Cape Cod Museum of Natural History

Set on the edge of a salt marsh in Brewster, this small museum covers the natural history of the Cape — the aquarium tanks, the beehive exhibit, marsh and shorebird displays, and hands-on stations aimed squarely at children.

The better half of a visit is outside: boardwalk and woodland trails run from behind the building out across the marsh toward Cape Cod Bay, and at low tide you can walk a long way onto the flats. Bring shoes you don't mind soaking.

Allow two hours to combine indoors and trails. Closing time is earlier than most visitors expect, so check before making it an afternoon stop.