FA M I LY
Activities
Life’s a Beach: Nantucket has more than
80 miles of pristine beaches awaiting your
exploration. Beachcombers will be delighted
to discover a variety of shells, unique stones,
beach glass, and “mermaid’s purses.”
All island beaches are listed on page 43,
including details regarding surf, suitability for
small children, and amenities.
A Walk on the Wild Side: Nantucket
is a haven for naturalists, and its pristine
surroundings harbor a bevy of rare flora
and fauna, as well as many unique animal
species. The Maria Mitchell Association offers
nature and wildflower walks and birding
field trips during the warmer months. In late
October, the Linda Loring Nature Foundation
organizes an annual Birding Festival which
is wildly popular. For a uniquely different
activity, you can assist the Maria Mitchell
Association in collecting island marine life
for their Aquarium.
Take a “Swing” at It!: Nantucket’s
Department of Public Works operates public
tennis courts at Jetties Beach. Call them
at 508-228-7245 for further information.
Miacomet Golf Club is open to the public
year-round, while Sankaty Head Golf Club
is open to the public during the off-season.
Reservations are required for all facilities.
Tour de Nantucket: Tour Nantucket by bus,
van or on foot with any one of a number of
tour companies and individual guides. The
island offers specialized, intimate van tours
which include historic commentary and
frequent stops for photographs. Larger
sightseeing tour buses are available as well,
which can accommodate bigger groups. If
you’d like to engage in some nautical
“sightseeing”, plan an afternoon sail on the
“Endeavor” or an Ice Cream Cruise with
Shearwater Excursions. Nantucket Conservation Foundation, Nantucket Historical
Association, Nantucket Preservation Trust,
Raven’s Walk, and Nantucket Walking Tours
all offer guided tours that focus on the
island’s intriguing history and architecture.
Or, perhaps you’d like to take an eco-friendly
“spin” around the island with Nantucket Bike
Tours. And, last but not least, the stunning
birds-eye-view of our enchanted isle from the
steeple of the Congregational Church is a
“must-see!”
Past is Present: Over a dozen museums
and historic properties showcase Nantucket’s
Camp it Up!: Nantucket offers a wide variety
of camps for children, including specialized
Let’s Have a Word: The Atheneum,
Nantucket’s historic public library on India
Street, is a pleasure to explore and includes
a special children’s wing, as well as a lovely
garden with benches to relax and immerse
yourself in a book. Plan to visit one of the
island’s bookstores or toy stores, all of which
offer children’s activities and book signings.
www.nantucketchamber.org • 77
ACTIVITIES
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