Top Ten Tips for Entertaining Teenagers on Martha’s Vineyard

We all know teenagers can often be difficult and hard to please. If you’re planning a trip to Martha’s Vineyard with teenagers in tow, you’ll need to know where to go and what to do to keep them entertained–and off their phones. Martha’s Vineyard offers a wide range of events and activities sure to satisfy even the pickiest teen, ensuring you’ll be able to enjoy yourself, and your kids will want to return again and again. Here’s our top picks for providing amusement, recreation and enjoyment for your teenager. 

​Go for a bike ride. Martha’s Vineyard is home to hundreds of miles of bike trails, along our gorgeous shoreline and inland in our State Forest. Encourage your kids to get some fresh air and go out on a bike ride, or try to lure them into making it a family activity. Check out this helpful map of Island bike paths as well as our directory of bike rental shops.
 
Try a new watersport. Teenagers are generally up for most physical activities and our Island waters and outfitters make it easy to try something new everyday of the week. It won’t take much to entice your teen to go kayaking, stand up paddleboarding, kiteboarding, sail boating, windsurfing or canoeing–plus it’ll make for some great Instagram-worthy shots. Browse our list of water sport providers here.
 
Take in a movie. Teenagers always have and always will love going to the movies. Here on Martha’s Vineyard we have two year round movie theaters, the Martha’s Vineyard Film Center in Vineyard Haven which hosts many special events and more artistic and independent films, as well as Entertainment Cinemas in downtown Edgartown for the more commercial blockbusters. Additionally there’s two seasonal historic movies theaters, both recently renovated–the Capawock Theatre in downtown Vineyard Haven and the Strand Theatre in downtown Oak Bluffs. For a real Island experience send your teen to Edgartown’s Entertainment Cinema on a summer Sunday at 6:30pm to take in Steven Spielberg’s 1975 classic movie “Jaws,” our Island’s claim to thriller fame.
 
Hit the Beach. This one should be easy, since there’s beaches everywhere and teenagers love the beach. South Beach in Edgartown is a popular beach for teens. It's a free and public beach located in Katama, facing the Atlantic Ocean. The surf can be fairly rough, which is fun for body surfing, but it's not ideal swimming for young kids.
 
Golf of all kinds. If your teen is a golfer there’s several different courses on Martha’s Vineyard to take a swing at, including Farm Neck Golf Club in Oak Bluffs, Mink Meadows in Vineyard Haven, and The Vineyard Golf Club in Edgartown. There’s also Island Cove Adventures, the only mini golf course on Martha’s Vineyard. Additionally we have our very own disc golf or frisbee golf course, Riverhead Disc Golf Course, located in the State Forest.
 
Experience Martha’s Vineyard from above. If your teen has a sense of adventure a biplane ride over Martha’s Vineyard should be at the top of their summer bucket list. Classic Aviators offers biplane rides in the Katama area of Edgartown for your teen and a friend. They’ll head up in the sky for a scenic view of Chappaquiddick and downtown Edgartown from above. For extra excitement do the full Island loop to Aquinnah and back and don’t forget to ask about their special thrill ride option.
 
Check out a local concert. Martha’s Vineyard is home to many talented musicians and there’s always free live music happening around town. While the teens are too young to hit the bar they should check out the weekly dock dance at the Edgartown wharf and the Martha’s Vineyard Concert Series lineup–most shows are all ages, including Tall Heights & Ryan Montbleau at the Old Whaling Church and Deer tick at The Lampost.
 
Hop aboard a fishing charter. This is something fun for the whole family that your teen will actually like too. Many of the Island’s most avid fisherman run successful charter businesses where you and your group are guaranteed a good catch. Check out Catboat Charters or Done Deal Charters or any of the captains listed here.
 
Shop ‘till they drop. While there’s no mall on Martha’s Vineyard there are enough local shops that cater to a younger audience. Teens line up at Vineyard Vines and Black Dog (each with locations in Oak Bluffs, Edgartown, and Vineyard Haven) for the iconic Vineyard inspired fashion. The Green Room, Backwater Trading Basics and Eastaway clothing also offer great styles for teens and young adults. Then there’s Captain’s Club In Oak Bluffs, a popular spot for teen boys to score the store’s branded t-shirts and caps, and Citrine in Vineyard Haven a chic, bohemian boutique sure to satisfy any trendy teen girl.

Go Bowling. Rain or shine bowling is a fun way to spend a couple of hours on Martha’s Vineyard and the Barn Bowl & Bistro is a popular destination for all ages. This year round spot is popular with the locals and offers 10 modern bowling lanes, a full restaurant, and ongoing events and entertainment.