Nantucket is a great place to visit during the summer months, but it can be just as enjoyable during rainy days. There are plenty of indoor activities available that won’t leave visitors stuck in their Nantucket vacation rental all day. Here are some ideas for rainy day activities on Nantucket:
List of Rainy Day Activities on Nantucket
- Wander around the Whaling Museum
- Catch a movie at the Dreamland Theatre
- View a play at the Theatre Workshop
- Shop Downtown
- Find the two hidden candy shops in Town
- Climb the Church Tower
- Check out a book at the Atheneum
- Explore the Shipwreck & Lifesaving Museum
- Skate at Nantucket Ice
- Go Thrifting
- Relive history at the NHA historic sights
- Take home a new piece of art
- Climb aboard a sightseeing tour bus
- Browse Nantucket antiques
- Splash around the aquarium
- Drive to ‘Sconset
- Detox with a Spa Day
- Bring the spa to your vacation rental
- Workout at a gym
- Take a swing on a golf simulator
- Learn how to play the ukulele
- Take an art class at the AAN
- Walk the labyrinth behind the Discovery Playground
- Take a yoga class
- Try a workshop at Mast
- Head to the brewery!
Whaling Museum
Explore the extensive history of the whaling industry on Nantucket spread across multiple floors at the Whaling Museum. They are open daily from 10am to 5pm in-season. Bonus: there is a “Discovery Center” kids room for the little ones to get their energy out.
Dreamland Theater
Take in a matinee at the Dreamland, Nantucket’s Film & Cultural Center. They frequently add shows on rainy days in the summer on Nantucket and have two theaters available, the main theater and studio theater.
Go to the Theater
Laugh along with an evening show at the Theatre Workshop of Nantucket. Rock of Ages will premier in summer 2023. Check the current programming on stage at White Heron Theatre Company with shows running Sunday to Thursday. They also offer Theatre Camps for Kids.
Go Shopping Downtown
Shop til you drop (or get soaked) in Town. Taking a leisurely stroll around the cobblestones is actually a prime activity on a rainy day on Nantucket! Some of the local shops, like Stephanie’s, will offer private shopping hours which can be booked in advance.
Kids Activities
Bring your kids into town and don’t skip: Barnaby’s Toy & Art Shack, the Force5 “secret candy room”, TownPool (they also have a secret candy room), and Peachtree Kids.
Climb the Church Tower
The First Congregational Church offers the Tower Climb. Even on a rainy day on Nantucket, we highly recommend this activity. Open Thursday & Friday 10 to 2.
Read a Book
Make it a book day with stops at the Nantucket Atheneum (our local library where everyone can get a library card for free), Nantucket Bookworks and Mitchell’s Book Corner. Ask for a recommendation of a great local author. They also offer a Guest Lecture Series weekly in August.
Shipwreck and Lifesaving Museum
Discover Nantucket’s nautical history at the Shipwreck and Lifesaving Museum. The 2023 featured exhibition, Rum Runners and Rum Chasers: Nantucket, Prohibition & the U.S. Coast Guard, continues their series honoring the organizations that came together in 1915 to form the U.S. Coast Guard.
Ice Skating
Skate on over to Nantucket Ice for their public skate program. Hockey and ice skate rentals are available, but check out their weekly calendar first to see when the ice is open to the public.
Go Thrifting
First, wander all three floors of the Hospital Thrift Shop on India Street for some classic Nantucket treasures. Other thrift stores on Nantucket include Commonwealth, the Seconds Shop, Rainbow Fleet, Bon Ton and Island Treasures.
NHA Historic Properties
In addition to the Whaling Museum, explore other Nantucket Historical Association properties like the Hadwen House and Greater Light.
Look for a New Piece of Art
Downtown Nantucket has an endless amount of art galleries, the perfect activity for a rainy day on Nantucket. Discover everything from historic Nantucket paintings to modern day galleries.
Nantucket Sightseeing Tour
Climb aboard a sightseeing bus tour stationed on Federal Street in Town, we recommend Gayle’s Tours in her red van. As a 7th generation native, she is continuing the family tradition of hospitality with a unique, in-depth tour of the island.
Antique Shopping
Antique stores can be found on every street in downtown Nantucket, including Sylvia Antiques, John Rugge Antiques Shop, Lynda Willauer Antiques, Janice Aldrigde and more.
Nantucket Aquarium
Learn about our local sea life at the Maria Mitchell Association Aquarium, which is partially outside but has a covered deck and is a unique experience on a rainy day.
Drive to ‘Sconset
Drive out to ‘Sconset to view the lighthouse from your car and wind your way through the charming floral neighborhoods. No car? No problem! Hop aboard the WAVE bus. Stop and have an ice cream treat at the ‘Sconset Market.
Get a Massage or Facial
Spa Day (Give a call to RJ Miller, Darya Salon & Spa, Life Message or Lavender Farm Wellness to check availability). Some offer at home services.
Mani/Pedi at Home
Let the spa come to you with the Hand in-Home luxury mobile spa. Services include nails, waxing, lashes, brows and spray tans. We can’t think of a better way to make the day a little brighter!
Workout at a Gym
Head to a workout facility for an endorphin release. Try Nantucket Cycling & Fitness, EZIA Athletic Club, or Nantucket Health Club.
Miacomet Golf Club
Head over to have lunch at the club or sign up for the TrackMan Golf Simulator.
Learn How to Play the Ukulele
The Nantucket Community Music Center is offering drop-in lessons to learn to play the Ukulele all summer. They also offer Concerts and Children’ss programs throughout the Summer.
Take an Art Class
Sign up for an art class at the Artist Association of Nantucket or the Nantucket Historic Association. There are local artists, like potter Jacob Butler, that offer classes as well.
Walk the Labyrinth
Park at the Discovery Playground and head down the path past the farm on your right. Keep going and you will find Nantucket’s very own Labyrinth.
Take a Yoga Class
If you’d prefer to get your stretch on, try a yoga class at 1111 Yoga, SUPTA, Dharma Yoga, or pilates at Core or Studio Nantucket.
Mast Nantucket
Try something new at Mast Nantucket. Workshops and classes include: transformational breathwork, heart song sound bath + meditation, community listening circle, and dharma in conversation and practice.
The Brewery!
Last but not least, our #1 rainy day activity on Nantucket… put on your raincoat and head to Cisco Brewers – a little rain never hurt anyone on Nantucket! Family friendly and dogs too!
Don’t let a rainy day keep you from having some fun on Nantucket! There are plenty of activities that can still be enjoyed no matter what the Grey Lady throws your way. With these ideas in mind, you’ll be sure to have an enjoyable day whatever the forecast holds. The Nantucket sun will be back before you know it!