The former whaling capital of the world now boasts 40% reserved conservation land, so get ready for vistas of sand dunes, blue or pink hydrangeas for miles and charming former whaling captain’s houses turned into bed and breakfasts. With its charming red and white striped lighthouse, cobblestone streets, and fresh seafood fare, Nantucket becomes incredibly popular in summer.  That means these spots book up fast!

Because Nantucket is an island, getting around with small children takes a certain amount of patience and prior research. For instance, while the high-speed ferry costs more, it cuts the trip from Cape Cod to Nantucket from 2 hours to 1, crucial when traveling with small children.

Anyone for a clam or lobster bake? Photo courtesy of The Nantucket Hotel

Top Nantucket Hotels for Families

1. The Nantucket Hotel – Nantucket, MA

This 44-room iconic hotel is located on a quiet street in the historic Brant Point neighborhood and walkable to town. With a choice of rooms, suites, and even cottages, this resort includes rooms with kitchenettes and pull-down twin beds for young children. There is a kids pool perfect for families, and childcare services with a complimentary kids club in summer that includes trips to the whaling museum or crabbing.

Another family-friendly summer activity is a Monday night clambake with live music. Downtown is an easy stroller ride away, but families can also ride in the restored 1946 vintage fire truck. Though walkable from the ferry dock, arranging a complimentary shuttle from the hotel makes travel with kids much easier. 

2. The White Elephant – Nantucket, MA

The White Elephant is centrally located and walkable from the ferry. The resort has several properties, including the 66-room Harborside Hotel. For larger groups, some rooms can connect to adjacent suites, turning the space into a two-bedroom, two-bath suite. It has a spa, as well as killer harbor views from the hotel’s restaurant, the Brant Point Grill.

Beach cruiser bikes are complimentary, and the resort also has a pool with reservable cabanas. The famous Children’s Beach is right around the corner, and complimentary taxis are readily available at the entrance to take guests to further attractions.

3. Cliffside Beach Club – Nantucket, MA

With ocean vistas abound, the Cliffside Beach Club and its 23 rooms are located directly on the gentle North Shore sands and one mile from town. The property keeps beach toys complimentary for kids, so no need to bring from home. Parents of small children might want to ask for a room that includes a kitchen.

Prices for dining in Nantucket can be steep, so take advantage of the complimentary continental breakfast this property offers which includes locally-made donuts and sticky buns. Keep in mind that children’s pool playtime is mornings only.

4. Harborview Nantucket – Nantucket, MA

Consisting of 10 unique cottages, the Harborview Nantucket is located five minutes on foot from town and across from the famous Lobster Trap restaurant. If you’re looking for that gray-shingled New England look, you’ve come to the right place. Each cottage is decorated with historic integrity with a nautical flair and comes with kitchen, laundry facilities, and charming names such as Crow’s Nest and Blue Fin.

The giant front lawn on the harbor makes sailboat watching an exciting way to spend a hazy afternoon, and almost every cottage offers ocean views. When traveling with kids, leave the gear at home! The property offers concierge services where they help families rent gear including cribs, high chairs, and beach umbrellas.

5. 2 Bedroom plus Loft near Center of Town – Nantucket, MA

This duplex cottage is just far enough from town to feel like a getaway, but you can walk to the center of town or Children's Beach in minutes. Enjoy a private deck and use the grill on nights you don't feel like eating out. The house features two bedrooms and a loft; one of the bedrooms and the loft each have two twin beds, so you can have up to 4 kids with you. It's also a steal for families, since you can sleep up to 6 people and cook at home.

Live like a Kennedy for a weekend at a Nantucket vacation rental home. Photo courtesy of VRBO

6. Family Friendly Island Getaway – Nantucket, MA

This remarkable property sleeps 12, so it's perfect for a couple of families to share, or as a vacation home to bring along the grandparents, too. There are 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, and one of the bedrooms features twin bunk beds, so cousins or friends can have a vacation sleepover. There are two porches where parents can relax, and a huge lawn at the end of a cul de sac where kids can safely play. Near town, the bike path, and looking like the platonic ideal of a Cape Cod vacation house, this rental is a gem.

7. Winnetu Oceanside Resort – Edgartown, MA

When Nantucket is full-up, simply travel inter-island from Nantucket to Martha’s Vineyard via the Hy-line ferry cruises to stay at the Nantucket Hotel’s sister resort, Winnetu. Located on South Beach outside the picturesque town of Edgartown, Winnetu has clambakes on the lawn every Wednesday in high season, a life-size chess set, and a pirate ship children’s playground. There are also basketball courts, two outdoor heated swimming pools, and afternoon face-painting in the courtyard.

A complimentary kids program for 3–12-year-olds is accompanied by helpful childcare at night, so be sure to pack a cute going-out outfit! While the kids take part in crafts and smores around the firepit, parents can dine at the on-property award-winning restaurant, The Dunes, or take the property’s water taxi for a cruise through Katama Bay to Edgartown for dinner. To head into town for shopping, take the property’s complimentary shuttle.

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