Nantucket With Kids
Nantucket had been on my travel bucket list for years, and last year we finally went for a long weekend with our three-year-old!
When you think Nantucket, you might think cobblestone streets and coastal charm, but it’s also totally family-friendly.
Whether you’re in the thick of planning a trip to Nantucket with kids or just starting to daydream, I’ve rounded up everything you need: the most family-friendly hotels, how to tackle the island’s famously upscale dining scene with little ones, and activities the whole family will genuinely love.
Bookmark this page as your go-to Nantucket family travel resource!
Sunshine on Nantucket
worth every penny:
Classic Nantucket sweaters
kid-approved:
Critter Cruise
ordering every time:
Provisions for lunch
would skip:
fine dining (w/a toddler, at least!)
In my glass:
Cisco Brewers shark tracker
already miss:
Children’s Beach playground
cheers to:
family time on The Gray Lady
Your Nantucket Cheat Sheet
fast facts before you book
Getting there
Nantucket is an island, so getting there is part of the adventure! Your options are either ferry (Steamship Authority or Hy-Line high-speed), or fly from several East Coast airports.
Getting around
Nantucket is wonderfully walkable and extremely bikeable — renting bikes is very common! For longer distances, your options are Uber, Lyft, taxi, the WAVE, or your own two feet.
Best time to visit
July and August are peak season, but also biggest crowds and highest prices. June and September are the sweet spot — warm, less hectic, and easier to snag a dinner reservation. Many businesses close in winter.
Budget
Leverage our established reach and influence within the travel community to connect with your target audience.
Island size
Generate excitement and leads through engaging contests and giveaways that showcase your products or services.
What to pack
I integrate your brand’s content, promotions, and calls-to-action into relevant sections of my website to drive targeted traffic to your site.
the spotlight
No posts
find a destination
Where are you going to next? Type in a destination.
After visiting Nantucket with my husband and 3-year-old, I quickly realized that the key to a smooth trip is all about knowing the best kid-friendly beaches, figuring out where to stay in Nantucket with kids, and how to plan your days in a way that actually works with little ones.
In this Nantucket travel guide for families, I’m sharing everything you need to plan an stress-free, memorable trip. I included the best things to do in Nantucket with kids, family-friendly restaurants, easy transportation tips and the hotels that make traveling with a toddler easier.
Whether you’re visiting Nantucket for the first time or returning with kids, this guide will help you skip the guesswork and enjoy more of what makes this island so special. Enjoy!
Some of the links on my site are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. That little bit helps me keep this blog running so I can keep sharing real-life travel tips for families like yours.
- Best time to visit:Â Summer is the most popular time to visit Nantucket, especially for families. We visited in early June and loved it! Everything was open, but there were fewer crowds than during peak season. One downside: it was still a bit cool and rainy, so pack layers if you’re planning a trip to Nantucket with kids.
- Getting around:Â Town (downtown Nantucket) is so walkable and one of the easiest areas to navigate with kids. If you stay here, you can get almost anywhere on foot or bike! Read my guide to getting around Nantucket for more family-friendly transportation tips.
- How many days do you need? 3-4 days is the sweet spot for families. The pace is laid back, so plan for beach days, bike rides and slow, intentional together time. Check out my recommended 3-day Nantucket itinerary with kids for a done-for-you plan!
- Budget:Â Nantucket is a high-end travel destination, especially during the summer months. Hotels in Nantucket can be very expensive in peak season. If you’re planning Nantucket on a budget, consider visiting in shoulder seasons. Keep in mind, some restaurants and businesses may be closed, so you won’t get the full summer experience.
- Kid age range:Â Nantucket is great for all ages, from babies to teens! It’s an ideal destination for families looking to slow down and spend time at the beach. There are also kid-friendly activities like an aquarium and kids fishing charter that I’d recommend!
