What Makes a Beach Family-Friendly?
When you're traveling with kids, a "great beach" means something entirely different than it did in your pre-parent days. Trust me on this one. Here's what matters most:
- Calm water: Gentle waves mean less anxiety and more splashing
- Lifeguards: Extra eyes on the water give you peace of mind
- Restrooms nearby: Self-explanatory if you've ever been there
- Food options: Because "I'm hungry" happens roughly every 20 minutes
- Easy access: Shorter walks mean fewer meltdowns (kid and adult)
- Shade options: Little ones burn faster than you'd think
The good news? Nantucket has several beaches that check all these boxes. Here are my top picks, ranked by overall family-friendliness.
Top 5 Family Beaches on Nantucket
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1
Jetties Beach
Bathing Beach Road - 15 min walk from downtown
If you only have time for one beach day with kids, make it Jetties. This is the beach I recommend to every family visiting Nantucket, and it's where we spend most of our summer days.
Why It's #1 for Families
Jetties has everything: calm north shore water, lifeguards all summer, a full restaurant (The Sandbar), rental chairs and umbrellas, kayak and paddleboard rentals, and a playground nearby. It's the complete package.
Age Appropriateness
Best for ages: All ages, from babies to teenagers. The calm water works for nervous first-time swimmers and the water sports rentals keep older kids entertained.
Water Conditions
North shore location means protected, gentle waves - rarely more than a foot high. Water temperatures reach mid-60s to low 70s by mid-summer. The gradual sandy bottom is perfect for wading.
Facilities
- Lifeguards: Yes, daily mid-June through Labor Day, 9 AM - 5 PM
- Restrooms: Clean, well-maintained, close to beach
- Showers: Outdoor rinse showers available
- Food: The Sandbar restaurant - full menu, drinks, snacks
- Rentals: Chairs, umbrellas, kayaks, paddleboards
Parking
Limited lot that fills early. Here's the reality: on a sunny July Saturday, the lot is full by 10 AM. My advice? Skip the car entirely. The NRTA shuttle runs directly to Jetties, or it's an easy 15-minute walk from town.
Food Nearby
The Sandbar is right on the beach - lobster rolls, fish tacos, burgers, and kids' menu options. You don't need to pack lunch, though you certainly can.
Safety Notes
The stone jetties are tempting for climbing but can be slippery. Wear sturdy shoes if exploring them with kids, and keep a close eye on little ones near the rocks. The swimming area is clearly marked and well-supervised.
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2
Children's Beach
Harbor View Way - 5 min walk from Main Street
This beach exists specifically for young children, and it shows. If you have toddlers or kids under 5, this might actually be your best bet - it's even easier than Jetties for the youngest swimmers.
Why It's Perfect for Little Ones
The name says it all. Protected harbor water means virtually zero waves, ever. The water is extremely shallow for a long distance out, and there's a playground right on the sand. Plus, it's a 5-minute walk from downtown, making it ideal for quick beach breaks.
Age Appropriateness
Best for ages: 0-6. This is prime toddler territory. Older kids (7+) may find it a bit boring - the water is too calm for much excitement, and the beach is smaller than Jetties.
Water Conditions
The calmest water on the island - it's harbor water, completely protected from ocean swells. Your toddler can wade independently without you worrying about unexpected waves. Water temperature is the warmest you'll find on Nantucket.
Facilities
- Lifeguards: Yes, summer season, 10 AM - 5 PM
- Restrooms: Public facilities available
- Playground: Swings, slides, climbing structures, baby swings
- Snack bar: Ice cream, drinks, simple snacks
- Bandstand: Summer concerts and movie nights
Parking
Street parking nearby, but honestly, you should walk. It's right downtown.
Food Nearby
Small snack bar on-site. The Juice Bar (famous ice cream) is a 5-minute walk. All of downtown's restaurants are easily accessible.
Safety Notes
This is about as safe as ocean swimming gets. The only caution: harbor water can be slightly murkier than open ocean - normal and harmless, but worth knowing.
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3
Surfside Beach
Surfside Road - 3 miles from downtown
Here's where I need to add some perspective from the water safety side. Surfside is a south shore beach with real waves - not the calm harbor water of our top two picks. But it's also one of Nantucket's most popular beaches with excellent facilities, making it a solid choice for families with older, confident swimmers.
Why Families Love It
Surfside offers the "real beach" experience - rolling waves, wide sandy beach, and a proper beach vibe. The facilities are excellent, and the lifeguard coverage is extensive. It's where families go when kids are ready for a bit more adventure.
Age Appropriateness
Best for ages: 6+ who are comfortable swimmers. The waves are too strong for toddlers and non-swimmers. That said, older kids love body-surfing here.
