Between its pristine beaches, legendary lobster rolls, whale-watching views and endless number of outdoor activities, Cape Cod is the answer when searching for an ideal family vacation. For those seeking a change of scenery outside of Cape Cod, the nearby towns and islands such as Hyannis, Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard are close enough for an eventful day trip.
The only question left is where to stay!
Whether you’re planning to stay for a day or for a week, we’ve got you covered when it comes to finding the best family resorts near Cape Cod. Here are 12 of them:
1. Chatham Bars Inn
297 Shore Road
Chatham, Massachusetts 02633
(508) 945-0096
Chatham Inn names itself “Cape Cod’s Most Beautiful Address,” and rightfully so. Its pristine quarter mile beach, breathtaking views of the ocean and refreshing sea breeze make it the ultimate place to relax and have fun with the family during the summer months and beyond.
Families will enjoy making memories together with on site scavenger hunts and lawn games. There’s even a house astronomer to point out the night stars. I was very much into constellations as a child, so my son finds this a fun way to bond with me over things that meant a lot in my childhood.
There is also an array of indoor and outdoor family-friendly activities such as sailing, fishing, golf, tennis and swimming. A great white shark expedition and whale watching are fun ways to get up and close with nature, while the 24 hour fitness center and spa give the adults a much-needed break.
Here’s why Chatham Bars Inn is great for families:
- Award-winning children’s program
- Organized lawn games and family activities for all ages
- Evening child care
- Private pool cabanas
- Team building and group activities available
2. Cape Cod Inflatable Park and Family Resort
518 Main Street Route 28
West Yarmouth, Massachusetts 02673
(508) 771-6060
Open seasonally, the Cape Cod Inflatable Park is definitely a hit among kids and adults each summer. With massive inflatable obstacles, adrenaline pumping challenges and a waterpark, it’s a guaranteed good time for all.
But not only does the inflatable park make this family resort a hit. As home to the largest arcade with more than 50 games, it is heaven for my eight year old son. With restaurants serving up delicious pizza and broccoli cheese bites, it gains even more points on his list (yes, he actually loves broccoli)! Food allergy prone families like mine will also appreciate the park is nut free and caters to all dietary needs.
Here’s why the Cape Cod Inflatable Park is great for families:
- Inflatable park where parents can relax while kids play under staff supervision
- Family-friendly dining with options to cater to all dietary needs
- Private cabana rentals
- Pet friendly
- 39 family rooms with up to 3 double beds
3. Sea Crest Beach Hotel
350 Quaker Road
North Falmouth, Massachusetts 02556
(800)-225-3110
This waterfront Cape Cod hotel in North Falmouth is excellent for families looking to relax and unwind while also having access to the area’s best attractions and adventures.
With its own private stretch of beach, families at this Cape Cod family resort can enjoy outdoor activities such as sailing, hiking, golf, yoga, lounging at the indoor pool or cooling off in the outdoor pool with delicious ice cream. A day off the resort can be spent on a historic tour, or taking a day trip to nearby Martha’s Vineyard, Provincetown or Hyannis.
There’s also an on-site arcade room for gamers such as my son and a gift shop to do some shopping before heading home at the end of your stay.
Here’s why the Sea Crest Beach Hotel is great for families:
- Access to private beach
- Designated kiddie pool (temporarily closed)
- Kid-friendly beach games and arts and crafts (seasonal)
- Family friendly beach games and water sport rentals
- Dog friendly
- Spacious rooms and multi-room suites with free wifi and mini refrigerators
- Cottages with living room, open kitchenette, washer and dryer, deck and a private backyard
4. Cape Codder Resort & Spa
1225 Iyannough Road (Route 132 & Bearse’s Way)
Hyannis, Massachusetts 02601
(508) 771-3000
Located in Hyannis, this family-friendly resort is the go-to place for both relaxation and play.
Adults can work up a sweat at the state-of-the-art fitness center, pamper themselves at the on-site spa or relax with a book in the lush courtyard. Meanwhile, the kiddos can splash around at the indoor/outdoor waterpark, get competitive with a classic board game or play a game of pickleball or basketball. There’s even a 24-hour arcade (just don’t tell my son this)!
There are also fun activities for the entire family to enjoy together such as live music and entertainment, a live animal show and movies in the courtyard.
