Nantucket is perhaps one of the most perfect family destinations. Imagine a place where there are no traffic lights; where time seems to stand still, and yet bustling Boston lies a stone’s throw away. A place where you can dig your toes into the sand while slurping ocean fresh oysters with crisp champagne, where, on any given day, you’ll catch a glimpse of a whale leaping out of the ocean, and where you know the kids are free to be kids, because, well, this is Nantucket, after all.

For the more adventurous kids, there is great surfing. The island has plenty of surf camps for every level – plus you can easily rent sailboats or boogie boards, do some water skiing or bodysurfing, or simply rent bikes and experience the ocean via Nantucket’s fantastic bike paths.

For little ones, there are a few beaches with playgrounds right in the sand, which can be great for both kids and parents.

I also love to take my kids to Jettys Beach Restaurant. The tourists and locals all flock here for a reason – because it’s good. They have two boats in the restaurant – one where they shuck oysters and one that they use as a bar. The servers will encourage you to grab a beach chair in the sand, where they’ll happily deliver cocktails while you watch the kids enjoy the swing set in the dunes. I swear that the kids on the swings have the best view on the whole island!