13 Fun Things to Do with Kids in Gloucester, MA

When we moved to Massachusetts, we had people tell us we needed to make a trip up to Gloucester, about 32 miles northeast of Boston. Located on Cape Ann, right next to the lovely town of Rockport, it is the perfect place to get away from the busy city.

We really enjoyed taking our toddler up there and can’t wait to go back again. Here are 13 fun things to do with kids in Gloucester, MA.

13 Fun Things to Do with Kids in Gloucester, MA

1. Play in the Sand and Surf at Good Harbor Beach

For kids of all ages

This is currently my favorite beach in Massachusetts. With super soft, white sand and crystal clear water, it will almost seem like you’re in the Caribbean…until you feel the water temperature, that is. 😉 Kids will love building sand castles and playing in the tide pools.

Good Harbor Beach gets very crowded in the summer, but it’s still easy enough to find a place to settle for the day. During low tide, you can walk with your kids across the sandbar to Salt Island for a fun little adventure.

Know before you go

• If you aren’t a resident of Gloucester, you will need to reserve onsite parking, which costs around $35 on weekends (slightly cheaper on weekdays).
• Good Harbor Beach is one of Gloucester’s “Carry In, Carry Out” beaches, meaning you need to take all of your trash with you when you leave and dispose of it elsewhere.
• There are restrooms and showers available on site from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day.
• Lifeguards are on duty daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

2. Snag Some Yummy Treats at Holy Cow Ice Cream Cafe

For kids of all ages

I once saw a question posed in the @onlyinbos Instagram account about the best ice cream places in Massachusetts, and I kept seeing Holy Cow come up. I knew we had to stop by during our time in Gloucester, and wow, it did not disappoint.

They have some really interesting flavor combinations and names that kids will love, like Gold Rush (Frosted Flakes infused Cereal Milk ice cream with Golden Oreos), Mintsanity (mint ice cream with double chocolate cookies, Oreos, cookie dough, and Golden Oreos), and Downeast Pineapple Upside Down Cake.

I personally loved the Mocha Haze, with hazelnut mocha ice cream, candied hazelnut pieces, and double chocolate cookies. AMAZING.

3. Order Fresh Seafood at Turner’s

For kids of all ages

You can’t stop by a coastal New England town without getting some fresh seafood. Turner’s is popular with the locals and has delicious fish and chips that should be a hit with kids. I love their motto on their website: “Anything fresher still swims.”

Here you can find pretty much anything your heart desires seafood-wise, like halibut, clams, oysters, and mussels.

4. Tour Massachusetts’ Own Medieval Castle

For kids 5 and up

Older kids might enjoy touring Massachuseetts’ very own castle: Hammond Castle. This is actually the former residence of scientist and inventor John Hays Hammond, built in 1926. He designed it with medieval architecture in mind, so you will feel like you just stepped foot in Europe when you see this place.

Know before you go

• The castle is open to both guided and self-guided tours every day June through September from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Hours change during other months of the year. Check the website for the current schedule.
• Tickets cost $20 for adults and $10 for kids ages 5-12, and are free for kids 4 and under.
• Hammond Castle often has weddings or other events on the weekend that make it closed to the public, so it’s recommended to go on a weekday if you can.

“Hammond Castle Back” by Dale E. Martin is licensed under CC BY 3.0.

5. Go on a Whale Watching Tour

For kids 5 and up

One of the best things to do with kids in Gloucester is a whale watching tour with 7 Seas Whale Watch, a family-run business that has been in operation for more than 70 years. A trained marine biologist will narrate your journey, providing fascinating details about the marine life you see.

Gloucester is one of the best places to spot whales, as it’s on the tip of Cape Ann, not far from the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary, a primary whale feeding area. There’s also a good chance you might see seals, dolphins, and other marine animals.

Know before you go

• Tours with 7 Seas Whale Watch run twice a day at 8:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. and last around 4 hours.
• Tickets for adults cost $55 and for kids ages 3-16 it costs $40. Kids under 3 go for free.
• While kids of all ages are welcome on board, the tour may not be as enjoyable with infants and toddlers.
• The boat can get rocky out at sea, so you may want to take some Dramamine beforehand if you or other family members get easily seasick.

6. Ride the Thomas A. Lannon Schooner

For kids 5 and up

Have your kids experience what it might have been like on a fishing schooner a hundred years ago by booking a tour on the Thomas A. Lannon schooner. This boat was built in 1997 but models earlier fishing schooners in many ways.

Know before you go

• Adult tickets are $48 and kids 16 and under are $32.50, BUT if you book a 10:30 a.m. Saturday cruise in July or August, kids ride for FREE!
• Cruises are offered on the weekends in May, June, September, and October. In July and August, cruises are available several times every day. You can reserve tickets online.
• While kids of all ages are welcome on board, note that the boat only holds 49 passengers and is close quarters for a couple hours. Younger kids may not be as happy to stay put for so long.

