To start the day, we usually enjoy the water fight in town. You won’t see me – I attend in camouflage due to the fact that my husband (and Nantucket Cribs super cute delivery boy) works at the Fire Department and all the guys think it is really funny to super soak us. Word of warning – you WILL get wet, babies don’t like this. If you do go into town and you have kids under 4 or so, stay WAY WAY WAY back and you will be fine. The corner up by Mitchell’s Bookstore is a pretty good place to stand where you will only be hit with a few wayward drops. The really fun stuff for the kids happens before the water fight. Main Street is blocked off and there are pie eating contests (done by age and at specific times, so sign up early), face painting, flag waving and hordes of people!!!

We are ninnies and never do the Nantucket thing on the 4th. We have gotten into the habit of going to Brant Point. We head down about 7 with a bottle of wine and the kids play on the beach while we relax. Fireworks generally start around 9, but don’t psych up the kids before 8…every year, without fail the day begins beautiful and clear, and inevitably the fog rolls over the grey lady in the early evening. You can see the fireworks fine from here, but my kids are easily impressed (and don’t know any better).

If you are in it for the long haul, head to the Jetties beach.  You can spend a whole day there.  There is a bathroom, a play structure, a concession stand – and best of all FIREWORKS (which I swear are more often than not fogged out).