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Parent’s Guide

Family | Itineraries | Parent’s Guide | Activities for Kids

Summer-RacePoint1

Race Point Beach

We know that a parent’s day never seems to end. Therefore we’ve made planning a family trip to Provincetown as quick and easy as possible. These listings and websites of family-friendly restaurants, lodging, land and water activities, and teen favorites provide you with helpful information to plan your family’s next vacation to Provincetown.

Each section also has a short story from the mom and teen points of view so you can get “up close and personal” insights regarding your next family vacation to PTown. These stories depict in words that the quintessential New England family vacation – where families bond amidst beautiful surroundings — can still be enjoyed in Provincetown.

Traveling with Kids?

Traveling with kids and finding that you have too much to pack and carry. Save the hassle and rent it from Sidekicks Travel. They offer the most requested things for kids: strollers, carriers, pack n play, swings, toddler bed, swings and even toys!

They also offer beach gear rentals: umbrellas, coolers, beach chairs, beach towels, Cornhole, tables, and canopies.

You can rest assured that cleanliness and safety are our top priorities.

Sidekicks Travel – SidekicksTravel.com
Cleanliness and Safety – BabyQuip.com/cleaning-standards

Sea and Sand

Beaches

It doesn’t get any better than the beaches in the Provincetown area! In addition to hotel, motel and condo beaches on Cape Cod Bay, the Provincetown area is graced with the crown jewels of the Cape Cod National Seashore: Race Point and Herring Cove. The water here is usually gentle which makes them a good choice for little ones. Best of all, they have breath-taking sand dunes and plenty of space for enjoyment.

On the road between Provincetown and these beaches is Beech Forest. Gentle walking and biking trails lead to kettle ponds. This is a prime area for spotting bird life.

Ferries

Families can easily travel seasonally by ferry from Boston to enjoy Provincetown for the day, weekend or more. Since Provincetown is a great town for walking and/or pushing a stroller, a car is not necessary. Bay State Cruise Co. and Boston Harbor Cruises offer high speed passenger ferries; Bay State Cruise Co. also offers traditional passenger ferries on this route.

Fishing

Kids love being on the water and so taking them on a fishing charter is a great way to get their feet “wet.” All the listings below are family-friendly. Since these all involve being on or in the water, parents must be the judge if their child is the appropriate age for particular water activity.

MacMilan Pier, Provincetown, MA, 02657
Beth Ann Boat Excursions operates off of MacMillan Pier, has two spacious boats, and offers a variety of types of trips.
MacMillan Pier, Provincetown, MA 02657
Come aboard with Capt. Ralph to ride the Odysea.
MacMillan Pier, Provincetown, MA, 02657
For fisherman of all ages & skills. Morning & afternoon trips. In-season night trips.
MacMillan Pier, Provincetown, MA, 02657
Fishing Trips – Book a charter with Chas’n Tails “Lisa Zee” for an experience of a lifetime!
Listing Title
220 Ocean Street, Hyannis, MA, 02601
High-speed and traditional ferries to Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard from Hyannis; 1 hour Harbor Cruises and Deep Sea Fishing Trips.

Sailing & Kayaking

Since Provincetown is graced with being surrounded by water on three sides, there are plenty of unique options for families to enjoy fun water activities.
If you like the excitement of tall ships, check out: Dog Gone Sailing Charters, where your kids can help hoist the sails.

For families who prefer more intimate ways of being on the water, they can rent kayaks or visit The West End Racing Club, which specializes in summer sailing lessons for those eight to 14 years old.

MacMillan Pier, Provincetown, MA 02657
Sailing charter business that Sails from May 15 till October 15. We love and take dogs.
15 MacMillian Wharf, Provincetown, MA, 02657
Moment Sailing Adventures is outer Cape Cod’s only choice for deluxe private captained sailing day charters.
37 Bradford Street Extension – Unit 20A, Provincetown, MA, 02657
VALOR is a celebrated Dutch-built Lemsteraak, 38 feet in length, and judged one of the most beautiful wooden boats in America.
Listing Title
MacMillan Pier, Provincetown, MA, 02657
A universally accessible catamaran, is dedicated to raising awareness of barrier-free design and improving the quality of life for people with disabilities.
83 Commercial Street, Provincetown, MA, 02657
Sailing program for children ages 8 – 14.