Here’s why the Cape Codder Resort and Spa is great for families:
- Kid friendly activities and events
- Daily passes to water park with wave pool, kiddie spray park, water slides and whirlpool
- Wide selection of spacious rooms including family suites and lofts
- Special themed packages throughout the year
- Family-friendly live entertainment and courtyard movies
5. Green Harbor Resort
182 Baxter Ave
West Yarmouth, Massachusetts 02673
(800) 227-3263
Located on the shores of Lewis Bay in West Yarmouth, the Green Harbor Resort is a classic family-friendly hotel in Cape Cod.
In addition to its beautiful private beach, there’s no end to the number of family activities in and near the resort for the whole family to enjoy.
For instance, you can enjoy activities such as mini-golf, biking, hiking, whale watching or gaming at the arcade. There are even nearby breweries and wineries for the adults to indulge in a fun day trip. Another excellent perk are the professional photographers on site to capture all of your family memories.
Here’s why the Green Harbor Resort is great for families:
- Family bike rentals
- Multi-bedroom suites and townhomes with full kitchens and private patios
- Seasonal kids club
- Family photo sessions
- Family-friendly live entertainment, including kids’ performers
6. The Villages at Ocean Edge Resort & Golf Club
The White House
1 Villages Drive
Brewster, Massachusetts 02631
(508) 896-9000
Centrally located in the town of Brewster, this family resort in Cape Cod provides plenty of choices for things to do and places to go during your family getaway.
At the resort, families can enjoy outdoor activities such as biking, tennis, kayaking, paddle boarding and pickleball. SheBuysTravel contributor Terri Marshall can’t wait to return to the Ocean Edge Resort with her grandkids. The large, villa-style accommodations provide plenty of room to spread out!
Off the resort, activities such as golf, tennis, shopping and restaurants are just steps away. There’s also a complimentary resort shuttle to make getting around even easier. Are you a seafood lover like me? Don’t forget to ask about the oyster tour!
Here’s why the Villages at Ocean Edge Resort great for families:
- Spacious multi-bedroom accommodations with kitchenette and private outdoor space
- Complimentary resort shuttle
- Seasonal bike rentals
- Multiple pools with toddler pools and hot tubs
- Family-friendly events and activities
- Private beach access
7. Riviera Beach Resort
327 S Shore Drive
South Yarmouth, Massachusetts 02664
(508) 398-2273
Located in the heart of Cape Cod, this charming family resort has endless activities for all ages to enjoy while on their vacation.
In addition to its wide array of family-friendly children’s activities, mom and dad can relax knowing that the kiddos are taken care of at the fully supervised summer kids program. There’s also a beautiful private beach just steps away as well as convenient access to hiking, biking and shopping.
The large and spacious family suites with refrigerator and private patios make a cozy place to lay your heads at the end of a busy day.
Here’s why the Riviera Beach Resort is great for families:
- Fully-supervised summer children’s program for ages 5-12
- Wide variety of family-friendly summer activities
- Complimentary access other Cape Cod resorts located nearby
- Kids’ club
- Family photo sessions
- Family-friendly live entertainment, including kids’ performers
- Spacious rooms that sleep up to 6
- Steps away from private beach
- Family suites with refrigerator and private patios
8. Wequassett Resort and Golf
2173 Route 28
Harwich, Massachusetts 02645
(508) 432-5400
Voted as one of the top 20 best luxury kid-friendly resorts by Condé Nast, this family resort in Cape Cod certainly lives up to its name.
There is something for the entire family to enjoy here. For example, swimming at one of the multiple pools, tennis, boat rides, a dive-in movie, performances at the outdoor amphitheater or a bonfire on the beach. Kids can have a blast at the pirate ship-themed playground with a ball pit, slides, and splash park. Meanwhile, the adults can relax with a libation at the beachfront bar.
My son usually isn’t the biggest fan of kids’ clubs when we vacation, but this one is a winner on this list. In addition to the educational toys and activities, there’s also a variety of his favorite video game systems as well as arts and crafts for him to get creative.
And on the steamy days, everyone can cool off with dessert from a vintage ice cream truck or a refreshing lemonade at an old-fashioned lemonade stand.
