Family Fun on the Upper Cape & Beyond

Low cost /no cost things to do for kids of all ages Presented by the Sandwich Partnership for Families summer months, they offer a full No Cost schedule of programs for families. Open 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. seven days Canal Visitor Center a week in July and August 60 Ed Moffitt Drive Sandwich, MA 508-457-0495 Canal Visitors Center is currently www.waquoitbayreserve.org closed for the season but restrooms and outdoor programs are being Spohr Garden held. Visit their website for more 45 Fells Rd. information- https://www.nae. Falmouth, MA usace.army.mil/missions/recreation/ Go for a stroll in five acres of cape-cod-canal/ garden gracefully wrapped around Oyster Pond. This place provides Cape Cod Canal a perfect setting for May-June Service roads, which parallel both stroll. With more than 50 species sides of the Canal, are available for of flowers, 75 types of trees and bicycling, jogging and walking. 100 Varieties of shrubs, this lovely Each service road is approximate- locale is in perpetual bloom. ly seven-miles long. Benches are 508-548-0623 placed along the service roads for www.spohgardens.org the enjoyment of our visitors. The Canal provides a unique, close-up Scorton Creek/Talbot view of ocean going ships and tugs Point Conservation Land underway as they utilize the canal 518 Route 6A, E. Sandwich, MA route between and Take a dip in the water of the . marsh or go crabbing at low tide. Explore various trails along the Plymouth County Sheriff’s marsh or in the woods, some are Farm and Petting Zoo baby jogger friendly. Cross the 74 Obery Street, Plymouth, MA bridge to Talbot Point and walk (off exit 5 on route 3) along the cranberry bogs. Map of Kids young and old enjoy visiting trails is posted on sign just follow the petting zoo. Meet Mary the main trail from the lot. cow, Beak the chicken, Franco the tortoise and more. Shining Sea bike Way 508-830-6810 Falmouth, MA Curly 10.5 miles past woodlands, Waquoit Bay Estuary Reserve marshes, salt ponds and seascape, 149 Waquoit Highway, Waquoit, MA the Shining Sea Bikeway is the only You may access short nature bikeway on Cape Cod to skirt the trails from the center. During the shore. Also called the Shining Sea Bike Path, the paved trail extends ing, bird watching, beach combing from County Route 151 in and sightseeing. In fall and winter, Falmouth to the Woods Hole harbor seals can be seen just Steamship Authority’s site in off shore. 508-866-2580 Woods Hole, a historical seaside fishing village and home to an Sandwich Town Band internationally known scientific Beale Ave., Sandwich, MA community. Concerts start June 29 through August. Come join the music, do Boyden Farm Conservation Land the bunny hop and march to the Sandwich Conservation Trust beat! Thursday nights at 7:30 pm Cotuit Rd south of Farmerville Rd at the bandstand located at Wing Come enjoy a walk through woods, School field. by a grassy meadow and you may get glimpse of Cape Cod Wildlife Murkwood Conservation Land such as deer, wild turkey or a fox. Route 6A E. Sandwich, MA (East on Route 6A, parking lot is on Sandwich Fish Hatchery left after E. Sandwich fire station) 164 Route 6A Sandwich, MA This short and easy walk explores Learn about and see local fresh a beautiful woodland just north of water fish. Food to feed the Route 6A and adjacent to Scorton fish can be purchased from Creek. The creek is bordered by an coin-operated vending machines. extensive salt marsh, and views 25 cents. of the marsh are available. Hours: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Sandwich Conservation Trust 508-888-0008 508-888-7629