Whale Watching

If you and your family want to get up close and personal with these behemoths, than book a ​whale watch trip! Whale watches from PTown are the best on the East Coast since feeding grounds are close to PTown.

To learn more about whales – and other marine life — visit Provincetown Center for Coastal Studies. The center’s calendar includes child-friendly activities.

MacMillan Pier, Provincetown, MA, 02657
You’ll be thrilled at the sight of the great whales of North Atlantic: Humpback, Finback, Minke, Right and Pilot whales.
307 Commercial Street, Provincetown, MA, 02657
Dolphin Fleet started whale watching on the East Coast in 1975 taking passengers of all ages to see magnificent whales.

Ptown for Kids

“Why is that tower there?” is probably one of the most often asked questions by children visiting PTown for the first time. “That tower” rising high above Provincetown is the Pilgrim Monument which commemorates that the Pilgrims landed in Provincetown BEFORE they eventually headed to Plymouth for permanent residence. Kids love to climb the monument for unparalleled views of the outermost points of Cape Cod.

While the Pilgrim Monument is the most visible attraction for families in PTown, a variety of very unique land activities await parents, teens and kids. Some of these include a pirate museum, dune tours, shops that appeal to kids of all ages, and a children’s section of the library that has a full-sized ship in the middle of it! Don’t miss hidden gem Beech Forest, with its short and gentle walking trails. Since Provincetown is 40 miles out into the Atlantic Ocean, it is a migratory bird stop; Beech Forest is one the birds’ favorite spots and it might just end up being one of yours!

Provincetown has 2 wonderful playgrounds: East End Mildred Greensfelder Playground, intersection of Bradford and Howland Street and West End Chelsea Memorial Playground, intersection of West Vine and Bradford Street. Also kids love our Provincetown Skate Park, intersection of Jerome Smith and Shank Painter Road, located in parking lot across from VFW. Please note: kids must register before using at Community Center, 2 Mayflower St
Provincetown, MA 02657, 508 487-7097; hours Monday – Thursday 9am – 8pm, Friday 9am – 5pm. Helmets are required.

For more information visit Provincetown-MA.gov website Provincetown-MA.gov

16 MacMillan Wharf, Provincetown, MA, 02657
The Shark Center caters to all shark-enthusiasts – making a visit the perfect activity for kids – rainy days included!
MacMilan Pier, Provincetown, MA, 02657
Beth Ann Boat Excursions operates off of MacMillan Pier, has two spacious boats, and offers a variety of types of trips.
MacMillan Pier, Provincetown, MA 02657
Come aboard with Capt. Ralph to ride the Odysea.
MacMillan Pier, Provincetown, MA, 02657
You’ll be thrilled at the sight of the great whales of North Atlantic: Humpback, Finback, Minke, Right and Pilot whales.
MacMillan Pier, Provincetown, MA, 02657
For fisherman of all ages & skills. Morning & afternoon trips. In-season night trips.
5 Holway Avenue, Provincetown, MA, 02657
Provincetown’s hometown organization for coastal and marine environmental awareness, research, and education.
MacMillan Pier, Provincetown, MA 02657
Sailing charter business that Sails from May 15 till October 15. We love and take dogs.
307 Commercial Street, Provincetown, MA, 02657
Dolphin Fleet started whale watching on the East Coast in 1975 taking passengers of all ages to see magnificent whales.
131A Commercial Street, Provincetown, MA, 02657
Boat rentals from luxury pontoon boats, skiffs, small sail boats to kayaks and paddle boards.
144 Bradford Street Ext., Provincetown, MA, 02657
Gale Force Bikes is the only bike shop in Provincetown with direct access to the bike trails.
Listing Title
Provincetown, MA, 02657
Explore the sites of Provincetown from the comfort of our first-rate trolleys.
1 High Pole Hill Road, Provincetown, MA, 02657-1406
The Pilgrim Monument commemorates the first landing of the Mayflower Pilgrims in 1620 in Provincetown Harbor.
460 Commercial Street, Provincetown, MA, 02657
Anchoring the arts on Cape Cod for over 100 years.
356 Commercial Street, Provincetown, MA, 02657
Located downtown on Commercial Street, the Library is both a literal and metaphorical center of the Provincetown community.
Listing Title
42 Bradford Street, Provincetown, MA, 02657
Provincetown’s most comprehensive bike shop. Over 650 TREK & SPECIALIZED rental bikes.
Listing Title
63 Shank Painter Rd, Provincetown, MA 02657
eBike & Bike Rentals, Repairs and Sales
Listing Title
237 Commercial Street, Provincetown, MA, 02657
Come stop by for a sweet & nutty treat!
11 Shore Rd. Rte 6A, N. Truro, MA, 02652
Our tasting room and gift shop are located in our carefully restored 1830’s farmhouse.
83 Commercial Street, Provincetown, MA, 02657
Sailing program for children ages 8 – 14.

