Hikes, indoor pool, beach scavenger hunt: Things to do on Cape Cod during school vacation

Show Caption

April school vacation is here.

Cape Cod has plenty to do during the week off. Enjoy hikes in the peninsula’s natural beauty, sign up for a full week or day of activities geared toward kids, or pick and choose your own list from the variety of events planned.

If cabin fever is hitting, check out the many things to do outdoors or with wildlife, from meeting Peter Quill the African pygmy hedgehog in Brewster to a beach scavenger hunt in Mashpee. Or, kids can try catching fish, crabs and oysters in Falmouth.

Here are some ways for the family and children to enjoy April break on Cape Cod.

Cape Cod Museum of Natural History, Brewster

The Cape Cod Museum of Natural History has a variety of activities happening all week from April 19 to April 27.

Some of the events require a fee on top of the admission price, such as the Amazing Animal Ambassadors at 9:30 a.m. on April 19, where children ages four and up can meet Dova the raven, Cali the sulfur-crested cockatoo, Peter Quill the African pygmy hedgehog, Dixie the American alligator and Big Red the red tegu.

Other events include Trevor the Juggler at 11 a.m. on April 21 for $20, a paper making workshop at 9:30 a.m. and 12 p.m. on April 23 for $15, where kids will make sculptures out of paper they will make using plants, and Aquarium Feeding Frenzy at 9 a.m. on April 24 for $10, where kids are invited to learn about what animals native to Cape Cod eat.

More activities happening at the museum that are free with admission include a guided family walk at 12:30 p.m. from April 21 to 25. There is also a film screening at 11:30 a.m. on April 24, of “The Hidden Life of Trees” by Peter Wohlleben, a German forester.

Red Jackets Beach Resort

Aside from the relaxing time away from home and a heated indoor pool, the resort has a week full of activities for families and children, including cookie decorating, ice cream socials and a family movie night.

For those just looking for activities during the day, day passes are available. For more information visit the website.

Hikes on Cape Cod

As the weather slowly gets warmer, spring break is the perfect opportunity to get outside to explore and enjoy the changing nature on Cape Cod.

Spring hikes on Cape Cod: Try one – or more – of these Cape Cod trails: Cranberry bogs to ponds to forests

South Cape Beach, 668 Great Oak Road, Mashpee

From 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. on April 22, join in for a scavenger hunt along South Cape Beach where children will search for seashells, egg cases and crab molts. Magnets and magnifiers will be used for other activities, too. Children of all ages can join but must have an adult present with them. Weather permitting. More information can be found on the website.

Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, 131 Waquoit Highway, East Falmouth

Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve offers a special opportunity for children to explore. On April 21, join along on a search for sea creatures. Children will use dipnets to try and catch fish. On April 23, there will be a search for oyster and other shellfish. Later children will join in for games and DIY tide pool to take home.

April 24, children are invited for a search for various crabs such as blue crabs, hermits, and fiddlers followed by more arts and crafts activities. All events start from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. for preschool and kindergarteners, and 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. for children ages 6 and up. All children must be accompanied by adults and should come with shoes or boots that can get wet. For more information visit the website.

Desiree Nikfardjam is a reporter covering breaking and trending news. She graduated from Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism. You can reach her at [email protected].

Thanks to our subscribers, who help make this coverage possible. If you are not a subscriber, please consider supporting quality local journalism with a Cape Cod Times subscription. Here are our subscription plans.