Going to the Beach: Nantucket has more than 80 miles of pristine beaches to explore. Beachcombers can find a variety of shells, pretty stones, beach glass and “mermaid purses.” Refer to our beaches section for details and amenities.
Biking: Several shops on-island including Easy Rider Bicycle Rentals, Island Bike Company and Young’s Bicycle Shop rent bicycles by the half-day, day or week. Nantucket’s ten bicycle paths range from 0.9 miles to 8 miles in length. Plan a day of exploration and exercise on your own or take a hosted ride with Nantucket Bike Tours. Check out our biking page for more information on bike path lengths and destinations.
Exploring Nature: Join members of the Maria Mitchell Association on nature and wildflower walks and birding field trips throughout the warmer months or help them collect island marine life for their Aquarium. Strong Wings, Linda Loring Nature Foundation and the Trustees of Reservations also host natural history related tours with Shearwater Excursions offering whale watching and seal cruises.
Reading: The Nantucket Atheneum, the island’s public library on India Street, is a pleasure to explore and includes a special children’s wing. Or visit one of Nantucket’s stores, including Mitchell’s Book Corner, The Toy Boat and Nantucket Bookworks who often offer children’s activities and book signings.
Tennis & Golf: Nantucket’s Parks & Rec Department operates public tennis courts at Jetties Beach. Miacomet Golf Course and ‘Sconset Golf Club are open to the public and Sankaty Head Golf Club is open to the public in the off-season. Reservations are necessary for all facilities.
Museum Tours: There are more than a dozen museums from which to learn about Nantucket’s history and nature. Some properties even have special exhibits for children.
Sightseeing: Tour the island by bus, van or on foot with one of our many tour companies and individual guides. The First Congregational Church offers a bird’s eye view of the island from the church steeple. Sightseeing van driven tours are available through Ara’s Tours Barrett’s Tours, Gail’s Tours, Nantucket Island Tours, Sabra’s Tours and Val’s Tours. If you prefer to stroll, Nantucket Conservation Foundation, Nantucket Historical Association, Nantucket Preservation Trust and Nantucket Walking Tours all provide guided and themed walking tours.
Camps for Kids: Children’s camp programs include full-day camps and specialized camps for music, nature, sports, arts and more, including Maria Mitchell Association, Murray Camp of Nantucket Island, The Nantucket Boys & Girls Club, Nantucket Community School, Nantucket Island Surf School, Nantucket Island School of Design & The Arts, Nantucket Community Music Center and Strong Wings.
Ice Skating: The Nantucket Ice Community Rink offers a variety of year round skating programs and activities for all ages!
Skateboarding: The Parks and Recreation Commission also operates a Skate Park on Backus Lane which is open to the public.
On the Water: Nantucket Community Sailing offers windsurfing, kayaking and sailing at Jetties Beach and Sea Nantucket Kayaks is located at Francis Street Beach. Endeavor Sailing, Mad Max Sailing Adventures and Shearwater Excursions offer family friendly sailing excursions including ice cream and pirate-themed cruises around Nantucket Harbor. If fish are what you’re after, charter a family fishing expedition on a boat or with a guide including, All Hooked Up Charters, Althea K Charter Fishing, Capt. Tom’s Charters, Herbert T Sportfishing, Just Do It Too Sportfishing and TopSpin Sportfishing Charter, all of which can provide equipment and training for children and adults. Nantucket Island Surf School also offers surfing lessons at Cisco Beach. Pre-registration is suggested for all water activities.
Arts & Crafts: The Artists Association of Nantucket, the Nantucket Island School of Design & the Arts, and the Nantucket Community School offer a variety of creative classes. Nantucket Parks & Recreation sponsors free tie-dying clinics every Friday from noon to 1:30 PM throughout the summer.
Shopping for Kids: Visit one of our toy stores or book stores including Mitchell’s Book Corner, Nantucket Bookworks, Island Variety, Marine Home Center, Nantucket Office Products, Pinwheels, The Spirit of Toys and The Toy Boat which carry games, puzzles, paint sets, construction paper & art supplies. Don’t forget the sweets! Candy abounds at Aunt Leah’s Fudge, Nantucket Candy Company and Sweet Inspirations.
Enjoy a Night Out: Downtown Nantucket’s Starlight Theatre & Café offers first-run family friendly films with the opportunity for dinner before or after the movie. On Friday nights at dusk, enjoy free G-rated movies at Children’s Beach. Theatre companies including Theatre Workshop of Nantucket and Children’s Theatre of Nantucket 
produce a variety of shows year round (with the opportunity for kids to perform in an original Nantucket themed production.) The Murray Camp offers a “Kids Night Out” program for children ages 5 – 13 and every Sunday, from 6 – 7:15 PM, Nantucket Parks & Recreation organizes free concerts at the Children’s Beach Bandstand.
Visiting the Playground: Children’s Beach, Jetties Beach, Tom Nevers Field and the Nantucket Elementary School all have children’s playgrounds with swing sets, slides and climbing equipment.
History & Island Nature Classes: The Nantucket Historical Association and the Maria Mitchell Association offer classes for children. Kids can discover what it was like to grow up on Nantucket 200 years ago or learn about native plants and animals.
Need A Babysitter or Baby Rental Equipment? Nantucket Babysitter’s Service, NannyTucket or A Mom’s Day Off can provide you with a qualified sitter. Enjoy Nantucket, Nantucket Babysitter’s Service and Nantucket Cribs also offer rental cribs, strollers, car seats, gates, high chairs and more.
We also have a number of family friendly accommodations! Check out our accommodations area for more information!