A Family Guide to Nantucket

The Whaling Museum

The Whaling Museum is in the center of town, a short walk from the ferry. History buffs will love learning about how the island was settled and what life was like, while children are amazed by the sperm whale skeleton.

Nantucket Bookworks

Did you forget something to read while at the beach? Stop into Nantucket Bookworks and pick up the latest bestseller or something by a local author. In the back of the store, there's a great kids' section with book and toys.

Critter Cruise

On this cruise, kids get up close & personal with crabs, lobster, and whatever else they can catch.

Drive out to Sconset!

If you have a car, take a drive out to Sconset. There's a beautiful playground on the water. Afterwards, walk over to Sconset Market for ice cream.

Rent Bikes

There are a number of places to rent bikes in town. The shops will give you a map of all the wonderfully accessible paved bike paths on the island. Most bikes come with baskets so you can take your lunch & towels with you to the beach.

Barnaby's Toy & Art

You'll wish you were a kid again when stepping into Barnaby's. Not only do they carry classic toys like Legos, but what they're known for is their kits. You can create your own and take it with you - to make a bracelet, slime, a personalized backpack, OR you can drop in and have one of the amazing staff members do the craft with your kids. You can also make a reservation in advance for a drop-off class.

Great Point Lighthouse

Located at the northernmost point of the island in a wildlife reserve, this historic lighthouse will take you back in time. You'll need a four-wheel drive vehicle, as the drive is on the beach. Pro tip: Pack a cooler with lunch & drinks, and your beach chairs. You can park on the beach and enjoy the serene location after you check out the lighthouse.

Sanford Farm, Ram Pasture & The Woods

Go for a run on the trails of this conservation area. You can run all the way out to the beach and stop along the way to read the signs about the wildlife and history of the land. This area is also great for dog walking.

Shopping

From souvenirs to high-end boutiques, spend at least one day walking around town and checking out the shops.

With the Kids

Millie's

Ride a bike or drive your car out to Madaket for a stop at Millie's. They offer seafood, tacos and salads, and are very family-friendly. You can also order to go and take your food to the beach. Or grab a drink and walk over to Madaket beach for the best sunset viewing on the island.

Cisco Brewers

This local brewery has a large outdoor space. Go for lunch just after they open, so you can get a picnic table as a home base for your family. Check out the various food trucks and bars. They have a stage where, depending on the day, they have live music and programming for children.

Brotherhood of Thieves

In town, next to the bookstore, you'll find Brotherhood. This restaurant has 3 dining areas with different menus. They have large tables in their outdoor area perfect for families. Pro tip: Let the kids pick a book or toy at the bookstore next door, so they can entertain themselves while you enjoy lunch.

Charlie Noble

Tired from walking around town shopping and forgot to make a reservation? We've never had trouble getting a table at The Charlie Noble. Have picky eaters? This restaurant has typical pub fare, such as burgers & chicken fingers for the kids.

Sandbar at Jettie's Beach

Jettie's Beach isn't far from town and is a great option if you're looking for a beach with calmer water. Sandbar is set back from the beach and offers that picnic table, feet-in-the sand vibe.

The Juice Bar

No trip to Nantucket is complete without getting ice cream at The Juice Bar. The line can get long at night, so get there early or go during the day.

Date Night

• For people watching- Cru

• For an intimate experience- Bar Yoshi

• For a special occasion- Straight Wharf

• For after dinner drinks- Ethos

**You will need to make reservations in advance.**