Ellisville Harbor State Park Shawme Crowell State Forest Route 3A Plymouth, MA 42 Main Street, on Route 130 (Exit 2 right to Route 3A. Sandwich, MA Follow signs. Approx 2 mi.) More than 15 miles of roads Come visit this unique coastal and trails provide hiking and property, including beach front equestrian access to over 700 acres salt marsh, rolling meadows, of pitch pine and scrub and red pine forest. It’s also one of the most scenic spots on the South Shore coastline, where you can see small fishing boats, a barrier beach, and sphagnum bog, forested upland and open meadows. Recreation activities include, walk- Cape Cod Potato Chip Factory 100 Breed’s Hill Road in Hyannis Take a self-guided tours through the factory to see how Cape Cod Potato chips are made. The tour is short but you get a free bag of chips when you are done. Open Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Ceek in July and August 508-4575-3358 oak landscape. You may also access trails across from main entrance to Barnstable Great Marsh Heritage Museum and Gardens on Wildlife Sanctuary Pine Street. West Main St., Route 6A Barnstable, MA 02630 Cooks Farm Conservation Area A short 1.5 mi. walk through the Route 130 Sandwich, MA woodlands will bring you to the This is a great loop trail that edge of the salt marsh. Enjoy the runs 1.5 miles in total. Very easy ever-changing beauty of one of walking for all ages. It runs through the most productive ecosystems the woods and by the Upper & on earth. Lower Shawme Ponds, on over 40 508-362-7475 acres of conservation land. Keep an www.massaudubon.org eye out for an old tractor and rock foundation, both remnants of Old Pairpoint Quail Hollow Farm. 851 Sandwich Rd, Sagamore, MA Come on in and view a glass Skunknett River Wildlife Sanctuary blowing demonstration. It is a Bumps River Road, place to watch the magic of Barnstable, MA glass blowing. Walking the tree-lined trails at Open Mon-Friday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Skunknett River, you can witness 508-888-2344 nature reclaiming former mill sites and explore a fragrant Atlantic The Knob White Cedar swamp. The name With magnificent views of Skunknett comes from an Algon- Buzzards Bay and Quissett Harbor, quin word that means a fishing The Knob is a treasure to locals and place for eel; American eels may be the lucky visitors who have discov- seen in the sanctuary’s waterways. ered it. Cornelia L. Carey left these www. massaudubon.org 12 acres to Salt Pond Areas Bird 508-362-7475 Sanctuaries in the early 1970s in the hopes that the public would en- National Marine Life Center joy such an accessible and visually of Buzzards Bay striking nature preserve. The Knob 120 Main Street is open to the public from dawn to Buzzards Bay, MA dusk for bird watching, strolling, The Discovery Center will amaze, beach combing, and swimming. entertain and educate kids, There is no lifeguard on duty. Open Memorial Day through To reach The Knob, follow Woods Labor Day 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Hole Road south from Falmouth (Members $3, Non-members $5) center for about two miles. At the 508-743-9888 traffic lights, turn right onto Various drop in educational Quissett Harbor Road and follow programs. For more info: until its end by the docks. Limited [email protected] or call parking is available along the road. 508-745-9888

Dexter’s Grist Mill Water St, Sandwich, MA Low Cost/ The mill is not just a picturesque landscape attraction. It is still a Donations working mill! You can go in and see the wooden mill mechanism at Green Briar Nature Center work grinding corn, and you can & Jam Kitchen buy bags of fresh cornmeal 6 Discovery Hill Rd. the same day its ground. East Sandwich MA Adults: $5, Children 12 and under: Located on the shores of Smiling $3. 8 and under: Free. Ticket in- Pond and adjacent to the famous cludes Hoxie House Tour. Briar Patch of Thorton Burgess, Open June 28 - Oct. 14 Green Briar offers interpreted Mon-Sat. 11a.m. - 4:30 p.m. nature trails and wild flower Sunday 1-4:30 p.m. gardens. New Green Meadow Sandwich Recreation Dept Forest Children’s Exhibit 508-888-4361 opening this summer. For more information on times and cost Ocean Science Exhibit Center www.thortonburgess.org 15 School Street Woods Hole, MA Visitors to WHOI’s Ocean Science Exhibit Center will learn about the Institution’s ocean science research, vessels and tools developed by WHOI engineers and scientists for use in that research. Visitors can wildlife. Variety of Trails to hike, step inside a full-size model of the kayaking opportunities. Explore inner sphere of Alvin and imagine Nature’s play area, crawl through life on the ocean floor while watch- hollow “stump tunnel”, climb tall ing vivid footage taken at deep-sea branches, balance on balance beam hydrothermal vent sites. and branch bridge. Members: free, Participate in “Splash Lab” hands Nonmembers: $4 adults (13+) $3 on activities for all ages. children (2-12) and seniors. They Wednesday & Thursday 1-3 p.m. offer a variety of programs for all Mon - Fri, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. ages for additional cost. Sat & Sunda in July & August: 508-362-7475 11:00 a.m.-4 p.m. www.massaudubon.org 508-289-2663 www.whoi.edu Cape Cod Museum of Natural History Woods Hole Aquarium 869 Main St., Brewster, MA 166 Water Street Woods Hole, MA There are two floors of exhibits This small public aquarium is the about the flora and fauna of Cape country’s oldest aquarium (1875) Cod including exhibits on whales, and operated by NOAA fishery indigenous birds, and coastal service. It displays about 140 change. Other displays include species of marine animals found several aquariums holding differ- in Northeast Middle Atlantic U.S ent species of crustaceans, mol- Waters. Seal feedings are at 11 a.m. lusks, fish, frogs, turtles and snakes. and 4 p.m. most days. Several interactive displays geared Open: Tues - Sat., 11a.m. - 4p.m. towards children and special exhib- (Admission: Free/donations its enhance the permanent collec- welcome.) tion. Three nature trails meander 508-495-2001 through woodland, salt marsh and www.aquarium.nelsc.noaa.gov the shore of Cape Cod Bay. Guided field walks are offered year round, Long Pasture Wildlife daily in summer. Adults $15, Senior Sanctuary Mass Audubon Society $10, Ages 3-12 $6, Under 2: Free 45 Bone Hill Road 508-896-3867 ext. 138 Barnstable, MA www.ccmnh.org Visitor center open most days with resident goats, sheep and Taylor Bray Farm 108 Bray Farm Road Yarmouthport, MA Explore a farm and visit with animals. No admission fee, although donation for care of of the same features as the big kids animals and maintenance of section but better sized for little rounds apprecieated hands and feet. www.TaylorBrayfarm.org Heritage Memorial Park Route 130, Mashpee, MA This park contains three distinct Playgrounds playgrounds: Sandwich Marina Playground -The Edward C. Tiger playground Ed Moffitt Drive, Sandwich, MA features state of the art equipment This playground is fenced in with and the artificial grass surfac makes a gate to keep little wonders in. it safe for younger children. It has swings, a climbing structure, - The Mashpee Splash Pad is a slide, a bow of a boat. As well, small facility that gives young as stand up and spin for the children a place to cool down those older kids. hot summer days. - The third playground isn’t as new Adventure Playground but it is conveniently located near 260 Quaker Meeting House Rd. the soccer fields and baseball fields Sandwich MA for additional fun racing around! Renovated in 2014 with new Luke’s Love Playground features and it is now fenced in 2377 Meetinghouse Way for safety. There are three play West Barnstable, MA structures two specifically for toddlers and one for older kids. This is a “boundless” playground. You can keep an eye on all your There are varieties of swings, slides, kids while they climb, slide, climbing structure with ramps for and crawl through tunnels and accessibility. lots more.

