from harbors in Provincetown, Hyannis and Barnstable. On these tours, kids will learn about whales and other sea life from trained naturalists as they look for finback, humpback and minke whales.
Fall is a good time for walks on Cape Cod’s long beaches, where kids can beachcomb for shells, sea glass and water-smoothed rocks. For more active exploring, rent bicycles from bike shops directly on the Cape Cod Rail Trail in Yarmouth, Dennis, Brewster, Orleans and Wellfleet. The paved recreation path stretches 25 miles from South Dennis to Wellfleet, with mostly flat terrain except for minor grades around Orleans and Wellfleet.
Look for fall festivals and events as you explore Cape Cod, too. The weekend of Oct. 11–13 is the annual Yarmouth Seaside Festival, filled with music, games, entertainment tents, foods, animal shows, costume parades, magic shows, puppets, pumpkin decorating, fireworks, a sand sculpture contest and beach bonfires.
Read This Next
#WhereverFamily
Insta FeedHotels
May 18, 2026Marriott Opens Boise’s Largest Hotel, First Dual-Branded Property
Family travelers have new options in Idaho. Last week Pennbridge Hospitality opened AC Hotel Boise Downtown and Element by Marriott Boise Downtown, the largest and first dual-branded property in Boise, Idaho.
Sponsored Content
Best of Both Worlds
Enjoy the best of both worlds when you fly with TAP Air Portugal thanks to the Portugal Stopover program. With the program, TAP passengers, whether traveling for business, leisure or both, can stop in Portugal for up to 10 days at no additional airfare on the way to their final destination. What does this mean for travelers wishing to explore by both land and sea? It means after flying to Portugal with TAP and experiencing the country in an entirely new way, travelers can then embark on scenic river and ocean cruises from Portugal’s port cities, or fly with TAP to another European destination.
Hotels
May 18, 2026Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island Launches Family Adventure Package
This summer, Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island partners with Outside Hilton Head, the Lowcountry’s premier outdoor adventure company, to enhance family travelers’ experiences through seamless access to the island’s top eco-adventures.
Adult Children
May 14, 2026Become a Kid Again at These 4 Fun Hotels
Family travel doesn’t have to be just about kids; these four hotels around the world allow adults to become kids again through unplugged action adventures; elevated, nostalgia-driven retreats; and 5-star resorts with reimagined summer camp experiences.
Hotels
May 14, 20265 Hotels Where Families Should Stay for Graduation Weekend
The right hotel can help ensure a celebratory weekend like college graduation becomes a happy memory that lasts as long as the degree. These five properties offer something beyond a place to sleep, providing a distinct backdrop for families ready to celebrate in style.
Hotels
May 13, 2026Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts Announces Kids Stay Free Promotion
Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts has a new — and unbeatable — sale for family travelers. This summer, Bahia Principe Explore launched a special offer where the first child stays free at Explore brand all-inclusive properties across the Dominican Republic and Mexico.
ShareThis