When you plan a trip to Nantucket, your young family won’t be bored. There’s a wide variety of summer camps to choose from. From outdoor activities to nature exploration and even sports, there’s something to keep the kids entertained during their vacation. There’s more to do than just going to the beach – some local organizations offer educational and fun classes and workshops. With so many options, your children can explore their interests and discover new talents while having a blast on the island. Here are some of the awesome camps for kids.
Nantucket Community School ACKventure Day & Sports Camps
There is the perfect choice for campers of all ages! Experience various activities, including field hockey, gymnastics, and basketball. Have a blast playing games and exploring nature. Go for a swim, take a run, and enjoy some laughs. Choose from Arts and Crafts or Sports, Full Day, and Half Day options. Each week brings new themes that influence the activities of each day. Campers have full access to the Nantucket Public Schools campus – including the indoor pool, gymnasiums, and fields. ACKventure Day Camp is packed with fun for everyone! Join ACKventure Full Day, ACKventure Early Bird, and ACKventure Jr. programs. Take advantage of this opportunity to find out more information here.
Maria Mitchell’s Discovery Camp Programs
The Maria Mitchell Association comprehends that practical experience is much more beneficial than theoretical knowledge. That’s why Summer Discovery Camp Programs are here to help kids from ages 5 to 16 increase their knowledge and appreciation of the outdoors and to teach them to protect our natural environment. They have six different camps that last for one week each, and each offers a unique combination of fun and science! Kids can explore beaches, snorkel, hike, learn survival skills, and participate in programs about animals, island history, and kayaking.
The youngest campers (ages 5-6) can join Wee Explorers, while Habitat Hoppers (ages 7-9) and Eco-Investigators (ages 10-12) can explore the great outdoors. They also have specialized programs for Junior Historians (ages 7-11) and Junior Astronomers (ages 7-11). Finally, teens aged 13-16 can join the Teen Naturalist Leadership Program.
The Maria Mitchell Association’s Summer Discovery Camps are here to help kids explore and understand the natural world around them – learn more on their website and join for an unforgettable experience!
Camp Lighthouse
Camp Lighthouse is a summer program that celebrates child-centered play and projects to create a fun and meaningful experience for all campers aged 4-12. It provides a diverse art, athletics, nature education, and outdoor exploration program that lets kids just be kids.
On Tuesdays, campers show their creative side by tie-dyeing their t-shirts. On Thursdays, they can show off their unique talents at the Camp Lighthouse Talent Show. There’s something for everyone, from singing and dancing to stand-up comedy and magic. You never know what kind of amazing performances you’ll see!
Camp Lighthouse is a place that encourages kids to come together and create a vibrant and joyful summer atmosphere. With all the exciting and creative activities available, it’s sure to be a summer to remember! Check out more about this program on their website.
Nantucket Boys & Girls Club
The NBGC Summer Camp Program is the ideal place for your child to have an incredible summer with working hours Monday-Friday. Suitable for 2nd to 8th graders, the summer program NBGC Summer Camp runs between 7:30 am-4:00 pm. Camp Junior, for incoming 1st graders, takes place between 9:00 am-3:00 pm.
Plenty of fun activities to participate in include an open field, gymnasium, games room, art room, computer lab, reading pod, and more. Kayaking and sailing – a great way to explore and have fun! And also beach picnics and field games for a fun-filled day. Art and cooking are great activities for creative minds, and computer activities are always a great option for those who prefer to stay indoors. There’s something for everyone!
The Basketball Summer is an additional option for 10-18-year-olds, with intensive skill development sessions designed for highly motivated basketball players. These take place on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Are you curious about this program? Visit their website for more information!
Dreamland Stage Company – Children’s Theatre Programs
Dreamland Stage Company puts on a spectacular full-length musical. It’s a great chance for kids to explore the world of theatre. No matter the experience level, this program offers a unique opportunity for kids to express themselves through performance. It’s divided into three age levels, each with learning and performance opportunities.
Dreamland Kids, ages 4-8, get to present what they have created for family and friends in ahold six one-week sessions, culminating in a grand show on Friday.
The Dreamland Youth Program, ages 7-18, allows young actors to work with directors, choreographers, and music directors to rehearse and perform a full-scale musical production. They’ll learn the ins and outs of staging a professional quality show, from sets and costumes to lighting and sound.
Finally, Dreamland Teen Company, ages 12-21, is a more intense program designed for those ready to take their skills to a higher level. Camp Registration is now open; visit them.
Strong Wings Adventure Camp
Strong Wings offers incredible outdoor adventure programming that helps build confidence, encourages respect for nature, and fosters physical and emotional strength. They have five groups for the different ages:
- 4 to 7 are First Explorers
- 8 to 9 – Young Explorers
- 10 to 11- Extreme Explorers
- 12 to 13 – Warrior Camp
- 14 to 15 – The Champions.
All groups excluding The Champions, are active for ten weeks, Monday through Friday.
