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40 Activities For Children And Families On The Isle Of Wight 2024
An Isle of Wight family holiday is perhaps best suited for children during that brief patch when the toddler tantrums have stopped, and the teenage door-slamming hasn't quite started (we've got guides for toddlers and teenagers if you're dealing with that).
Holidays with under fives are like transporting a circus, and once they reach the teenage years they start to claim that all their friends are going on shopping weekends in New York.
Here are our pick of some attractions, days out and things to do on the Isle of Wight with children who are Primary, Middle and Junior School aged (about 5-12 years old).
Holidays with under fives are like transporting a circus, and once they reach the teenage years they start to claim that all their friends are going on shopping weekends in New York.
Here are our pick of some attractions, days out and things to do on the Isle of Wight with children who are Primary, Middle and Junior School aged (about 5-12 years old).
1. Best Isle of Wight beaches for children
For a cheap and (relatively) stress free day out with pre-teenage children, most people head for the busy beaches like Shanklin, Sandown, Ventnor or Appley (Ryde). Shanklin, Sandown and Ventnor are good for swimming. Appley is a vast patch of sand at low tide so is good for football and beach games.
They all offer lots of stress-reducing facilities like easy parking, decent toilets, cafes selling chips and beach-side amusements like mini golf, paddleboards and machines which steal £1 coins. Sandown has a pier with amusements, bowling and an indoor play area whilst Shanklin is good for amusement arcades or beachfront minigolf.
They all offer lots of stress-reducing facilities like easy parking, decent toilets, cafes selling chips and beach-side amusements like mini golf, paddleboards and machines which steal £1 coins. Sandown has a pier with amusements, bowling and an indoor play area whilst Shanklin is good for amusement arcades or beachfront minigolf.
Sandown and Shanklin (pictured) have sandy beaches, watersports, minigolf, parking and chips
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Ventnor has an old fashioned charm but it's not quite as sandy
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We prefer slightly quieter beaches that sometimes require a little more effort or have more basic facilities. Try one of these:
- low tide at Colwell, Totland, Freshwater Bay or Hanover Point/Compton Bay in the West Wight
- St Helen's, Priory Bay or Whitecliff Bay in the East Wight
- Steephill Cove in the South Wight
- Gurnard in the North Wight.
Colwell in the West Wight is best at low tide. It's good for paddleboarding and has a couple of cafes.
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Priory Bay is an effort to reach but it's one of our favourites
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Rockpooling in Bembridge is a good time-filler with pre-teenage children or if you want some waves for bodyboarding then Hanover Point is usually best (see the surf forecast).
Bembridge is a dog friendly beach which is good for rockpooling
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Compton Bay sometimes gets enough surf for bodyboarding or surfing
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See our lovely clickable guide to the best Isle of Wight beaches for more detail or our guide to which is the best Isle of Wight beach for...?
2. Blackgang Chine
Blackgang Chine is a good day out and is probably best for children aged around 3-11. Most people who have been to the Isle of Wight reminisce about its carbon fibre dinosaurs, crooked house, giant smuggler, pirate ships, cowboys and various things which fell into the sea when the cliff gave way.
The kitschy nature of Blackgang Chine is still there, and there are also some medium sized rides including a water slide (which even my weak stomach can handle) and an animatronic dinosaur section called Restricted Area 5. In 2023, they added a ride called Extinction, which has more of a white-knuckle vibe to it.
Those who have been to big mainland theme parks might find it a bit tame, but there is enough to dazzle younger children, and it has more charm than most parks. The sea view is fantastic too.
Tickets are about £20-£35.
Read our blogs about:
The kitschy nature of Blackgang Chine is still there, and there are also some medium sized rides including a water slide (which even my weak stomach can handle) and an animatronic dinosaur section called Restricted Area 5. In 2023, they added a ride called Extinction, which has more of a white-knuckle vibe to it.
Those who have been to big mainland theme parks might find it a bit tame, but there is enough to dazzle younger children, and it has more charm than most parks. The sea view is fantastic too.
Tickets are about £20-£35.
