Traveling with really little ones is no small feat. Car seats, pack and plays, more diapers and wipes than any reasonable person would think possible. Do you want to bring a stroller or will you be able to manage with a carrier? Will a sound machine be enough or should you get a SlumberPod® too? How many pouches is too many pouches? Do we really need to bring Big Moo, Rhino and Orange Guy or can we get away with just one stuffie? (I think we all know the answer to that last one.)

For a Vineyard vacation, add to all that the challenge of getting to the Island. Making ferry reservations can be fraught. You wonder if you really need to bring your car. Maybe you should fly? But with all that stuff…

The good news is, however you get here and regardless of how many stuffies stow away for the journey, you’ve come to the right place. I’m here to tell you that there are some truly amazing activities for families with really little ones on this special Island. I live here year-round and I’m happy to share some of my favorites, tried and tested by my own kids, Aurora (two and a half years old) and Oscar (almost one).

And if you live here year-round, but this is your first summer with a baby or toddler in tow, you’ll find that going anywhere with little ones will have you looking at the Island through a whole new lens.

MVY Airport Playground

71 Airport Road, West Tisbury

When people ask me what my favorite Island playground is, I answer “Martha’s Vineyard Airport (MVY)Playground” without hesitation. It’s not the newest or the biggest playground, but this place really has it all. A little play structure that is ideal for the three-and-under crowd. A swing set complete with a baby seat. Picnic tables under shady trees. Bouncy spring riders shaped like airplanes. And, of course, a prime view of literal airplanes taking off and landing. Such a thrill!

There are also many other amenities within the airport terminal itself. Spacious bathrooms with changing stations in both the men’s and women’s (IYKYK). A restaurant serving up some of the best chocolate chip pancakes on the Island. And ample parking that is free if you stay less than two hours.

One thing to be mindful of is that MVY is currently in the middle of a terminal renovation project (going on through 2028), so there may be some disruptions. But then again, our kids are squarely in the phase of life where construction trucks have their own allure. Cue Blippi’s “Excavator Song” for the 214th time this year.

Island Libraries

Located in all six towns (see list and map below)

I get emotional when I talk about how lucky we are to live in a place that has six incredible libraries. Every town on the Island has their own , and each one is special in its own right. What gets me even more emotional is how much these libraries feel like safe havens for families in the thick of parenting really little kids.

I’ll never forget when I was freshly postpartum with Oscar, heading home to Edgartown from up-Island, and the little guy was absolutely losing it. My husband and I quickly decided that we couldn’t bear to be in the car with a screaming infant for 15 more minutes, so we opted for an impromptu stop at the West Tisbury [Public] Library. Aurora was instantly entertained by the train table and puppet theatre, and I was able to settle into a little couch and nurse Oscar into oblivion. Then the librarian gave us a graham cracker snack, and we all lived happily ever after. The end!

But in all seriousness, you can absolutely count on the Island libraries to provide kid-friendly spaces, enriching programming, diapering zones and even a snack or two. I encourage you to visit the library in your town (or any Island town) and see what sort of programs and events they’ve got going on. We’re partial to Wiggle with the Words at the Edgartown [Public] Library and Kid’s Music Class at the West Tisbury [Public] Library.

1. Edgartown Public Library, 26 Edgartown-West Tisbury Road 

2. Oak Bluffs Public Library, 56R School street

3. Vineyard Haven Public Library, 15 Church street

4. West Tisbury Free Public Library, 1042 State Road

5. Chilmark Free Public Library, 522 South Road

6. Aquinnah Public Library, 1 Church street

Katama Bay at Low Tide

Katama Town Landing, 87 Edgartown Bay Road, Edgartown

Okay, hear me out. Sometimes the thought of going to the beach with really little ones just feels like too much. I know this sounds ridiculous coming from a person who lives on an Island covered with beautiful beaches. But it’s true! What if you could have just a small hit of the seaside experience without all the rigmarole of a full-on beach excursion? That’s where Katama Bay at low tide comes into play.

First, check the tide chart and see if there is a low-tide time that works well with the nap schedule. Our family likes to park at the Katama Town Landing. The fact that there is an easy parking situation here is key. I love the gentle waves and warm sand at State Beach as much as the next gal, but the parking situation can get very tricky when you’re schlepping all that baby beach gear.

Once you’ve timed the tide, parked the car, wrestled the baby into their swimwear, hat and sunscreen, it’s time to hit the bay. With your kids-in-arms, head toward the boat ramp and then veer off to the right, over the little break wall and along the waterline. Under watchful supervision, itty bitties can dip their toes in the water, little sitters can happily splash in the shallows, adventurous walkers can traipse out a little further into the bay. Take a deep breath and enjoy the wonderful vista. Maybe you see a horseshoe crab! Maybe you dig for a clam! Maybe you count the seagulls! You did it! You got in the water! And best of all your car is right there for a quick getaway.

Martha’s Vineyard Museum

151 Lagoon Pond Road, Vineyard Haven

There are plenty of places on the Island to take in a bit of history, but our favorite is the Martha’s Vineyard Museum. If you head down the stairs flanking the Fresnel lens, you’ll find the Hands-On History permanent exhibit. This is an engaging space designed for kids to discover what makes Martha’s Vineyard a unique place. There was a kinetic sand table there during our last visit which was a real hit with Aurora.

There is an admission fee for adults, ranging from $12 to $21 depending on age and whether you’re an Island resident; the fee for children ages 7 to 17 is $7; children 6 and under enter free. Worth noting (and celebrating) is the fact that the museum participates in Mass Cultural Council’s Card to Culture program, making cultural programming accessible to those for whom cost may be a barrier. This means that EBT, WIC and ConnectorCare cardholders receive free admission to the museum.

There are a few other noteworthy aspects of the small-but-mighty museum campus. The front lawn boasts an impressive view of Lagoon Pond. The back courtyard holds the Rose Styron Garden with lovely stonework created by renowned artist Lew French. And when the inevitable snack attack happens, the First Light Café has grab-and-go offerings, light refreshments and comfy seating arrangements.

Flying Horses Carousel

15 Lake Avenue, Oak Bluffs

Last but certainly not least is another Island institution: the Flying Horses Carousel. Martha’s Vineyard just so happens to be home to America’s oldest platform carousel — and it is celebrating its 150th birthday this year. Can you believe that? 150 years! By my estimation, that means millions and millions of riders have been delighted by this classic ride.

Constructed in 1876, it was originally operated as an attraction on Coney Island. But just a few years later, in 1884, it moved to its home in Oak Bluffs. In 1986 it was acquired by the Vineyard Preservation Trust which protected it from the rabid collectors of antique carved horses that would rather have seen it dismantled and auctioned off. Now families can continue to enjoy the immaculate vibes served up by the lovingly restored horses.

Even the really little ones can have a great time on the carousel. In addition to the horses,there are chariot-style benches which make holding a little rider easy. This was how Oscar had his first ride when he was one month old. Grownups can stand next to the horses and support the slightly bigger little ones who want to go for a ride. Cheers to the next 150 years of trying to catch the brass ring!

These are just a few of the ways to explore and enjoy the Island with really little ones in tow. There are also great walking trails, friendly farmstands and community events that are all excellent kid-oriented activities. Check the Vineyard Gazette’s calendar for upcoming events. Most importantly, take a deep breath, remind yourself that they’re only this little for such a short time and go make some memories.

 

Morgen Schroeder is the Fairy Cheesemother behind Martha’s Vineyard Cheesery and co-founder of Catboat Coffee Co. Read her newsletter, Finding Your Cheese, on Substack.