FAMILY BEACHES, EASY EATS, AND SIMPLE SUMMER FUN
This guide gives you a quick list of family-friendly ideas for a day (or week) on Nantucket. It is designed for parents who want simple plans, short drives, and places that work with strollers, snacks, and sandy feet. Hours and seasonal services change, so check each venue before you go.
AT A GLANCE
- Best for younger kids: Jetties Beach, Children’s Beach, Discovery Playground.
- Best for older kids: Surfside (waves), Cisco (surf), bike paths, Critter Cruise.
- Best rainy-day plan: Atheneum kids programs + a Dreamland matinee.
BEACHES
JETTIES BEACH - calm harbor water, close to town, easy with little ones.
SURFSIDE BEACH - big south-shore sand and a classic Nantucket beach day.
MADAKET BEACH - west-end views and sunsets that never miss.
CISCO BEACH - surf, wide-open sky, and big beach energy.
DIONIS BEACH - north-shore calm with pretty harbor views.
STEPS BEACH - stairs down to sand, tide pools, and kid-friendly exploring.
NANTUCKET TOWN - all town beaches - quick, close-to-town beach picks for easy swims and short outings.
WHERE TO EAT WITH KIDS
MILLIE'S - relaxed west-end favorite; great before or after the beach.
ISLAND KITCHEN - all-day comfort food that works for families.
SANDBAR AT JETTIES - toes-in-the-sand food right on the beach..
SUMMER HOUSE BEACHSIDE BISTRO - ‘Sconset dunes + ocean views; easy early dinner.
SOMETHING NATURAL - iconic sandwiches, quick and easy.
BROTHERHOOD OF THIEVES - downtown classic with hearty options.
EASY ACTIVITIES
CHILDREN’S BEACH & PLAYGROUND - harbor-side beach + playground + summer fun.
DISCOVERY PLAYGROUND AT HINSDALE PARK - inclusive playground with ramps and sensory features, open daily sunrise to sunset.
CODFISH PARK PLAYGROUND (‘SCONSET) - sweet village stop for a quick play break.
NANTUCKET COMMUNITY SAILING (TINY SALTS) - Toddler sailing program plus lessons, rentals, and family-friendly options on the water.
CRITTER CRUISE - hands-on harbor cruise for curious kids.
DREAMLAND MOVIE THEATRE - family movies and kid-f riendly programs year-round.
BIKE TRAILS + RENTALS - flat, scenic rides; rentals f rom Young’s and Cook’s.
THE JUICE BAR - classic ice cream in town (the perfect “we earned it” stop).
NANTUCKET ATHENEUM - (Weezie Library for Children) - story times and rainy-day fun.
NANPUPPETS - (often at Cisco Brewers) - puppet shows that keep kids locked in.
RAINY DAY ACTIVITIES
WHALING MUSEUM - classic Nantucket history indoors; big exhibits that keep kids engaged.
MARIA MITCHELL DISCOVERY CENTER - hands-on science and space fun for curious kids.
NANTUCKET ATHENEUM LIBRARY - cozy kids’ space, books, and an easy rainy-day option.
DREAMLAND THEATRE - family movies and kid-f riendly programs; perfect matinee plan.
QUICK TIPS
- Bring water shoes for shells, rocks, and shore exploring.
- Let the wind decide: north shore often feels calmer on strong south-wind days.
- Keep it simple: one main plan + one easy treat each day.
- Build a weather backup: Atheneum or Dreamland.
- Bikes make the day easy - choose flatter routes and add playground stops.