Mullen Hall School Playground 130 Katherine Lee Bates Rd. Falmouth, MA A playground for all ages. It has climbing wall, slides, swings, bal- ance beams, monkey bars plus ad- ditional structures for imaginative play; a light house, small rowboats, tug boats and lots more. There is a separate toddler section with many Bourne/Buzzards Bay Splashpad Shawme Crowell State by Buzzards Bay Park, MA Forest Playground Located at Railroad bridge at the 42 Main Street, Sandwich, MA beginning of the Cape Cod Canal. The playground is located by a The Splashpad will be open 10 pavilion and restrooms. When a.m.-12:30 p.m. (Closed Thursdays you enter the forest, just follow and then 2 p.m.-6:30 p.m. daily! the signs to the pavilion. Enjoy a The park will have monitors on forest themed playground that fits hand for safety of the children naturally into the surroundings. It comes complete with rocks, logs, Goodwill Park Playground a frog and a garden snake (but it 416 Gifford St, Falmouth, MA doesn’t bite). This playground is Newly renovated in 2016, this great for older children but can playground is neslted in the park’s be difficult for young children to 86 acres. Visitors may choose access and maneuver safely. to play volleyball, horseshoes and other lawn games, or go picnicking, kayaking and conoeing Great Finds at freshwater public beach. Coonamessett Farms 227 Hatchville Road, Nelson Memorial Park East Falmouth, MA 235 Water Street, Plymouth, MA Coonamessett Farm is a twenty- This park has a bike path, picnic acre farming and research enter- area, playground and a “Splash prise. Visit the farm for a day, pick, Pad” where children can cool off purchase fresh vegetables, and during the hot sumer days. There visit with the farm animals. Their are restrooms and concessions. alpacas, sheep, goats, donkeys, Open dawn to dusk. chickens and ducks always wel- come company. Call for more info Bourne Inclusive Playground at 508-563- 2560. Day pass cost: Main Street, Buzzards Bay, MA $8 per person (3 and over). Relaxing woodland setting. New www.coonamessettfarm.com playground with rubberized surface. Designed for all children, Cape Cod Children’s Museum those in wheelchairs, and those 577 Great Neck Road with disabilities. Sway fun glider South, Mashpee MA with wheelchair access, zip lines, Nonprofit organization Cape Cod numberous musical activities. Children’s Museum is a place where Access to Cape Cod Canal. families can learn and play together. The museum feature many hands on activities, a pirate ship, an in- Exhibits include black bears, door planetarium, Puppet Theater, mountain lions, river otters, bald toddler play area and daily eagles, and seals. Enter the world of programs that come with price of Buttonwood Farm, where you will admission. Members: Free; meet rare breeds of farm animals. Summer memberships available Open Apr - Oct. 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. for $75 for unlimited visits Cost: Adults $10, Student/Senior $8, Non-members: ages 1-59 $10, Ages 3-12 $6, Under 3 Free Seniors 60+ $8, Under 1 Free. 508-991-6871 508-539-8788 www.bpzoo.org [email protected]

Buttonwood Zoo Hawthorn Rd New Bedford, MA Come encounter animals from both at home and around the world. Take a journey through our Berkshires to the Sea.

Resources Cape Cod Pathways interactive map: http://www.capecodcommission.org/index.php?id=127&maincatid=27

Fun Family Day Trips: http://www.funthingstodoincentralmass.com/2014/05/10- -day-trips

Free Fun Fridays: highlandstreet.org/freefunfridays.html

Playgrounds on Cape Cod: Includes playgrounds, types of equipment and play area. Maps, directions and parking locations. capcodplaygroundsblogspot.com

Websites that provide ideas and/or free printables to explore the outdoors

Mass Audubon Society https://www.massaudubon.org/get-outdoors/young-explorers/explore-a- sanctuary/nature-bingo

National Association for the Education of Young Children https://www.naeyc.org/our-work/families/ideas-exploring-outdoors

Letterboxing Outside Adventure http://letterboxing.org/kids/

Introduction to Geocaching Adventure Game https://www.lifewire.com/geocaching-with-kids-1683671

Nature Art https://kinderart.com/blog/nature-art/

Draw yourself having fun! The Sandwich Partnership for Families produced this book in honor of Beth Cranston-Dwyer, whose joyful love for children, families, and Sandwich will always be remembered.

This Booklet generously reprinted by our friends at The Fund for Sandwich