Every time I visit Cape Cod I find a new spot that I think is the most perfect Massachusetts beach experience with kids. This most recent visit has me thinking that Falmouth is the absolute best spot to hit the beach as a family. 'Why Falmouth?' you ask? Well, let me tell you:
- Falmouth is at the entrance to the Cape (Upper Cape I think is the proper term) so you avoid the dreaded Route 6 traffic jams that prevail as you crawl deeper into the Cape.
- Falmouth village is a low key center -- there's ice cream, a Cupcake Charlie's, the beautiful Eight Cousins book shop, other fun shops and a great mix of restaurants; however, you get to escape the mini golf, loud arcade, inflatable park, etc.
- That being said, there is an awesome (I mean AWESOME) playground right in the center of town. We went multiple times per day. Adjacent to the playground (in season Memorial Day - Labor Day) there is a restored carousel to ride. Tickets are $3 each or you can buy a punch pass of 10 rides for $20. There is also a perfect bike/trike/walk/run trail that runs adjacent to the playground and into the center of town.
- The Falmouth Library is A-MAZ-ING. You know I have a thing for libraries but this one is gorgeous. And it has a well stocked children's room too for when you want to get out of the sun. (And immaculate bathrooms). The Library is across the street from the playground and carousel.
- Falmouth is home to a Seafood Sam's location. Enough said.
- Falmouth is home to Woods Hole and the Island Queen so you have walkable access to the Martha's Vineyard ferries. No daily parking fee if you want to make the jaunt across the bay -- you can walk from your hotel.
- Falmouth Heights Beach is delightful. The water is warm and gentle. If you are a treasure hunter -- this is your spot. Lots of beautiful shells and pebbles. However, if your kids have that "Pig Kahuna" lurking murky ickiness factor about seaweed -- stay far away from here. Lots and lots of seaweed. We had a lot of fun hunting for "glompies" (aka seaweed) and making sand faces with glompie hair and having glompie fights (other beach-goers did not approve) but it can't be said enough -- if your kids are afraid of seaweed do not come here.
- We stayed at the Falmouth Heights Motor Lodge, and while usually anything with the name 'Motor Lodge' scares me off we'll definitely stay here again. The spacious grounds offer several rooming options including independent 'cabins,' a beautiful, clean pool, and lots of lawn space to let the kids run around. There are swings, barbecue grills, and lots of shade trees. You can definitely relax as a family here with lots of room to spread out and save some money by grilling dinner or enjoying a picnic at one of the many tables. (There is a Stop & Shop and a WalMart within two miles if you'd like to purchase groceries). FHML also offers a free continental breakfast beginning at 7:30 a.m. so you can grab an coffee on the way to that early morning beach visit that always happens with the kids.
- The walk to Falmouth Heights beach is literally five minutes from the Motor Lodge. It's a lovely walk through quiet streets and a park. We grabbed the stroller out of the trunk, loaded faith in and put all the buckets, blanket and cooler on the stroller handles and it was a simple stroll to the beach and back.
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