Ptown for Teens

What’s there in PTown for Teens?

Provincetown is deemed the “coolest” spot on Cape Cod for families with teens. From colorful street culture to awesome nearby beaches, PTown has it all.

For parents with teens, PTown is a safe environment to consider allowing your young adult some limited freedom. Provincetown has the excitement of a small city — which is the type of vacation atmosphere teens gravitate to – yet all shops, restaurants and non-beach attractions are in walking distance.

All the activities listed below are teen-approved by teen travel bloggers and their friends who visit PTown annually.

Family dining, fast food, take out, sweets, ice cream

Featured
Listing Title
321 Commercial Street, Provincetown, MA, 02657
A Provincetown tradition since 1979… overlooking historic Provincetown harbor, an institution like no other and part of the tradition that makes Provincetown such a special place.
Listing Title
467 Commercial Street, Provincetown, MA, 02657
Visit Angel Foods, located just across Provincetown Art Association and Museum in the East End, and choose one of Specialty Sandwiches or Create-Your-Own just the way you like it.
Listing Title
177 Commercial Street, Provincetown, MA, 02657
Casual waterfront dining with amazing 180 degree views of Provincetown Harbor.
258 Commercial Street, Provincetown, MA, 02657
For all the euphoric flavors you can’t get enough of – especially the ones you can’t get in ordinary stores.
353 Commercial Street #4, Provincetown, MA, 02657
Voted “The Best Lunch on the Cape!” by Cape Cod Magazine!!
Listing Title
185 Commercial Street, Provincetown, MA, 02657
See and be seen! A buzzing bistro where Provincetown’s West End begins.
Listing Title
225 Commercial Street, Provincetown, MA, 02657
The Canteen is a casual New England eatery that uses high-quality ingredients to create Cape Cod favorites from scratch.
539 Commercial Street, Provincetown, MA, 02657
Fanizzi’s Bayside dining room boasts 180 degree views through three walls of windows that look upon Cape Cod Bay, Provincetown Harbor, North Truro, and Truro.
Listing Title
150 Bradford Street, Provincetown, MA, 02657
Year round deli, bakery, prepared foods and meals, catering. Breakfast and Lunch Sandwiches.
144 Bradford Street Ext., Provincetown, MA, 02657
Gale Force Bikes is the only bike shop in Provincetown with direct access to the bike trails.
186 Commercial Street, Provincetown, MA, 02657
Local 186 is inspired by the burger and all that it can be.
85-87 Shank Painter Road, Provincetown, MA, 02657
Enjoy ultra-fresh sushi, locally sourced seafood classics and inventive specials in the sleek dining room, garden patio or new outdoor bar.
Listing Title
300 Commercial Street, Provincetown, MA, 02657
Portuguese and Italian specialties and tasty comfort food at reasonable prices.
481 US-6, North Truro, MA 02652
With pasta that’s crafted in-house and cooked to order, homemade sauces, and pizza dough that’s made fresh daily, it’s easy to see why we’ve become a local favorite.
Listing Title
371 Commercial Street, Provincetown, MA, 02657
Seafood Restaurant · American Restaurant · Cocktail Bars
299 Commercial Street, Provincetown, MA, 02657
The Provincetown Portuguese Bakery has been here since around 1900 baking up a taste of Portugal.
Listing Title
237 Commercial Street, Provincetown, MA, 02657
Come stop by for a sweet & nutty treat!
11 Shore Rd. Rte 6A, N. Truro, MA, 02652
Our tasting room and gift shop are located in our carefully restored 1830’s farmhouse.

