👶 12 Ways to Make it Easier to Travel to Martha’s Vineyard with Kids
Plus, announcing MVacay's BIG Family Guide!
Visiting anywhere with kids is challenging. But an ISLAND?! Phew. It’s a lot… let me help make it easier for ya!
🧸 MVacay’s BIG *Family* Guide to Martha’s Vineyard
Today I’m announcing my first ever ~fully comprehensive yet simple~ Family Guide PDF! 23 pages. 50+ MVacay guides distilled into one printable, on-the-go field guide. Paid subscribers can open it on MVacay.com today. Everyone else can grab the 23-page PDF on Etsy for $10. Updated for 2026.
I have 12 tips for you today about what to plan, pack and prepare for before you arrive to make your trip here successful.
🚢 Getting Here + Getting Around
If you’re in the beginning stages of planning your trip, start by deciding how long you’ll stay and how you’ll get to MV If you’re coming for 2–7 days, I suggest you:
Rent a House: I highly recommend renting a home. The best-case scenario is something walking distance to downtown Edgartown or Oak Bluffs. Hotel rooms here are often small and not ideal for families. Hotels + Housing Guide
Bring a Car: If you do, you can pack car seats, snacks, scooters, and the pack-n-play. Book your ferry months early so you can get a time that works with your kiddo’s schedule. If bringing a car isn’t doable, try to stay walking distance to town with a solid stroller setup.
If you’re coming for a day trip, that’s great too! Skip the gear and keep it simple. Oak Bluffs with Kids Day Trip Itinerary
👶 Baby Gear Rentals
Lighten your load by renting bulky items on-island. These services deliver clean, safe cribs, strollers, high chairs, beach toys, and more right to your door.
I know it might be tempting to try to order or mail items to your destination. I would advise against that because Amazon and other mail delivery services are often delayed, and will not get there in the quoted amount of time. Also, hotels and home rentals can not guarantee they can store packages until your arrival. If you’re in a pinch try using Island Runner to pick something up from a locker or store in Falmouth for you.
🦟 Be Prepared for Bugs + Ticks
MV is beautiful, but tick-borne illnesses are common. Ticks live in grassy areas, wooded trails, and even beach paths. Use child-safe bug spray daily, and do an evening tick check. Nymphs and larvae can be as small as the tip of a pen and are easy to miss. Natural Bug Spray + Tick Prevention Guide
🛒 Save on Food: Bring Groceries
Island grocery prices can be steep. Bring shelf-stable groceries and snacks, or stop on the mainland before your ferry. Market Basket, Shaw’s, and Aldi are all convenient stops. Pack a cooler with milk, juice, yogurt, and easy kid foods so you’re not forced into an immediate supermarket run when you arrive. Grocery Guide
🧥 Pack Wisely for the Weather
Bring a pair of pants for each kid, even in summer. Vineyard mornings and evenings can be chilly, especially if you're used to hot summers. But I don’t mind buying a new Black Dog hoodie every summer!
🗺️ Group Activities by Town
Martha’s Vineyard has six towns, and summer traffic can make driving slow. To avoid constant shuffling (and car seat meltdowns), plan your activities one town at a time. This minimizes travel time and helps keep outings manageable. Kids Activities Guide
🏖️ Choose Toddler-Friendly Beaches
Look for calm water and easy access. Joseph Sylvia State Beach (between Oak Bluffs and Edgartown) is a favorite for its gentle surf and soft sand. The Bend-in-the-Road section has lifeguards and is especially good for families with small children. In Vineyard Haven, Owen Park is a harbor beach where you can park right next to the sand, which makes unloading kids and gear a breeze. Beach Guide
🥪 Dine Outside + Picnic Instead of Eating In
In summer, restaurants can have long waits and crowded dining rooms—stressful with little kids. A better option is to order takeout and head to a park or beach. Many spots offer online ordering, which makes things even easier. Picnic Guide / Dining Guide
🧻 Restroom Planning
Bring a travel potty + know public restroom spots: Many beaches and parks either lack bathrooms or have seasonal-only facilities. A portable potty in the car is a lifesaver. Also: familiarize yourself with public restroom locations before you head out. Restroom Guide
🌅 Make Use of Early Mornings
If your kids are up early, take advantage of the quiet hours on MV. Head to playgrounds, beaches, or popular attractions first thing, when parking is easy and the island is still peaceful. Morning outings also beat the heat and avoid the crowds. This can be the best time to explore places like the Campground in Oak Bluffs, grab breakfast when cafes open at 7 AM, or walk through town before the day kicks off. Playground Guide
🛏️ Build in Downtime
Toddlers crash hard. Plan for a midday break, whether it’s nap time back at your rental or a stroller snooze in a shady park. A little rest goes a long way in making the rest of the day smoother and more enjoyable.
🎈 Take Advantage of Free Fun
Some of the best kid-friendly things on MV are totally free. Think: beach time, story hours at libraries, local playgrounds, nature trails, ferry and plane watching, kite flying, shell collecting…these things are just better here! Free Activities Guide
🎒 Lis’s Personal Packing Insight
Since mail delivery is unpredictable, consider packing these lightweight essentials to bring with you instead of searching for options when you arrive.
Pants – Even in August! Especially for evening walks or hikes.
Trash bags – Beaches often don’t have trash cans.
Snacks + Shelf Stable Groceries – If you’re budget conscious and have room in the car this will save you money considering the inflated cost of groceries here.
Tick Protection
Insect Shield (use code MVacay15 for 15% off)
My Order: Insect Shield Permethrin Spray (for Shoes, Pants + Sweatshirts) and Insect Shield Socks (Youth + Adult)
Other Family Go-Tos
I hope these tips help make your trip smoother and more fun!
This is an OUTSTANDING set of tips Lis! Our kids are grown but a granddaughter arrived earlier this spring so your Guide will come in handy soon I am sure!
Such a good resource!!!