USA & Canada · Best Jun–Sep
Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard packing list for families
The islands look like a classic summer beach trip, but the ocean breeze and evening fog mean you need more layers than you'd guess. Here's how to pack for bikes, beaches, and cool nights on the water.
Photo by Keenan Shepard on Unsplash
Kristina's notes on Nantucket & Martha's Vineyard
- Pack a real fleece or windbreaker even in July. The ferry deck and island evenings run cool and foggy, and the kids will want it on the boat.
- If you're bringing a car, book the ferry the moment reservations open in winter. Summer car spots go fast, and honestly most families do fine with bikes and taxis.
- My favorite move with kids is renting bikes for the whole stay. The paths are flat and well marked, and biking to the beach turns into the best part of the day.
Best timeJun–Sep
PlugsUS plugs, no adapter needed
MoneyUS dollar
PassportNot for US citizens
Your packing edit
Nantucket & Martha's Vineyard
This time of year
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Carry-on17
Carry-on suitcase per personKristina's pick
Packing cubes, one color per personKristina's pickEveryone knows exactly which cube is theirs.
Kids' headphones, volume-limited
Tablet with downloaded shows
Snack box with dividers
Reusable water bottles
Change of clothes for each kid
Car seat travel bag
Travel neck pillow for the grown-ups
Kids' travel pillow
Light blanket or large scarf for the plane
Change of shirt for the grown-upsSpills on a kid mean spills on you.
Baby wipes, even for big kids
Kids' backpack for their own things
Coloring book, sticker book, or activity pad
A new book or two
Gum or mints
Clothing14
Daytime outfits8 per person
Pajamas2 per person
One nicer outfit for dinners and photos
Underwear and socks9 per person
Light sweater or sweatshirt per personPlanes, restaurants, and evenings run cool.
Light rain jacket per person
Leggings or comfy travel pants for the flight
Shorts and skirts
Swim cover-ups
Belt
Sports bra or workout clothes
Socks for closed shoes, plus a spare pair
Pajamas for the first night in the carry-onIf a bag is late, bedtime still happens.
Packable windbreakerFerry rides and foggy evenings are chilly even in summer.
Shoes3
Sandals
Flip-flops or slides for the pool and shower
Dress shoes or nicer sandals
Beach & pool14
Swimsuits2 per person
UPF rash guardsKristina's pick
Mineral sunscreen
Wide-brim sun hats
Swim diapers
Hyperlite life jacket for boat and ocean daysKristina's pickA properly fitted life jacket for boats and open water.
Lightweight beach tote
Goggles
Sand toys that nest flat
Pool float or swim vest for little swimmers
Waterproof phone pouch
After-sun aloe
Sand-free beach towel
Collapsible beach cartMany beaches have a walk from the bike rack or lot to the sand.
Adventure1
Kids' bike helmetsKristina's pickRentals have them, but your own fits better for daily rides.
Little ones12
Diapers and wipesenough for 3 days, buy the rest there
Portable sound machineKristina's pickMakes every hotel room feel like home.
Travel blackout shades
Favorite lovey, plus a backup
Sippy cup or straw cup
Bibs and a few spoons
Portable changing pad
Diaper cream
Baby monitor
Fitted crib sheet from homeA familiar smell helps babies sleep in a new crib.
Outlet covers
Potty seat or folding potty
Little things20
AirTag in each checked bagKristina's pickYou'll know your bag made the connection before you do.
Stain remover penGelato happens. Photos still look great.
Laundry detergent sheetsOne sink wash halfway through means packing half the clothes.
Gallon zip bags, a handfulWet swimsuits, sandy shoes, and the occasional car-sick emergency.
Pen in your carry-onFor arrival forms, so you're not borrowing one in the immigration line.
Hair ties and a small detangling brush
Hand sanitizer wipes and pocket tissues
Lollipops or gum for takeoff and landingSwallowing helps little ears pop.
A few wrapped surprise toys for the flightUnwrapping buys you twenty minutes. Unwrapping slowly buys thirty.
Stick-on battery night lightHotel rooms are pitch dark, and the bathroom is never where they expect.
Kids' nail clippers and tweezersSplinters from boardwalks and docks are a vacation classic.
Kids' sunglasses
Wet bag for swimsuits
Electrolyte packetsHot days and long walks catch up with kids before they say they're thirsty.
