We are staying in Harwich this July. The cottage is directly on a pond, but we will look to take day trips to ocean beaches. We have two small children, age 4 & 2, and would be looking for a beach friendly to their age (tide pools, etc.). We have identified the following beaches: Paines Creek (Brewster), Crosby Landing Beach (Brewster), Ridgevale Beach (Chatham) and Red River Beach (Harwich). We previously stayed in Dennisport for multiple years and were comfortable with the beaches there, but that was before the kids. We haven't been to any of the beaches listed above. I am taking my 4 year old on a day trip to the area this Thursday. Any suggestions? Also, any restaurant or shop suggestions in the area (Harwich, Chatham) would be welcomed as well.

Don't know how far you are willing to drive, but Skaket Beach in Orleans is perfect for young children!!! Tide pools, no waves or very small waves, warm water, nice beach. When it's low tide, you can walk out far. There is a snack bar, rest rooms, & outdoor shower for rinsing off sand. Large enough parking lot. I always see lots of young families there.

Also, I think Earle Road Beach in Harwich is nice for young children. We've also been to Bank St. beach which is nice.

Thanks Kwoo. Looks like Skaket is similiar to the Brewster Beaches I mentioned. The difference seems to be that Skaket has more parking and not much further away. I think I was there once. I dropped off the Cape Cod Rail Trail and came across a beach in Orleans that I believe was Skaket. Do you know if you need a day pass/sticker for Skaket?

BookOrchard, you will need a sticker for Skaket Beach. Not sure if you can get a day pass, or if you have to purchase a week sticker.

You can pay by the day at Skaket Beach. The beach is free, the parking is not. Not far from Skaket Beach is Rock Harbor. There's a little beach there, same bayside as Skaket Beach, no parking fees and the little restaurant at Rock Harbor (closes Promptly at 2:00, no exceptions!!) is a nice slice of old Cape Cod.

The Nantucket Sound beaches, those of Harwich and Chatham, are rocky. Buy your kids sand shoes at Ocean State Job Lot and you'll make them very happy!

Chatham has a very charming and walkable downtown. Take your family to the Chatham Band concert on Friday night at Kate Gould Park right in the middle of town, put your sand chairs down and enjoy the show.

Kreme and Kone on route 28 has great burgers and fried seafood and is very casual. School House ice cream is wonderful and you can get a good pizza at George's in Harwich Port on Main St.

I was at Ridgevale yesterday. (My late grandparents owned a cottage 1/8th of a mile away, so it was "my" beach as a kid.) It's still a good choice for kids, but Skaket is prettier and nicer. You can buy a day pass for parking at Skaket, and it will get you into Nausset (also in Orleans) as well.

Similarly, although I only stop at Ridgevale in the off season before they start charging, I believe the parking pass from there will also get you into Hardings, etc. in Chatham for the day.

Yes, that daily parking pass is good for all Chatham beaches and will allow you to park on Bridge Street to view the Chatham Lighthouse and its overlook.

Bowsprit is correct. You can pay by the day to park at Skaket Beach. I think it's $10 or $15. We love it there & will probably go back some time this summer.

Thanks Bowspirit. We usually went to the Kreme n Kone in Dennis at least once each time we rented the Dennisport cottage. Good fried seafood. Will probaly try the one in Chatham this time. Usually went to Sundae School in Dennis and thought we tried the one in Harwich, but will probably try School House too or instead. Georges sounds like a good alternative one night to BBQ or seafood. Should we visit the Chatham Lighthouse with or without the kids? We planned on strolling the shops in Chatham while Nana watched the kids and could include a trip to the lighthouse that day.
Bumped up the day trip to tomorrow. Plan to visit Skaket early(good to know we can buy the day pass there). Then have brunch at a place I read about in Yankee Magazine called Ruggies in Harwich. Then swing by Crosby Creek beach. Then stop into the Brewster store before heading home.

Just so you know, the two Kreme and Kones aren't affiliated. The Chatham Kreme and Kone recently was sold to someone outside of the kreme and kone 'loop' and I think the food is better than ever.

The Lighthouse offers tours, I think they're on Wednesdays but please confirm.

It's nice when parents of two little ones can get a break and have a 'date'. Chatham is the perfect place to visit on your own, but if you do take the kiddos, go on a Friday so they can enjoy the Chatham Band concert on Friday evening. If you're opting out of a family day, try to get tickets to whatever show the Monomoy Players are putting on. Enjoy dinner at The Impudent Oyster after having drinks at Chatham Bars Inn, either on the front porch or poolside at the Grill.

Another family friendly place that's great for an adult visit is Provincetown. This gay enclave has arguably the best restaurants and galleries on the Cape.