Every kid dreams of a tree house: a hideout in the sky where you can imagine being a pirate, a superhero, or a fairy-tale princess. At Heritage Museums & Gardens in Sandwich, Massachusetts, the Hidden Hollow Tree House sits in the middle of a two-acre, nature-inspired playground filled with opportunities to climb, explore, build, and play.
Sandwich is the first town you reach after crossing the Sagamore Bridge onto Cape Cod, making it an easy day trip from the Boston area or a convenient stop on your way farther down the Cape. Pair the tree house with a beach visit, a look at the ships passing through the Cape Cod Canal, or one of Sandwich’s other family attractions for a flexible day of adventure.
A Busy Day in Sandwich
Explore the Heritage Museum and Gardens
Just five miles from the Sagamore Bridge, the Heritage Museum and Gardens has something for everyone in the family. You can ride an antique carousel, check out a windmill or visit a car museum on your way to the Hidden Hollow Tree House!
Did you know that hydrangeas change color based on the pH of the soil? Acidic soil gives the gorgeous blue blooms that are abundant on Cape Cod. Alkaline soil will turn them pink. Heritage Gardens not only grows eight different species of hydrangeas here in Sandwich, it also give parents a chance to sneak in a little science lesson into the summer!
Adventure Park Zip Line is also located here, excellent outdoor OT for kids who could use some extra vestibular stimulation or proprioceptive input!
Calling All Ship Captains to the Cape Cod Canal Visitor Center
The Visitor Center at the Cape Cod Canal is a great spot for kids who are interested in boats, machinery, gadgets and construction projects. It’s run by the Army Corps of Engineers who built and maintain the canal. There are interactive exhibits for visitors of all ages, and it’s free!
While you’re here, you can:
- Board a retired 40-foot US Army Corps of Engineers patrol boat
- Scan live radar and camera images to locate vessels in the waterway
- Captain a virtual tugboat through the canal
- Investigate what’s inside the ships transiting the canal
- Discover wildlife that live in or around the canal
- View a film about the history and operations of the canal
- If you’re really lucky, watch some big tankers or cargo boats pass by in the canal!
Pizza, Beer, and Sunset at the Beach
Tree House Brewing Company is one of the most highly rated craft breweries in the US. The company is known for both outstanding beer and for its family-friendly venues.
Tree House Cape Cod is located right on Town Neck Beach in Sandwich. Sunset views here are spectacular! The regular menu includes soft drinks, pizza, lobster rolls, a full selection of beer, and is supplemented by local food trucks on busy summer days.
Public parking for Town Neck Beach is very limited. If you plan to use the beach on a weekend, try to arrive by 10 AM to make sure you get a spot. Once peak beach hours are over, parking usually opens back up.
Sensory: Town Neck Beach, like all bayside beaches, has a lot of shells and rocks left by tides in the shallow water. Bring water shoes for maximum comfort.
While You’re in Town
Sandwich is the oldest town on Cape Cod, full of historic charm. If you’re staying on the Upper Cape, or you have a little more time in your day, you might want to:
Catch a glassblowing demonstration at The Sandwich Glass Museum.
Tour the Wing Fort House, built in 1641, the oldest house on Cape Cod.
Buy some freshly ground Cape Cod cornmeal at the Dexter Grist Mill.
Play a round or two at Sandwich Mini Golf.
It’s a Wrap - Sandwich Jokes for the Ride Home
Bridge traffic can be tough getting off the Cape. If you’re stuck in a long line of cars somewhere in Sandwich, you may as well get some fun out of it!
Why doesn’t anyone starve in the desert? Because of all the Sandwich-is there!
Why didn’t the sandwich stay up late? It was past his Bread Time.
What did the sandwich say at the birthday party? Lettuce Celebrate!
Why didn’t the potato chips believe anything the sandwich said? Because the sandwich was full of baloney.
Where do astronauts keep their sandwiches? In their launch box.
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