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Art and Nature Activities for Families on Cape Cod

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Getting out in nature while visiting Cape Cod

As an artist, writer, naturalist and educator I love taking people out and about on Cape Cod to share my love of nature. Children love to explore outdoors and when they get to do it with their parents or extended family it is a powerful bonding experience. I lead tours and classes for all ages but also recommend the many wonderful organizations on the Cape that offer nature and/or art programs for families. I have worked for most of these organizations at one point or another and they all have great programs.

Cape Cod Nature Activities

Where to go to get outside with the kids

There are so many activities to choose from and below is a list of some of my favorite places. Be sure to check their program schedules or ask to be put on their email lists so you get alerts for upcoming programs.

Really, though, you can take the kids outside by yourself. Why not take them down to the beach and let them explore the tide pools with a net and a bucket? Why not take them to a pond and teach them how to catch frogs and poliwogs? Take them out in a canoe, kayak or rowboat and let them while away some hours watching turtles, fish and dragonflies?

I don't think you can go wrong with this. There are woodland trails everywhere on Cape Cod, lots of beaches and lots of bike trails. Pick one, two or how ever many activities you'd like and try them out.

Best advice? Don't over plan the day and don't rush the activities. If the kids say they are bored, wait a bit and see if they don't get involved in something. Kids today are used to instant gratification but it really doesn't take them too long to adjust to a slower pace when they are outside. Daydreaming is a perfectly good outdoor activity and quite a time honored one!

Great places on Cape Cod to explore nature with your family

Walk, canoe, kayak, draw, paint, write, nap, watch, listen...just get outside!
Cape Cod Art and Nature
Custom programs and tours for families with artist, naturalist and columnist Mary Richmond. Weekly painting and sketching classes for individuals and families, supplies available for small fee. Please check schedules or call to ask for your own private tour at very reasonable prices.
Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary
Daily, weekly and summer long programs for kids and families. Part of Mass Audubon
Long Pasture Sanctuary
Daily, weekly and summer long programs for kids and families. Part of Mass Audubon
Cape Cod Museum of Natural History
A must stop for nature loving families visiting Cape Cod. Great interactive activities, lots of walks, picnic area and great library.
Green Briar Nature Center
Part of the Thornton Burgess Society this nature center has live animals, a beautiful garden full of native wildflowers and a hundred year old working jam kitchen. Story hours, walks and programs for all ages.
Cape Cod National Seashore
This gem is a big part of what makes Cape Cod special. Check out the various visitor centers and plan to spend at least a day exploring the beaches, dunes and woodlands along the way. Ranger lead programs are held daily and are often free. There are also films and other programs going on so check the schedule. Free maps, bike trails, walking trails and restrooms in all areas.
National Marine Life Center
On Main St. in Buzzards Bay this rehabilitation hospital for Marine Life is still a work in progress but definitely worth stopping in to see with the kids. Many interactive displays and exhibits and check the schedule for ongoing activities. Sometimes they offer tours of the whole place and if there is a chance to do this I highly recommend it.

Nature Books can be very helpful!

There are lots of great books on nature for families. Kids often have their favorite subjects but here are a few books I recommend for parents.
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Cape Cod Art and Nature Blog

Updated almost daily with pictures and information about what is going on in nature on Cape Cod throughout the year. Perfect for families and classrooms to check in daily. Links and other information also available.
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Cape Cod Art and Nature Photos on Flickr

Spring on Cape Cod

Please do not use my photos without permission. Just ask...
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I would love to hear from you!

What are some of your favorite outdoor nature activities to do with your family?

  • AsianMarketplace Jul 8, 2011 @ 10:17 am | delete
    thanks for sharing
  • Roberto-Gusto May 6, 2011 @ 1:20 pm | delete
    I love to visit Panama City Beach Fl! :)
    http://www.squidoo.com/panama-city-beach-florida
    Great lens - I enjoyed reading it!
  • lizziehumphreys May 5, 2011 @ 8:03 pm | delete
    nice lens :)
  • sandals101 May 5, 2011 @ 12:27 pm | delete
    Going to Craigville Beach and Sampsons Island !
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capecodartandnature

I am an artist, writer, naturalist and educator living on Cape Cod. I grew up in Hyannis and have spent more time wandering around outdoors than indoo... more »

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