The best things to do on Nantucket with kids are the Maria Mitchell Association Aquarium, the Nantucket Whaling Museum, an over-sand tour of the Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Refuge and a family bike tour. The Whaling Museum is the one most kids remember, because of the huge whale skeleton hanging in the main hall and the rooftop deck that looks out over the harbor. For toddlers, the Maria Mitchell aquarium is small and hands-on, with shallow touch tanks. The over-sand tour is the outdoor adventure, a bumpy ride through the dunes to look for seals.
| Activity Name | Best For | Key Highlight | Recommended Age | Booking Options |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maria Mitchell Aquarium | Toddlers | Hands-on marine life | Toddlers | GetYourGuide Viator TripAdvisor |
| Whaling Museum | School-aged | Rooftop Harbor Views | School-aged | |
| Coskata-Coatue Refuge | Outdoor Adventure | Seal spotting | All ages | GetYourGuide Viator TripAdvisor |
| Nantucket Bike Tours | Active Families | Scenic paths | School-aged | View Details → |
Maria Mitchell Association Aquarium
The Maria Mitchell aquarium is small and hands-on, good for young children and easy to fit into a short morning.
- The Fun: Touching local sea creatures in shallow tanks.
- Best Age Group: Toddlers and preschoolers will love the tactile nature of the exhibits.
- Tip: Go at opening to miss the crowds and park easily.
Good to know: The space is small and feels crowded when a tour group arrives.
Nantucket Whaling Museum
The Whaling Museum tells the island’s maritime story, and its rooftop deck has a wide view of the harbor.
- The Fun: The enormous whale skeleton hanging in the main hall.
- Best Age Group: School-aged children will appreciate the historical stories and the interactive nature of the exhibits.
- Tip: Go up to the rooftop deck first, while the kids still have energy.
Good to know: The museum is spread over several buildings, so wear walking shoes.
Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Refuge
A guided over-sand tour takes you through the dunes of the refuge to look for seals and shorebirds, with no long hike.
- The Fun: A bumpy ride over the sand in a special vehicle.
- Best Age Group: All ages. You stay seated the whole time.
- Tip: Bring binoculars so the kids can watch the seals from the vehicle.
Good to know: Tours depend on the weather, so keep an indoor backup in mind.
Nantucket Bike Tours
Cycling is the best way to see the island, and guided tours stick to routes away from heavy traffic.
- The Fun: Covering much more of the island than you could on foot.
- Best Age Group: School-aged kids who are confident on bikes will get the most out of these guided routes.
- Tip: Rent a trailer or tag-along for younger children.
Good to know: It gets windy on Nantucket. Check the forecast before you ride.
Where to Stay in Nantucket
We book the room first and build the days around it. Here is what Nantucket has open, with hotels on one side and family sized rentals on the other.
FAQs About Things to Do in Nantucket with Kids
Is Nantucket stroller-friendly?
Not entirely. The historic district has cobblestone streets, so bring a carrier or a stroller with large wheels.
What is the best time of year to visit with kids?
Early June or September are ideal. You avoid the peak summer crowds and the weather is usually mild enough for outdoor exploration without the intense heat.
Can I do multiple things to do in Nantucket with kids in one day?
You could, but one main activity a day leaves time for the beach and naps.
What are the best things to do in Nantucket with kids?
Most families start with Maria Mitchell Association Aquarium and Nantucket Whaling Museum.
More Family Travel Guides for Nantucket: