Keeping your kiddos entertained this summer.
STAY CHILL WITH HANG LOOSE HELADO
Hang loose this summer with local Islander, Chris Getoor’s new ice cream truck! This frozen treat mobile has been making the rounds all over the island, from the playgrounds and neighborhoods to Cisco Beach. Throughout August, you can find Hang Loose Helado at one of these routes: Mid-Island, Surfside, Bartlett Road. Sunday is the “Wild Card Route”; they could be anywhere! Be sure also to catch Hang Loose Helado nightly at The Dreamland Drive-in. Of course, HLH will also bring its old-fashioned frozen fun to your private event or birthday party. For a more detailed schedule and daily updates, please follow along on Facebook or on Instagram @hang_loose_helado, or send them an email at hanglooseack@gmail.com.
MAGIC MARK IS BACK
Mark Carapezza, aka “Magic Mark,” is back on the island with his bags of tricks this summer. Known for his “Straight Jacket Escape,” Magic Mark makes magic happen! His shows are sure to dazzle, entertain and delight children of all ages. To reserve a private performance, please email him at micarapezza@me.com or join him on Facebook at Magic Mark’s World Tour.
WE’RE GOING ON A BEAR HUNT WITH ‘SCONSET TRUST
Where, Oh Where, is Barnaby Bear in ‘Sconset?! The ‘Sconset Trust is hosting the next Barnaby Bear Scavenger Hunt. Running July 15th through August 15th, you can search high and low for the nine Barnaby Bears that are hiding throughout the village of ‘Sconset. Each child who finds all nine bears will receive a free Barnaby Book and tote bag filled with treats. To start your adventure, please stop by the ‘Sconset Trust at One New Street to pick up the form or visit @barnabybearbooks on Instagram (the link for the scavenger hunt form is in the bio). For more information or questions, please email barnabybearnantucket@gmail.com.
CRUISIN’ WITH SHEARWATER EXCURSIONS
Hop aboard with Shearwater Excursions this summer for one of their many kids’ adventures around Nantucket Harbor! There’s the popular Ice Cream Cruise as well as clamming excursions and kids’ fishing trips. These “salt of the earth” local experiences are interactive from driving the boat and learning how to fish to digging for quahogs. Please call 508-228-7037 or email info@shearwaterexcursions.com to book your private trip.
SUMMER FUN ACTIVITIES
Two of my all-time favorite Nantucket summer fun crafts are Sailors’ Valentine and Fairy & Tree House Building. These popular coastal crafts get the kiddos outside while capturing their imaginations. Making a Sailors’ Valentine is a great way to engage your child’s creativity using seashells that they have collected to form different patterns and designs. Originating in the 1830s, Sailors’ Valentines were brought home from a sailor’s voyage as gifts for their loved ones. You can start by collecting shells large and small with your kids. Then decorate a wooden or shaker-style box, picture frame or tray. Be sure to use a strong glue, preferably Gorilla Glue, E600 or a glue gun.
Fairy & Tree House Building is another great way to get outdoors and be creative by using any natural materials that your child finds. From crab claws, seaweed, shells and grass to rocks, moss and twigs, you can start building away. You’ll need a flat base like a piece of bark or cardboard. You can start building your house using craft sticks (or twigs), glue and string. Clay planter pots are also a great base for your “house” as well. There’s no right or wrong. Happy building!
