Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge

"Fun with the Family"

One of the true adventures left for Cape visitors is a trip to Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge, a 2,700-acre wilderness area on two islands (although the refuge extends beyond the islands to the waters around it, and it consists of 5,000 acres) that serve as a resting area for migratory birds and a home for as many as 300 species of seaside birds.
In addition, an amazing number of gray and harbor seals call the sandbars off this island home. On your tour of the islands (North and South Monomoy), you’ll see acres of true seaside wilderness: There are no roads, no buildings (except for the light keeper’s cottage on South Monomoy), and no  electricity.
For a unique experience stay at the light keeper’s cottage on South Monomoy for an overnight; kids 12 and up are welcome. If you don’t have time for a guided tour or an overnight stay, visit the Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center on Morris Island. They offer self-guided tours and a small exhibit area. The helpful staff will provide you with plenty of literature and will point you and the kids toward the 3⁄4-mile self-guided interpretive tour around Morris Island.
The Morris Island Visitor Center also offers birding and naturalist hands-on programs and special family fun days. Leashed dogs only, please.
TIP: The Disappearing Island, by Corinne Demas and Ted Lewin, is a great book about this area.