Venture around the island: tours, historic sites, scavenger hunts and more
Since 1970, Cape May MAC (Museums+Arts+Culture) has been creating unforgettable experiences for families at America’s first seaside resort — Cape May — offering a unique blend of history, fun and discovery. This summer, there are loads of family-friendly activities to choose from. Trolley rides and trolley tours, visiting historic sites such as the Cape May Lighthouse or World War II Lookout Tower, touring the Victorian Physick Estate House Museum or going on a scavenger hunt are all fun to do with kids. This year, 2026, a year of many historic anniversaries, families can help teach their children about the important role Cape May played in history at several free exhibits.
The year 2026 marks not only the 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding with the signing of the Declaration of Independence, it marks two significant anniversaries for the City of Cape May: the 175th anniversary of its incorporation as a city, and the 50th anniversary of its designation as a National Historic Landmark. Cape May, the first and only, hails its unique place in 2026 as “America’s First Seaside Resort” and the nation’s only National Historic Landmark City. To honor this landmark’s anniversaries, visit the Carroll Gallery Exhibit: “Cape May — First and Only,” and learn about this city’s fascinating place in history. As the nation commemorates its founding, Cape May proudly reflects on its own journey, honoring its heritage while embracing a future built on the strength of community, culture and timeless charm. Carroll Gallery, Emlen Physick Estate, 1048 Washington St. Admission is free. Open daily at 10 a.m.
Celebrate independence during the nation’s 250th anniversary! While Cape May, N.J. was remote and distant from the American Revolutionary War on land, it occupied a strategic location at the tip of the Cape. It was home to skilled pilots who knew the shoals of the ocean and bay, was already well involved in shipping trade, offered safe anchorage for ships on their way to and from Philadelphia, was already becoming known as a seashore resort, popular with Philadelphians, and could serve as a lookout on the activities of the British Navy, serving as Philadelphia’s early warning system. Learn about Cape May’s little-known naval role in the American War of Independence and the ingenuity of its citizens in battle on local waterways fighting to forge a new nation in the Welcome Center Exhibit: “Revolutionary Cape May.” Cape May Welcome Center, 609 Lafayette St. Admission is free. Open daily 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
For children who appreciate history, take a guided tour of the first and second floors of the 1879 Physick House Museum, for an in-depth look at Victorian architecture and the period, reflecting one Victorian family’s lifestyle, and detailing the way the Physick family and their household lived, worked and spent their leisure time. Learn about its key role in Cape May’s decades-long renaissance story as you appreciate its beauty and craftsmanship. The 2026 Physick Estate Tour, “The World on Display: The Centennial and Everyday Life,” looks beyond the museum walls to an event that helped shape the world in which the Physicks lived: the 1876 Centennial Exposition, a world’s fair. Opening in Philadelphia on May 10, 1876, the fair drew more than ten million visitors over six months. Nearly 240 acres of Fairmount Park were transformed, with more than 200 buildings showcasing inventions, demonstrations, new products, and ideas that introduced everyday Americans to the modern age. Tour Cape May’s 1879 Victorian House Museum and learn about this quintessential Victorian event. The Centennial became a catalyst for a changing American culture, whose influence is still felt today. Available daily.
Climb the 199 steps of the 1859 Cape May Lighthouse to the Watch Gallery for a panoramic view of the Jersey Cape and Atlantic Ocean this summer! There are six landings along the way to stop, rest and enjoy the view, as well as interpretive panels that explain the history of this beacon. For those who choose not to climb, the Oil House contains a fully accessible Visitors Orientation Center and a Museum Shop stocked with maritime accessories and lighthouse memorabilia. The Cape May Lighthouse is in Cape May Point State Park, Lower Township and is accessed via Cape May Point. Admission to the grounds and the Lighthouse Museum shop is free. The Cape May Lighthouse is open daily through late fall, then on weekends. Admission to climb is $12 for adults, $8 for children (ages 3-12).
Take the family for a visit to the World War II Lookout Tower (Fire Control Tower No. 23) on Sunset Boulevard, New Jersey’s last freestanding World War II tower and part of the immense harbor defense of the Delaware system known as Fort Miles. Admission is $8 for adults; children (ages 3-12) $5. Admission is free for active military and veterans with ID. Visitors can climb to the 6th floor spotting gallery while learning about coastal and homeland defense efforts during World War II. The ground floor and the entrance boardwalk are fully accessible. The Tower is open daily through Sep. 30 then on weekends through Nov. 8. The Tower is open on Veterans Day, Nov. 11.
Board Cape May MAC’s red trolley for the Children’s Trolley Ride, a 30-minute fun and educational guided trolley ride through the Historic District of Cape May especially for children ages 3-7. From gingerbread you can’t eat to witches’ caps on houses, kids will be fascinated by “show and tell” along the way. Begins and ends at Ocean Street Trolley Stop. Tours are offered daily Mondays through Thursdays in July and August. Trolleys depart from the Washington Street Mall Info Booth. Adults $15, children (ages 3-12) $10.
Santa, himself, will take a break from his summer vacation and drop by the Cape May Lighthouse for a meet and greet! Visit with Santa for the Christmas in July Crafts & Collectibles Show on Saturday, July 25 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and get a head start on Christmas lists! Cape May Lighthouse, 215 Lighthouse Ave. Cape May Point State Park.
Partake in Family Fun Crafts Shows at the Lighthouse! Explore unique handmade goods from local vendors, enjoy music, craft stations for kids, and participate in outdoor games for the whole family, including limbo at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Enjoy the beautiful summer weather with these free family fun events every Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. through Aug. 26. Cape May Lighthouse, 215 Lighthouse Ave. Cape May Point State Park. Rain dates are Thursdays.
Celebrate America’s maritime treasures — lighthouses — during National Lighthouse Day, Friday, Aug. 7 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. An aid to navigation since 1859 and one of the oldest continually operating lighthouses in the United States, the historic Cape May Lighthouse is host to family friendly activities and a crafts show at the base of the lighthouse. Cape May Lighthouse, 215 Lighthouse Ave. Cape May Point State Park.
Discover the fun of exploring the Physick Estate and learning about its architectural elements from a kid’s perspective with the Physick Estate Scavenger Hunt packet, also available in Spanish, Búsqueda Del Tesoro De La Mansión Physick. Each packet contains a clues sheet and map that will take you on a self-guided discovery tour, set to your own pace (answer sheet also included). Packets are available in the Hill House office at the Physick Estate (for a much-appreciated donation), 1048 Washington St., during regular hours of operation, and are also available at the Washington Street Mall Information Booth. Offered daily, year-round. Only one packet is needed per family. Donations are happily accepted.
Discover the fun of exploring Cape May and focusing on its architectural elements from a kid’s perspective with the Cape May Family Scavenger Hunt. Explore historic Cape May on this self-guided scavenger hunt in the city’s historic district. Each packet contains a clues sheet and map that will take you on a self-guided discovery tour, set to your own pace, with an answer sheet included. Identify architectural elements and uses of buildings, find dates when things occurred, and distinguish different eras. The exercise is fun for adults, while it helps reinforce reading and counting skills for youngsters. The self-guided tour ends within sight of the Washington Street Mall. Available in the Hill House office at the Physick Estate, 1048 Washington St., and the Washington Street Mall Information Booth. Donations happily accepted.
Cape May MAC (Museums+Arts+Culture) is a multifaceted not-for-profit organization committed to promoting the preservation, interpretation, and cultural enrichment of the Cape May region for its residents and visitors. For information about our year-round schedule of tours, festivals, and special events, call 609-884-5404 or visit capemaymac.org.
