MARTHA’S VINEYARD – A CHILDREN’S PIECE OF HEAVEN

…that is ….CHILDREN OF ALL AGES!

“When I was a child and came to Martha’s Vineyard….”. How many times have these words come out of my mouth and the mouths of a myriad of others over the generations.

It’s no wonder you hear adults reminiscing about childhood vacations spent on Martha’s Vineyard as the island is a wonderful , magical place for kids.

SUNNY OR RAINY DAYS:

The Flying Horses -    Ride the world’s oldest Carousal, a National Landmark, in Oak Bluffs. If you grab the brass ring you get a free ride? Another challenge – see how many rings you can grab at one pass. You’ll understand when you get there?! Be sure to look into the large horses’ eyeballs!

Glass blowing  at M.V. Glassworks in  West Tisbury  (508)693-6026 – www.MVGlassworks.com – A magical art well worth seeing, especially on a rainy day!
Fishing off the Edgartown Town Dock (even on a rainy day as it has a roof) – get fishing tackle at Larry’s Tckle Shop on Main Street -
Books, books, books at Bunch of Grape’s Book Store on Main Street in Vineyard Haven or the Town Libraries.
Beadniks in Vineyard Haven – (508)693-7650 - and this is not just for girls! A feast for the eyes and a great place to let your creative juices flow as you make bracelets, pendants, earrings, etc.. Help available for the ones who need it. Take Dad for the heck of it!
M.V. Museum on Cooke & School Street in Edgartown  508-627-4441 – A real treat!

SUNNY and CLOUDY DAYS are better for these:

Lighthouse tours – Call 508-627-4441 for information

Ghosts, Gossip, & Downright Scandal walking tours. 508-627-8619 -

Chappy Ferry in Edgartown – Take a ride on this little “soap box” ferry and take along your swim gear so you can swim on the Chappaquiddick beach on the other side.

Build a Sandcastle!  Take a bucket & net or seine and explore the tidal ponds. Remember to put back your catch after about 5 minutes!

Felix Neck Wildlife Preserve off Edgartown/Vineyard Haven Road– check out all the programs, walk the field, forest and shore trails or enjoy the mini-salt water “zoo”. (508) 627-4850 .   http://www.massaudubon.org/Nature_Connection/Sanctuaries/Felix_Neck/index.php

Gus Ben David’s House of Birds and Reptiles -  (508)627-5634 - off Edgartown/Vineyard Haven Road  Reptilesandbirds.com

The FARM Institute  - (508) 627-7007  www.farminstitute.org  at Katama Farms in Edgartown is another great stop for the “young” farmers of tomorrow (ages 2-to 100+!). It is an educational farm that teaches children and adults in a most entertaining way about sustainable agriculture, regularly hosts morning chores, and has summer camp programs for all ages.
Evening picnic by the Gazebo in Ocean Park overlooking Vineyard Sound in Oak Bluffs. Once a week in season there is an old fashion Band Concert – march around the bandstand or just sit and tap you feet.
Island Alpaca Company  - (508)693-5554 www.islandalpaca.com/  for fuzzy fun and warm, fuzzy products for all ages to buy.
Mini-Golf at Island Cove on State Road. In Vineyard Haven.
A great spot to bring kids is State Beach on Beach Road between Oak Bluffs and Edgartown. The five mile stretch features calm water, sand bars, lots of parking, and a snack truck with stellar frozen lemonade.
Whether a Martha’s Vineyard Vacation Rental guest of Sandcastle or not, do not hesitate to call us at Sandcastle Vacation Homes (dba Sandcastle Realty Inc.)  - 508-627-5665 - for other ideas, directions or with any other questions you might have..

THESE ARE BUT A HANDFUL OF ADVENTURES TO BE HAD!