Multi-Generational Fun?

by Genesis
(Boston, Massachusetts )

Question: Hi there. I think this one is going to be tough but I'll ask anyway. I live in Boston and graduate school commencement is in a few weeks.

Local family members will be attending as well as several from Alabama. The ages range from 5 - 75. 1 five year old, 2 nine year olds, 1 thirteen year old, 2 forty and three in their seventies. All of the children are males and all of the adults are females.

I originally planned to go over to Martha's Vineyard, but I recently found out that my aunt is terrified of the ferry experience and that my cousin is surprising me and bringing her children.

Now I need to find something to do there that doesn't require the ferry and keeps the majority happy.

Everyone loves to shop, antiques, thrifts, yardsales and whatnots. Not my thing but I'm easygoing. The boys love to play...they're boys.

As our group is large, we WILL have 2 cars. But this is just a day trip in May. We'll also be going to NYC over the weekend.

Do you have any budget friendly options to recommend to such a diverse group?

I could really use your expertise.

Warm regards,

Genesis

Dee's Reply: Hi Genesis -

Wow, that is a tough one. But I'm always up for a challenge, so let's give it a whirl!

Normally, I'd suggest taking the ferry from Boston to Provincetown, then spending the day exploring P'town and the National Seashore. But with a ferry-phobic aunt, that's not going to work. Plus, with so many people to transport, the ferry fares would get a little pricey - unless you spotted a great deal on Groupon. So on to "Plan B". ;-)

Which Cape Cod Town for Your Day Trip?

To maximize your time here, you're not going to want to spend a whole lot of time driving. So I'd suggest that you stick to somewhere that's not too far out on the Cape.

Falmouth comes instantly to mind. It's a lovely town that has more than enough to keep everyone happily entertained.

Ideas for Your Family's Day in Falmouth

From personal experience, I know that the younger members of your group will probably not be thrilled at the thought of spending the entire day hanging with the older folks. So how 'bout you divvy the day up with some all-together time and some smaller-group time? Then come together again for dinner before heading back to Boston.

The less active members of your clan could explore Falmouth Village, do some shopping, visit a few museums, go to Nobska Point Lighthouse for great photos, and take a break at one of the nearby beaches.

The more active ones could rent bikes and ride the Shining Sea Bikeway to Woods Hole and back. It's a fun and scenic ride through wooded areas, past farmlands and seaside. And Woods Hole (a village in the town of Falmouth) is a neat place to visit for an hour or two!

A Quick Trip to Martha's Vineyard

If you and other members of your family wanted to take a spin over to Martha's Vineyard for part of the day, you could easily do that.

The ferry ride on Island Queen from Falmouth Harbor to Oak Bluffs is only about 30 minutes, give or take. So it's not like you'd be committing much time to get to the Vineyard and back.

Oak Bluffs is a fun little harbor town with fascinating historic sites, a good mix of both upscale and touristy shops, one of the oldest working carousels in the US (yes, ride it!), and all in all it's just a cool place to visit.

For more ideas on the Vineyard, here's my answer to Melitsa's question about a family day-trip to Martha's Vineyard.

These are just a few ideas off the top of my head. There's tons more to see and do in Falmouth and on the Vineyard.

If you'd like more info about Falmouth, Woods Hole or Oak Bluffs, just let me know. Or if you'd prefer to spend your day in another part of the Cape, I'll be happy to give you some ideas for that, too.

Congratulations on your upcoming graduation, and have a wonderful time visiting Cape Cod!

Best Regards,

Dee

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