What to Do on a Rainy Day on Cape Cod

What to Do on a Rainy Day on Cape Cod

A rainy day is the perfect opportunity to visit places you have always wanted to see when you don’t want to give up the perfect beach day! Throughout Cape Cod, there are many places to visit and activities to try.

Museums

If you are looking for a family-friendly activity, try visiting a museum! Cape Cod has many interesting museums featuring history, art, and science. 

Try the Coast Guard Heritage Museum in Barnstable. The Museum itself is located in the historic Customs House, built in 1855 to be used as a customs house and post office. Learn about the Coast Guard, oceanography, aviation, and more from 10 am-3 pm Tuesdays through Sundays. Browse the two full floor displays with a free audio tour system, on your own, or have a personal guided tour. Reservations are not required.

To learn more about Cape Cod’s maritime history, visit the Cape Cod Maritime Museum in Hyannis. With changing exhibits, you will always see something new! Reserve a spot online for the lecture series from exciting speakers. If you can’t make it to the museum, you can check out Ed-Ventures at Home which features family-friendly maritime themed activities to do at home. The museum is open 10 am-4 pm Wednesday through Saturday and you can purchase tickets online!

Other museums to try out include: JFK Hyannis Museum, Cape Cod Museum of Natural History, Toad Hall Classic Sports Car Museum, Sandwich Glass Museum, Cape Cod Children’s Museum, Truro Historical Museum, Whydah Museum, and more!

Art

Interested in exploring local artists throughout Cape Cod? Try visiting an art gallery! In downtown Wellfleet, The Left Bank Gallery, Cove Gallery, Blue Heron Gallery, and more are all within a short walk through town.

If you would rather visit an art museum, try the Provincetown Art Association and Museum in Provincetown. The PAAM exhibitions change frequently and display a range of artists and styles. Visit the PAAM Wednesday-Monday from 11 am- 5 pm and Fridays until 8 pm. Receive free admission after 5 pm on Fridays! If you love your visit to the PAAM, visit other art museums and galleries spread across Cape Cod.

Other Family Friendly Events

Trying to navigate a museum on a rainy day with kids may be difficult. Instead of a museum, go shopping, visit a local library, watch a movie at the theater, go mini-golfing, visit the Atlantic White Shark Center, or even go to the beach to watch the storm!

Interested in shopping? Visit the Mashpee Commons, Cape Cod Mall, or shop along Chatham Main Street. Whether you are interested in clothing, antiques, home decor, or books, there is a place for you! 

Visit the Atlantic White Shark Center in Chatham for interactive exhibits and kid activities. Tour libraries throughout the Cape to read and engage in local activities. 

For a relaxing day, sit back and enjoy a movie at a movie theater! Enjoy various movies showing in Chatham, Dennis, Falmouth, Hyannis, Mashpee, Sandwich, and Wellfleet. 

If you are willing to go in the rain, check out the lighthouses along Cape Cod. Many lighthouses along the shore have interesting histories as well as the ability to tour! If it is not too raining, go mini golfing at a number of different sites and enjoy delicious ice cream afterward!

Breweries and Wineries

Cape Cod is home to a number of wineries and breweries. Cape Cod Beer in Hyannis is open 12-6 pm Monday-Sunday with ticketed concerts on Friday nights starting at 7 pm. During the summer, JP’s Twisted BBQ is on site every day. In the winter, there is a limited menu inside. Cape Cod Beer serves more than beer if you would like to try something else! Dogs and children are welcome, however, dogs are not allowed in the warehouse tap room when food is being prepared in their pop-up kitchen. Book online tickets for a guided tour at 11 am on Saturdays. 

Naukabout Beer Co. is open Tuesday-Sunday and features a patio and taproom with live music, backyard games, family events, movie nights, and more! They offer something fun for everyone! 

More interested in wine? Try out Truro Vineyards! On rainy days, lawn reservations may be canceled, however their covered pavilion features a walk up bar and gift shop! Starting Memorial Day Weekend, you will be able to book a private tasting with five hand-selected wine pairings with an artisanal cheese plate online!

You may also want to check out Barnstable Brewing, Bad Martha Farmer’s Brewer, East Falmouth, and the Cape Cod Winery. As you can see, there is no shortage of things to do if you find rain in the future during your stay on Cape Cod!