A calm harbor beach a short walk from downtown with a playground, bandstand, and cafe right on the sand. It draws families with young kids more than swimmers looking for surf.
What to expect
Swimming
Water not monitored off-season
Hours
Nantucket lifeguards are on duty from late June through Labor Day, roughly 9am to 5pm, and vehicles are barred from the lifeguarded beaches during those hours.
From late JuneAccessibility
Accessible restrooms with ramps, handicap parking spaces, and a paved walkway to the beach; the beach-access ramp is built more for pedestrians than wheelchairs
Dogs
Leashed, licensed dogs are allowed on Nantucket's public beaches, but never in dune vegetation, marsh grass, or other fenced or posted protected-wildlife areas.
Managed by
Town of Nantucket Parks & Recreation
508-228-7200 · WebsiteGetting in
Parking
Free lot
Costfree
Children's Beach lot
Details unconfirmed
Children's Beach lot
Costfree
Access points along this beach
What's here
Facilities
Restrooms
at the beach, with accessible ramp
Worth knowing
- Free outdoor concerts run at the bandstand behind the beach, Thursday and Sunday evenings in summer.
Tides & weather
Tide and sun: NOAA astronomy · forecast: NWS, up to 7 days
Show the full year
Average water temperature at Children's Beach by month, in °F| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
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| Water °F | 39° | 38° | 42° | 50° | 57° | 67° | 76° | 75° | 69° | 61° | 51° | 42° |
|---|
Monthly averages from NOAA, Nantucket Island (2022 to 2024). Today's reading is in the conditions above.
Common questions
Is Children's Beach in Nantucket open today?
Children's Beach is not monitored right now. MA DPH samples beach water Memorial Day to Labor Day and posts no advisories or all-clears off-season, so there is no swim status to report. Swimming off-season is at your own risk.
Is this a good beach for young kids?
Yes, the water is calm harbor water rather than surf, and there's a playground and bandstand right behind the sand, which is why it's the go-to pick for families with toddlers.
The bandstand hosts free concerts on summer evenings, Thursdays 6-7:30pm and Sundays 6-7:15pm, as of recent seasons.
Is there parking at Children's Beach, and what does it cost?
Free lot (free). Children's Beach lot
Are there restrooms at Children's Beach?
Public restrooms are listed near the beach. Seasonal hours are common, so they may be closed off-season.
What's the water temperature at Children's Beach?
Water at Children's Beach averages about 38°F in February and 76°F in July, based on NOAA readings at Nantucket Island from 2022 to 2024. For today's temperature, see the conditions above.
What rules should I know at Children's Beach?
Alcohol, glass containers, and smoking are prohibited on Town beaches.
Can you swim at Children's Beach?
There is no MA DPH swim status for Children's Beach off-season: the state samples beach water Memorial Day to Labor Day. Swimming off-season is at your own risk; check conditions posted at the beach.
Are dogs allowed at Children's Beach?
Leashed, licensed dogs are allowed on Nantucket's public beaches, but never in dune vegetation, marsh grass, or other fenced or posted protected-wildlife areas.