Girls get into their tubes at Children's Beach.
These guys get ready for a race around Nantucket's waters.
Tim Russert, host of the Summer Groove concert, talks to one of the kids from Nantucket's Boys & Girls Club.
Kids learn about the cosmos at Maria Mitchell's birthday celebration.
I love ice cream.
Visitors | Getting Here | Weekend | 7 Days | Kids | Facts | Shopping | Restaurants | Hotels & Inns | Services
Sometimes it seems like the entire Island is a playground for kids. There are outdoor nature camps, science and art programs, and special spots that will make any trip to Nantucket a memorable one for your kids. We’ve got you covered, moms and dads, with plenty of opportunities for your youngsters to have fun on the island.
ACK-tive Pursuits on Nantucket
If you need to get those kids of yours active and running around, Strong Wings Nature Camp and will help you there. From trail hiking and nature walks to biking camps and so much more, the helpful and supportive counselors at Strong Wings will make sure your kids are active and involved. Their summer camps run every week, so check them out and see what they can offer you and your family.
Another idea is the ACKventure Camp & Summer Sports Camp. Take a look at their site here, just click on the Community Network for Children, then Summer camps.
Nantucket Comunity Sailing offers various water sport camps to get the kids out on the water. Whether your children are interested in learning how to sail or just getting their feet wet, NCS is bound to have something for everyone during their summer programs.
All Together Now
Does your family like to stick together? How about a day at the beach? The most kid-friendly beach you can get to is self-titled: Children’s Beach has a great playground, a small restaurant, and the safest, not to mention pretty shallow waters your kids can swim in. And their field and stage often times get filled up with other kid-friendly events and shows. It’s a must-do for any family in the summer.
Rainy Days for the Kids
On those rainy days, Nantucket’s Boys & Girls Club is the way to go. Run by some of the most inspirational people in the Nantucket community, the Boys & Girls Club is a one-stop spot for your children to have fun and interact with each other in all sorts of ways. They’ve got games, a huge gymnasium, a computer room, and much more for those days where the kids need to get out of the house. Field trips to the museums, movies and more are always in order when it's the stay-inside kind of weather.
Babysitting Services on Nantucket
Nantucket Babysitters Services is one of the many options for babysitters you have on Nantucket. Their expertise with children and families, however, is unmatched in the community. They not only baby-sit all ages, but rent baby equipment, help plan for childcare at an event, and assist with everyday ordinary tasks, such as grocery shopping and cleaning.
Another great place to check is the public postings board next to The Hub on Main Street. The Bean, a coffee shop on Centre Street also has a wealth of business cards and posts with babysitters looking to help you out on your vacation.
Fun & Educational Experiences
For some exciting and educational opportunities, why don’t you try out the Maria Mitchell Association's camps for kids. MMA offers specialized hands-on programs for kids exploring nature, fishing, plant life, and so much more. Plus, if you’re just looking for something to check out, they’ve got a museum, observatory, and aquarium located all over the island.
Kid-Friendly Eating Spots
Let’s face it: when your kids get hungry they need to eat right then and there. This means you want to grab some food at a place that will take a whole gaggle of younguns, and get them fed fast. For breakfast, we suggest The Downyflake. Its’ casual diner-like atmosphere serves up some amazing food hot and fast. And their donuts are to die for. Lunch and dinners are just as quick and delish at The Atlantic Café, located downtown, or A.K. Diamond's near the airport if you’re looking to avoid the in-town summertime traffic. Both offer a wide variety of items on their menus with plenty of space for your kids, nieces and nephews and more.
If they've been good, after dinner take them for a real treat to The Juice Bar, where you'll experience some of the best ice cream in the world. With lines out the door nearly every night of the summer, be sure to get their early to get your fix of their delicious waffle cones.
Nantucket Lodging for Families
Looking for a place to stay that will accommodate your kids too? The Nantucket Inn is located conveniently right across the street from the Nantucket Memorial Airport, and they’ve got an indoor swimming pool for your kiddies to splash around in. Another kid-friendly stay is The Brant Point Inn, run by long-time Nantucket resident Thea Kaizer, and located right down the street from Children’s Beach.
We’re looking forward to you and your family coming to Nantucket and hope you enjoy your stay! Check out our Nantucket Events Calendar for all the up-coming kid friendly activities.
Have a tip for a family-friendly activity on Nantucket? Feel free to post a comment below.
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Video
Plum visits the Nantucket Boys & Girls club to see what's going on in the winter months. Come along as we take a trip inside the Club and check out everything they've got in store for your kids during the off-season.
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