Campers experience various outdoor activities such as biking, kayaking, rock climbing, high and low ropes course activities, archery, gardening, games, and exploring Nantucket’s incredible hidden places. They not only get to understand the island but also develop skills and build long-lasting friendships. If you’d like to learn more, peek at their website.
Nantucket Community Sailing
Nantucket Community Sailing is a haven for sailing enthusiasts, offering a wide selection of private and group sailing programs to people of all ages and ability levels. They also make boat rentals available at their Polpis Harbor and Jetties Sailing Center locations. Through these programs, they strive to impart life and leadership skills while also fostering a deep appreciation for the marine environment.
Lessons are offered Monday through Saturday, and life jackets are provided. NCS also does its part to help the local community by giving youth scholarships and outreach programs. For more, visit their website.
Murray Camp Nantucket
Murray Camp of Nantucket provides a unique opportunity for children aged 4-14 to gain various social, academic, and physical experiences. Their campers are divided into three age groups: Minnows (4-6 years old), Starfish (7-9 years old), and Seniors (10-14 years old).
Swimming lessons, tennis instruction, ice skating, yoga, soccer games, water sports, and art classes are just a few of the activities they provide. The campers benefit from developing fine motor skills while also forming lasting friendships and honing their social skills.
You can get information about the program with a few clicks on that website. They understand that fun is essential to the growth of campers, and that’s why they strive to provide campers with experiences that are both enjoyable and beneficial.
Artists Association of Nantucket
The Nantucket Artists Association provides art education opportunities year-round to students of all ages and levels. Their Visual Arts Center is an eco-friendly haven for creative minds, featuring studios for ceramics, printmaking, drawing, painting, mixed media, and more. They believe engaging in the arts is essential for building a vibrant community and a more compassionate world.
Their classes range from Art Exploration for ages 4-5 to Teen Portfolio: Multimedia Modernism for ages 14+, clay sculpting for ages 6-9, and Wheel Throwing Wednesday for ages 10-14. They also have activities for adults, such as Active Surface 18+. These classes and more can be found on their website, along with their calendar of events.
Nantucket Island Surf School
Located at Cisco Beach, Nantucket Island Surf School is the perfect place to let kids experience the thrill of the ocean. Their private and group lessons cater to all ages and skill levels, and they even have weekly mini-surf clinics. SUP paddle boarding lessons are available too, with all the necessary gear, such as boards and wetsuits, provided.
Their instructors are certified in lifesaving, first aid, and CPR, ensuring a safe and professional atmosphere. The school’s goal is to ensure everyone has a fun learning experience. Discover more about what they have to offer here.
Seafari Girls
Seafari Girls is a fun-filled day camp on Nantucket Island for girls ages 6-9 that combines art, science, and adventure.
Through girl power, the camp encourages self-confidence, kindness, and a love of the natural world. Each day is packed with outdoor exploration, beach swimming, and exciting projects, allowing girls to form lifelong friendships and gain valuable lessons they can apply to other areas of their lives.
The camp runs Monday-Thursday from 9:00-15:00, providing an opportunity to explore the beauty of Nantucket and enjoy a summer of adventure! Check the program here.
Nantucket Island School of Design & The Arts (NISDA) Summer Arts
NISDA’s youth art studios provide an exciting experience for the personal exploration of creativity and ideas. With classes in photography, puppetry, music, storytelling, sculpture, painting, and performances, they offer an opportunity to learn studio techniques while having fun.
Their Youth Classes provide a hands-on art-making experience, emphasizing a great personal adventure with imagination and ideas. There are also Kinder Arts and Adult Classes and Generations Together, a program that allows individuals of all ages to enjoy creating art together. To learn more, please visit their website.
Dance(sing), Movement & Yoga Classes
Dancing and singing with Marjory Trott at Children’s Beach is a great way for children of all ages, including 10-month-olds, to explore movement, dance, yoga, acting, and art. Her classes are full of playful and joyful songs and activities, encouraging children to express themselves and find the rhythm.
If you’re looking for a more personalized experience, Marjory also offers private small-group classes for families, friends, schools, camps, and corporate groups. She provides Dance(Sing) Movement classes for 10-month-olds to 3-year-olds with their grown-ups, Dance(Sing) Movement classes for 3- to 6-year-olds, Yoga for Kids, Circus Yoga, and Inter-Generational Family Yoga. If you need something, contact Marjory.
Nantucket Hotel
Take advantage of the Nantucket Hotel’s Kids’ Club drop-in program! Complimentary for hotel guests and Nantucket Club members, this camp allows kids to make new friends and participate in exciting activities. It’s a great opportunity for parents to unwind while the kiddos enjoy themselves!
Kids’ Club is open Monday through Saturday from 9 am to 12 pm. For an extra treat, they also offer an evening program. The program is available for children aged 3 to preteen.
Conclusion
As you have seen, all camp activities are age-appropriate for children to learn and have fun with their peers. Don’t wait – enroll your children now! Adults can also participate in some of the activities. Enjoy the summer sun and make the most of your stay!