Cape Cod is often overlooked as an Easter destination because it’s mainly known as a summer retreat, drawing visitors for its beaches, sailing, seafood, and coastal towns. However, Easter on Cape Cod offers a quieter experience, with fewer crowds and a chance to enjoy the region as it awakens for warmer weather. It’s a hidden gem for families looking to celebrate in a scenic, peaceful setting. To help you make the most of the holiday on Cape Cod, we’ve put together this guide on the best Easter activities that everyone in the family will enjoy.
All Aboard the Easter Brunch Train
Kick off your Easter Sunday with the Sunday Brunch Train! This is a one-of-a-kind experience from Cape Cod Central Railroad, where you and your family can enjoy a delicious holiday meal aboard a vintage train while watching the beautiful landscape go by. The carriages are decorated with Easter flair, and the Easter Bunny even appears, providing a perfect photo opportunity. Given its popularity, we highly recommend making reservations.
Easter Egg Hunts for Kids (and Even Pets!)
On Cape Cod, Easter egg hunts come with an extra layer of magic. Families can search for eggs in breathtaking locations – and even furry members can join in on this beloved tradition too. Cape Cod delivers in ways no other setting can, and here are some of our recommendations:
- Heritage Museums & Gardens (Sandwich): A beautifully landscaped garden for a large-scale Easter egg hunt, where families explore the grounds after the hunt.
- Taylor-Bray Farm (Yarmouth Port): A historic farm with an egg hunt and friendly barnyard animals, making it an excellent choice for younger children.
- Mashpee Commons (Mashpee): Kids have an egg hunt, and so do furry friends who have a special hunt to join in on.
- Chatham Easter Egg Hunt (Kate Gould Park): A classic event in a charming downtown setting.
- Cape Cod Museum of Natural History (Brewster): A twist on the traditional egg hunt with a nature-themed scavenger hunt that incorporates the museum’s exhibits.
- Falmouth Harbor (Falmouth): A smaller, local Easter egg hunt followed by a picnic by the picturesque water.
Cape Cod’s Easter egg hunts offer more than just a fun tradition – each hunt provides a memorable experience in a unique setting for your family.
Meet the Easter Bunny
Meeting the Easter Bunny can be exciting for kids, but on Cape Cod, it is more than just a photo opportunity – it’s a chance to create a fond childhood memory. Cape Cod adds a unique touch of New England with coastal appeal to this tradition, and here are some of our favorites for meeting the iconic holiday character:
- Mashpee Commons (Mashpee): Beyond its festive egg hunts, this walkable, open-air setting hosts meet-and-greets and photo opportunities with the Easter Bunny throughout the day while you visit various gift shops.
- The Cotuit Library (Cotuit): Enjoy a cozy, low-key visit with the Easter Bunny, where families can also enjoy storytime and crafts.
- St. Mary’s Episcopal Church (Barnstable Village): After the service, children can meet the Easter Bunny and take photos in a warm, family-friendly setting.
- Green Briar Nature Center (Sandwich): Meet the Easter Bunny alongside nature-themed activities, including a visit with the center’s beloved animals.
- Chatham Community Center (Chatham): A local favorite, this event features a festive Easter Bunny meet-and-greet, games, and crafts for kids.
- Taylor-Bray Farm (Yarmouth Port): For a more rustic experience, families can meet the Easter Bunny on this historic farm while visiting with barnyard animals.
No matter where you choose to meet the Easter Bunny, Cape Cod’s welcoming atmosphere will make the weekend even more special.
Easter Sunday Brunch at Cape Cod’s Best Restaurants, Cafés and Bakeries
Enjoy an Easter meal at one of Cape Cod’s delicious options, and have a culinary experience like no other. These top spots offer meals that highlight the season. Here are some must-try venues and the special Easter dishes that make them stand out:
- The Dan’l Webster Inn (Sandwich): A historic inn offering an Easter brunch menu that celebrates local seasonal flavors, such as roast lamb and spring vegetable frittatas.
- The Coonamessett (Falmouth): Favorited by the locals for its buffet-style brunch, featuring honey-glazed ham, scrambled eggs with herbs, and house-made biscuits.
- Wequassett Resort (Harwich): A luxury resort with stunning waterfront views and an Easter brunch with decadent dishes like prime rib, lobster bisque, and seasonal spring salads.
- Ocean Edge Resort (Brewster): Unparalleled ocean views paired with a classic Easter brunch and highlights include eggs benedict and roast leg of lamb.
- Bramble Inn & Restaurant (Brewster): A cozy inn that provides an Easter brunch with locally sourced ingredients such as spring butter risotto and famous cranberry-orange scones.
- French Press Bakery Café (Hyannis): A charming café that specializes in quiches made with seasonal vegetables, freshly baked cinnamon rolls, and their signature French toast for a lighter Easter brunch.
- Morning Glory Café (Chatham): Known for its farm-to-table menu, their Easter brunch features creamy scrambled eggs with local herbs, berry-filled crepes, and homemade granola with yogurt.
