Rainy Day Activities

Believe it or not, every once in a while rain clouds do appear on the Cape and Islands, forcing us to seek alternate plans from lounging on the beach. But much of what makes Cape Cod, Nantucket, and Martha’s Vineyard great is the multitude of other outdoor activities not requiring sunshine. Here are a few ideas for things to do on Cape Cod when it rains.

1. All aboard!

   Take a ride on the Cape Cod Central Railroad and explore the beauty of Cape Cod (all while staying dry)! It’s fun for all ages, and options include the Brunch Train, the Gourmet Lunch Train, and the Elegant Dinner Train. The 2-hour, narrated, scenic train ride offers the option of a “whistle stop” in historic Sandwich — or continue on without stopping if you prefer.

   All trains start and end at the Hyannis Railroad Station and wind thru Barnstable and Sandwich along Route 6A, before coming south along the Cape Cod Canal. You pass cranberry bogs, salt marshes, and sand dunes along the way. Note that only the dinner train will cross the Cape Cod Canal.

2. Go on a pirate adventure

   Has your sunny vacation day been pirated by some rain? You might want to head to the Whydah Pirate Museum in West Yarmouth and learn about the pirate, Sam Bellamy, and the shipwreck of the Whydah. Although kids of all ages enjoy pirate adventures, the museum is best suited for older children and adults.

   Bell from shipwrecked Whydah in 1717

   The Whydah Pirate ship was wrecked in 1717 off the coast of Wellfleet and went down with its treasure. The archaeological mission led by explorer Barry Clifford has uncovered treasure coins, weaponry and other objects that help tell the story of a pirate life.

   There are also numerous other museums in the area to explore where you can learn about everything ranging from maritime history to author and naturalist Thornton Burgess.

3. Explore a local library

   We love our libraries! They have story times, puppet shows, author talks, and art exhibits. So if the raindrops are falling, head to a library near your vacation rental, and check it out.

   Even if it’s not raining, consider visiting the local library, signing up for a library card if necessary, and check out a collection of books for the week. Cape Cod vacations don’t have to be all about the beaches — get lost in a book, put down the electronic devices, and enjoy some summer reading.

4. See what separates Cape Cod from the rest...literally

   Pay a visit to the Cape Cod Canal Visitor Center and Museum . Explore the rich history, fascinating features, and vigilant operation of the Cape Cod Canal and the US Army Corps of Engineers.

5. Public indoor entertainment

   The Cape and Islands region has an indoor water park, bowling alleys, arcades, and laser tag: all good ways to be active while escaping gloomy weather. View Cape Cod Amusements and Cape Cod Activities for Children.

   In Eastham, an arcade is located next to Red Barn Pizza, while Orleans is home to classic candle pin bowling. The Orleans Bowling Center is great for families and kids of all ages. In addition to bowling, a house smoked BBQ restaurant provides food and drink. Grab lunch or dinner before or during your bowling games or just visit the restaurant for some authentic BBQ fare.

   Several locations for Ryan Family Amusements exist around the Cape, including the new facility opened in the Cape Cod Mall in Hyannis. Adding to the fun, Ryan’s Yarmouth location recently added axe throwing to their long list of fun activities. Ten Pin Eatery is is fun for all ages with bowling, arcade games, laser tag and a restaurant.

   And if your little one is looking for some indoor, playful learning experiences, check out the Cape Cod Children’s Museum! They offer more than 20 interactive exhibits including a virtual submarine, pirate ship, tree house, fish and farm markets and much more. Also fun for the little ones is the Woods Hole Science Aquarium. It’s the country’s oldest public aquarium and there is no charge to enter.

6. Experience nature’s umbrella

   The 100-year-old Weeping Beech Tree, located at the Captain Bangs Hallet House in Yarmouth, is a stunning example of a weeping beech, and, when in full leaf, those raindrops are going to have a hard time finding you.

7. Check out a general store

   Several General Stores can be found throughout the towns on the Cape. Venture into one for a variety of items — books, magazines, penny candy, souvenirs, toys and games, and many other local items.

   Popular ones include The Brewster Store (converted from a church to a general store in 1866), 1856 Country Store in Centerville, and Alley’s General Store in West Tisbury, Martha’s Vineyard.

8. Explore the lighthouses of Cape Cod and the Islands

   If the fog has rolled in, consider visiting any of the 15 remaining working lighthouses to see and hear them in action. Some, like the Edgartown Lighthouse on the Vineyard, even offer a lighthouse keeper happy to answer any questions.

   Highlight Lighthouse in Truro

   View of Atlantic Ocean from the top of Highland Lighthouse in Truro

9. Take a brewery tour or tasting

   For adults, a tour of a local brewery or winery is a fun way to escape the rain.

   The “Outermost Brewery” on Cape Cod, Hog Island Beer Company, is located in Orleans and is connected to the Jailhouse Tavern. Known for it’s craft beer including White Shark Wheat and Outermost IPA, you can come for tours, enjoy a pint outdoors while playing lawn games, or take a growler to go.

   According to their slogan, “A Vacation in Every Pint”, you must check out Cape Cod Beer in Hyannis on Phinney’s Lane. There’s a single tour a day, so plan accordingly, but can always come in for tastings. In nice weather, a beer garden tent is available, and you may either order food from a pop-up kitchen (during the summer), bring in your own food or order food to be delivered. As a bonus, dogs are allowed under their beer garden tent.

