12 Fun, Family Friendly Things to do in Chatham this Summer (2025)
March 2024
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!
1. Catch a Cape Cod Baseball League game
The Cape Cod Baseball League is a prestigious collegiate summer baseball league that has been in existence since 1885. It is considered one of the top amateur baseball leagues in the United States and has produced numerous Major League Baseball stars. The league consists of 10 teams, including the Chatham Anglers. Games are played throughout the summer in picturesque ballparks including Veteran’s field in Chatham. Admission to games is free, making it a budget-friendly and family-friendly activity for visitors to enjoy.
2. Learn about sharks at the Atlantic Great White Shark Center
The Shark Center is a fascinating attraction where visitors can learn all about Great White Sharks through interactive displays and educational videos. Located in Chatham, this center is perfect for a rainy day activity or for anyone interested in marine life and learning more about these magnificent and often misunderstood creatures. Be sure to purchase tickets online before you arrive to ensure you have a spot to explore and discover more about these incredible creatures.
3. Stroll Main Street
Strolling around Main Street in Chatham is one of my favorite things to do. The street is always bustling with activity, especially during the summer months. You'll find a variety of amazing and independently-owned shops that cater to all interests, from unique boutiques to charming gift shops. The Mayflower is my favorite home goods and gift store in town - with a beach vibe and eclectic mix of products. Also, don’t miss Ducks in the Window and Chatham Candy Manor, perfect for kids and adults alike. And If you are like me, no beach day is complete without a good beach read. Luckily Chatham Main Street is home to two great locally owned, small business book stores. The Yellow Umbrella and Where the Sidewalk Ends will certainly have what you need for your reading pleasure.
When you're ready for a bite to eat, Main Street has plenty of options for every meal of the day. The iconic Chatham Squire is a must-visit for a classic Cape Cod dining experience. Whether you're in the mood for seafood, sandwiches, or something sweet, you'll find it all on Main Street.
4. Visit the seals at the Chatham Fish Pier
Visiting the seals at the Chatham Fish Pier is a unique and exciting experience for both kids and adults alike. As you watch the fishermen bring in their catch of the day, keep an eye out for the playful seals who often gather around the pier looking for scraps. It's a great opportunity to see these fascinating marine mammals up close in their natural habitat. And while you're there, don't forget to treat yourself to a delicious lobster roll from the nearby Chatham Pier Fish Market. It's the perfect way to enjoy a taste of the sea while taking in the sights and sounds of this bustling fishing community.
5. Take a boat ride to Monomoy Wildlife Refuge
Monomoy Island is an 8-mile-long sandy island that is home to so much nature and wildlife. Here you can see hundreds of seals and learn about other wildlife that occupies this quaint island. The refuge is located off the coast of Chatham and is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including seals, shorebirds, and migratory birds. A boat ride to the refuge offers stunning views of the coastline and the opportunity to see marine life such as dolphins and whales. 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, among others.
Once you arrive at the refuge, you can explore the pristine beaches, marshes, and sand dunes on foot or by kayak. The refuge is a popular spot for birdwatching, with over 300 species of birds recorded in the area. You may also spot seals lounging on the sandbars or swimming in the waters around the island.
Guided tours are available for those who want to learn more about the history and ecology of the refuge. The knowledgeable guides can point out interesting wildlife sightings and provide information on the conservation efforts taking place to protect the fragile ecosystem.
6. Check out the Chatham Light House
Half a mile from downtown Chatham, Chatham Light is a historic and well-known lighthouse — and one of the few remaining 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 is regularly monitored so your best bet in the summer would be to park downtown and take the short walk.
Visiting the Chatham Lighthouse is a must-do activity in Chatham! The lighthouse offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and the surrounding area. Visitors can also learn about the history of the lighthouse (including the true story location for the movie “The Finest Hours”) and its importance to the maritime community. Don't forget to take a walk around the grounds and enjoy the picturesque scenery and monuments for those lost at sea.
7. Take a walk on Chatham Lighthouse Beach
Easily one of the most beautiful beaches on Cape Cod, Chatham Lighthouse Beach is a must visit. Here you can take in the views from the parking lot and then meander down the stairs to explore the shoreline. In the summer you can watch the sunrise then go and practice yoga on the beach in the morning - be on the lookout for the dates/times for classes being offered. While you walk the beach to the right, less than half a mile walk, you will come across the Occupy Chatham Shack, a funky, dune-side beach shack that has been a destination at this beach since 2015.
8. Take a walk to Stage Harbor Lighthouse
If you love lighthouses, Chatham has two! Stage Harbor Light also known as Harding’s Beach Lighthouse, is one of the most noticeable landmarks in the area. It is the youngest lighthouse in Cape Cod having been built in 1880. It was built to help Chatham Light since it is one of the foggiest points on the East Coast. It was decommissioned in 1933 when an automated light on a separate tower was built. While now privately owned, you can still walk close through the trails at Hardings Beach. If you take the trail at the end of the parking lot it’s about a mile one-way and follows the coastline of the beach. You can walk the shoreline back for scenic views of Nantucket Sound.
9. Attend a Friday night concert at Kate Gould Park on Main Street
Friday nights at the park on Main Street in July and August are lovely! The Chatham Band hosts concerts open to the public and are completely free. Bring a picnic dinner or pick up some pizza to go from Carmine’s, grab some blankets or chairs and enjoy the family-friendly show on the town green!
10. Enjoy a Round of Golf
Chatham is home to the Chatham Seaside Links - just minutes from downtown Chatham and Chatham Light beach, and adjacent to luxurious Chatham Bars Inn. This course was established in 1895 and is a great course for those just learning to swing a club or seasoned golfers alike. You can rent clubs and book a tee time online.
11. Catch a movie at the Chatham Orpheum Theater
In the off chance it rains during your stay or it is too hot to handle outside, go see a show at the Chatham Orpheum. This theater is a historic landmark and offers a cozy atmosphere for movie goers. You can catch a variety of films from oldies to new blockbusters. If you are lucky, you may even get to see the summer showing of Jaws. The theater also hosts special events like free family movie screenings and live comedy shows. Check out their website for current events!
12. Rent Kayaks or Paddle Boards for the Day
There's no better way to experience the nature and surroundings of Chatham than on the water in a kayak or paddle board. Chatham has so many twisting and turning water ways for you to launch from to
BONUS! Check out the houses on Shore Road
Shore Road is one of the most picturesque roads in Chatham. Here you will find the Chatham’s Bars Inn as well as many other beautiful homes situated on the ocean side. In the summer season you will see amazing landscapes including magazine worthy hydrangeas. A number of the houses on this street have been featured in magazines for their beautiful design and architecture. See if you can spot RipTide on your way through.
That wraps up our list!
I hope this is helpful as you plan your next trip to Chatham. Whether you are looking for a fun day trip or a full week vacation, Chatham has it all to make a truly memorable experience for you and your family. Be sure to let us know your favorite part of visiting Chatham! You can follow us on Instagram or Facebook @pleasantchathamcape. And be sure to consider a stay with us at Pleasant Chatham Cape for your next visit to Cape Cod. Cheers!