“Schooner Adventure 2013” by Paul T. Morrison is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.

7. Discover Sea Creatures at Wingaersheek Beach

For kids of all ages

Wingaersheek Beach is another popular beach in Gloucester, where kids can play in the soft white sand and often find sand dollars, snails, mussels, and other sea creatures. Just please do not pick up any of them or take them home with you. Look, but don’t touch. 🙂

During low tide, a large sandbar is exposed making a massive beach for kids to explore.

Know before you go

• Similar to Good Harbor Beach, you will need to reserve a parking spot if you plan to go during the summer season. It’s $35 on weekends and $30 on weekdays.
• Wingaersheek Beach is also one of Gloucester’s “Carry In, Carry Out” beaches, meaning you need to take all of your trash with you when you leave and dispose of it elsewhere.
• There are restrooms and showers available on site from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day.
• Lifeguards are on duty daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

“Wingaersheek beach summer sunset” by Gabrielm199 is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.

8. Visit Eastern Point Lighthouse

For kids of all ages

On the shore of the Gloucester Harbor, known as America’s oldest seaport, is the Eastern Point Lighthouse. The lighthouse and grounds are property of the Coast Guard and closed to the public, but you can catch beautiful views of the lighthouse and the surrounding Atlantic Ocean from the nearby DogBar Breakwater jetty.

Kids will likely enjoy the jetty walk (hold on to the little ones!), and you can even ask them to spot the Boston skyline in the distance.

“2007 lighthouse Gloucester Massachusetts USA 1261479460” by Henry Zbyszynski is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

9. Picnic and Play at Stage Fort Park

For kids OF ALL AGES

Stage Fort Park is situated right on the water and is the perfect place to hang with your kids for a while. The park is home to Half Moon and Cressy beaches, both which are great places for water play. There is also a nice new playground, a volleyball court, tennis courts, and plenty of picnic tables.

Know before you go

• Parking is $20 on weekdays and $25 on the weekends. Reserve your spot online ahead of time.
• There are restrooms on site that are open from Memorial Day (mid-May) until Columbus Day (mid-October).

“2021 Stage Fort Park Gloucester Massachusetts” by M2545 is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.

10. Explore the Art Galleries of Rocky Neck

For kids 10 and up

If you want to give your kids a taste of the arts, the Rocky Neck Art Colony is one of the oldest continuously operating art colonies in the United States.

It’s a great place to expose your kids to the inspiring work of local artists, including paintings, pottery, textiles, and more.

During the summer on Thursday evenings, you can arrive to Rocky Neck from downtown Gloucester for FREE on the Gloucester Harbor Water Shuttle, a fun “commute” for the kids to experience.

During other times, the shuttle is $10 per person for unlimited rides throughout the day.

“GloucesterMA RockyNeck 5” by Magicpiano is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.

11. Hike the Scenic Trail to Rafe’s Chasm

For kids 10 and up

Head over to Rafe’s Chasm Park, where you can hike a 0.9-mile there-and-back trail to the stunning Rafe’s Chasm, a large rock fissure on the Atlantic coast.

The hike is considered moderate to difficult, because once you arrive to the shore, the trail is very rocky with no clear pathway. Because of this, I would recommend only going with older kids who are able to handle the rougher terrain.

Note: It is recommended to not view the chasm from the top as it is very deep and dangerous if you get too close. It is best to see it from the bottom during low tide.

12. Find Musical Treasures at Mystery Train Records

For kids 10 and up

For another “historic” experience for your kids, consider taking them to the well-known Mystery Train Records store on Gloucester’s historic Main Street. Here they can discover the way music was played before iPods and smart phones came into the picture.

There are literally tens of thousands of vinyl records, CDs, and eight-track tapes to browse through. Maybe you’ll find something that spurs a conversation with your kids about some of your favorite music memories.

13. Browse the Selection at Dogtown Books

For kids 5 and up

Foster a love of books in your kids by taking them to Dogtown Books, Gloucester’s beloved used bookstore, filled with rare and unusual finds. They have a children and young adults section where your kids are sure to find something interesting.

Dogtown Books is open Tuesday-Sunday from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. and can also be found on Main Street, not far from Mystery Train Records.

Wrap-Up: Fun Things to Do with Kids in Gloucester, MA

There are many awesome things to do with kids in Gloucester. Whether you are looking for a day at the beach, an adventurous tour, or a history lesson, this town has it all.

From parks and beaches, to whale watching and fishing boat excursions, to seafood and ice cream, there is bound to be something your kids will love. Take a break from city life and explore the old-world charm of Gloucester.

Enjoyed this post? You might also like Acadia National Park with Kids: 13 Must-See Places.