Top Things To Do in Plymouth with Kids: From the Mayflower to Plymouth Rock

From Plymouth Rock, where the original Pilgrims landed, to its beautiful harbor, Plymouth has so many fun things to do as a family. Plymouth, Massachusetts evokes our colonial and maritime roots here in New England. Summer is a great time for families to make a day trip to the town. So many attractions, like the Mayflower II and Plymouth Rock, are within walking distance of each other. Add in a pirate or a ghost and things get even more appealing for kids.

Here are the top things to do in Plymouth with kids, along with our picks for where to eat and where to stay in Plymouth, MA. For more family fun in Southeastern Massachusetts, check out Cape Cod with Kids: 60 Fun Things To Do on Cape Cod, Massachusetts.

 
Journey back to a simpler, pilgrim-ier age in Plymouth. Plimoth Patuxet Museum photo courtesy of MOTT

Plymouth Rock and More Things To Do in Plymouth

Plymouth Rock

Surrounded by a small neo-classical monument, Plymouth Rock is a boulder, allegedly the spot where the original Mayflower finally landed. Whether you believe the tales, the folklore of the rock is synonymous with the story of the Pilgrims arriving in America.

Plimoth Patuxet Museum (Formerly Plimoth Plantation)

Plimoth Patuxet Museum is a historically-themed step back in time, with actors showing what life was like for the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag people. By the way, “Plimoth” with an “i” and no “u” is an old-fashioned spelling of the colony, which today helps differentiate the attraction from the modern-day town.

Mayflower II

Docked in Plymouth Harbor, the Mayflower II is a life-size replica of the original Mayflower that carried the Pilgrims to the shores of Massachusetts. Visitors can learn more about the colonial passengers of the ship from role-playing crew members. The ship is moored near Pilgrim Memorial State Park, at which visitors on any given day might see a performance (see above) or a fair.

Pilgrim Hall Museum

What might otherwise be an academic-style museum visit at Pilgrim Hall Museum is made more interesting by treasure hunt sheets available for kids at the admissions desk. During the hunt, youngsters learn more about Pilgrim possessions on display in the museum and receive a prize at the end.

 
Take aim at fun things to do in Plymouth, like a cruise fit for kids! Pirate Cruise photo by Scott Wallask for Mommy Poppins

Things To Do in Plymouth: Tours and Cruises

Pirate Cruise (run by Plymouth Cruises)

One of the most fun activities for kids in Plymouth is the pirate cruise through the harbor. This sea journey peaks when the kids, donning swashbuckler hats and face-painted mustaches, exchange water-canon squirts with the ugly pirate and his enemy vessel. Passengers will also get up close to lobsters and crabs, and kids receive a pirate booty bag.

Dead of Night Ghost Tours

If you're going to stick around in Plymouth after the sun goes down and your kids enjoy paranormal tales, guided Dead of Night Ghost Tours could be fun. Participants can hear about local ghosts and visit the town's oldest burial ground. The tours do not use any theatrical special effects, nor do ghouls jump out at people from the shadows.

 
Step away from the tourist attractions for some of Plymouth's quiet beauty. Brewster Gardens photo courtesy of MOTT

Things To Do in Plymouth - Parks and More

Plymouth Breakwater

Jutting 3,500 ft. into Plymouth Harbor, this stone breakwater provides a relaxing walk along the water, with kids having fun traversing the giant slabs that make up the wall (see above). Everyone gets great views of the harbor and surrounding shoreline. However, strollers aren't going to make it far on these rocks. Right at the start of the breakwater is the the remnants of a giant old tree that is lying on the ground, which offers another spot for kids to climb around.

Myles Standish State Forest

Straddling the border of Plymouth and Carver, Myles Standish State Forest offers miles of hiking, biking, and horse-riding trails, as well as opportunities to canoe, swim, and fish. If you're around for more than a day trip, you can reserve camping sites here, too.

Brewster Gardens

Just south of Plymouth Rock lies Brewster Gardens, a small, green park that offers a nice respite from the crowds along the harbor. Younger kids will enjoy the bridge and the small fountain at the center of the park.

Nelson Memorial Park

For families with younger kids who need a break from tourist attractions, head north along Water Street to this park, which features a small playground in the sand and a spray pad.

Where To Stay in Plymouth MA

John Carver Inn and Spa

Centrally located and within walking distance of top attractions like Plymouth Rock, the John Carver Inn and Spa is a top pick for families looking for a Plymouth hotel. But it's the pool that makes this a top pick for kids. The nautical themed "Pilgrim Cove" indoor pool is so much fun, we included it in our picks for the top indoor water parks in New England!

Hotel 1620 Plymouth Harbor

The rooms at the Hotel 1620 Plymouth Harbor are spacious and clean. The hallways face in to an atrium with an indoor pool. And the location can't be beat, just one block from the town pier.

Holiday Inn Express Plymouth

With reasonable rates, complimentary breakfast, and an indoor pool, the Holiday Inn Express is a good choice for families. While it's removed from the center of town, it's only a short ride to Plymouth Rock and the other attractions along the waterfront.

Where to Eat in Plymouth MA

Wood's Seafood

This classic eatery is right on the town pier, near Mayflower II and Plymouth Rock. Wood's Seafood has the classic coastal dishes New Englanders love, like fried clams, steamers, and lobster.

Tavern on the Wharf

Also on the town pier, the Tavern on the Wharf has delectable seafood dishes as well as "land" favorites like steaks, burgers, and pizza. The kids menu has plenty of the usual favorites.

Pebbles Restaurant

Right on the waterfront, essentially in the shadow of Plymouth Rock, Pebbles Restaurant serves creative fare for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Best of all is the ice cream selection, with sundaes, soft-serve, and milkshakes!

All photos courtesy of the Massachusett's Office of Travel &Tourism via Flickr, unless otherwise indicated.