Children's Beach

Children's Beach is exactly what the name suggests: the perfect beach for young children. Located just steps from downtown on the protected harbor, this small but beloved beach offers the calmest water on the island, a playground, summer concerts, and easy access to everything Nantucket has to offer. If you're visiting with toddlers or young kids, this is your home base.

This beach earned its name for good reason. Here's what makes it ideal for little ones:

• Calmest water on the island - Protected harbor means virtually no waves
• Very shallow - Kids can wade far out while staying waist-deep
• Warm water - Harbor water is the warmest you'll find
• Playground on the beach - Swings, slides, and climbing equipment
• Lifeguards - On duty throughout summer
• Walking distance from everything - 5 minutes from Main Street
• Summer programming - Concerts, movies, and activities for kids

The Water

Children's Beach sits on Nantucket Harbor, offering conditions that are perfect for nervous swimmers and toddlers taking their first ocean dips:

• No waves - Harbor is completely protected
• Gradual depth - Very shallow for a long way out
• Warm temperatures - Warmest water on the island
• Soft sand bottom - Easy on little feet

The Sand

The beach is smaller than ocean beaches but has plenty of room for sandcastle building. The playground sits right on the sand, making it easy to combine beach time with play time.

The Playground

A well-maintained playground features:

• Swings (including baby swings)
• Slides and climbing structures
• Shade areas
• Benches for parents

Children's Concerts

During summer, the bandstand at Children's Beach hosts free children's concerts. Local performers play kid-friendly music while families dance and picnic on the grass. Check the Town calendar for current schedules.

Movies on the Beach

Family movies are shown on the beach on select summer evenings. Bring blankets, snacks, and bug spray for a magical outdoor cinema experience.

Other Activities

Throughout summer, you may find:

• Story time at the nearby Atheneum (library)
• Kid-friendly events at Dreamland Theater
• Ice cream trucks and snack vendors

• Lifeguards - On duty daily in summer, 10am-5pm
• Restrooms - Public facilities available
• Snack bar - Ice cream, drinks, simple snacks
• Playground - Well-equipped for various ages
• Bandstand - Used for concerts and events
• Grassy areas - Picnic spots with shade
• Benches - Plenty of seating for parents

Children's Beach is the easiest beach to reach on the island:

• From Main Street - Walk down Easy Street (yes, that's the real name) to the harbor. 5-minute walk.
• By stroller - Completely accessible, flat walk from downtown
• Parking - Street parking available nearby, or park in town and walk

No bike needed, no car needed - this is walking distance from virtually any downtown accommodation.

Children's Beach is surrounded by kid-friendly options:

• Dreamland Theater - Movies, shows, and family events (2 min walk)
• The Juice Bar - Famous ice cream (5 min walk)
• Nantucket Atheneum - Beautiful library with children's section (5 min walk)
• Whaling Museum - Whale skeleton and interactive exhibits (10 min walk)
• Brant Point - Walk to the lighthouse (15 min)