Activities & Fun

Listing Title
4 Standish Street, Provincetown, MA, 02657
Wide variety of tours to suit everyone’s needs: National Seashore Park dunes & beaches, Race Point Lighthouse, and sunset tours in addition to private charter with beach fires.
217 Shore Road, North Truro, MA, 02652
Open to the public from mid April to late October with day passes and a variety of memberships available for purchase.
MacMilan Pier, Provincetown, MA, 02657
Beth Ann Boat Excursions operates off of MacMillan Pier, has two spacious boats, and offers a variety of types of trips.
Listing Title
Provincetown, MA, 02657
Explore Cape Cod including Provincetown and Hyannis like a native on our fully guided, interactive and fuss-free year round sedan and walking tours.
MacMillan Pier, Provincetown, MA 02657
Come aboard with Capt. Ralph to ride the Odysea.
MacMillan Pier, Provincetown, MA, 02657
You’ll be thrilled at the sight of the great whales of North Atlantic: Humpback, Finback, Minke, Right and Pilot whales.
MacMillan Pier, Provincetown, MA, 02657
For fisherman of all ages & skills. Morning & afternoon trips. In-season night trips.
MacMillan Pier, Provincetown, MA, 02657
Fishing Trips – Book a charter with Chas’n Tails “Lisa Zee” for an experience of a lifetime!
MacMillan Pier, Provincetown, MA 02657
Sailing charter business that Sails from May 15 till October 15. We love and take dogs.
307 Commercial Street, Provincetown, MA, 02657
Dolphin Fleet started whale watching on the East Coast in 1975 taking passengers of all ages to see magnificent whales.
131A Commercial Street, Provincetown, MA, 02657
Boat rentals from luxury pontoon boats, skiffs, small sail boats to kayaks and paddle boards.
144 Bradford Street Ext., Provincetown, MA, 02657
Gale Force Bikes is the only bike shop in Provincetown with direct access to the bike trails.
Listing Title
220 Ocean Street, Hyannis, MA, 02601
High-speed and traditional ferries to Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard from Hyannis; 1 hour Harbor Cruises and Deep Sea Fishing Trips.
Listing Title
Provincetown, MA, 02657
Mayflower Excursion has carefully crafted several unique tours so that there’s something for everyone!
Listing Title
Provincetown, MA, 02657
Explore the sites of Provincetown from the comfort of our first-rate trolleys.
15 MacMillian Wharf, Provincetown, MA, 02657
Moment Sailing Adventures is outer Cape Cod’s only choice for deluxe private captained sailing day charters.
37 Bradford Street Extension – Unit 20A, Provincetown, MA, 02657
VALOR is a celebrated Dutch-built Lemsteraak, 38 feet in length, and judged one of the most beautiful wooden boats in America.
9 Ryder Street Extension, Provincetown, MA, 02657
State of the Art Marina. Under new ownership in 2016. All new docks and electrical. New bathrooms, showers and laundry facilities.
24 MacMillan Pier, Provincetown, MA, 02657
Pier management, business and guest services.
288 Bradford Street Provincetown, MA 02657
Provincetown Tennis Club is a not-for-profit social club founded in 1924 to foster a welcoming community for tennis enthusiasts.

Free & Fun

Walk Commercial Street
Listen to Street performers
Walk the Bayside or Ocean beaches – gather shells, do somersaults,
Take a stroll on MacMillan Pier
Take a walk in the sand dunes
Check out the Public Library with incredible views and a ship inside!
Visit wonderful Art Galleries throughout the town.
Go fly a kite at the beach!
Visit the fun shops in Provincetown

So much more …

In this section, teen who visits PTown annually have provided input in regards to their favorite Provincetown spots.

