🪣 MVacay's Summer 2025 Bucket List - Activities to Do on Martha's Vineyard

Lis's personal picks for new, fun things to do on MV this summer

Jun 02, 2025

I’m showing my cards here…because after this summer you can definitely expect activity spotlights on nearly all of the items on today’s list. Here are the things I’ve added to my summer agenda to do with my kids and family. These are not MVacay-vetted yet, since I haven’t tried them myself!

If you’re newer here and looking for less-niche offerings, this is the guide for you:

⚓ The Giant Martha's Vineyard Summer Activities Guide 2025

Lis Bluford

Mar 11

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I hope my personal bucket list gives you some out-of-the-norm ideas for how to enjoy the beauty of MV in new ways.

🌿 Get Outside

🥾 Hike at The Brick Yard
This trail in Menemsha Hills leads to the old Brickworks ruins and a beach that’s supposed to be beautiful and quiet. Cost: Free / More Info / More Hikes

🧺 Picnic at Tashmoo Spring Building
This spot is easy to miss and always peaceful. I’m planning to bring lunch and let the girls run around. Cost: FREE / More Info / More Picnic Spots

🎨 Take a Class or Workshop

🧘 The VineYard Series at The Yard
Yoga on the Vine is hosting outdoor classes in Chilmark all season: vinyasa on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays, and mat Pilates on Wednesdays. It’s covered but open-air, so you get the breeze without needing backup rain plans. Cost: $30 / More Info / More Yoga Options

🍳 Found Foods Class at FARM Institute
This class with Jenny Devivo starts with harvesting from the garden, then cooking a meal together in the teaching kitchen using whatever’s in season. I’m excited to finally take a class with Jenny! Cost: $75 / More Info / My Farm Institute Review

🔔 Sound Journeys & Sonic Workshops
These sessions have been showing up all over the island—Stillpoint, local libraries, and pop-ups. Some are meditative sound baths, others blend movement, writing, or group sharing. Expect gongs, bowls, and other instruments to calm your nervous system or spark creativity. Cost Varies / One Upcoming Example / Guide to Workshops + Classes

🎟 Evening Plans

🌅 Sunset Cruise with Cottage City Charters
I try to get on a boat at least once a summer, so I’m booking a sunset cruise with my family! It feels so quintessentially Vineyard summer. Cost: $495+ up to 6 people / More Info / More Charter Boats

🎸 Sound of the Vineyard @ Grange Hall
I love an outdoor concert, and this one is free, low-key, and perfectly timed for families. Every Wednesday in July and August from 5–7 PM, local bands play on the lawn. Cost: Free / More Info / More Live Music

🎤 TBD Improv Show
An improv show is #1 on my date night list! More shows are expected to be announced, but so far they’re scheduled for shows at The Barn on June 11, July 9, August 6 at 7 PM. Cost: $15 / More Info / More of My Favorite Events

For the Kids

🐴 Pony Ride at Misty Meadows
Misty Meadows offers short, beginner pony rides. My daughter has been asking, so we’re giving it a go this year. There are tons of drop-in programming options for all ages! Cost: ~$30 / More Info / More Toddler Activities

🐦 Visit Felix Neck Nature Center
I’m planning a simple walk and a stop inside the nature center. Easy and educational without needing a full itinerary. Cost: $3-4 / More Info / More Open Spaces + Playgrounds

⚾️ MV Sharks Game
This one is still on my list because I didn’t go last summer, oops! Low-key, affordable baseball with snacks and space to move around. A classic, nostalgic activity. Cost: $10 / More Info

🍽 Eat Something New

🍝 Try a Newly Opened Restaurant: The Maker Pasta Shop
A new farm-to-table concept in Vineyard Haven with handmade pasta. They opened in May, and I’m so excited to see what’s on the menu throughout the summer! More Info / More New Restaurants

🍴 Old Favorites That Are New Again: The Wharf
Every summer I revisit places I haven’t been in years. Even if I’ve written something off before, I like to give old favorites a try to see how they’ve evolved. More Info / More Seafood

🌽 Farmstand Tour
I love

Anne Manning

’s idea about a Farmstand Crawl. Beetlebung is a definite stop, I’ve been stalking their “Weekly Dig” Instagram posts for previews. I’ll keep an eye on

Susie Middleton

’s picks and bring my friends for a day-long excursion up-island!

🧾 History + Island Culture

🦈 Jaws Exhibit at MV Museum
I might not make it to many Jaws 50th Events, but I’ll definitely stop by the exhibit on the filming of Jaws. Cost: $21 / More Info / More Jaws Programming

🏛 Aquinnah Cultural Center
I want to learn more about Wampanoag history and culture. This is the place to start! I plan to incorporate it in an up-island trip before a stop at Philbin Beach. Cost: $5 / More Info

🖼️ MV Glassworks
A bit tucked away, it would be fun to stop in and watch the glassblowers and browse the shop. Cost: Free More Info / More Arts on MV

Now more than ever, it’s also on my list to be cautious and proactive about tick checks this summer. I’ll keep reminding you!