   Craft brewery Devil’s Purse in Dennis is tasting room only, but also allow outside food to be brought in. For a unique taste found on the Cape, try their Intertidal Oyster Stout. Yes, it is brewed with oysters in the shell!

   On Nantucket, check out Cisco Brewers, and visiting Martha’s Vineyard, be sure to visit Offshore Ale in Oak Bluffs, or Bad Martha’s Beer in Edgartown.

   Traveling with kids? Check out the classic Cape Cod Potato Chip Factory . Self-guided tours are free and will be re-opening after Memorial Day 2019 as their factory is being remodeled.

10. Too windy to go to the beach? Well then, it is the perfect day to go to a windmill!

    The Old Mill on Nantucket is open to tours, giving you the opportunity to see the inner workings of a windmill. The 280-year-old windmill is sure to fascinate both kids and adults.

    Old Mill Windmill in Nantucket

11. Go on a scavenger hunt

    The Salt Pond Visitors Center in Eastham has scavenger hunts that take place inside the museum. Clues (and answers) are available online, or pick one up at the museum.

12. Head to a movie theater for a matinee

    This is a great way to spend a rainy day on Cape Cod and escape less than perfect weather. There are 9 movie theaters on the Cape and Islands, including the refinished Chatham Orpheum Theatre and the beautiful art house Cape Cinema in Dennis!

    On the Vineyard you can catch a flick at the Edgartown Cinemas or the Martha’s Vineyard Film Center.

    And on Nantucket you can watch a film at the Dreamland.

13. Cape Cod and the Islands are home to several performing arts centers

    Live theater, music, and dance are abundant. So head to one of our performing arts centers to chase those rainy day blues away.
14. The Cape Cod Center for the Arts in Dennis

15. Explore our bookstores

    Bookstores are wonderful places to wander through on a rainy day. Most have cozy nooks for reading and are kid and adult friendly!

    The Brewster Bookstore

16. Go to the beach

    Yes, that’s right — you can still head to the beach! If the day is not a total washout, grab an umbrella, raincoat and rain boots. The beach is beautiful and interesting even when the sun is not shining. As long as it’s not raining hard, take a walk, hunt for shells, play frisbee, or make sandcastles. There is plenty to do at the beach even when the sun is not shining — and it’s not too hot!
    
    View Cape Cod beaches.

17. Visit the Atlantic White Shark Center in Chatham

    When vacationing on the Cape and Islands, it may be a nice idea for you to become familiar with some summer locals around here…Great White Sharks. When the summer season starts and the sweltering sun has finally come around to heat up the ice box that is the Atlantic Ocean, the sharks start to make their way into our waters. Though it may be daunting to have these animals dwelling in the ocean where many of us like to swim and surf, it’s important to remember that we share their home with them. The Shark Center in Chatham is the perfect place to venture to in order for you to further your education on these often-misunderstood creatures. Take a rainy day to wash your shark week worries away and educate yourself at the Atlantic White Shark Center in Chatham.

18. Get lost in Marine Specialties...or any other shop in Provincetown

    Rain or shine, Provincetown is a paradise for people of all ages who enjoy the eccentric and elaborate lifestyle that many of us on the Cape and Islands like to embrace. Full of an overwhelming array of shops stacked with colorful and commemorative memorabilia to ensure you remember your Cape and Islands vacation, Provincetown is guaranteed to grind your gloomy weather day into the ground. Marine Specialties is just one of the numerous shops in Provincetown that’ll occupy you on your rainy-day excursion. Filled to the brim with trinkets to be toyed with, this spectacular store does not just cater to one kind of shopper. The second you step into the dilapidated building whose exterior consists of peeled paint and bargain bins overflowing with Comfort Colors sweatshirts, you’re transported into a world filled with magnificent misfit items of all shapes and sizes. Whether it be marine gear, intricately painted shells, a treasure chest full of funky hats, etc., Marine Specialties accurately embodies this crazy place that we call Cape Cod.

19. Enjoy some local art

    It’s no surprise that the Cape and Islands have inspired and drawn many famous artists to it’s picturesque shores. Several local art museums and art galleries feature works from famous past artists and contemporary greats. Some venues, like the Cape Cod Museum of Art, offer summer programs for kids. There’s no doubt that a dreary rainy day can be brightened by taking in some art!

20. There’s no place like your vacation rental home

    Just because the sun isn’t shining and you can’t go out, make the most of it and enjoy your accommodations! Most vacation rentals provide board games, puzzles, and decks of cards. Playing board games is a fun way to pass the time on a rainy day. Some properties even have game rooms that include a pool table, ping-pong, and foosball. If your rental is lacking in the toy area, consider renting some toys while you’re in town from the Cape Cod Toy Library!

    Embrace the rainy weather and avoid the lengthy lines at restaurants by making your own farmers market meal from the comfort of your WeNeedaVacation vacation rental. The WeNeedaVacation team has a challenge for you: Using only the ingredients you purchase from one of the many impressive farmers markets on the Cape and Islands, create the most imaginative, locally sourced dinner you can, and DM us an image of it on Instagram when you’re done! We’d love to show off your chef’s creation on our story.