👨👩👧👦 Toddler-Friendly Activities on Martha's Vineyard
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👨👩👧👦 Toddler-Friendly Activities on Martha's Vineyard
our favorite playgrounds, beaches, restaurants and more for kids under 5
Last year I published our kid-friendly guide, but toddlers are very different so I decided they needed their own guide. As a mom to two under two, we’ve explored many areas of this island and found our go-to’s. For a morning or afternoon outing, I love to pair a casual restaurant with an open, safe area where kids can explore. I’ve rounded up our favorites below, and would love to hear if there are any you suggest!
Playgrounds
West Tisbury Town Hall Playground
Right behind Town Hall, this playground features several swings and a small play structure for younger kids. There are picnic benches too if you want to bring a snack
Niantic Park
Niantic Park is a great place near downtown OB to meet friends coming in from the ferry. The playground has three structures with a nautical theme - a lighthouse, boat and large tall slide. While it’s not fenced in, it has plenty of shade and is conveniently located.
Edgartown School Playground
This playground is nestled to the right of The Edgartown School, but it’s NOT the school playground! You can go anytime. It has two structures, one of which is old and wooden, and the other which is newer and great for toddlers. Beware though - it’s floor is sand! So bring what you need accordingly to get cleaned up or play in sand.
Airport Playground
This is a very small and simple playground, but it’s very cool to have a place that you can watch the planes come and go.
Beaches
Owen Park Beach
A parent’s dream for an easy in-and-out - you can park right next to this shallow beach, there’s almost always parking. It has a short path you can bring your stroller down. It’s fun to watch the boats come and go. We love the shallow water for ease of supervising.
State Beach
Another short walk and shallow, calm waters option! The side towards Edgartown has smoother sand and the side towards OB is rockier, so you can choose your adventure!
Jetty (Eastville) Beach
Another shallow, calm option.
Sit-down Restaurants
Katama Kitchen
We love the outdoor open option where kids can watch the planes take off and land. A casual atmosphere! We love stopping here on our way to the beach.
Coop De Ville
A kid-friendly menu, and great to pair with a stroller walk around the harbor after.
Linda Jeans
We love a kid-friendly breakfast option!
Other options with kids menus (not just kid-friendly options at adult prices): Black Dog Tavern (verbal menu), Bombay Indian, Giordano’s, Sharky’s, Waterside Market, Town
Casual Grab-and-Go Restaurants
Noman’s
A protected area for kids to roam freely and play with outdoor games
Morning Glory Farm
Their food truck has a kids menu! There’s plenty of space outside at the picnic tables that’s protected for toddlers to run around
Catboat Coffee
We love grabbing a coffee and breakfast sandwich and roaming in the adjacent field early in the morning
Other Adventures
Libraries
Check out the story hours and robust programming for kiddos - Oak Bluffs, Vineyard Haven, Edgartown, West Tisbury, Aquinnah, Chilmark. There are also indoor play areas for rainy days when you need something dry
MV Family Center
The MV Family Center has indoor and outdoor play options and classes for kiddos, be sure to check their schedule
Martha’s Vineyard Museum
There is a downstairs hands-on play area for kids is a great option for a rainy or hot day (they do charge admission but have memberships)
Of course, if you’re interested in membership-based options there is also the Boys + Girls Club, YMCA and FARM Institute.
Logistical Notes
Travel: If you’re coming from out of town, consider using MV Baby Rent if you need toys or other toddler and baby essentials once you arrive.
Strollers: For stroller friendly walks we suggest the Gingerbread houses and along State beach.
