Nantucket is generally considered an upscale playground for the preppy and the rich. But the truth is that it is also an excellent vacation destination for families with kids.
Thanks to the many family-friendly eateries, the multiple courses, tours, schools, and attractions for children, the endless beaches, and the rental houses big enough to accommodate a family or two, you can make your stay on the island a memorable one, enjoyed by all members of the family – young and old.
Here are some ideas for keeping parents and kids happy while spending time in Nantucket.
Hunt for treasures on Surfside Beach
Although the beaches on the north coast of Nantucket are considered more suitable for families with young children, Surfside Beach is another excellent choice for spending time on the beach together.
It is on the south coast of the island. As such, Surfside is further away from town. But this sandy beach is one of the most popular ones on the Island for many reasons.
The wide sandy beach has lifeguards on duty during the entire season. There are showers, restrooms, diaper changing stations, and more amenities.
When you and the kids get hungry or thirsty, you can head to The Surf. This take-out eatery offers delicious seafood and other snacks, sliders, burgers, tacos, and other family-friendly meals and drinks to enjoy directly on the beach.
Surfside Beach is great for boogie boarding, and when the current becomes stronger in the evenings, it attracts surfers.
One of the fun things to keep the children engaged and happy at the beach is collecting seashells and sea glass there.
You and the kids can collect some pretty whelk shells, scallop shells, colorful sea glass, and other treasures brought to the shore by the Atlantic Ocean.
The morning is the best and safest time to enjoy seashell and treasure hunting with young children at Surfside Beach. This is when the weather is quieter and the water is calmer.
Spot birds at The Creeks Preserve
The Creeks Preserve, located above the harbor, the Brant Point Lighthouse, and the Creek salt marsh, is one of the newest nature preserves on the island.
It is an 8-acre area that the Nantucket Land Bank purchased from its original owner in 2019. Today, it is open to the public and offers spectacular ocean and salt marsh views.
It was opened to the public in 2021. There is an easy circular walking path, many picnic tables, and benches where you can spot local birds and critters.
Your kids will love spotting seagulls, herons, ducks, egrets, and fiddler crabs in the picturesque area of this bird sanctuary.
While exploring the beautiful preserve, you can also enjoy the views of the many creeks, salt marsh, harbor, and Downtown.
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to take some fantastic family photos there too.
Spend time away from the hustle and bustle at the Atheneum
A public library may not sound like a place that will keep kids interested. But the Nantucket Atheneum may very well be an exception.
It is the only public library in town and is situated in one of the island’s most iconic Greek revival-style buildings.
Its interior also resembles more of a museum than a library, so it is worth exploring and seeing.
But what makes it a perfect place for the kids is the relatively new Weezie Library. This is a children’s wing where the little ones can participate in different craft and musical activities, listen to stories and music, or join the summer reading program.
If the kids get bored, free Wi-Fi, free movies, and laptops are available in the library. Plus, there is a vast collection of books and documents.
One of the places to spend some relaxation time away from the crowds is in the garden of the Athenaeum. Although it is located in the busy Downtown, this outdoor space is a tranquil spot to sit down, read a book or enjoy the silence.
Explore the Downtown Waterfront Walk
The Downtown of Nantucket is the island’s rich history and culture hub. It is home to multiple waterfront dining opportunities, art galleries, historic sites, stores, and beautiful hidden gardens.
You and your children can explore the area by taking the free Downtown Waterfront Walk.
The little ones and you can learn more about the island’s whaling history and see some of the most significant historic buildings and sites while walking the cobblestone streets.
The walk begins at the Easy Street Basin, where you can take some vacation photos of the Killen dory and the iconic 007 red boats.
Then you will pass by the famous Opera House club and restaurant and the Dreamland Theater Complex and head to the oldest waterfront house. This is the Thomas Macy Warehouse, where the ancestors of the creator of the Macy’s brand first lived and started their retail business.
You can then head to the New Whale Basin Marina and George’s Park, where you and the children can watch the extravagant super and mega yachts.
Then, take the kids to see the historic Petrel Landing and watch the local scallopers harvesting scallops on the shore.
The children will love seeing the live scallops and other critters exhibited at the nearby Maria Mitchel Museum Aquarium, where they can learn more about these sea creatures and even get a chance to feed and touch them.
The free walk ends at the South of Main (SOMA) and the old brick buildings where all of the electricity powering the island used to be produced until 1996.
