When my granddaughter made clear her only wish for her seventh birthday was to see and perhaps jump off the famed Jaws Bridge on Martha’s Vineyard, of course I said yes.

But under my breath I thought, “Great. She picks the most expensive spot on earth for her one wish.”

After a successful voyage, fun day and yes, big jump, I am here with news: Martha’s Vineyard (https://www.mvy.com)  is actually a super affordable, easily accessible and totally fun family day trip spot. Who knew?

We travelled to the Vineyard via the Steamship Authority (https://www.steamshipauthority.com). By choosing the Wood’s Hole location and heading to Oak Bluffs first, we were able to spend just $10 each way for adults and $5.25 for children.

We did pay $16 for parking as well, but the quick shuttle and easy enter and exit make the trip smoother. Plan on parking remotely – do not drive directly to the ferry here.

The ferry was spotless, comfortable and an adventure in itself for the kids (and us). We passed other ships (including a pirate ship), lighthouses and beautiful coastal homes.

We disembarked in Oak Bluffs and meandered directly into the center of town. First stop? The Flying Horse Carousel (https://vineyardtrust.org/property/flying-horses-carousel/) , just steps from the ferry station. For just $4 (and a short wait despite the line) we all stepped back in time, riding the horses and carts of what is thought to be the oldest continuously operating carousel in the nation. We tried for brass rings, waved at one another and bopped to the organ rendition of “Bippity Boppity Boo.”

We walked on, poking in and out of shops up and down Circuit Avenue. There, the kids got swayed by the sight and sounds of Ryan Family Amusements (https://ryanfamily.com). This being a birthday, we headed in, ready to empty our pockets.

Surprise again: A $20 game-play card that came with $8 free. From that, the kids were able to play fun games, compete, snag a giant stuffed puppy in one of those hook games and then, before leaving, cash out points for two prizes.

We wanted to see more of the island – including that bridge – and then loop back to Oak Bluffs. No need to stress about peak ride app pricing: the Vineyard Transit Authority’s (https://www.vineyardtransit.com) buses are clean, comfortable and timely. For just $8 for adults, $5 for seniors and free for kids six and under, we rode to and from spots all day long. The Transit workers, from greeters to drivers, all serve as mini tour guides as well.

Our first bus stop was Vineyard Haven, were we lunched at the Black Dog (https://www.theblackdog.com/pages/the-black-dog-tavern). While this doesn’t fall under the super-affordable, it was still reasonable. Sandwiches – super hearty and delicious – came in at around $20. And kid’s meals came in at $11. All in all, a doable price for most.

We then hopped the bus again and asked the driver about the Jaws Bridge, so named after being featured in the 1975 Steven Spielberg shark horror classic. “I’ll drop you right there,” he said.

We arrived and set up at the beach, a lovely sandy spot with coastal views and easy access (and views) of that famed bridge. Some of us jumped; others waded into the clear, warm for New England water. We all loved it and agreed next time we’d do a picnic lunch there.

With only the day to play, we decided to save Edgartown – a trip in itself— for next time and instead headed back to Oak Bluffs for more store browsing, a walk along the waterfront and past those adorable cottages and spend some time at the free and spectacular Waterfront Park. There are free concerts and other events there regularly and even when there’s not, it’s a special spot to linger, run around, kick back and of course snap some family photos.

There were promises of ice cream and treats, and just up the road we found so many choices for those items, we joked about one day doing an “ice cream and goodie tour.” Kiddie cones were just over $5 each and truly big enough to please a kid of any age.

There were near tears when it was time to head back to the ferry, but not from the wallet-holders. All in, our family of 7 had a core memory day for a lower price than one person’s day entry to Disney.

Martha’s Vineyard, known for entertaining the super rich and powerful and for that “save for years vacation dream,” who knew you were the perfect affordable family day trip locale?

We are already planning our return.

Silvia State Beach abuts the famed “Jaws Bridge.” (Photo Moira McCarthy)

The Flying Horses Carousel, said to be the oldest continuously operating one in the nation, costs just $4 to ride. (Photo Moira McCarthy)