Water Conditions
South shore means Atlantic surf - expect waves of 2-4 feet on average days, larger during swells. There can be rip currents, which is why swimming only in the lifeguard-designated area is essential. Water is cooler than north shore beaches.
Facilities
- Lifeguards: Yes, extensive coverage during summer
- Restrooms: Full facilities, well-maintained
- Snack bar: Surfside Beach Shack - burgers, sandwiches, snacks
- Bike path: Dedicated path from town makes access easy
Parking
Largest parking lot of any Nantucket beach, but still fills up by mid-morning in peak summer. The bike path from downtown is flat and scenic - this is where many families bike.
Food Nearby
Surfside Beach Shack serves casual beach food. Pack extra snacks for the ride back to town.
Safety Notes
In my years on the water, I've seen too many parents underestimate south shore waves. Always swim in the designated area, watch for rip current warnings, and keep non-swimmers on the sand. The lifeguards here are excellent - listen to their instructions.
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4
Dionis Beach
Eel Point Road - 3 miles from downtown
Dionis is like Jetties' quieter cousin. Same calm north shore water, but fewer crowds and a more natural, undeveloped feel. The trade-off? Fewer facilities.
Why Families Choose Dionis
If Jetties feels too crowded (and it can, especially on weekends), Dionis offers a mellower alternative with similarly gentle water. The beach has beautiful dunes, and you'll often have more space to spread out.
Age Appropriateness
Best for ages: All ages. Water conditions are excellent for young children. Older kids enjoy exploring the dunes and beach.
Water Conditions
Calm, warm north shore water - very similar to Jetties. Gentle waves, gradual entry, and comfortable temperatures make this excellent for young swimmers.
Facilities
- Lifeguards: Yes, summer season (more limited hours than Jetties)
- Restrooms: Basic facilities available
- No restaurant or snack bar
- No rentals
Parking
Small lot with limited spaces. Requires a beach sticker or daily parking fee. Biking is possible but the route has some hills.
Food Nearby
Nothing nearby - pack everything you need. This is a "bring your own lunch" beach.
Safety Notes
Water is calm and safe, but facilities are basic. Bring more supplies than you think you'll need, including extra water and snacks. The lifeguard coverage is less extensive than Jetties.
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5
Steps Beach
Lincoln Avenue - 1.5 miles from downtown
Steps Beach is a local favorite with beautiful water conditions, but it requires a bit more planning and self-sufficiency. The name comes from the wooden steps leading down to the beach.
Why It Makes the List
The water at Steps is wonderfully calm - classic north shore conditions. It's closer to town than Dionis but has even fewer facilities. Families who don't mind packing everything love it for the peaceful, uncrowded atmosphere.
Age Appropriateness
Best for ages: All ages can enjoy the calm water, but the lack of facilities makes it challenging with babies and toddlers who need frequent diaper changes or bathroom breaks.
Water Conditions
Calm, protected north shore water. Similar gentle conditions to Jetties and Dionis. Great for swimming and wading.
Facilities
- Lifeguards: Limited or no coverage
- Restrooms: No facilities
- No food, no rentals
- Access via wooden steps (can be tricky with strollers)
Parking
Very limited street parking. Biking or walking is recommended.
Food Nearby
Nothing at the beach. Pack everything.
Safety Notes
No lifeguards means parents need to be extra vigilant. The water is calm, but you're on your own for supervision. The steps can be challenging with heavy beach gear or strollers. Not recommended for families who need restroom access.
Quick Comparison: Family Beach Features
| Beach | Calm Water | Lifeguards | Restrooms | Food | Best Ages |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jetties | Yes | Yes | Yes | Full Restaurant | All ages |
| Children's | Very calm | Yes | Yes | Snack bar | 0-6 |
| Surfside | No (waves) | Yes | Yes | Snack bar | 6+ |
| Dionis | Yes | Limited | Basic | None | All ages |
| Steps | Yes | No | No | None | 5+ |
Beach Day Packing List for Kids
After approximately 200 beach trips with three kids, I've refined this list to the essentials. Print it, screenshot it, whatever works - just don't leave home without checking it.
