Whether you’re visiting Hyannis or living in Hyannis is in your future, you’ll discover the village is packed with fun activities year-round. Main Street Hyannis is one of the busiest downtown areas on Cape Cod with a small nightlife scene. Many Hyannis attractions on this list are within walking distance of each other in the downtown Hyannis area. For outdoor enthusiasts, there are endless things to do in Hyannis MA, including beachcombing, windsurfing, sailing, hiking, and swimming.
Ready to explore the fun awaiting you? Here are just 15 of the top things to do in Hyannis, whether you’re looking for fun in the sun or quiet indoor activities.
Table of Contents
#1. Explore the Kennedy Legacy on Cape Cod @ the John F Kennedy Hyannis Museum
The Kennedy family has a long history in Cape Cod with a deep connection to Hyannis Port, a small summer community on Hyannis Harbor. Exploring the Kennedy legacy is one of the most interesting things to do in Hyannis Port.
The John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum chronicles the president’s time in Hyannis and weekends with the family through photographs, archival films, oral histories, and artifacts.
The museum is open from June through October with seasonal hours. Admission is $14 for adults and $8 for children 6 and older with discounted admission for veterans, seniors, and students. Admission is free for active military, members, and children under 6.
After visiting the museum, you can learn more along the 1.6-mile Hyannis Kennedy Legacy Trail with stops at 10 sites in the village.
The Kennedy Compound, three homes on six acres, in Hyannis Port was home to Joseph Kennedy, his wife, and their children, including President John F. Kennedy and Senators Robert and Edward Kennedy. The Kennedy family still uses the compound as a residence, but you can see the estate from a distance.
John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum, 397 Main St, Hyannis, MA 02601 (508) 790-3077
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#2. Learn About Cape Cod’s Maritime History @ the Cape Cod Maritime Museum
One of the best things to do in Hyannis for maritime and history enthusiasts is a stop at the Cape Cod Maritime Museum. Explore the maritime history of Cape Cod at this small museum at the Hyannis Harbor. The museum has exhibits on marine biology, traditional boat building, Cape Cod lighthouses, and several boats on display. You can even take a cruise on their catboat SARAH, a replica of the 1886 Crosby Catboat, built on-site.
It takes about 1 hour to tour the museum. Admission is $10 for adults with discounts for seniors, students, veterans and military members, and children.
Cape Cod Maritime Museum, 135 South St, Hyannis, MA 02601 (508) 775-1723
#3. Learn About Massachusetts Aerospace History @ the Massachusetts Air and Space Museum (MASM)
Most Cape Cod museums focus on maritime, local history, and art. The Massachusetts Air and Space Museum is a new, boutique museum dedicated to the lesser-explored topic of aerospace history in Massachusetts.
The museum relaunched in 2023 in downtown Hyannis across from the John F Kennedy Hyannis Museum. While small, there are plenty of things to see here with interactive exhibits and artifacts about the origins of aviation and how Massachusetts companies and people contributed to the industry.
The newest addition is the John Write Wood Jr. Grumman Albatross cockpit deck which was restored after being salvaged from Arizona. The process took nearly 800 hours using authentic manuals from the Naval Historical Center in DC. Aviation buffs love the vintage F-106 fighter flight simulator, one of the most fun things to do in Hyannis on cold or rainy days.
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A fun item on display is a Gemini spacesuit worn by astronaut Ed White during the Gemini IV mission in 1965. President Kennedy, who spent much of his life in Hyannis, helped bolster public support for his plan to put a man on the moon.
MASM is open Wednesday through Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm. Admission is $10 for adults, $6 for kids 5-11, and free for active duty military.
Massachusetts Air & Space Museum, 438 Main St, Hyannis, MA 02601 (508) 827-6300
#4. Check out Classic Cars @ the Toad Hall Classic Car Museum
Toad Hall began with just a few sports cars but now features 50+ classic sports calls – all red. Most are English with a few European and Japanese models, including more than 10 Lotuses; 6+ Jaguars, Triumphs, and MGs; plus Austin Healeys, Datsuns, Ferraris, and more. The collection mostly spans the 1950s to 1980s with several rare models with less than a dozen in the U.S.