Here’s why the Wequassett Resort is great for families:
- Award-winning children’s program for kids age 4-12
- Variety of themed family-friendly programs and outdoor activities
- Outdoor amphitheater with children’s performances
- Playground with splash park and picnic area
- Dive-in movie nights
- Vintage ice cream truck on resort
- Kids culinary tour
9. Lighthouse Inn
1 Lighthouse Inn Road
West Dennis, Massachusetts 02670
(508) 398-2244
If the beautiful bayside views of Nantucket Sound are what you have in mind when choosing a family resort in Cape Cod, the Lighthouse Inn fits the bill. With a private beach and numerous outdoor amenities for all ages, both the kids and adults can play, relax, and have a good time.
The Lighthouse Inn comes with all the perks you need to enjoy a family vacation including a heated swimming pool, tennis courts, a playground, shuffleboard, miniature golf, volleyball, basketball, a game room and a lounge. My son loves that there are fire pits for roasting s’mores together under the stars. There are also five 18-hole golf courses within five miles.
When it’s time to relax and retreat back to the room, you’ll look forward to the wood-burning fireplace and views of Nantucket Sound.
Here’s why the Lighthouse Inn is great for families:
- Oceanfront with private beach
- Beach chairs provided
- Seasonal family activities and events
- On-site playground and game room
- Three, four or six-bedroom accommodations for large groups and families
- Waterfront family restaurant overlooking Nantucket Sound
10. Red Jacket Beach Resort and Spa
1 S Shore Drive
South Yarmouth, MA 02664
(800) 752-2538
Centrally located among all of Cape Cod’s shopping, arts, cultural sites, biking paths and scenic hiking trails, this family resort has something for everyone.
Sitting oceanfront on a private beach, there are plenty of ways to have fun with the entire family including flying kites, building sandcastles, playing outdoor games and exploring the area.
The seasonal, yet popular kids club will ensure your kids have a blast with activities such as fishing derbies, kite making, sandcastle bingo, beach yoga and live entertainment. The best part? Parents can join in if they want! My son loves knowing that he can participate in fun activities for kids with me by his side having fun with him.
Here’s why the Red Jacket Beach Resort is great for families:
- Oceanfront with private beach
- Spacious rooms with private patios and easy access to pool and beach
- Online ordering available for resort restaurant
- Seasonal kids club for ages 5-12
- Family friendly indoor and outdoor recreation
- Pet friendly lodging
- Family photo session
- Nearby amusement and theme parks for all ages
11. Blue Water Resort
291 S Shore Drive
South Yarmouth, MA 02664
(800) 752-2538
This family resort is another excellent choice for families looking for a waterfront oasis with views of Nantucket Sound.
With a vast private beach, families of all ages can relax and enjoy some fun and the sun while building sandcastles and splashing around in the waves. The seasonal kids’ club give the little ones in the family a variety of fun interactive activities to do while the adults can spend time enjoying the on-site pub, amenities and entertainment.
The resort is also conveniently located and near Cape Cod’s best shopping, restaurants and attractions, making for a fun family time both on and off the resort.
Here’s why the Blue Water Resort is great for families:
- Seasonal kids club for ages 5-12
- Rooms with private patios/balconies and easy access to beach and amenities
- Family suites with multiple bedrooms, living/dining room and full kitchens
- Pet friendly
12. Pleasant Bay Village Resort
1191 Orleans Road
Chatham, MA 02633
(508) 945-6061
A self-proclaimed seven-acre “Zen paradise,” Pleasant Bay Village Resort is a gorgeous, scenic Cape Cod family resort located near Jacknife Beach on Pleasant Bay. With a colorful, lush 7-acre garden and Koi pond as well as a dining room full of antiques and art, this resort checks the list for nature-loving families looking for peace and relaxation.
Nestled amongst the bamboo forest and spectacular landscaping sits a spacious heated pool with waterfall and hot tub. Kids and adults alike can enjoy the shuffleboard and ping-pong table in the garden. Also, in the center of the resort behind the Koi pond and waterfall sits the playground. My son could spend hours at the pond feeding the fish with the free food provided by the resort staff.
The resort is also centrally located, making it easy to spend part of the day downtown, at one of the local beaches, biking on the Cape Cod Rail Trail or visiting the nearby towns.
Here’s why Pleasant Bay Village Resort great for families:
- Heated outdoor pool with hot tub
- Pet friendly
- Multi-bedroom accommodations with kitchens
- Walking distance to downtown and a short drive to nearby, beaches, cities and attractions
- On site playground
- Ferry to Nantucket Island and Martha’s Vineyard