Read our blogs about:
- a day out Blackgang Chine
- squeezing every penny out of Blackgang Chine
- whether or not you should buy an annual pass.
Yes, I know you went here on a school trip once
Blackgang Chine is still charming but it also has some modern rides...
...and the dinosaurs are a bit more realistic now
3. Watersports and Beach Sports
If your children won't complain about falling in the icy waters around the Isle of Wight then there are loads of watersports on offer. Some have age restrictions, but if you're older than 8 or 9 then there are some good options.
We explore these in more detail in our guide for teenagers, but the main providers are:
We explore these in more detail in our guide for teenagers, but the main providers are:
- Tackt-Isle Adventures - based in St Helens in the East Wight offering sailing and windsurfing for aged 8+ and kayaking for 9+
- Wight Water Adventure Watersports - based in Lake in the East Wight offering equipment hire and lessons in various watersports for 8+
- Beach kayak or paddleboard hire - a good el-cheapo option is hiring a kayak from some heavily tanned guy sitting on a deck chair and wearing a bum bag. Shanklin is a good bet for this option. You'll pay about £10 to hire a kayak.
- UKSA (UK Sailing Academy) - offer fun days for 8-15 year olds during most school holidays.
- West Side Beach hire in Sandown has standup paddleboards and kayaks
- Sandown Bicycle and Beach Hire has 'beach volleyball, skimboards, snorkelling, bodyboards'
- Cove Kayaks hires out a small number of kayaks, bodyboards and surfboards from Steephill Cove.
- SupDog is a paddleboard hire place in Colwell
- Warren Boats hires paddleboards in Seaview
- iSurf offers surfing and paddleboarding lessons for about £30. They operate a mobile service (i.e. they've got a van) so they go wherever the surf is. Their main hut is in Sandown where you can hire surfboards and paddleboards.
Shanklin has a couple of kayak and stand-up paddleboard places (we took this photo in Shanklin in 2021)
Surf lessons are run from Sandown and Compton Bay by iSurf
We greatly enjoy the Isle of Wight Aqua Park, which we mention later in this guide.
There's also an organisation called Wight Wave which run beach sports such as beach soccer, beach tennis and beach volleyball during the warmer months from the beach at Appley. Some of their events are just for established teams but they also hold community events on certain dates. If you're interested, the best place to start is their Facebook page.
There's also an organisation called Wight Wave which run beach sports such as beach soccer, beach tennis and beach volleyball during the warmer months from the beach at Appley. Some of their events are just for established teams but they also hold community events on certain dates. If you're interested, the best place to start is their Facebook page.
4. TAPNELL FARM PARK
Tapnell Farm Park is one of those attractions which appeals to Dads like me, who like to drive around on a go-kart because their daughter "is feeling a bit nervous". I'm dreading the day that the children tell me I'm too old to join in.
It's much more fun than most farm parks we've been to and has a good mix of indoor and outdoor activities, including soft play and adventure play (zip wires, trampolines etc.). There is also a petting zoo with farm animals alongside foreign animals like wallabies and meerkats who are coming over here and stealing our, er, hearts.
The cafes sell food you aren't ashamed to feed your children and the gift shops sell local art and food (as well as the usual stuffed tat). It's only been open a few years, so new stuff is being added regularly and it's nice and clean.
Alongside all that, it's got a distant sea view and it doesn't stink of poo like most farm parks. Be warned, it does get pretty busy and noisy during peak season. We arrive at opening time and do the indoor play area or go-karts first. Tapnell Farm Park is also on the top of a breezy hill, so bring a jumper.
Entry is about £15. It's in the West Wight, so combine it with a quick trip to Freshwater Bay. It was named as the Isle of Wight's 'Best Large Attraction' at the Red Funnel Isle of Wight Awards in 2023.
Read the blog about one of our many visits.
It's much more fun than most farm parks we've been to and has a good mix of indoor and outdoor activities, including soft play and adventure play (zip wires, trampolines etc.). There is also a petting zoo with farm animals alongside foreign animals like wallabies and meerkats who are coming over here and stealing our, er, hearts.
