Chatham is a beautiful seaside town at the southeast tip of Cape Cod. It’s known for its lighthouses, beaches, quaint downtown, and fish pier. Whether you’re spending a day or a week at the Cape, Chatham is a great family town worth visiting. Here are some of our favorite things to do in Chatham!
Catch a Cape Cod Baseball League game
Chatham is home to the Chatham Anglers — one of 10 teams in the Cape Cod Baseball League, which consists of some of the best college athletes nationwide. Check out future MLB stars at a family-friendly game just a few minutes’ walk from downtown. Their beautiful home field even has its own Green Monster! And admission is free.
Learn about sharks at the Atlantic White Shark Center
Learn all about great white sharks through interactive displays and educational videos. This one’s perfect for a rainy day, but be sure to buy tickets online before you arrive.
Stroll Main Street
Chatham’s Main Street is bustling seven days a week in the summer. Many of the shops are geared toward kids, especially Ducks in the Window and Chatham Candy Manor. There are plenty of spots to catch any meal of the day as well, including the landmark Chatham Squire.
Check out the seals at the Chatham Fish Pier
At the Chatham Fish Pier, kids can watch fishermen bringing in fish for the day — and witness seals looking for their lunch from the fishermen. Grab a lobster roll next door at Chatham Pier Fish Market while you’re there.
Take a boat ride to Monomoy Wildlife Refuge
Monomoy Island is an 8-mile-long sandy island that is home to much wildlife. Here you can see hundreds of seals and learn about other wildlife that occupies this quaint island. The best way to reach the island is by water taxi or by taking a seal-watching tour around the island. Monomoy Island Excursions is one company that offers cruises out of nearby Harwich Port.
Check out the Chatham Light House
Half a mile from downtown Chatham, Chatham Light is a historic and well-known lighthouse — and one of few in the country that still operates 24 hours a day. You can also visit the beach across the street, Lighthouse Beach. Note that parking is limited to 30 minutes and the water at this beach is cold compared to other beaches in the area. But it’s beautiful to look at!
Attend a Friday night concert at Kate Gould Park on Main Street
Friday nights at the park on Main Street are lovely! Bring a picnic dinner, like sandwiches from Public Cafe, pizza from Carmine’s, or a lobster roll dinner from the church across the street beginning at 5 p.m. Relax on the town green and enjoy the family-friendly show!
No matter what kind of activities your family enjoys, Chatham is a lovely town worth checking out on your next trip to Cape Cod!
