gracegirl

Hi there--

I've never been to Cape Cod so I know absolutely nothing about the area. We're looking for a family friendly beach resort for our family of four. My kids are on the younger side and we'd prefer a place on the beach and with a pool, kid's activities, and good food.

Any advice would be most appreciated!

Thanks!

Bowsprit

If money is no object, go to Chatham Bars Inn.

A bit less expensive is Ocean Edge in Brewster.

Still less expensive (and still nice for families) are the Red Jacket Resorts on Nantucket Sound in Dennis (I think).

sobster

Commodore Inn/Motel-West Harwich, MA-a pool and 1 minute to the beach-20 minutes from Chatham

doug_marklas

I have would definitely try Ocean Edge. We are also a young family of four and book our vacation there every summer. We get one of their bay pines villa (two bedrooms, kitchen, washer/dryer) near the Mansion. The villas are located close to the beach which is perfect for young children. The water is fairly shallow and there are flats which our little ones love to explore. There are also two pools within walking distance. There are several restaurants at the resort and other activities including golf, tennis and best of all the resort offers structured programming for children.

gracegirl

Thanks, everyone. I'm now debating between a hotel and a rental home. Also, we're coming from PA and have heard that June can still be a bit cold. I'm hoping to go in July, but of course the rates are higher.

Thanks again!

gail

Although I have never personally stayed there, have heard from a number of people good things about Ocean Edge - a nice compromise between a rental cottage and hotel. Brewster is a nice mid-Cape location, allowing you to more easily do daytrips to other Cape areas and beaches. Even though the Cape is very kid-friendly, eating out 3 meals/day with little kids gets quite old and also expensive for a week - so I would suggest a place with at least a kitchenette.

Almost all house rentals are Sat afternoon - Sat morning, for a full week. Traffic one off Cape at corresponding times can be brutal.

The ocean on Cape Cod never gets truly warm - least likely to cause frostbite in Aug/Sept. Weather in June can be variable, although ocean breezes especially in early-mid June make temps over low 70s unlikely - and it could be a bit cooler. It is rare at any time of the summer to get a true heatwave. But unless you get very unlucky or want to bask in the heat for days at a time (not likely possible anyway with little kids), June should be OK.

Bowsprit

You can check here for historical weather patterns and typical temps:

wunderground.com

CapeCodRegular

For the past 4 years we have stayed at the Bayside Resort in West Yarmouth. The kids love it and so do we. It's also close to all attractions. The rooms are upscale, facilities are great, but not high priced and the rooms are very clean.

JusRestin

I agree with many above with the suggestions of Brewster. Good jumping off spot to the nice towns of Brewster, Chatham, Orleans, Harwich, Truro And don't forget P-Town. Brewster also has quick access to the Bay side Beaches (charges apply) but very safe for little ones. You can also get to the Great ocean side Beaches Nauset, Coast Guard. Perfect lakes and ponds, walking paths, bike trails right in Brewster at Nickerson State Park--- No day fee. Perfect for camping if you decide to go that route. Have stayed and later lived in Brewster all my life. Still love that travel down 6A. I'd steer clear of Hyannis for staying, too much traffic. Linger Longer B&B has great options for staying, no pool I don't think but right on the bay, with Nickerson a few minutes away.http://www.lingerlongerbythesea.com/. Have a great trip. Cheers!