AlexBrotherBeach-www

18-year old Alex writes:

Where can one find the quaintness of a New England seaside town coupled with the vibrancy of a metropolitan area? Provincetown, at the tip of Cape Cod, fits this exact mold. From family-friendly beaches, eateries, and activities strewn across a few main streets and surrounding ocean side venues, to lively ventures that entertain the younger generation, Provincetown (PTown) is the best of both worlds.

PTown is known for its eclectic atmosphere. It’s an environment that serves as a “place to go” on any given night on a Cape Cod vacation. I’m 18 years old and never get tired of hanging out in PTown. My family and cousins vacation in Cape Cod each summer so I have been lucky to have spent many exciting nights in Provincetown with my cousins who are slightly older than I. Even if your teenager doesn’t have any companions their own age on vacation with them, parents will enjoy some of our regular hangouts in Ptown as well.

After a long day at one of the Provincetown beaches—my personal favorite is Herring Cove—we’re usually pretty tired from all of the energy we exerted sitting on the beach all day (sarcasm intended). Therefore, a journey into PTown is always welcomed! We soon make our way to one of our favorite eateries for a fun, group family dinner. After meandering down Commercial Street (the main avenue in PTown) for a while and popping our heads into various shops, the parents usually decide to let us “kids” (teenagers) have some fun on our own.

When the sun goes down in Provincetown, vampires unfortunately don’t come out (oh darn!), but the street definitely has a livelier and sometimes “adult” vibe to it. There are many types of entertainment available from comedy to musical productions and many restaurants stay open late. As teenagers, just walking this street at night is the most exciting to us due to the constant amusement anywhere on the street, including street performers. Some of the spots we like to stop at include: dessert places, bookstores, jewelry shops and the henna tattoo kiosk. Other times, we just like to buy an iced tea or coffee and wander down quieter MacMillan Pier and watch the sunset over the water.

Provincetown during the day vs. Provincetown later at night may be different venues for different age groups and interests, but regardless, PTown offers fun for any age. From beaches to restaurants to shops to entertainment, Provincetown is probably one of the most animated and colorful locales on the Cape. Our annual two-week stay in Cape Cod would not be the same without our many visits to PTown – with and without our parents!

Family Restaurants

What’s there in PTown for Teens?

What child doesn’t have a sweet tooth?

In Provincetown they’ll be in heaven since the town is home to bakeries, ice cream stores, and candy and fudge shops that kids will remember for quite a while. Some of the sweet spots have been around for decades, which is a testament of how good they really are.

Since most parents, though, prefer that their child has a well-balanced meal before they indulge in treats, there are plenty of family-friendly restaurants and eateries in PTown for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Whether you prefer to eat outside during the summer months or somewhere that provides your family with a view of the harbor, the choices are varied and accommodate even the pickiest little eater. Make sure you ask for the children’s menu upon arrival.

