Cape Cod Maritime Museum The Cape Cod Maritime Museum is a gem hidden along the waterfront of Hyannis. Featuring exhibits on boatbuilding, the maritime industry, and maritime fine arts, as well as housing a variety of masterpieces in its Boat Shed, the museum serves as a place to educate visitors about the rich nautical history of the Cape and Islands. The museum owns the largest collection of scrimshaw on Cape Cod. In addition to a number of exhibits, the museum also houses the Cook Boat Shop, a functional boat shop, where visitors can watch boat makers in action. There are opportunities to learn boat making firsthand through internships, classes, educational programs, and apprenticeships, for both children and adults. For more information, visit capecodmaritimemuseum.org.

Green Briar Nature Center and Jam Kitchen

The Green Briar Nature Center and Jam Kitchen in Sandwich brings all ages together to learn about one of Cape Cod’s most beloved authors, Thornton Burgess. Burgess was born and raised in Sandwich and became renowned for his children’s literature. The Jam Kitchen, a fully operational kitchen, offers workshops in jam-making year-round. The center runs a number of educational programs, focusing on natural sciences, through the months of July and August, for ages 4 through 12. There are a number of exhibits in the Green Briar center that focus on Thornton Burgess. The center also houses an art gallery, which showcases ever-changing exhibits featuring paintings, illustrations, photography, and more. For more information, visit thorntonburgess.org.

Edward Gorey House

The Edward Gorey House is a whimsical museum located on Strawberry Lane in Yarmouthport. The museum preserves the life of Edward Gorey, an eccentric author, illustrator, playwright, set and costume designer who lived in the house until his death in 2000. The Gorey House has been in operation for 13 years and gives visitors an opportunity to see the works and life of the artist. This year’s exhibit, “From Aesop to Updike: Edward Gorey’s Book Cover Art & Design” focuses on illustrative work Gorey created for a variety of authors over a span of 50 years. The museum also offers a spooky scavenger hunt and tours of the home. For more information, visit edwardgoreyhouse.org.

Heritage Museums & Gardens

Heritage Museums & Gardens in Sandwich is a beautiful place to spend a day. Featuring three galleries and extensive gardens, the museum offers visitors a chance to enjoy both art and nature. Thousands of Rhododendron bloom on the grounds in late spring, and a vast variety of other flower and plant life make the museum a true oasis. Heritage is known for its vintage carousel as well as its Automobile Gallery. This summer the Special Exhibitions Gallery displays the works of the Wyeth family, N.C. Wyeth, Andrew Wyeth, and Jamie Wyeth, in “The Wyeths: America Reflected” from June 6 to September 27. Heritage also hosts the Hydrangeas 2015 Conference from July 14-16. For more information, visit heritagemuseumsandgardens.org.

Provincetown Art Association and Museum (PAAM)

A pillar of the Cape Cod community for over a century, Provincetown Art Association and Museum has long been showcasing the work of local artists. PAAM hosts exhibitions, workshops, and lectures that educate the community in all aspects of art. This summer, PAAM has a number of events and exhibitions for the novice and long-time art enthusiast. PAAM’s 12 x12 members’ exhibition and silent auction will be on display through July 11. From June 26-August 30, the museum will present a retrospective exhibition celebrating the work of Provincetown artist Paul Resika. In addition to art exhibits, PAAM offers lectures, film screenings, music events, and more. For more information, visit paam.org.

Cape Cod Children’s Museum

The Cape Cod Children’s Museum in Mashpee is a fun place to learn and play. Founded in 1990 by three Falmouth women who saw a need for a place where children could come to learn, the museum has since provided programs, classes, and exhibits that nurture child development. The museum houses over 20 exhibits that educate children about diverse subjects, from how the post office works, to gravity and submarines. The latest addition to the museum is an interactive TV studio. Children have an opportunity to learn about media and “broadcast” the news in front of a green screen of Cape Cod landmarks. Classes and programs, from music, to science, to yoga, are offered throughout the year. For more information, visit capecodchildrensmuseum.org.

Highfield Hall & gardens

A former 19th-century estate for a wealthy Falmouth family, Highfield Hall & Gardens was transformed into a museum and historic site in 2006, becoming a place where culture and community meet, hosting programs, classes, art exhibits, concerts and more. This summer, from June 28-August 31, explore and keep an eye out for fairy homes dotting the premises, constructed by local artists. On June 28, join Highfield in its open house and reception for the fairy homes. A number of art exhibits take place inside the hall as well, including a cut paper exhibit, glass works by artisan Bryan Randa, and “Paper Nests: Huguette May Drawings and Photographs.” For more information, visit highfieldhallandgardens.org.

Sandwich Glass Museum

The Sandwich Glass Museum showcases this Cape town’s history, focusing on the region’s highly regarded glass industry. Displaying rare examples of Sandwich glass, offering lectures and educational programs, and encouraging future glassmakers, the museum has been sparking excitement about glassmaking since 1907. Glassblowing demonstrations occur hourly, with opportunities to assist and talk with the glassblower. A special exhibit “Cutting Edge—A New Perspective on Glass” opens July 1 with sculptures that showcase the different ways glass can be transformed when combined with other materials. For more information, visit sandwichglassmuseum.org.

Cahoon Museum of American Art

The Cahoon Museum of American Art is in the process of a major renovation. Extensive remodeling to the museum’s 1775 Georgian Colonial home  is currently underway. The museum is housed in a temporary location in Mashpee Commons North, showcasing permanent and rotating exhibits. The museum hosts its 25th “Great Brush Off” on July 11, taking place on the Cotuit Village Green. The event includes a live auction of local works of art. Also, enjoy a silent auction, music, and food. Leading up to the “Great Brush Off,” the museum displays an exhibit of painters who began their careers at this event and have gone on to become established artists. For more information, visit cahoonmuseum.org.

Cape Cod Museum of Art

The Cape Cod Museum of Art, located in Dennis on the grounds of the Cape Cod Center for the Arts, serves as a hub for art and culture on the Cape. The museum consists of seven galleries, a sculpture garden, and spaces used for classes and lectures, along with a screening room. The museum also has a reference library, filled with various art resources. Upcoming exhibits for the 2015 summer season include “Plein Air Painters of America: Looking East” and “Contemporary Cape Cod Artists: Abstraction,” featuring selected artists from Deborah Foreman’s latest book. The museum will host its annual art auction on Saturday, August 15. Regional artists’ works are up for auction, including paintings, sculpture, glass, and more. For more information, visit ccmoa.org.