Fire truck rides before dinner at Winnetu are a big hit!
There is something magical about a family trip to Martha’s Vineyard. From the salty ocean air, to s’mores after dinner… it’s an opportunity to build memories that will last forever! Below, Stefanie with Stamford Moms is sharing a Family Travel Guide to Martha’s Vineyard, including where to stay, activities and where to eat so that you can plan an unforgettable trip that is fun for the kids and easy for you!
Where to Stay
Winnetu Oceanside Resort was named Travel & Leisure’s #1 New England Resort in 2024 and #2 in 2025. It is perfect for families with children of all ages because everything is made for families! There’s a field for children to run and play, a secret garden-style walk to the beach, bike rides, heated pools and fun games galore, including a life size chess board, pickleball, tennis and so much more!
Open play at the Activity Center includes sensory setups and toddler toys, along with a pirate ship playground. There is also a complimentary Children’s Day Program for children beginning at 3-years-old (when potty trained) to 12-year-olds during the summer to give you time to relax! Click here to learn more.
There are even fire truck rides, cookies and lemonade every afternoon before dinner! Dinner at the on-site restaurant, Dunes is perfect. It’s relaxed enough for the kids, with a supervised kids corner starting in June (so the kids are entertained while you enjoy dinner) and the food is delicious! Sit outside on the patio for a beautiful view! Head downstairs after dinner to make s’mores! After Dinner Decadence is from 8 p.m. – 9 p.m. offering handcrafted desserts from James Beard Semi-Finalist pastry chef, Sofia Tejada and dessert cocktails.
Dinner at Dunes is great for children and parents!
The General Store located next to the lobby is great for Clam Bakes To-Go, picnics, breakfast and sandwiches. Click here to learn more!
The Patio by the pool offers perfect post beach bites and cocktails!
There is also easy access to downtown Edgartown via complimentary resort shuttles on the hour or via water taxi!
Winnetu features suites, cottages, home rentals and dog friendly accommodations. A two-bedroom suite was perfect for our family of five. There were beds for everyone, plus a kitchen and washer and dryer! I love that the key fob to get into the room is a bracelet (so I know I can’t lose it!)
The life-size Chess board at Winnetu was a big hit with my family!
What to do in Edgartown
We loved taking the shuttle to Edgartown where we walked around and popped into a number of shops (including some for the kids). We were also excited to stop and hear live music playing in front of some of the businesses.
- Mad Martha’s Homemade Ice Cream was the perfect stop for a sweet treat!
- Pirate’s Puzzle Escape Room is fun for older kids.
- The Edgartown Fire Museum is a great option for younger kids who love trucks (be sure to check the website because they were closed for renovations).
- Discovery Playground at Hinsdale Park is an inclusive, STEAM- based (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics), outdoor play, fitness, and gathering space for all ages.
- The Robinson Road Recreation Area is a popular, family-friendly park located at 40 Robinson Road (next to the Martha’s Vineyard Boys & Girls Club and the Edgartown School).
- Rent bikes
- Take a ride on the Chappy Ferry
- Take a walk to the lighthouse
Walking around Edgartown is beautiful!
Casual Dining for Families
- Seafood Shanty in Edgartown is good for harbor views
- Sharky’s Cantina in Oak Bluffs
- Noman’s in Oak Bluff’s is fun for lawn games and outdoor space
- The Cove Golf & Grill in Vineyard Haven has a miniature golf course, food and ice cream
- Behind the Bookstore in Edgartown for coffee, breakfast and lunch
More Family Fun
- Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary featuring miles of trails through woodlands, meadows, ponds, salt marsh, and along the shorelines of Martha’s Vineyard.
- Island Alpaca Company to visit, walk with do yoga with and enjoy the Alpacas!
- The Martha’s Vineyard Museum in Vineyard Haven includes interactive exhibits and a Discovery Room for kids
- Visit the Jaws Bridge
- Take a ride on the Flying Horses Carousel in Oak Bluffs
To get to Martha’s Vineyard, the Steamship Authority Ferry out of Woods Hole is only 45 minutes to Oak Bluffs. Children 3 and under are free and children’s tickets are a reduced cost. It also helps to make the trip there feel like an adventure!
