There’s a good chance you’ll visit some Cape Cod beaches while exploring the area in the summer. After all, these oceanfront areas are the Cape’s calling card, and you’d be doing yourself a disservice if you don’t check at least a few of them out.
However, traveling with children adds stress when you’re close to the ocean, especially when your kids are young and constantly on the move.
One option is to visit some Cape Cod Bay beaches when the tide is out because the process leaves behind small tidal pools to explore. These pools have shallow, warm water, which is perfect for young children.
The outgoing tide also strands sea life, including plankton, barnacles, mussels, sea urchins, starfish, crabs, and shells, in the pools, giving your kids hours of enjoyment.
Here’s a look at some Cape Cod tidal pools to check out during your vacation.
Mayflower Beach in Dennis
Mayflower Beach is one of the Cape’s most family-friendly facilities when the tide is out because sand bars and tide pools form right by the shore. The water in these pools is incredibly warm, making it comfortable for children looking to enjoy some fun in the sun.
The beach also has a boardwalk over the dunes, so it’s accessible when carrying kids and their gear, and a large parking area close to the sand.
Parking at Mayflower Beach is $30 per day, and there are onsite washrooms and a snack shack, as well.
Corporation Beach in Dennis
Just down the road from Mayflower Beach in Dennis is Corporation Beach, which offers a similar experience for children. This beach has a small playground, a picnic area, and a snack bar, in addition to a decent-sized parking lot.
The tidal pools at Corporation Beach are great because a stone barrier protects the beach. The result is calm water and plenty of leftover sea creatures to experience when the tide is out.
Skaket Beach in Orleans
Most beaches in Orleans have tide pools, so you can take your pick when exploring this area. Perhaps the best pools are at Skaket Beach, though, which also features white sand and iconic sunsets you won’t want to miss.
The tide pools at Skaket Beach are memorable because they go out for nearly a mile during low tide, and many form around rocks, making them easier to spot and explore.
The beach has a snack shack, lifeguards, showers, and restrooms, too, so it’s convenient for families with small children.
Parking at Skaket Beach is $30 per day, $125 per week, or $300 for the entire season.
Brewster Flats
The Brewster Flats are a well-known phenomenon where the waters recede for over a mile during low tide, leaving behind tide pools. You can visit any of Brewster’s beaches on Cape Cod Bay to experience the Brewster Flats, depending on which is most accessible from your Cape Cod vacation rental.
Crosby Landing Beach and Breakwater Beach are the easiest to access with a vehicle because they have the largest parking lots, although finding a spot in the summer remains a challenge. Other options for exploring tide pools in Brewster include Linnell Landing, Ellis Landing, Saint’s Landing, Mant’s Landing, and Paines Creek. All of these locations have portable toilets in the summer, but you should be aware that no lifeguards are on duty.
No matter the beach, parking is $20 per day or $150 for the season, but free after 4:00 PM.
Brewster’s oceanfront beaches are rustic and don’t have any amenities but provide an excellent way to experience tide pools in a calm environment with warm water.
Mayo Beach in Wellfleet
Mayo Beach in downtown Wellfleet is the one spot on this list that isn’t directly on Cape Cod Bay. This beach sits on Wellfleet Harbor, which connects to Cape Cod Bay, and is the perfect place to bring your kids when vacationing in this area.
Perhaps the best thing about the Mayo Beach tide pools is that you’re only steps from some of Wellfleet’s top restaurants, including Mac’s On the Pier, and there’s a large park with a playground, tennis courts, skate park, and baseball diamond across the street. There are also onsite basketball courts and picnic tables.
Parking is free at Mayo Beach, and no permit or sticker is necessary to enjoy its tide pools either.
Exploring Cape Cod’s Tide pools
The Cape’s tide pools are worth your time because they make ocean life more accessible and provide safe locations for your kids to play in the water.
You’ll need to check the tide chart before visiting these beaches to ensure you arrive at the right time, and it’s recommended that you show up early because these pools are a hit with locals and Cape Cod visitors.
If you’re serious about making the most of your time at the Cape’s beaches, these tide pools should be a significant part of your Cape Cod vacation.
