Harbor
Jetties Beach
Nantucket, MA
Plover closureAccessible
(86)
FamiliesPlaygroundcalm waterevents+1
Calm waterLifeguardsSunsets
1 / 5
Heads up
- Piping plover nesting closure active this month — sections of the beach may be roped off.
HarborFree & OpenBest in July
Childrens Beach
Nantucket, Massachusetts · Nantucket Harbor
4.6(22 reviews)
Nantucket's harbor beach designed for the under-five crowd
Right in Nantucket Harbor with water so calm it barely qualifies as the ocean. A grassy park with a playground, bandstand, and concession. Designed for the under-5 crowd.
Children's Beach is exactly what its name says — a small, glass-calm crescent of harbor sand designed for kids who can't yet swim and the adults who supervise them. It sits inside Nantucket Harbor with no swell, no rip, and shallow water that you can walk out fifty yards in. The park behind it has a playground, picnic tables, a bandstand for summer concerts, public restrooms, a snack bar, and shade trees — a setup you don't usually find on a beach. It's a fifteen-minute walk from downtown, free, and one of the only Nantucket beaches that genuinely caters to the toddler set. Bring water shoes; the harbor bottom has scattered shells.
Photo spot
Bandstand at golden hour with toddlers on the grass
Arrive
Mornings for the playground crowdCrowds
ModerateDogs
SeasonalLifeguards
On dutySunsets
Great spotBest for
FamiliesPlayground
The beach
Lay of the land
- Orientation
- North-facing
- Length
- ~0.15 mi
- Backshore
- Dune / flat
- Sand
- Fine harbor sand with shell hash
- Shade
- Picnic area and bandstand have shade
Wildlife
Birds you may see: mute swan, common tern, great egret
Eelgrass beds
Things to know
- Jellyfish more likely in August.
Plan your visit
Parking & fees
- Lot size
- Small
- Enforcement
- Free street parking; lot fills mid-morning.
Town center, walk or bike
Getting there
- Ferry
- 60 min from Hyannis · Steamship Authority (fast ferry)
- Cell signal
- good
Accessibility
- Beach wheelchair
- Available
- Mobi Mat
- Yes
- Accessible restroom
- Yes
- Accessible parking
- 4 spaces
- Path from parking
- level
Dogs
No dogs in summer swim areas; allowed on leash off-season.
Pairs well with
Rules & activities
What’s allowed
UmbrellasTents / canopies · small onlyAlcoholGrillsFiresDronesSmoking
Activities
Designated SUP/kayak launch
Safety & stewardship
Lifeguards on duty· Late June – Labor Day
Photo by Mary Catherine Hogan via Google Places
Today
Water67°F
Sunrise5:07 AM
Sunset8:16 PM
Conditions
WavesCalm water
Water66–72°F (July–Aug)
TidesModerate
SharksLow risk
Jellyfishlow
Length~0.15 mi
Facilities
LifeguardsRestroomsShowersAccessibleBike rack
Late June – Labor Day, 10am–5pm
Snack bar on-site in season; downtown Nantucket ~0.3mi
Childrens Beach — good to know
How much does parking cost at Childrens Beach?
Parking at Childrens Beach is free and open to the public, but lots fill early on summer weekends — arrive before about 10am for the best chance of a spot.
Are dogs allowed at Childrens Beach?
Dogs are not permitted at Childrens Beach during the summer season — No dogs in summer swim areas; allowed on leash off-season.
Does Childrens Beach have lifeguards?
Yes — Childrens Beach is staffed by lifeguards during the summer season (Late June – Labor Day).
Are there restrooms at Childrens Beach?
Childrens Beach has public restrooms and showers available in season.
What is the water like at Childrens Beach?
Childrens Beach is a sheltered harbor beach on Nantucket Harbor. Expect calm, gentle water that's good for young kids and easy swimming. Average summer water temperature is around 66–72°F (July–Aug).
What is Childrens Beach best for?
Childrens Beach is especially good for families and playground.
When is the best time to visit Childrens Beach?
Mornings for the playground crowd; afternoons for shade.