Sun Protection (Non-Negotiable)
- Reef-safe sunscreen SPF 50+ (apply 30 minutes before beach)
- Rash guards / sun shirts for kids (game-changer)
- Wide-brimmed hats that tie under chin (they will blow off otherwise)
- Baby sunglasses with straps for little ones
- Pop-up beach tent or large umbrella for shade
Comfort and Containment
- Beach blanket or towels (one per person plus extras)
- Beach chairs for parents (you deserve to sit)
- Cooler with ice packs
- Large mesh bag for sandy toys
- Waterproof bag for phones and valuables
Food and Hydration
- More water than you think you need (seriously, double it)
- Snacks in sealed containers (goldfish crackers survive sand intrusion)
- Sandwiches or easy lunch items
- Fruit that travels well (grapes, apple slices in water)
- Juice boxes or water bottles with built-in straws
Entertainment
- Sand toys: buckets, shovels, molds
- Beach ball or soft frisbee
- Boogie board for older kids (Surfside only)
- Bubble wands (toddler magic)
- Waterproof camera or phone case for photos
Safety and Cleanup
- First aid kit with band-aids and antiseptic
- Baby powder (removes sand from skin like magic)
- Change of clothes for everyone
- Plastic bags for wet swimsuits
- Extra diapers and wipes if applicable
- Swim diapers (regular diapers explode in water - learned this the hard way)
Water Safety Tips for Children
Here's where I need to be direct. After 28 years on the water around Nantucket, I've seen what happens when families underestimate the ocean - even on calm beaches. These aren't suggestions; they're rules.
The Non-Negotiables
- Always swim with lifeguards present: Their eyes are on the water constantly. Use them.
- Stay within the designated swimming area: Those flags exist for a reason.
- One adult per non-swimmer: You cannot watch multiple non-swimmers simultaneously. Period.
- No floaties in the ocean: Inflatable toys and arm floaties can carry kids into deep water. Life jackets only.
- Watch for warning flags: Red means stay out. Yellow means caution. Obey them.
Understanding Rip Currents
Even calm-looking beaches can have rip currents. Teach older kids what to do if caught in one:
- Don't panic or fight it
- Swim parallel to shore until free of the current
- Then swim back to shore at an angle
- If too tired, float and wave for help
Toddler-Specific Safety
- Keep within arm's reach at all times near water
- Never turn your back - drowning is silent and fast
- Teach "feet in sand" as the rule when a wave approaches
- Consider Coast Guard-approved swim vests for extra security
Signs of a Struggling Swimmer
Drowning doesn't look like the movies. Watch for:
- Head tilted back with mouth open
- Body vertical in water, not horizontal
- Inability to call for help (drowning victims can't yell)
- Eyes glassy or closed
- Hair over forehead or eyes
If you see these signs, get help immediately. Don't wait to see if they "figure it out."
When to Arrive (And When to Leave)
Timing is everything with kids. Here's what I've learned:
Best Arrival Times
- 9:00 - 10:00 AM: Best parking, claim your spot, less crowded
- 3:30 - 4:00 PM: Crowds thin, still warm, leads into sunset
Avoid arriving between 11 AM - 2 PM on weekends. Parking is gone, beaches are packed, and the sun is at its strongest.
The 3-Hour Rule
With young kids, plan for about 3 hours max at the beach. By hour four, someone will be overtired, sandy in uncomfortable places, and probably crying. It might be you. Get out while everyone's still happy.
Weather Considerations
- Morning fog: Common on Nantucket. Usually burns off by 10-11 AM. Wait it out.
- Wind: If it's blowing hard, choose a north shore beach (Jetties, Children's) for shelter
- Overcast days: Still need sunscreen! UV rays penetrate clouds
Nap and Feeding Logistics
The beach doesn't care about your carefully planned schedule. Here's how to adapt:
For Babies (0-1)
- Morning beach, back for nap by 11:30-12
- Nursing or bottles: bring shade, bring privacy if needed
- Baby can nap in a well-shaded beach tent - but watch temperature
- Consider Children's Beach for its calm environment and easy escape to town
For Toddlers (1-3)
- Go early, leave before meltdown hour (usually 11:30-12)
- Alternatively: nap first, beach from 3-6 PM
- Snacks every 30-45 minutes keeps mood stable
- The stroller-nap-at-beach strategy rarely works. Trust me.
For Preschoolers (3-5)
- More flexibility - can usually handle 9 AM - 1 PM or 2-6 PM
- Pack substantial snacks; activity + sun = hungry kids
- Quiet time in shade mid-day helps extend the trip
For School-Age (6+)
- Full day beach trips become possible
- Lunch break at Sandbar (Jetties) or snack bar breaks up the day
- Still enforce sunscreen reapplication every 2 hours
Parent-to-Parent Tips
- The baby powder trick: Dust sandy skin with baby powder, sand brushes right off. Game changer for car ride home.
- Pre-sunscreen at home: Apply 30 minutes before leaving. Less wrestling on the beach.
- Freeze water bottles: They double as ice packs and you'll have cold water later.
- Bring a fitted sheet: Put corners over bags to create a sand-free zone (works better than you'd think).
- Designate a "shoes spot": One location for all flip-flops prevents the pre-departure meltdown search.
- Take photos first: Everyone looks their best in the first 20 minutes. Get the memory shot before the chaos.
- Lower expectations: A "successful" beach day with kids might be 90 minutes. That's okay.
- Embrace the mess: Sand in the car is inevitable. Sand in the house is inevitable. Sand everywhere is inevitable.