7 Things To Do With Kids On Martha’s Vineyard
VISIT THE OLDEST CAROUSEL IN MA
Flying Horses Carousel, 15 Lake Ave, Oak Bluffs, MA 02557
This is the oldest Carousel in MA and the nostalgia is palpable. The horses look vintage and they play old school carousel music as it goes ‘round. Our kids loved it and wanted to go around twice. One ride is $3.50 per person.
PRO TIP: If your child sits on the outskirt of the carousel they do the ring game where you pass a contraption that feeds you little rings and each time you pass you have to grab one. If you get the golden ring, you win a free ride. Its a fun little game for the kids while they ride.
GO TO RYAN’S ARCADE
Ryan Family Amusements, 19 Circuit Ave, Oak Bluffs, MA 02557
Inside the Carousel house there is a mini arcade but the big one is up the road a little at the address above. It’s a two floor arcade with lots of games for the kiddos. If you have smaller children you will have to help them with a majority of the games but they will still have fun. To play, you purchase a card with “tokens” on it and for each game it registers how many “tickets” you received and when you’re done you can bring your card down to the prize area and “purchase” prizes with your tickets.
WALK TO EDGARTOWN LIGHTHOUSE
121 N Water St, Edgartown, MA 02539
This lighthouse is my favorite area in Martha’s Vineyard. Located a bus ride away from Oaks Bluff in Edgartown, its a scenic walk to the lighthouse which also has a beach right behind where you can actually go in the ocean. You can go inside and climb to the top for a $5 entry free for adults (children under 12 yrs old are free) It’s open 10am-4pm. These times may vary for off season visiting. But even if you visit off season when it’s cold, its a beautiful walk and the kids love exploring what they see along the way. We brought these seashell bags so they could collect seashells on the beach.
GET ICE CREAM AT MAD MARTHA’S
7 N Water St, Edgartown, MA 02539
Mad Martha’s is a staple ice cream shop in Martha’s Vineyard. They have multiple locations around the island and it’s one of the only ice cream shops open all year round. MV is known for it’s fresh homemade ice cream and fudge so having them on the island is a must! They even have vegan friendly options. We went to the one in Edgartown because that’s where we were staying but you can visit any of the locations closest to you on your visit.
VISIT THE GINGERBREAD HOUSES
62 Trinity Park, Oak Bluffs, MA 02557
Well you can’t come to Martha’s Vineyard without visiting the famous Gingerbread Houses. There is an area in Oaks Bluff with these cute little Victorian Cottages all designed differently with beautiful intricate details. These houses are historical landmarks and the structures can not be changed. Even if you are not big on history (like me) they are really cute to see. People still live in these houses though so be respectful of them. We went off season when most of the houses are unoccupied but during peak season you can often see people on their patios enjoying the weather. There is also a little museum in the area that teaches you more about these historical Gingerbread Houses.
GO TO MORNING GLORY FARM
120 Meshacket Rd, Edgartown, MA 02539
Morning Glory farm is a little farm and grocery store in Edgartown. They offer fresh coffees, teas, produce and baked goods for purchase. In the front are benches where you can hang out and sit and they even have some toys and games for kids. During peak season they have a food truck offering prepared foods made with fresh local ingredients. The local bus actually stops right in front of it so it’s easy to navigate to if you don’t have a car on the island.
ENJOY THE PARK
Ocean Park, 2 Seaview Ave, Oak Bluffs, MA 02557
This iconic park is located in the center of Oak Bluffs and right near where the ferry drops you off on the island. Its a beautiful large green space with a gazebo where you enjoy a nice book, ice cream or just some chill time. It is also steps away from the ocean. There are benches planted all around the park for your leisure. It’s also a great space to just let the kids run around and play. Be mindful to bring a blanket if you would like to sit on the grass, there is an influx on geese and they love to poop all around so I definitely do not recommend sitting bare bum on the ground.
