Kid Stuff -- A must for tots to preteens is the unique Flying Horses Carousel in the center of Oak Bluffs. For an atmospheric minigolf course, visit Island Cove Mini Golf, on State Road outside Vineyard Haven (tel. 508/693-2611), a family-friendly setup with a snack bar serving Mad Martha's ice cream, an island favorite. A round costs $7 for adults, $6 for children. A climbing wall costs $5. Island Cove is closed October through March. On weekends, from 10am to 3pm, children might enjoy visiting the World of Reptiles off Edgartown-Vineyard Haven Road on Bachelder Avenue, Edgartown (tel. 508/627-5634), where they'll meet various snakes, including a 21-foot python; turtles; and even an alligator. There's also a bird park. Admission is $5. Call for hours. World of Reptiles is closed October through March. Nearby, the Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary (tel. 508/627-4850), on Edgartown-Vineyard Haven Road, is always a popular destination with its exhibit room and self-guided trails. On Sundays in season, there are natural-history talks and activities geared to children. Native Earth Teaching Farm (94 North Rd., Chilmark; tel. 508/645-3304) features rare ducks and other animals, and children can participate in the "chore of the day." Many families plan their vacations around the Agricultural Society Annual Livestock Show and Fair (tel. 508/693-9549) in West Tisbury in mid-August. It's an old-fashioned country fair with animals, food, and entertainment. An island event that your kids will always remember is Illumination Night in Oak Bluffs, when all the cottages in the campground are lit up with Japanese lanterns. The exact date is a secret, but it's usually a Wednesday evening at 7:30pm in late August.
