The beach, bikes, and exploring the island can take up a lot of time spent on Nantucket for kids. However, rainy days or needing a change of pace can call for some of the islands unique opportunities for kids to make summer even more special.
Critter Cruise & Monomoy Charters
Captain Josh has come up with one of the coolest things to hit the Nantucket waterfront in a long time - the Nantucket Critter Cruise. Catch this, it’s a one hour trip for kids where they go out on the Monomoy, get to watch Captain Josh haul some fish traps and lobster gear, and then everybody gets a fishing pole to do some fishing. How cool is that? You never know what kind of critters will come up in the traps so it’s exciting stuff for the whole crew.
Safety
"We are currently offering private Critter Cruises at special pricing and our traditional ticketed Critter Cruises. Trips are currently limited to 12 passengers (subject to change per state regulation). Passengers on our traditional ticketed Critter Cruises must wear masks*. If all passengers on a private trip are in the same household, masks are at your discretion. The Critter Crew will be wearing masks and maintaining rigorous cleaning schedules on all of our trips."
Click here for more info and tickets
crittercruise.com
monomoycharters.com
The Whaling Museums NEW Discovery Center
The Discovery Center, created as an interactive imaginary experience for children in an 18th century town, is now transformed into a children’s museum. Town vignettes, have added artifacts from the NHA collections, giving an authentic layer to the interactive foundation of the original concept. Daily activities, that were a staple of the Discovery Center experience, are now available as Sail Away Kits; each with a project, instructions, and materials.
Safety
"We welcome guests in small groups to enjoy the Discovery Center where safety protocols will be followed between visitors for everyone’s safety and ease. So, come experience the new Discovery Center. Bookings for your own private time to use the space with your family are available upon request. Contact for information."
Nantucket Surfing School
The South Shore of Nantucket can offer some great waves for beginners to novice surfers. For the novice, look no further than Nantucket Surf School. Since 1999 they have been teaching surfing at Cisco beach to surfers of all ages and abilities. All equipment is provided for lessons, which include boards and wetsuit. All you need to do is bring your bathing suit and sunscreen, they will take care of the rest. Advanced reservations are recommended. Nantucket surf school also offers surfboard, standup paddleboards and wetsuit rentals.
Safety
The Town of Nantucket has developed a plan in compliance with state guidelines for beaches open to the public. Click here for more information.
Nantucket Dreamland Drive-In
Check out an evening film at the new Nantucket Dreamland Drive-In. There are several family-friendly movies coming up including Inside Out, ET, Star Wars, Superman, and more. Click here for more venue information and to buy tickets in advance.
Safety
For more information on how to safely enjoy the Dreamland Drive-In click here.
Nantucket Ice
Nantucket Ice offers public ice skating on a regular basis. Check out their calendar and more information here.
Safety
Nantucket Ice operates under strict State government guidelines. It is encouraged to review the guidelines here before visiting.