- The Local Scoop (Harwich Port): A popular bakery and café that offers a laid-back yet delicious Easter brunch, including freshly baked bread, carrot cake cupcakes, and egg sandwiches.
Each of these dining spots has something to offer. From sumptuous feasts to cozy café vibes and meticulously crafted handmade treats, Easter brunch on Cape Cod is sure to be a joyful occasion for the whole family.
Enjoy a Scenic Easter Walk and Outdoor Fun
For families who love the outdoors, Easter weekend on Cape Cod is the perfect time to explore the natural beauty of the region. Check out these recommended spots:
- Cape Cod National Seashore: Wander the coastline and soak in the wildlife, dunes, and views of the Atlantic Ocean.
- Beebe Woods (Falmouth): Lose yourselves in the tranquility of this woodland preserve filled with walking trails, towering trees, and quiet streams.
- Mashpee River Woodlands (Mashpee): Explore the trails that offer a mix of wetlands, forested areas, and river views.
- Spohr Gardens (Falmouth): Known for its daffodils in full bloom, this is a beautiful spot for family photos or enjoying quiet reflection.
- Sandwich Boardwalk (Sandwich): A picturesque place for a post-Easter brunch walk with stunning marshland views.
Celebrate Easter with a stroll on the Cape that brings you closer to nature, revitalizing your spirit with the sights and sounds of Spring. And if you’re looking to extend your Easter adventure, Boston offers a variety of Easter festivities, from egg hunts in the Boston Common to elegant brunches in the city’s historic hotels — making it easy to enjoy the best of both worlds before returning to Cape Cod’s peaceful shores.
Celebrate Easter with Music
Cape Cod offers uplifting music, performances, and services that bring Easter to life. Here are some fantastic opportunities to experience live music and festive celebrations:
- Brass Ensemble Concert at the Church of Transfiguration (Orleans): Enjoy a vibrant performance by a talented brass ensemble, playing Easter classics.
- Nauset Beach Sunrise Service (Eastham): Welcome Easter morning in the most breathtaking way by the ocean with a sunrise service that blends spirituality and the beauty of Cape Cod’s coastline.
- First Congregational Church (Chatham): Known for its family-friendly Easter service, it also features live music and local performances.
- Cape Cod Symphony Orchestra (West Barnstable): For a more grand experience, the orchestra brings timeless Easter pieces to the stage.
Cape Cod offers a variety of ways to celebrate Easter with music, community, and joy. It’s an opportunity to embrace the season in a way that nourishes both the body and the soul.
Easter Craft Workshops for the Family
Let your creativity flow with Easter-themed arts and crafts workshops around Cape Cod. These hands-on activities are a fun way for families to celebrate the holiday. Here are some of our suggested Easter crafting experiences:
- Cape Cod Art Center (Barnstable): Dive into a range of Easter crafts, from egg decorating to creating bunny-inspired artwork.
- Arts Foundation of Cape Cod (Hyannis): Families can explore different art mediums to create Easter-themed pieces.
- Brewster Historical Society Museum (Brewster): Experience the Cape’s rich history while decorating eggs and connecting with the region’s culture.
- Cape Cod Museum of Art (Dennis): Tap into your inner artist and craft spring-inspired artwork or create personalized Easter decorations to take home.
- Hyannis Youth and Community Center (Hyannis): An indoor space where kids of all ages can enjoy Easter-themed crafting classes, from basket-making to festive painting.
These workshops in Cape Cod are a wonderful way to bond with loved ones and for everyone to tap into their artistic side.
More Unique Easter Experiences on the Cape
If you’re looking for something a little more unique, Cape Cod has some Easter experiences that stand out:
- Easter Dinner Cruises: Set sail on a Cape Cod charters cruise for an Easter dinner on the water.
- Cape Cod Lavender Farm (Harwich): While the lavender may not be in full bloom for Easter, a walk through the lavender fields offers a serene escape.
- Yarmouth Port Easter Parade (Yarmouth): A local parade filled with lively music, festive floats, and fun activities for the whole family.
- Easter Pet Parade (Hyannis): Dress up your pets for a fun and lighthearted parade with treats for both the pets and their owners!
End With a Bang With a Beach Bonfire
Depending on the weather, cap off your Easter weekend with a beach bonfire! Popular Cape Cod bonfire spots include:
- Sandy Neck Beach (Barnstable)
- Chapman’s Landing (Harwich)
Roast marshmallows, tell stories from the weekend, and sit back as the sun sets over the water for a spectacular end to your holiday with your family.
Make Your Easter Stress-Free with Professional Help
Planning Easter can be overwhelming, and life can get busy, but Simplified is here to help. There’s a lot to handle, from meal planning and Easter basket assembly to family event organization and brunch reservations. Our personal concierge services can take care of everything, so you’re not stressing over the details. Let Simplified assist you — reach out today to learn more about how our Holiday Services can make your Easter a stress-free celebration!