SPEND SEPTEMBER WITH MARIA MITCHELL

One of the island’s must-do activities this fall is visiting the Historic Mitchell House at 1 Vestal Street. Take a trip back in time to the 1800s and learn about Nantucket’s first female astronomer, Maria Mitchell. Maria Mitchell’s house contains many stunning artifacts from the Mitchells’ daily life in the 19th century, showcasing Maria’s personal items such as her opera glasses, beer mugs and Dolland telescope. Her house is especially known for the remarkably preserved example of faux wood grain painting in the kitchen dating from the 1850s. The Maria Mitchell Association’s Historic Mitchell House, Aquarium, Hinchman House Natural Science Museum and Loines Observatory are all open to the public. @mariamitchellassociation, mariamitchell.org

STEP INTO SEPTEMBER WITH THE NANTUCKET HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION

This September, the NHA’s newly renovated Discovery Center at the Whaling Museum is open for families every day during museum hours. Enjoy interactive play stations, a photo booth, a reading corner and a new Captain’s Quarters play station. And be sure to explore the Whaling Museum, featuring exhibitions for all ages to enjoy. The NHA’s daily programs, offered by its expert museum guides, include exploring Life Aboard a Whale Ship and the famous Essex Gam. These presentations are engaging, educational and fun for the whole family! Plus, year-round residents can enjoy free admission. @ackhistory, nha.org

CREATE THIS FALL AT BARNABY’S TOY & ART

Stop by Barnaby’s Toy & Art Shack at 12 Oak Street in downtown Nantucket. The shop offers a variety of art classes for children ages 2 and up through September! The doors are always open for kids to drop in as well, which is perfect for creating works of art any time of day. Between crafts, peruse the store’s abundance of toys, all of which have been carefully selected to provide functionality, hands-on interactive play and entertainment. For more fun, be sure to grab one of the Barnaby’s Art Kits to Go. And if you’re not on island? Don’t worry, a new location opens this month—Barnaby’s Beacon Hill Boston. @barnabystoyartshack, 508.680.1553, barnabyack@gmail.com, barnabysnantucket.com

THIS FALL WITH THE DREAMLAND

The Dreamland is the perfect place to have fun, learn and grow all year long. Whether your child is a performer or an arts lover in general, they’ve got you covered! Dreamland always has a lineup of numerous musicals, blockbuster films and much more. Registration for the Dreamland Stage Company’s winter production of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast opens September 15. Space is limited, so be sure to set your clocks for midnight! Auditions for the upcoming holiday musical, Madeline’s Christmas, a musical play adapted from Ludwig Bemelmans’ delightful book, take place September 29-30. Featuring a multigenerational cast, this production is a holiday treat for the whole family!

 @dreamlandstagecompany, nantucketdreamland.org

BACK TO SCHOOL WITH PEACHTREE KIDS

Welcome back to Peachtree Kids! Open year-round on the sunny side of historic cobblestoned Main Street, Peachtree Kids has been a favorite one- stop shop for Nantucket’s locals and vacationers since 2004. Peachtree Kids carries timeless classics and on- trend clothing, shoes and accessories for infants and children through size 14. New brands in store include Sammy + Nat, Nanducket, Nikki Rene Studio, Petit Peony and Joy Street Kids—all while continuing to carry shop favorites Piping Prints, Barnaby Bear, Hatley, Busy Bees and Bailey Boys and more! @peachtreekidsnantucket, peachtreekidsnantucket.com

EXPLORE AT THE LINDA LORING NATURE FOUNDATION

Head out to the Linda Loring Nature Foundation for an adventure this summer. You might see nesting ospreys, who are learning how to fly and fish this time of year. And be sure to attend one of the guided nature exploration walks throughout the summer— expect to explore Nantucket’s rare habitats! You’ll hike along gently rolling trails and stop to discover insects, birds and plants along the way. Plus, enjoy the Story Walk, where children can enjoy reading a new book each month while hiking the trails. @loringnatureack,110 Eel Point Road, llnf.org