Earplugs and an eye mask for the grown-ups
Small foldable tote for souvenirs and laundry
Sewing kit and safety pins
Luggage tags
Collapsible water bottle for the grown-ups
Sunglasses for the grown-ups
Health & toiletries20
Travel first-aid kit
Kids' fever reducer and allergy medicine
Bug spray
Hanging toiletry bag
Toothbrushes and toothpaste
Shampoo, conditioner, and body wash
Deodorant
Hairbrush, comb, and hair ties
Face wash and moisturizer
Makeup and makeup remover
Razor
Contact lenses, solution, and glasses
Prescription medicines in original bottlesKeep them in your carry-on, never in checked bags.
Bandages and blister pads
Kids' thermometer
Anti-itch cream
Hand lotion and SPF lip balm
Feminine products
Clear quart bag for liquids
Tick repellent and tick removerTicks are common in the dunes and tall grass on both islands.
Documents & tech15
Portable phone chargerKristina's pick
Driver's licenses and kids' IDs
Health insurance cards
Travel insurance details
Credit cards with no foreign transaction fees
Some cash in small billsFor tips, taxis, and markets.
Photos of passports and IDs on your phone
Booking confirmations saved offline
Phone chargers and cables for everyone
Multi-port wall chargerOne outlet, every device charged by morning.
Tablet chargers and kids' headphones adapter
Wireless earbuds for the grown-ups
Airplane Bluetooth adapter for seatback screens
Camera and memory card
E-reader
The outfit edit
Nautical
White, navy, signal red, sand
For photos
- Navy and white with a red accent
- Sail-away on deck
Tap any piece to shop the look.
Month by month
Nantucket & Martha's Vineyard weather and what's happening
Typical daytime highs and what each month feels like with kids.
| Month | Typical high | What it's like | Don't miss |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 40°F 4°C | Cold, gray, and windy. Many shops and restaurants close or keep short hours. | |
| February | 40°F 4°C | Cold, gray, and windy. Many shops and restaurants close or keep short hours. | |
| March | 45°F 7°C | Cold, gray, and windy. Many shops and restaurants close or keep short hours. | |
| April | 52°F 11°C | Cool spring with slowly warming days. Water is still very cold, and fog is common. | Nantucket's Daffodil Festival in late April, with millions of blooms and a vintage car parade. |
| May | 61°F 16°C | Cool spring with slowly warming days. Water is still very cold, and fog is common. | |
| June | 70°F 21°C | Warm, breezy summer. Ocean water reaches the high 60s to low 70s by August, and evenings cool off. | Peak summer: ferries, bikes, and beaches are busiest, so book early. |
| July | 77°F 25°C | Warm, breezy summer. Ocean water reaches the high 60s to low 70s by August, and evenings cool off. | Peak summer: ferries, bikes, and beaches are busiest, so book early. |
| August | 77°F 25°C | Warm, breezy summer. Ocean water reaches the high 60s to low 70s by August, and evenings cool off. | Peak summer: ferries, bikes, and beaches are busiest, so book early. Martha's Vineyard Agricultural Fair and Illumination Night at the Oak Bluffs Camp Meeting Grounds. |
| September | 71°F 22°C | Warm, breezy summer. Ocean water reaches the high 60s to low 70s by August, and evenings cool off. | September's warm water and thinner crowds after Labor Day. |
| October | 61°F 16°C | Crisp fall days and chilly nights. Quieter islands, with some places closing after Columbus Day. | |
| November | 52°F 11°C | Crisp fall days and chilly nights. Quieter islands, with some places closing after Columbus Day. | |
| December | 44°F 7°C | Cold, gray, and windy. Many shops and restaurants close or keep short hours. | Nantucket's Christmas Stroll in early December, with lit trees all along Main Street. |
Questions families ask
Nantucket & Martha's Vineyard with kids, answered
When is the best time to visit Nantucket & Martha's Vineyard with kids?
The best time is Jun–Sep. Warm, breezy summer. Ocean water reaches the high 60s to low 70s by August, and evenings cool off.
What's the weather like in Nantucket & Martha's Vineyard?
Typical daytime highs range from about 40°F (4°C) in January to about 77°F (25°C) in July. See the month-by-month table on this page.
Do I need a passport for Nantucket & Martha's Vineyard?
US citizens don't need a passport, but bring a government ID for adults.
What kind of plug adapter do I need for Nantucket & Martha's Vineyard?
None. Nantucket & Martha's Vineyard uses the same plugs as the US.
What's your top tip for Nantucket & Martha's Vineyard with kids?
Pack a real fleece or windbreaker even in July. The ferry deck and island evenings run cool and foggy, and the kids will want it on the boat.
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I'm Kristina, and planning family trips is what I do.
As a luxury travel advisor with KM Luxe Travel, I plan the hotels, the flow of the days, and the little details, often with perks like breakfast and upgrades when available.