For those of you unaware, Nantucket is an island just off the southern coast of Cape Cod. And based on the reaction from many people I’ve told over the years about our various trips there—some people are clueless about this destination. The island offers plenty of family-friendly activities for kids of all ages. There’s fantastic restaurants, shops, beaches, etc. Here are some fun things to do with kids on Nantucket:

• Beach Days: Jetties Beach and Children’s Beach are great for kids, with calm waters and nearby amenities like playgrounds and restaurants located on the beach. In addition, these are close to town where many inns and rental homes are located. There are plenty of other beaches further from town that are appealing (Madaket, Surfside, Siasconset, to name a few), but Cisco Beach is my “out of town” favorite beach. It’s incredibly laid back, features fantastic sand and has waves for water sports, if that’s your type of thing.
• Bike Rentals: I’m sure most of you read this tip and think it sounds miserable—trust me, I thought this way the first time we did it too. But rent bikes and get a trailer that can fit the kiddos and beach supplies. Relax, it’s not exhausting! The island is super bike friendly and the carrier isn’t that heavy—says the guy who has never actually pulled it…my wife volunteers. Bikes also give you flexibility during your trip without having to deal with the expense and hassle of taking a car onto the island. FYI we’ve typically rented from Young’s Bicycle Shop because they typically have the best rates.
• Visit Cisco Brewers: Let’s call this place “heaven on Earth”. The grounds feature a brewery, winery and distillery on-site, so adults can easily find a drink that they enjoy. I’m a beer guy—and theirs are phenomenal. Plus, there’s live music daily and tons of people bring their dogs, so the kids love it as well. Lastly, there’s a minimum of two food trucks on-site daily with family friendly food, so you literally can’t lose. I will say that it does get super crowded on holidays, so if you visit over a holiday week/weekend, skip the brewery on the actual holiday.
• Explore Town: I recommend renting a place in town, as you have the flexibility of walking to dinner vs. dealing with biking at night. In addition, the docks provide the kiddos with some good boat viewing. There’s plenty of shops, restaurants, bars, you name it.
• Nantucket Whaling Museum: The Whaling Museum right in town is both educational and entertaining. Kids can learn about the island’s whaling history through interactive exhibits, including a giant whale skeleton. Plus there’s an interactive play area with puzzles, arts & crafts, books, etc., that’s always a hit with the kiddos.
• Critter Cruise: Take a family-friendly boat tour, like the Critter Cruise. Kids can get up close and personal with marine life such as crabs, fish, and sea stars.
• Egan Maritime’s Shipwreck & Lifesaving Museum: Fantastic for a rainy day (via Uber or biking in between storms)! Learn more about the island’s maritime history. Kids can explore lifeboats and learn about heroic rescues. And it doesn’t take long to make it through the whole museum!
• Siasconset Playground: This playground is a great spot for kids to burn off some energy. All of the equipment is super new and there’s a good variety of structures that appeal to all age levels. Plus there’s sand throughout—and what kid doesn’t like pouring sand all over their entire body? It’s also located right across the street from the beach, so you can make a day out of the trek out to the far east side of the island. And it IS a trek—8 miles one way, so bring snacks and take your time!
• Ice Cream Treats: As we all know, kids love ice cream. Nantucket has fantastic ice cream shops—some of which have dairy free options, if you need it (The Juice Bar being one).
• Family-Friendly Dining: While there are some restaurants that might be better for a date night, most Nantucket restaurants welcome families, with plenty of places that have outdoor seating. Have your phones fully charged so that you can jam Paw Patrol in front of your kids so that you and your significant other can enjoy your meal!
• Kayaking or Paddleboarding: Older kids may enjoy kayaking or paddle boarding in Nantucket’s calm waters. Rentals and guided tours are available.
• Take your kids with you for after dinner drinks: I’m not talking ripping shots around your kids, but bring the stroller and have the kiddos relax/sleep while you enjoy a post-dinner drink. There’s plenty of restaurants where this is appropriate!

Bottom line, Nantucket offers a fantastic blend of outdoor adventures, educational experiences, and opportunities to simply relax and enjoy the island’s natural beauty with your kids. I can’t think of a better destination for families!