Hi. My family and I are planning a trip to Boston and Cape Cod during the week of July 4th. My husband and I are in our mid-30s and our son is 2 and a half. We are fairly active and tend to enjoy less touristy activities. My husband and I have spent a small amount of time in Boston, but have never been to Cape Cod.

We are going to spend three nights in Boston. We are thinking of going to the Children's Museum, the aquarium, and the Public Garden. Is there anything else that we shouldn't miss? Any fabulous museum exhibits? Where should we stay? If possible, it would be nice to put off renting a car until we need to leave town.

We will spend the rest of our time in Wellfleet. What is the best whale-watching company out there? I've seen some posts about seal watching. Are these better than the whale-watching excursions? Is there a place in Wellfleet to rent bicycles that would have equipment for kids? Is a trip to Martha's Vineyard a must-do?

We are also vegetarian, so any restaurant recommendations would be great. From what I've seen and heard, it doesn't look like there is anything for us to eat on the Cape.

Any advice will be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Some answers/comments. I hope you have accomodations lined up in Wellfleet - if not, do so fast, since 7/4 week will be busy.

Cape Cod National Seashore is wonderful - make sure you go to lifeguarded section with little kid and watch him carefully as waves can be large.

If you go on a whale watch, bring warm clothes, even in July and be prepared for possible rough water/seasickness.

In Boston, your son would love a Duck Tour and may even get to drive the vehicle in the Charles River. One of the embarkation points is Museum of Science, which has some exhibits appropriate for your son's age.

While in Public Garden, ride the swan boats. There are also Boston Harbor cruises of varying lengths.

Each year that week Boston has a huge collection of outdoor activities, many free - concerts, exhibits, chowder tasting, etc. I think it is called Harborfest and you probably could find info on line - or I am betting someone else here will give you the website. If not, Boston Globe will have info the Thursday before - you can probably access on-line on that date.

In your hotel search, if you can afford it - and be prepared for sticker shock - stay in BackBay, Faneuil Hall, Copley, Downtown areas. Waterfront is another area sometimes named in hotel ads - but be a littlemore careful with that location, since they seem to have expanded its definition beyond what I think is reasonable for a tourist. If you stay in these areas, no need for a car.

If you will actually be in Boston on the 4th, there is the Boston Pops on the Esplanade with fireworks. Its a huge concert, and people will be crowding the Esplanade all day, with blankets to have a good spot. So something to keep in mind, even if you don't decide to go.

There is a new exhibit of Edward Hopper's work at the Museum of Fine Arts you might find interesting.

You definitely don't need to rent a car till you leave town, especially if your budget allows you a downtown hotel as Gail suggested.

I think you will find plenty of vegetarian options in Cap restaurants. I don't have any specific recommendations for Wellfleet. but just because all the recommendations tend to center around seafood, I don't think it will be that hard to find food.

Your son would definitely love the museum of science. There is also the Discovery Room, which has water play and climbing area appropriate for a child that age, and gives you a break as well!

Well, Welcome to Wellfleet! You could not have chosen a better town for your family stay.
Upon your arrival in town, pick up your beach sticker on the pier. This enables you to enjoy, and park at all the ponds, and the beaches on the oceanside, since you will be staying in Wellfleet. With a 2/1/2 year old, there will be much to do that he will enjoy. The beach- Maypo beach, and Power's landing, on the bayside are tidal. Little ones not only love the water, but thoroughly enjoy exploring all the tiny creatures at low tide. Be sure and have him wear water shoes, at low tide- don't want him to cut his feet on the razor clams! You can pick them up at the little shop at Wellfleet Marine, on Holbrook Ave, near the pier. There will be a 4th of July parade. Very hokey and fun, and tiny- the entire town turns out. There will be children's games and races, for all ages at Baker's field afterward, and the playground, again just down from the pier. He can fish off the pier too- I always had my children wear a "boat coat"- a life jacket, which saved me much worry! That too, is at Wellfleet Marine. You can rent a skiff on the pier, and scoot out in the harbor just a few miles to Billinsgate Island- only visible at Low tide-a fun spot to dig for quahogs and steamers, which he will love to do.
On Wed evenings, there is a square dance, complete with caller, and children and parents of all ages- again, the entire village is there. Sat. is art gallery night-tour the galleries in the village, and enjoy wine and cheese at those with openings. ( It is walkable). There is, on Tues. and Thurs morning, a short walking tour leaving from the Historical Society of the village, which is quite enjoyable, as is poking in the old building itself. The Seashore has wonderful programs for the family, many in Wellfleet. One our family always enjoyed was a campfire in the evening, at Duck Harbor (the outer bay, in Wellfleet. Another was the walk on Great Island, where yyou will sometime see seals, basking in the sun.
The whale watch boat you would take is The Dolphin, out of Provincetown. Naturalist on board, and I never been disapointed. The Audobon Society is also in Wellfleet, and they have children's programs.
Go to the Wellfleet Chamber of Commerce web site, and have them send you the Wellfleet booklet. It has a plethora of information, and you will enjoy it.
You should have no trouble finding restaurants. All have vegetarian entree's. With a young child, there are many options, both in town and the surrounding towns.
Oh- the Seal cruise- that is out of Chatham, early in the morning, and they take you to Monomoy Island, where they are in ab It is run by the Audubon Society and enjoyable. The problem is that Chatham, in the summer early mornings, tends to be very foggy- twice we have gotten there only to have the boat cancel the trip, because of the fog!
Be sure and take him to the Lighthouse- Highland in Truro, and Chatham light in Chatham. You will never feel "touristy"- Wellfleet is the one town that has kept the "old Cape Cod" feel. thanks to the National Seashore.
Enjoy your week- I'll see you at the parade!

Listen to Capecodshanty......it's all true!

4th of July (and days before) Esplanade concerts.

I'd stay away with a 2 year old unless you have him tied to you on a short leash. There are a million people there (and I don't think that is an exageration).

People line up overnight to run for a space with tarps that would cover a yacht. Music is phenomenal, but crowd is not. So, if the crowd is at the Esplanade it makes the other attractions less crowded!

ttt

Family accomodation suggestions around Wellfleet?

try www.vrbo.com

Thank you all so much for your helpful advice. I'm getting so excited about the trip. Capecodshanty, we'll see you at the parade!