Featured
Listing Title
321 Commercial Street, Provincetown, MA, 02657
A Provincetown tradition since 1979… overlooking historic Provincetown harbor, an institution like no other and part of the tradition that makes Provincetown such a special place.
Listing Title
467 Commercial Street, Provincetown, MA, 02657
Visit Angel Foods, located just across Provincetown Art Association and Museum in the East End, and choose one of Specialty Sandwiches or Create-Your-Own just the way you like it.
Listing Title
177 Commercial Street, Provincetown, MA, 02657
Casual waterfront dining with amazing 180 degree views of Provincetown Harbor.
258 Commercial Street, Provincetown, MA, 02657
For all the euphoric flavors you can’t get enough of – especially the ones you can’t get in ordinary stores.
353 Commercial Street #4, Provincetown, MA, 02657
Voted “The Best Lunch on the Cape!” by Cape Cod Magazine!!
Listing Title
185 Commercial Street, Provincetown, MA, 02657
See and be seen! A buzzing bistro where Provincetown’s West End begins.
Listing Title
225 Commercial Street, Provincetown, MA, 02657
The Canteen is a casual New England eatery that uses high-quality ingredients to create Cape Cod favorites from scratch.
539 Commercial Street, Provincetown, MA, 02657
Fanizzi’s Bayside dining room boasts 180 degree views through three walls of windows that look upon Cape Cod Bay, Provincetown Harbor, North Truro, and Truro.
Listing Title
150 Bradford Street, Provincetown, MA, 02657
Year round deli, bakery, prepared foods and meals, catering. Breakfast and Lunch Sandwiches.
144 Bradford Street Ext., Provincetown, MA, 02657
Gale Force Bikes is the only bike shop in Provincetown with direct access to the bike trails.
186 Commercial Street, Provincetown, MA, 02657
Local 186 is inspired by the burger and all that it can be.
85-87 Shank Painter Road, Provincetown, MA, 02657
Enjoy ultra-fresh sushi, locally sourced seafood classics and inventive specials in the sleek dining room, garden patio or new outdoor bar.
Listing Title
300 Commercial Street, Provincetown, MA, 02657
Portuguese and Italian specialties and tasty comfort food at reasonable prices.
481 US-6, North Truro, MA 02652
With pasta that’s crafted in-house and cooked to order, homemade sauces, and pizza dough that’s made fresh daily, it’s easy to see why we’ve become a local favorite.
Listing Title
371 Commercial Street, Provincetown, MA, 02657
Seafood Restaurant · American Restaurant · Cocktail Bars
299 Commercial Street, Provincetown, MA, 02657
The Provincetown Portuguese Bakery has been here since around 1900 baking up a taste of Portugal.
Listing Title
237 Commercial Street, Provincetown, MA, 02657
Come stop by for a sweet & nutty treat!
11 Shore Rd. Rte 6A, N. Truro, MA, 02652
Our tasting room and gift shop are located in our carefully restored 1830’s farmhouse.

Family Lodging

Ever slept in a lighthouse?

How about at the tip of a peninsula, which just so happens to be the closest spot in the U.S. to Europe? Give your kids something to write home about when you stay overnight in Provincetown!

The family-friendly lodging ranges from Race Point Lighthouse’s two cottages – which are located in the National Seashore — to camping, condos and motels. Provincetown’s West and East Ends are perfect, quiet spots for families yet have easy access to the center of town. The waterfront lodging on Route 6A is a perfect example of this; much of this lodging boasts a waterfront view. Some of PTown’s family-friendly lodging also includes complimentary continental breakfast, which is a big plus when feeding a family of three of more.

While the locations of PTown’s family-friendly accommodations all vary, one thing they have in common is that they welcome families of all shapes and sizes.

Featured
Listing Title
280 Bradford Street, Provincetown, MA, 02657
At Cape Colony Inn, we are here to make your Provincetown vacation as relaxing and fun as possible.
Last Minute Availability
Single queens, double queens, kings, handicap kings and suites all with private bath

5/12 $99-$209
5/13 $99-$219
5/14 $99-$209
5/15 $119-$229
5/16 $179-$259
5/17 $179-$219
5/18 $129-$239
5/19 $89-$209
5/20 $109-$229
5/21 $99-$219
5/22 $119-$239
Featured
698 Commercial Street, Provincetown, MA, 02657
Book Online
Tucked just a few seconds off Route 6 on the edge of downtown Provincetown, Harbor Hotel is made for easy getaways with friends and family.
Featured
31-41 Commercial Street, Provincetown, MA, 02657
Book Online
Distinctive accommodations on Provincetown Harbor. Every cottage faces the water.
Featured
Listing Title
603 Commercial Street, Provincetown, MA, 02657
Book Online
Located directly on Cape Cod Bay in the quiet East End. We have been family-owned and operated since 1983.
Listing Title
386 US Route 6, Provincetown, MA, 02657
A Cape Cod campground owned and operated by The Trustees.
Listing Title
1 Commercial Street, Provincetown, MA, 02657
Escape to Provincetown Inn, a rustic and cozy retreat nestled along the pristine beaches of Cape Cod.
Listing Title
Provincetown, MA 02657
Two houses, Keeper’s house and Whistle house, located within the Cape Cod National Seashore. The Race Point properties are maintained by the Cape Cod Chapter of the American Lighthouse Foundation.
929 Commercial Street, P.O. Box 566, Provincetown, MA, 02657
We offer guests a wide selection of studios and one bedroom suites, each with a fully equipped kitchen and private bathroom.
543 Commercial St, Provincetown, MA, 02657
Located on Cape Cod Bay, the Surfside Hotel & Suites in Provincetown’s East End serves complimentary continental breakfast daily, has a beach, outdoor heated pool, bar and lounge area, a large fire pit and free parking.
Listing Title
209 Shore Road, P.O. Box 44, North Truro, MA, 02652

