Hyannis & Barnstable Family Fun Guide Things to Do 2024
Hyannis is one of seven villages of Barnstable. It is located in right the middle of the Cape and considered the entertainment hub of the Cape. Find out what to do on your Cape cod family vacation in Hyannis & Barnstable
Hyannis Harbor offers fishing and sailing charters, as well as ferries to the islands of Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard. Located nearby is the John F. Kennedy Museum, which explores JFK’s Cape years (1934-1963).
We’ve put together a list of some of our favorite things to do, places to visit, and where to eat!
Favorite Hyannis Beaches
Keyes Memorial Beach This sandy, small beach features scenic harbor views, plus lifeguards & a snack bar in the summer.
Eugenia Fortes Beach, formerly known as East Beach, is a small, hidden beach among a quaint residential community. Small yet cozy, it offers some solace and relaxation away from the more popular beaches. There is limited parking, a small dock, and lots of shells. There are no lifeguards, restrooms, showers, food concessions, or other amenities. The parking lot is not handicap-accessible. Resident beach stickers are $30 and daily parking passes are $15 (weekdays) and $20 (weekends and holidays). The weekly parking fee is $50 and the seasonal fee is $200.
Veterans Park Beach Tranquil beach with showers & a snack bar, backed by a park with JFK & Korean War veteran memorials. ! Great for families: swings and things for kids. There are picnic tables and grills available to use in the good weather as well!
Sandy Neck Beach his is the biggest beach in the area, running for around seven miles in total and offering some breathtaking views of Cape Cod Bay and the surrounding coastline. Big sand dunes dominate the landscape here and offer fun climbing and exploration opportunities, while the gentle, clear waters are lovely for swimming and splashing around with kids. Several food sellers can be found here, along with restrooms, showers, and other basic amenities. In season (between Memorial Day and Labor Day) the beach is life guarded and a day pass or parking permit is required.
Where to go outdoors
Mary Dun Trail Explore this 6 mile, loop trail . Consider an easy walk . The best times to visit this trail are March through October. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. make sure you check Walking and Hiking guide for all of the Cape.
Where to eat & drink
Pizza Barbone – a wood-fired kitchen located on Main Street, Hyannis. Chef Jason creates Neapolitan pizza and artisanal dishes along with a curated selection of local and imported wine and beer.
Black Cat Tavern – a waterfront, harborside restaurant with a full bar, piano lounge, spacious patio, casual dining, and unbeatable ferry access. Stop by the Tavern for juicy burgers and native seafood, or the Harbor Shack to relax and watch the ferries go by.
Spoon and Seed – bringing farm to table and holistic cuisine to the mid Cape Cod. Stop in for Mamma Maria’s Care Package, which will give you meals on the go for up to 6 people. You can also purchase an anonymous care package for someone that would appreciate it.
The Daily Paper – a chef-owned Cape Cod cafe serving breakfast and lunch every day. The Daily Paper provides only the freshest local food
Columbo’s Italian restaurant welcomes everyone, every day…at any time. Located on Main Street in Hyannis, they focus on great Italian-style food, drinks, and pasties. Don’t miss out on trying their Burrata!
Cape Cod Beer – Cape Cod’s original craft beer! Stop by the taproom or beer garden 7 days a week for pints, tastings, or to try one of the 18 beers on tap
Where to visit
JFK Hyannis Museum take an inspiring journey through various periods of President Kennedy’s life and learn about his deep connection to Cape Cod, a place where he enjoyed many summers. Step into the unforgettable days of the 1960s in Hyannis Port through an exhibit that features 80 plus photographs, text panels, and video and artifacts from the years Kennedy spent on Cape Cod.
Cape Cod Melody Tent – each summer come see the unusual tent theater hosting big-name concerts in an intimate, in-the-round space. Stop by to see entertainment from symphony, rock, and country music!
Hyannis Whale Watcher Cruises – operating since 1980, The Whale Watcher is designed specifically for whale watching in New England. The boat is 130 feet long by 28 feet wide and is powered by five water jets. There are three viewing levels, with two sun decks, and bench seating throughout. Come aboard to spot humpback, finback, and minke whales!
Cape Cod Potato Chip Factory since 1985, they have opened a factory in Hyannis and have been offering loyal fans a chance to visit the place where it all began! Stop by for a tour to see how the legendary kettle chips are made.
Ten Pin Eatery – located in the Cape Cod Mall, Ten Pin Eatery is an upscale entertainment venue with 11 Bowling Lanes, a Game Room with over 50 games, Laser Tag, Virtual Reality, 3 Escape rooms, and a Golf Simulator. They also offer a 45 seat marble bar and a full-service restaurant!
Main Street Hyannis is an interesting and eclectic all-American Main Street that is a wonderful place to visit to shop, dine and be entertained.
Where to Stay in Hyannis
Our favorites
Sea Street Inn An intimate, adults-only boutique inn. We offer privacy and comfort to couples and a peaceful, curated setting for business travelers. We are known for our warm hospitality, proximity to the beach, luxurious rooms, gourmet breakfast menu, beautiful photography collection and our ideal location on Cape Cod. At Sea Street Inn we strive to provide impeccable service and an experience that fills the senses and creates lasting memories. ocated an easy walk to Keyes Memorial Beach. You can stroll the charming shops and restaurants on nearby Main Street. Or take the high-speed ferry from Hyannis Harbor and explore Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket.
Cape Codder Resort With an on-site water park, Cape Codder Resort & Spa is an excellent spot for families with children. The property is located in Hyannis, Massachusetts, on Cape Cod and is near a variety of parks and beaches. Rooms at this resort have interactive television systems, complimentary Wi-Fi access, a minifridge and coffee maker. The main draw is a 30,000 square-foot, indoor-outdoor Cape Codder Water Park, which has slides, fountains, a lazy river, a wave pool and a replica pirate ship. . Besides a water park, the property also offers an outdoor heated pool, a fitness room, bonfires and evening movies.
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