Kid' N AROUND

Summertime At Maria Mitchell

One of the island’s must-do activities for families is visiting the Maria Mitchell Association’s Aquarium! It is located downtown at 28 Washington Street. Children of all ages can enjoy learning about Nantucket’s biodiversity and various marine ecosystems, and delight in seeing live animal ambassadors. The aquarium also hosts a Feeding Frenzy Program, in which children can help feed the different animals, as well as other regular programs such as Beach Biology and Marine Ecology Field Trips. These offerings run daily, Monday through Saturday. The association’s Loines Observatory, Hinchman House Natural Science Museum and Historic Mitchell House are also open to the public. View their calendar of events and admissions information at mariamitchell.org. Also follow them @maria_mitchell_association.

Explore This Summer At The Linda Loring Nature Foundation

Looking for an adventure? Head out to the Linda Loring Nature Foundation! The foundation offers guided Family Walks throughout the summer where you’ll have the chance to explore Nantucket’s rare habitats. You’ll hike along gently rolling trails and stop to discover insects, birds and plants along the way. These guided walks meet at 110 Eel Point Road and are free and open to all. Be sure to stop by anytime to enjoy Story Walk. A new children’s book is posted each month along the trails so children can enjoy reading as they hike! For a full lineup of this summer’s programs or to register for the Family Walk, please visit llnf.org and follow @loringnatureack.

BY WENDY ROUILLARD

Peachtree Kids

Peachtree Kids has been a favorite one-stop children’s shop since 2004, carrying timeless classics and on-trend clothing, shoes and accessories for infants and children through size 12. New brands in store include Sammy + Nat, Nantucket, Petit Peony and Joy Street Kids, and the shop continues to carry favorites such as Piping Prints, Barnaby Bear, Hatley, Busy Bees and Bailey Boys. July highlights include a trunk show for Love & Grow Clothing Co. on July 1-2 and a celebration of Joy Street Kids Pajamas on Saturday, July 8, at 11 a.m. with founder and illustrator Eliza Ferel. Visit Peachtree Kids online at peachtreekidsnantucket.com or in the shop, seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Be sure to follow @peachtreekidsnantucket.

Summer With The Dreamland

The Dreamland is the perfect place to have fun, learn and grow this summer. Dreamland always has a lineup of numerous musicals, blockbuster films and much more. Registration is open for Dreamland Stage Company’s popular camps and performances. Budding performers will love the Dreamland Kids weekly camps as they rehearse, build props and perform adaptations of popular stories; sessions run through August 11. Dreamland Youth, the most rigorous program, is designed for kids ages eight to eighteen who possess a strong interest in the performing arts. Working with Dreamland’s team of directors and choreographers, young actors will hone their skills in a professional rehearsal setting and bring a fully staged and produced musical to the main stage. Three-week sessions begin July 20 for Legally Blonde (July 20-23) and SpongeBob (August 10-13). Visit dreamlandstagecompany.org for registration information and tickets.

SUMMER FUN WITH BARNABY’S TOY & ART SHACK

Barnaby’s is in full swing this summer with more than 100 art classes for children ages two to thirteen. Kids can also drop in and create all day, every day! All Barnaby’s classes are taught by professional artists and educators who will guide each child’s technique and processes in an inspirational space in downtown Nantucket. Barnaby’s also has a variety of toys and art kits to go that have been hand-selected and designed for all ages. For the program calendar or more information, please visit barnabysnantucket.com, call 508-680-1553 or email at barnabyack@gmail.com.

Barnaby’s is also excited to announce the opening of its new store, Barnaby’s Beacon Hill Boston, coming this September! Be sure to follow @barnabystoyartshack.

Summer Adventures With The Nantucket Historical Association

Join the NHA this July for its Summer Site Series every Thursday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m! This free and familyfriendly offering invites visitors to Nantucket’s historic sites for craft activities, demonstrations and talks that bring the island’s unique history to life! The NHA’s historic sites include the Old Mill (July 6), the Oldest House (July 13), the Old Jail (July 20) and the Greater Light (July 27). Join in on the fun and immerse the entire family in Nantucket’s history. This program is generously supported by the ReMain Nantucket Fund. For more information and to view the full calendar of program offerings, please visit nha.org. Follow all of the NHA’s properties @ackhistory.

One of the most confounding aspects of caring for mental health is not knowing who to call in the midst of a crisis. Whether it be for a family member, friend, co-worker or one’s own self, taking action when someone is exhibiting warning signs of mental or emotional distress can feel paralyzing. To alleviate this on Nantucket, Fairwinds has launched a Mental Health Crisis Response Team that is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and will respond anywhere on the island.