Kids' Stuff

Visitors | Getting Here | Weekend | 7 Days | Kids | Facts

It’s no wonder you hear adults reminiscing about childhood vacations spent on Martha’s Vineyard all the time - the island is a wonderful place for kids. We'll help you plan a Vineyard vacation that will leave your children with memories to last a lifetime.

Get Outside:

Two things Martha’s Vineyard has in no short supply are fresh air and energy burning activities. A great spot to bring kids is State Beach on Beach Road between Oak Bluffs and Edgartown. The five mile stretch features calm water, sand bars, lots of parking, and a snack truck with stellar frozen lemonade.

The FARM Institute at Katama Farms in Edgartown is another great stop for the wee little farmers of tomorrow. An educational farm that teaches children and adults about sustainable agriculture, the FARM regularly hosts morning chores, and has summer camp programs for all ages.

Also look into Nip'n Tuck Farms for hay rides, Polly Hill Arboretum for budding horticulturists, Island Alpaca Company for fuzzy fun, or Mini-Golf at Island Cove on State Road.

Babysitters Club:

If you’re looking for a little time to yourself to do big kid things – call Martha’s Vineyard Concierge Service Let Me Do That! to get connected with excellent childcare providers - whether you’re interested in having your kids go for a special outing with the sitter or someone to come by your hotel or residence.

In addition to being a baby equipment rental service, the folks at Bear Baby Equipment Rentals are also a resource for qualified babysitters.

Singing in the Rain:

If you find your family caught in the rain during your visit, be sure to step into the Flying Horses in Oak Bluffs for a very special ride. The Flying Horses Carousel is the oldest operating platform carousel in the world,and one lucky person each ride will catch the brass ring, and win a free ride for next time.

Oak Bluffs is also home to the Ryan Family Amusements arcade and six ice cream parlors.

Other great rainy day activities include taking a dip at the Mansion House's indoor pool on Main Street, Vineyard Haven and creating jewelry at Beadniks in Vineyard Haven.

Live and Learn:

Martha’s Vineyard offers a spoonful of sugar to help the learning go down when it comes to educational activities. For starters, Gus Ben David’s World of Reptiles and Birds off the Edgartown-Vineyard Haven Road is a dream for junior animal-lovers. Gus is always ready to talk about his amazing animal collection and throw in some life lessons.

Children also have a space of their own at the MV Museum on School Street in Edgartown. Every year a gallery is dedicated to the artwork and research projects of Island kids.

Kids' Menu

In Edgartown the Main Street Diner features 50s kitch and retro comfort food. For family fare at a reasonable price The Wharf on Lower Main Street is spacious and has a reliable kids’ menu.

Linda Jean’s in Oak Bluffs is another straightforward, good family restaurant.

The famous Black Dog Tavern on the harbor in Vineyard Haven is world- renowned for a reason; the relaxing family-oriented restaurant (oddly enough, it’s not a bar) has great food.

Kid-Friendly Hotels

Right across from Lighthouse Beach in Edgartown, the Harbor View Hotel & Resort offers children’s programs with activities that range from arts and crafts to field trips.

Young guests at the Winnetu have it made with South Beach only steps away and a children’s program running June through August. Heated outdoor pools, a playground, and volleyball and basketball courts give kids plenty of options for independent activities.

Offering the only indoor pool on Martha's Vineyard, Mansion House in Vineyard Haven also has a full-service health club and spa, and offers suites for any size family.

Regardless of where you stay, or what you eat - the most important part of your Vineyard family vacation is just spending the time with your kids. We hope you have a fun, tantrum-free trip.