Toad Hall, behind the Simmons Homestead Inn, is the private collection of Bill Putman. It was opened to the public 2003. The Toad Hall Classic Car Museum is open daily from 11 am to 5 pm year-round. Admission is $8 for adults, $4 for kids 10-16, and free for kids under 10.
Toad Hall Classic Car Museum, 288 Scudder Ave, Hyannis, MA 02601 (508) 778-4934
#5. Take the Ferry @ Steamship Authority & Hy-Line Cruises
One of the top things to do in Hyannis MA takes you many miles off the mainland! Two companies offer Hyannis ferry service to Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard.
Both companies have a fast ferry to Nantucket that takes about an hour. The Hy-Line ferry usually sells out faster. Steamship Authority also offers a leisurely trip that takes 2 hours and 15 minutes. Only Hy-Line offers a Hyannis to Martha’s Vineyard ferry which takes just 45 minutes – Steamship Authority only has ferry service to Martha’s Vineyard from Woods Hole. Enjoy free Wi-Fi on-board and a comfortable voyage with great views of the harbor.
Spend a day on Martha’s Vineyard or Nantucket enjoying pristine beaches, sailing, kayaking, and whale watching, go sightseeing as you stroll along cobblestone streets, and visit boutiques, small art galleries, and bookstores.
Check out our guides comparing Cape Cod vs Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket to learn more about what to expect when visiting the islands and the top things to do.
Steamship Authority, 141 School St, Hyannis, MA 02601
Hy-Line Cruises, 220 Ocean St, Hyannis, MA 02601
#6. Take a Boat Ride @ Bay Spirit Tours + Pirate Adventures Hyannis
Interested in more unique things to do in Hyannis Cape Cod? Try one of the boat tour agencies in the village!
Bay Spirit Tours offers a 75-minute guided tour of the Hyannis Harbor and nearby lighthouses, a Lighthouse Harbor Tour, and a 90-minute live music cruise, and sailing on the Bay Breeze. Their tours are frequently voted as one of the top Hyannis activities!
For something more interactive, try Pirate Adventures Hyannis which offers pirate-themed, kid-friendly boat rides. It’s definitely one of the best things to do in Hyannis with young kids between 3 and 10. After boarding, kids are transformed with face paint and enjoy non-stop activities like blasting water cannons, hoisting the flag, and reading maps.
Bay Spirit Tours, 180 Ocean Street Slip #1, Hyannis, MA 02601 (508) 771-0107
Pirate Adventures Hyannis, 180 Ocean St, Hyannis, MA 02601 (508) 394-9100
#7. Soak up the Sun and Windsurf @ Kalmus Beach
Kalmus Beach is one of the best Hyannis beaches and the most visited. This large, white sand beach on Nantucket Sound is popular with windsurfers and swimmers with a seasonal lifeguard on duty. Spending a few hours on the shore is one of the best free things to do in Hyannis: enjoy a picnic or grill, watch the ferries, or spend time beach combing for shells and starfish. The water here is very calm which makes it one of the most popular Cape Cod beaches for families.
Make sure you review the Town of Barnstable beach rules before visiting.
Kalmus Park Beach, Barnstable, MA 02601
#8. Picnic and Watch the Boats @ Veterans Memorial Park
No list of things to do in Hyannis is complete without mentioning Veterans Memorial Park, the most visited park in Hyannis. This laidback park is popular with families with beautiful harbor views where you can watch the yachts and sailboats leave the marina. There’s beach access to Veterans Park Beach which has showers and a snack bar. The park also has a well-maintained playground and shaded picnic area. There are two memorials in the park: the Korean War Memorial and the John F. Kennedy Memorial which has a small pool and gardens.
Veterans Memorial Park, 480 Ocean St, Hyannis, MA 02601
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#9. Swim & Fish @ Hathaway’s Pond
Hathaway’s Pond is a hidden gem that many Cape Cod tourists overlook. On warm summer days, an afternoon at Hathaway’s Pond is one of the best Hyannis things to do for families with young kids. Tucked away off Phinney’s Lane, the swimming hole offers fishing, boating, swimming, and hiking with a sandy shore and shallow water. There are plenty of amenities at the park, including grills, showers, restrooms, picnic tables, and a playground. There are even seasonal lifeguards on duty.
Hathaway’s Pond, Phinneys Ln, Barnstable, MA 02630
#10. Shop @ the Cape Cod Mall
The Cape Cod Mall is the premier shopping destination on the Cape and Cape Cod’s only regional indoor mall. The mall features major retailers like Forever 21, Best Buy, and Dick’s Sporting Goods, plus many chain restaurants.
Cape Cod Mall, 769 Iyannough Rd, Hyannis, MA 02601 (508) 771-0200
#11. Spend the Day with the Family @ the Cape Codder Water Park
The Cape Codder Water Park in Hyannis is definitely one of the top things to do in Hyannis with kids! The only aquatic center on Cape Cod, the water park has indoor and outdoor water activities, including water slides, a wave pool, a pirate bay kiddie spray pool, and a 300-foot “stormy” river.
The water park is in the Cape Codder Resort & Spa which has a casual restaurant and a full-service spa. You don’t need to stay at the resort to enjoy the water park: day passes start at $40 per person.
Cape Codder Water Park, 1225 Iyannough Rd Suite #4, Hyannis, MA 02601 (508) 568-2940
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#12. Skate, Game & Work Out @ the Hyannis Youth & Community Center
The Hyannis Youth & Community Center (HYCC) is a huge year-round indoor sports complex offering tons of things to do in Hyannis MA for kids and teens. It’s one of many reasons Hyannis is a great place to raise a family!
The facility has two 200-foot ice rinks with lessons, a walking track, a large wood-floor gymnasium, and a pro shop. There’s also a game room and computer lab with free wi-fi and a café!
The HYCC can be rented for birthday parties and events. Annual membership is $20 for residents and $40 for non-residents with a $5 daily pass or guest fee for non-members. Family memberships start at $15/person for residents.
Hyannis Youth & Community Center, 141 Bassett Ln, Hyannis, MA 02601 (508) 790-6345
#13. Enjoy Cultural Experiences @ Hyannis HyArts Cultural District
The HyArts (Hyannis Arts) District was established by the Town of Barnstable to support and coordinate Hyannis activities promoting arts and culture. The district is a regional creative and performing arts center in partnership with organizations like the Arts Foundation of Cape Cod, the Cape Cod Art Foundation, and the Massachusetts Cultural Council.
There’s tons to explore in the HyArts District, including the HyArts Artist Shanties, the HyArts Campus, public art installations, and regular events like the Hyannis Film Festival. Check out the events calendar for upcoming Hyannis MA things to do.
#14. Catch a Concert @ the Cape Cod Melody Tent
As you explore what to do in Hyannis, you may be surprised to discover the village is home to a rather large and unique live music venue. The Melody Tent, owned by the South Shore Playhouse Associates, is an historic theater turned music venue dating to the 1950s. The round tent seats 2,250 with a central stage that rotates 360 degrees to give every seat a fantastic view.
The Melody Tent has hosted many major artists over its history, including Diana Ross, Tony Bennett, and The Kinks. Today, country artists are most common and draw the largest crowds.
Looking for things to do in Hyannis this weekend? Make sure you check out their upcoming shows!
Melody Tent, 41 W Main St, Hyannis, MA 02601 (508) 775-5630
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#15. Play a Round @ the Hyannis Golf Course
A round of golf at the Hyannis Golf Course is one of the top things to do in Hyannis when the weather is great! This par 71 18-hole course has two putting greens and a full-length driving range. The Hyannis Golf Course is home to the Cape Cod Open and known for its smooth, consistent putting services and well-maintained driving range. Be sure to grab a bite at Gimmy’s Tavern! You can place your order at the 8th or 17th tee to have your food and drinks ready for pickup at the bar.
Daily rates range from $35 to $67 for non-residents and $30 to $67 for residents.
Hyannis Golf Course, 1800 Iyannough Rd, Hyannis, MA 02601 (508) 362-2606
Now that you’ve explored the many fun things to do in Hyannis MA, are you ready to call this Cape Cod village home? Give the Hyannis movers at Vanguard Moving Services a call for a free, personalized moving estimate and the 5-star service you deserve.
