Small Friends Carnival

carnival

Sunday
April 7th
11am-2pm
19 Nobadeer
Farm Road

Fun for kids of all ages!!
Carnival style games, pictures
taken in our carnival themed photo
room, prizes for every child, old
fashioned cake walk, crafts, bake
sale, lunch, and lots of balloons!

From Nantucket to Vietnam

connie

Many of you have probably had the pleasure of knowing Linda McDonough-Thayer in her lifetime. For decades she was an early childhood educator on Nantucket, and has always inspired me to be a mother who is compassionate and teaches my children to be the same.

I am so inspired with what her daughter Connie is doing in Vietnam I have to share. As I sit here with my daughters on a stormy Sunday I am feeling especially blessed…to have known Linda and to now know Connie.  Also, to know my girls are warm, and well.

Check out Connie’s blog… if you need a little inspiration on a stormy day.  Be proud of our fellow Nantucket girl and her mission to help children.

Beach Combing

Say it rains all day and you don’t want to spend the day at the beach, but you still have an itch to get in some beach combing. It doesn’t have to be sunny to find cool things on the beach. We usually take an evening drive on the beach, and sometimes can spot treasures from the passenger seat.

After 10 years of living here, I was shocked when my step-daughter came across a sand dollar, and then another. We found them on the South Shore in the vicinity of Fisherman’s Beach (the parking lot is marked off Nonantum Ave.). You’d be amazed what you can find if you just keep your eyes peeled. Mermaid Toenails, skate eggs, crab shells, whelk shells are the easy things to find, but don’t get discouraged! If it is a rainy day – it could even be a plus, interesting things can wash up after a storm. One rainy day on Coatue we found a survival kit complete with inflatable life raft and hard tack.

If it is a sunny day, consider renting one of my metal detectors, they are fun for all ages! Any beach is good for beach combing, the South Shore beaches and Great Point are my favorites. I love the big waves of the open ocean and the ever changing shells that wash ashore.

If you need help identifying any of your loot, check with the Maria Mitchell Association, they have a great “Field Guide to Nantucket” I highly recommend. It can be purchased at any of their properties.

The Best Nantucket Beaches to Visit With Kids

This is kind of a no-brainer since there is a beach called Children’s Beach, but I am going to post about it anyway – since there are a few beaches off the beaten path which I do frequent with my kids. In a land where all roads lead to a beach, it makes sense to have some opinions as to which ones are best to visit with little ones.

First, I love Children’s Beach.  There is a lifeguard, bathroom, concession stand and huge play structure.  Not to mention the sun, sand and tons of other kids.  This is a harbor beach so there are no waves and the water is warm by the 4th of July.

If I want to get away from the hullabaloo of town, you’ll find me and the family at Pocomo (all the way at the end of Pocomo Road). The water is shallow and seems to always be warmer there than anywhere on island. The parking area is close to the beach so you don’t have to lug your petite travelers all over tarnation. It is quiet and serene.

Pocomo Beach

Driving on the beach is always a fun adventure. If you have a car with 4WD and a beach sticker to drive out to 40th Pole. You can buy a beach sticker at the Police Department on Fairgrounds road – I think they are $150. When you purchase the sticker you will receive a map of all the beaches you can drive on. Don’t forget to let the air out of your tires – down to a minimum of 15 psi. Pack your car full of fun and head out. A word to the wise – don’t take your rental Pack and Play onto the beach. I do carry some older Pack and Play’s that I reserve just for beach going – ask me about one of those if you intend to have your kids nap at the beach.

Have older kids who want to body surf? Head to Surfside – there is a concession stand there, though the walk to the beach leaves me winded.

Have older kids who want to surf surf? Head to end of the road Cisco – there is usually a surf school in progress. Get there early and you can pretty much park at the beach.

Don’t forget that beach toys are a complementary part of your order with Nantucket Cribs, your number one contact on Nantucket. We do more than just Nantucket baby rentals – we try to help you outfit your whole vacation. If there is something for the beach that you need, but can’t find check out Island Variety at 5 Freedom Square.