PTown’s many family-friendly options offer the best of both worlds

Last summer, my family and I stayed at Surfside Hotel and Suites on the East End of PTown. We truly felt like it offered the best of all worlds. But which worlds are we talking about here?

The most obvious is that it even though it is on Commercial Street (the main, bustling thoroughfare in PTown), it is located on the quiet East End of town. This affords easy parking in the resort’s lot. Since Surfside it is only a 15 minute walk down scenic Commercial Street to the main hub of town, we gladly left our car at the resort and ambled into the heart of town.

In addition to Surfside’s location offering the best of both worlds — the quiet and bustling sides of PTown – it also features the best of swimming options: pool and beach. In some families there is a division between beach lovers vs. pool folk. At Surfside, the pool is a few steps from the gentle PTown beach. Families with little ones can even book Surfside units right on the beach. These rooms have a deck so that parents can watch older children play on the beach while an infant or toddler naps under watchful eyes inside.

Surfside also is a welcoming bridge for families of all shapes and sizes. I’m divorced yet felt very comfortable with my kids at the resort. Also, there were plenty of nuclear families staying at Surfside as well those of same-sex parents. The bottom line is that Surfside welcomes families – period. Oh, and if that’s not enough, the free, extensive breakfast will save you plenty; children especially love the make-your-own waffle machine.

Provincetown’s lodging is so varied and unique that your family can even stay on the grounds of a lighthouse! At Race Point Lighthouse, located within the Cape Cod National Seashore, families can rent Keeper’s House or Whistle House. Keeper’s house has three bedrooms that can sleep up to 11 people while Whistle house sleeps up to eight. Both cottages have been meticulously restored and boast modern amenities.

However, what’s most outstanding about these rentals is that you and your family are surrounded by unsurpassed views of water, sand, sea grass, sunrises and sunsets. This lodging will be one that your family will talk about for years to come.

“Promise Town”

When my son was young, on our annual Cape Cod family vacations he’d mistakenly say “Promise Town” instead of Provincetown. We all thought it was cute and so the name has stuck for years. Even though my son, his older sister and cousins have all been to Provincetown dozens of times over the past 12 summers, they still get excited about our visits to this colorful town. Maybe that’s because they realize Provincetown holds a lot of “promise” for them in regards to experiencing new, awesome activities that can’t be easily replicated in other destinations. These family–friendly activities range from one-of-a-kind dune tours to adventures at sea including whale watches, pirate ships and gorgeous, gentle beach water.

In addition to a great variety of outdoor activities there is tons of shopping that my kids look forward to. The lack of chain stores makes this an eclectic adventure with plenty of shops for kids, teens and parents to peruse.

As a parent, another thing I like about Provincetown is the value it offers families. Traveling with a family of four or more can potentially add up. However, it only costs $!5/day or $45 per year for a family to load all its members into their car and visit the amazingly beautiful National Seashore beaches of Race Point and Herring Cove. Comparatively, the Jersey Shore charges $8 PER person PER day visit to its beaches.

This summer, my son and his cousin walked up and down the Pilgrim Tower FOUR TIMES in one visit! Why four times? Because they have a lot of energy – like most youngsters do – and because there was no extra charge for multiple climbs. Talk about value…and tired feet!

It never fails: we visit Provincetown multiple times during our annual two-week stay in Cape Cod. The kids and teens in our extended family love it because it delivers on all that it does “promise.” No wonder the name “Promise Town” has stuck!