Festive Family Fun On Nantucket Island, By Stacy Delray: Each year we cannot wait until spring when the flowers start to bloom. This is the time of year when we shake off the winter blues, grab the camera, and head to Nantucket Island in early April through mid-May to enjoy over three million daffodils of every color, shape and size. It seems wherever you go you'll find these beautiful Daffodils with blossoms of yellow, orange, white and even pale pink on the island's roadsides, in gardens and shop windows.

Travelers from far and near come to join the festivities at the Daffodil Festival includes a Annual Antique Car Parade, featuring over 100 daffodil-bedecked antique cars, and the Annual Daffodil Tailgate Picnic. A highlight of the festive event is the Children's Daffodil Parade, and who could miss the Daffy Hat Pageant and the new Daffodil Dog Parade! For gardeners, this is a great time to catch the Nantucket Garden Club's Annual Daffodil Show, and pick up a few gardening tips from the locals.

Besides the festive events at the Daffodil Festival, and natural beauty, which there is plenty of to enjoy, we also love the Island's many attractions and unexpected treasures. Among the popular attractions Nantucket Island is known for are the seal cruises and outdoor activities such as bicycling, hiking, fishing, photography, bird watching and nature study.

Family Fun On Nantucket Island

For families there are many wonderful events and sites to enjoy like the Pirate and Mermaid Parade and a Kids-Create-Craft Fair. The Toy Boat Store, located on Straight Wharf is host to these events, and a range of fun activities, contests and celebrations throughout the summer months including children’s author book signings, and marble swaps.

During your visit do not miss the Open Night at the Maria Mitchell Association’s (MMA) Loines Observatory where you and your loved ones can explore the planets of solar system, stars and constellations. Open to children ages 6-10, the Loines Observatory also offer program that include hands on activities and observation through telescopes. The MMA also runs a Natural History Museum and Aquarium. Who was Maria (pronounced Mariah) Mitchell you may ask? Born and buried on Nantucket, Maria was the first woman astronomer in America and discoverer of a comet. The Maria Mitchell Association was founded in her memory.

Summer is filled with entertainment and festive events that include the St. Mary’s Church Summer Fair, St. Paul’s Fair and Our Island Home Annual Summer Fair, which are held each year in June & July. These festivals offer families plenty of exciting activities as well as Food, games, clowns, balloons, crafts and more to enjoy. For many the 4th of July is a highlight of the summer fun on Nantucket Island when kids can have fun at the free dunk tank, watermelon & pie eating contests, bike, trike and carriage contest, get their faces painted, and meet puppeteers. We cannot forget a visit to the Children’s Beach where families can participate in a three-legged, wheelbarrow, or sack race and the ever popular tug-of-war!

A visit to Nantucket Island would not be complete without heading to the beach, and the best time to do so is in August, just in time for the Annual Sandcastle and Sculpture Day on Jetties Beach. Bring your creativity and imagination and enter the Annual Sandcastle and Sculpture contest. Who knows you and your family just might win this exciting event. With a low surf, and plenty of bathrooms, playgrounds and concession stands, families can make a day of it.

After a day in the sun, take a break and explore Nantucket wonderful array of museums, including the recently renovated Whaling Museum, which boasts numerous children’s programs throughout the summer and a Discovery Room perfect for hands-on learning and activities. The museum also runs various family workshops throughout the summer focused on music, art and history. Or cool off at the Nantucket Ice Community Rink; the "coolest" place on the Island. Families can enjoy the public skating, hockey programs, workshops, camps, themed skating parties and other events throughout the summer at the rink.

Leave Your Car Behind And Enjoy All Nantucket Island Has To Offer

Nantucket Island's activities and attractions are all accessible by walking, bicycle, or taxi, which makes is ideal for saving on gas by leaving your car behind. To plan your trip to Nantucket Island that is accessible by airplane or ferry, and find out more about the annual events call the Nantucket Island Chamber of Commerce at 508-228-1700 or visit www.nantucketchamber.org. Nantucket - one-hour high-speed ferry services are available.

Credits: Michael Galvin/Nantucket Island Chamber of Commerce