- Kid-friendly rating: ★★★★☆ (One of the most family-friendly destinations in the U.S. for a relaxed beach vacation)
What area is best to stay in Nantucket with a toddler?Â
If your budget can accommodate it, stay in Town. It’s the most walkable to restaurants, shopping and activities, including a few beaches that are great for little kids.Â
What are the best Nantucket hotels for families?
If you want convenience but don’t mind paying for it, book The White Elephant. If you’re on a budget, stay at The Nantucket Inn. If you need extra space or amenities, book a cottage at Harborview Nantucket or a vacation rental home.
What are the best toddler activities in Nantucket?Â
Activities that would work for a range of ages include the Critter Cruise, exploring the Whaling Museum and interacting with sea life at the Maria Mitchell Association Aquarium.Â
Is Nantucket stroller-friendly?Â
Yes! Nantucket is so stroller friendly! There are miles of walking paths and sidewalks in Town.Â
Are there playgrounds in Nantucket?Â
Yes! There are many playgrounds on Nantucket. Our favorite one is at Children’s Beach, which is close to Town so very convenient!
Critter cruise
The Critter Cruise is an hour long boat ride where kids learn about the sea life that lives around Nantucket and even go fishing!
Read about our Critter Cruise experience.
Whaling Museum
The Whaling Museum offers a look at Nantucket history. Highlights for kids are a 46-foot whale skeleton and Discovery Center play area.Â
Read about our Whaling Museum visit.
Maria mitchell Assoc. aquarium
The Maria Mitchell Assoc. Aquarium offers a look at Nantucket sea life. Employees explain everything to you, and they have a touch tank!
Read about our visit to the aquarium.
Think Nantucket is impossible to do on a budget?
Okay, it’s not easy. Nantucket is known as a high-end travel destination, and that’s mostly the true experience when you visit. However, I do have a few tips for how you can successfully visit Nantucket on a budget.
Read: Nantucket on a Budget
READY TO PLAN? START HERE: MY PERFECT 3-DAY Nantucket ITINERARY
Not sure how to structure your days? I’ve done the planning for you! My 3-day itinerary is designed for families with kids of all ages. It’s designed to balance beach days with interactivity and mix free options with splurge-worthy picks.
Read: Nantucket with Kids: The Perfect Itinerary
Finding the right Nantucket hotel and knowing where to eat with picky eaters can make or break a family trip. Here’s what worked for us!
Best budget Nantucket hotel: Nantucket Inn
The Nantucket Inn has great family-friendly amenities like indoor and outdoor pools, on-site breakfast/lunch cafe and plenty of courtyard space to run around. It’s a few minutes from Town, but they offer an hourly shuttle.
Check nantucket inn rates
Best Luxury Nantucket hotel: White Elephant
The White Elephant has incredible kid-friendly amenities like a pool, poolside ice cream cart, beach toys and board games, kids’ check in gifts, scavenger hunts and more. If you’re willing to spend a little more, don’t miss this hotel!
Check White Elephant rates
Read: Where to Stay in Nantucket with kids: Best family-friendly hotels
Straight Wharf Fish
Straight Wharf Fish​ is a great seafood option for lunch or dinner in Town. It’s right on the harbor, so great for boat watching. For fine dining, next door is Straight Wharf Restaurant.
The Rose & Crown
The Rose & Crown is another great, casual kid-friendly spot. You might be tempted to eat a lot of seafood in Nantucket (we were!), but make sure to go here for incredible burgers. Don’t miss the chef’s fries (mixed with olive oil, sea salt and parm!).
Brotherhood of thieves
Brotherhood of Thieves is delicious for lunch or dinner. Sit in the indoor historic 1840s whaling bar, or the covered patio. Make sure to grab a beer from the local brewery, Cisco Brewers.Â
Provisions
Okay, the sandwiches at Provisions might just be the most delicious in the entire world. This is a super casual spot that serves breakfast and lunch in the harbor. It’s a great spot if you’re traveling via ferry. They even have a great kids menu with options that my picky eater loved.Â
