📅 Itinerary: Day Trip to Oak Bluffs with Kids
a ferry-friendly day trip for toddler parents coming to Martha's Vineyard from Cape Cod during Summer
If you’re coming to Martha’s Vineyard just for the day with young kids in tow, Oak Bluffs is your best bet! It’s walkable, colorful, full of playgrounds and open spaces, and easily accessible by ferry. This itinerary works best for 9 AM–4 PM ferry times, which match well with nap windows and keep things relaxed.
🛳️ Getting To MV from Cape Cod
Three ferries run regularly between Cape Cod and Oak Bluffs in the summer:
Island Queen (Falmouth) – Passenger-only ferry, seasonal, easy boarding, quick 35-min ride. Parking available nearby. You may want to pre-book .
Steamship Authority (Woods Hole) – Passenger and car ferry. Runs more frequently, year-round. Slightly longer ride (~45 min). Parking is in off-site lots with a shuttle to the terminal. You shouldn’t need to pre-book as a passenger.
HyLine (Hyannis) - High-speed passenger-only service, seasonal, approx. 1 hour each way. You may want to pre-book.
Depending on where you are on the Cape, these land you right in downtown Oak Bluffs, a perfect home base for a kid-friendly Vineyard day. My pick for with kids would be Island Queen because you don’t need the additional shuttle.
🎠 Itinerary: How to Spend a Kid-Friendly Day in Oak Bluffs
Below is my go-to summer day trip plan for visiting Oak Bluffs with little kids.
🕘 Morning: Beach + Playground Energy Burn
Run around Ocean Park or Inkwell Beach
Wide open space for running, right across from the ferry dock. Ocean Park has a gazebo and is great for kites. If you’re prepared for sand, Inkwell has shallow water and a sandy stretch for toes in the sand. If not, let kids walk on the fishing pier.Coffee Stop for Parents
Grab an iced latte at Aalia’s Coffee and a muffin for the kiddos.
Explore the Gingerbread Houses
Wander through the MVCMA Campground and let kids marvel at the colorful houses. Safe paths and shade make it a quick, charming stop.Niantic Park Playground
A 5-minute walk from downtown, this playground is great for all ages. It has basketball courts, picnic tables, and clean restrooms. There’s not much shade, so come early and bring hats.
🕛 Lunch at Nomans
Shuttle or walk to Nomans
Take the Vineyard Transit Authority (VTA) Route #13 shuttle from Ocean Park (look for the Church St. stop) to Nomans. Nomans also has a free shuttle (look for the teal van) that can take you the short distance. Or, if your kids are in a good groove, enjoy a stroller walk down Beach Road. This would be long enough walk that the napping kids would fall asleep in the stroller ;)Nomans
Spacious outdoor spot with counter ordering, fenced play areas, yard games, and picnic tables. Great casual lunch for kids with grilled cheese, fries and chicken tenders.
🕒 Afternoon: Classic OB Fun
Stroller Walk Back
You’ll pass Lagoon Pond and Ocean Park again.
Optional Treat Stop
Ben + Bill’s is nearby if you’re up for ice cream (no strollers allowed inside though). One adult can run in while the other waits in Healy Square.
Flying Horses Carousel
Don’t skip this! America’s oldest carousel is right downtown and a rite of passage for Vineyard visitors. Try to catch the brass ring and play some arcade games. If you come when this is closed, you can also check Ryan Amusements.Snack + Catch Your Ferry
Grab chicken fingers and fries from TigerHawk Sandwich Co. (across from Flying Horses) and head back to the dock. Their takeout is fast and ferry-friendly. Be sure to arrive about 20-30 minutes before your ferry is set to depart, lines can get long to board.
👶 Final Notes for Families
This itinerary avoids long waits and is fully walkable or stroller-friendly
Niantic Park (near playground)
Town restrooms at the Oak Bluffs ferry terminal
Nomans has indoor restrooms and changing tables
Bring sunscreen, water bottles, and a hat for each kid
The biggest selections for kids souvenir clothes would be at Basics, Black Dog (in the lower level), Soft as a Grape, and Vineyard Vines.
If you need waters and snacks, try Reliable Market.
Check the MVacay Weekend Update before you come for any family events or surprises (street festivals, markets, live music on weekends).
