I’m excited to share access to the Big Family Guide with MVacay Paid Subscribers!
If you’re not interested in becoming a paid subscriber, you can also buy the MVacay Family Guide on Etsy for $10.
Traveling to Martha’s Vineyard with kids shouldn’t require 27 browser tabs. Think of this guide like your cool mom BFF who lives on MV giving you a peek into her insider playbook.
This PDF brings together everything I’ve written on MVacay.com over the past 15+ years about visiting the island. I’ve condensed dozens of blog posts, insider tips, and community-sourced recs into this printable, on-the-go resource for easy planning.
🧭 Planning & Logistics
📅 When to Visit: Events to Plan Around (Annual Highlights)
⛴️ How to Get Here & Ferry Wait Tips
🏡 Where to Stay: Kid-Friendly Areas, Rentals, Hotels
🚗 Getting Around with Kids: Car, Ferry, Walkable Towns
🎒 Packing & Food
🎒 Packing Insight
🍽️ Where to Eat with Kids
☀️ Early Openers & Coffee Stops
🎡 Things to Do
🎠 Indoor, Rainy Day, & Winter Activities
🌳 Outdoor Activities & Beaches
🎟️Activities for Teens
💸 Budget-Savers & Free Activities
📋 Sample Itineraries
📸Family Photo Tips
By-Town Cheat Sheet Guides
⛵ Oak Bluffs Family Cheat Sheet
🐟 Edgartown Family Cheat Sheet
⚓️ Vineyard Haven Family Cheat Sheet
🐚 Up-Island (West Tisbury • Chilmark • Aquinnah)
🛟 On-the-Ground Help
🍼 High Chair, Stroller, Crib Tips and Rental Notes
🚑 Emergency & Parent Resources (Urgent Care, Ticks, Babysitters)
✅ Final Checklist: Smoothest Family Trip Possible
Readers Note: There are MVacay.com Guides you can access to all of these topics that have more in depth information (and information for non-families too) but this guide distills just the family friendly links HERE and does not link out to other MVacay Guides.
Use this like a field guide: skim the Planning bits before you book, then flip to Things to Do and Itineraries once you’re here.
⭐️ MVacay’s Top Picks: Throughout this guide, look for the star to spot our personal favorites. These are places and tips we truly recommend from first-hand experience.