Ontario

Hi
Have you thought of checking out Redweek.com and looking for a timeshare unit - there are lots on the Cape and often have rentals listed on this site. It may be as cost-effective as as a motel etc. Most timeshares have accomodations for sleeping 6 to 8 persons , a full kitchen, a living area and a pool plus some are located on the beach. Some timeshares sleep 4 but be careful that is only a one bedroom and often just a studio so if you decide to go this route opt for the larger 2 bedroom units. Reviews often accompany the ads for rentals on Redweek - be sure to read them!!! Redweek is a great site - membership is something like 10 to 15 dollars but well worth the investment. Please be aware that renting from Redweek does not mean you get involved in timeshare (although we are timeshare owners - in hindsight - we would just try to use rentals from Redweek as it is a much more reasonable and flexible way to go if there some availabilities.)The downsides are you have to search & book early, there may be no availabilities and cancellations aren't always possible. I found this site by accident and have used it several times. You have to keep checking it but can ask to be notified re new postings of the sites you prefer. We have shared some wonderful family holidays using this venue. We stay yearly in mid June on the Cape. The weather is cooler and can be rainy but the last week in June may be preferable to the crowded bumper to bumper highways in the summer months. Some timeshares have indoor pools and other activities for children. Check the resorts advertised for being on a beachfront and other amenities Falmouth is also a nice area as well as those mentioned above. The Cape is beautiful -but crowded in the summer --. It is also easy to find your way around. Enjoy your stay.

Sally30

I disagree with Gail about the water temperature. I have been going to Falmouth every summer since I was a child (my parents have a house there). The water is warm if you are on the bay side - calm and bathtub warm on some beaches even in June, if it is a warm month. It totally depends on the beach. I also have a young family and agree that renting a house (and a car) is much better for space and eating. You don't need a pool if you are close to a beach.

VRBO is a good place to find house rentals. I think my parents are actually renting their house in June. I don't want to be deemed to be advertising, against the rules, but if you are interested, I'd be happy to send information to your email account.

Nikki

One of the nicest things about Cape Cod is the variety of beaches and water temperatures. The ocean (the Cape's east shore) is cold, but Vineyard Sound and Nantucket Sound (the south shore of the Cape) are warmer. The beaches on Cape Cod Bay (the north shore of the Cape) from Dennis to Eastham have tidal flats that stretch for miles at low tide and water that varies from cool to a bit warmer at high tide. Then there are many freshwater ponds that are great for swimming.

Bowsprit

Generally speaking: Nantucket Sound has warmer waters. Cape Cod Bay has cold water. The Atlantic is just frigid. Thos long tidal flats of Cape Cod Bay exist because the water disappears to Maine for a few hours twice a day just to cool down. When the water returns to Maine, it takes a while to warm up again. At any rate, Cape Cod is north of Boca and the water will definitely be a lot cooler than any place south of the Cape.

CStoneTX

We have been to Cape Cod twice, both times in late June (the week before High season starts). We stayed in Orleans, and rented a house. Our kids were 3 and 5 the first time, and 6 and 8 the second time. It was GREAT! We live in Texas, so it was wonderful to get away from the heat and enjoy the cool June weather. The kids had fun at the beach, though the only actual "swimming" they did was on the Cape Cod Bay side. The Atlantic was way too cold (though still fun to walk along and hunt for shells). We went to Cape Cod Summer Baseball League games, rented bikes one day and rode on the Cape Cod Bike Trail, went whale watching out of Provincetown, etc.

Renting a house was the way to go for us - allowed us to spread out and relax, cook at home, do laundry, etc.

clarkgriswold

www.lighthouseinn.com

HappyTrvlr

We spent every summer on the Cape when our kids were small. You want to be near Cape Cod Bay or the Nantucket Sound for warmer water and calmer water. There are also many lakes and ponds throughout the Cape.Avoid the Atlantic Ocean as it is rough for small kids and the temperatures are colder.
Ocean's Edge in Brewster would work well or a myriad of motels/hotels in Dennis, Yarmouth, Harwich. Skaket Beach in Orleans would be good also.

hannahmont

Bay beaches are the best for children. We live in Eastham and love the variety of beaches - calm, warm waters on the bayside for our kids and cold, wavy water on the Atlantic. Cape Cod National Seashore begins here, too. Less crowded than the upper and middle Cape. Maybe try homeaway.com or airbnb.com for a house rental? We've always preferred to stay in houses when we travel with our kids. Also, they're going to be cheaper than any hotel. You could get within walking distance of the water for much less than a hotel would be.