The cafes sell food you aren't ashamed to feed your children and the gift shops sell local art and food (as well as the usual stuffed tat). It's only been open a few years, so new stuff is being added regularly and it's nice and clean.
Alongside all that, it's got a distant sea view and it doesn't stink of poo like most farm parks. Be warned, it does get pretty busy and noisy during peak season. We arrive at opening time and do the indoor play area or go-karts first. Tapnell Farm Park is also on the top of a breezy hill, so bring a jumper.
Entry is about £15. It's in the West Wight, so combine it with a quick trip to Freshwater Bay. It was named as the Isle of Wight's 'Best Large Attraction' at the Red Funnel Isle of Wight Awards in 2023.
Read the blog about one of our many visits.
Tapnell Farm Park has jumping pillows, animals, a football shootout, zip wires, minigolf and pedal go-karts
5. Wildheart Animal Sanctuary, Amazon World, Monkey Haven
I’ve bundled these three Isle of Wight animal attractions and zoos into one, as they are all family friendly and offer a similar sort of day out for a similar price (all are around the £15 mark).
Which is best? Well, I guess it depends on which type of animals you are most interested in seeing, but Trip Advisor reviewers give Monkey Haven 5/5, whilst Isle of Wight Zoo/Wildheart Animal Sanctuary and Amazon World both score 4/5 (checked 2023).
Monkey Haven won the award for 'Small Visitor Attraction of the Year' 2019 at the South East's Tourism Awards (the award relates to the size of the attraction rather than the size of the visitors). Monkey Haven also won Best Small Attraction at the Red Funnel Isle of Wight Awards in 2022.
Wildheart Animal Sanctuary is by the beach in Sandown, Monkey Haven is near Newport, Amazon World is between Newport and Sandown.
You can read more about all three in our guides to animal attractions and discounts to Isle of Wight attractions.
- Wildheart Animal Sanctuary used to be called Isle of Wight Zoo and specialises in tigers. Read the blog.
- Amazon World includes monkeys, sloths, snakes, crocodiles and parrots.
- Monkey Haven also has owls and is fairly self-explanatory. Read the blog.
Which is best? Well, I guess it depends on which type of animals you are most interested in seeing, but Trip Advisor reviewers give Monkey Haven 5/5, whilst Isle of Wight Zoo/Wildheart Animal Sanctuary and Amazon World both score 4/5 (checked 2023).
Monkey Haven won the award for 'Small Visitor Attraction of the Year' 2019 at the South East's Tourism Awards (the award relates to the size of the attraction rather than the size of the visitors). Monkey Haven also won Best Small Attraction at the Red Funnel Isle of Wight Awards in 2022.
Wildheart Animal Sanctuary is by the beach in Sandown, Monkey Haven is near Newport, Amazon World is between Newport and Sandown.
You can read more about all three in our guides to animal attractions and discounts to Isle of Wight attractions.
Wildheart Animal Sanctuary is right by the beach in Sandown. It was previously called Isle of Wight Zoo
If a box of souvenir Isle of Wight fudge will cause Aunt Ethel's teeth to fall out then you might consider a trip to the shop at West Wight Alpacas. Just think how great she'd look down the Post Office with an alpaca scarf or shoulder bag.
Besides the shop, there is also 'The Llama Tree' pizzeria which does those fancy wood-fired pizzas. For about £10 you can have a look round the farm or you can take an alpaca for a walk from about £25 (2023 prices). It's certainly not on the same scale as the three attractions mentioned above but reviews are positive.
Besides the shop, there is also 'The Llama Tree' pizzeria which does those fancy wood-fired pizzas. For about £10 you can have a look round the farm or you can take an alpaca for a walk from about £25 (2023 prices). It's certainly not on the same scale as the three attractions mentioned above but reviews are positive.
Alpacas tucking in to some grass in Wellow
Other places to see animals on the Isle of Wight include:
See our guide to zoos and animal attractions for the full waffle.
A note for historians - Seaview Wildlife Encounter and Coleman's Farm closed in 2015 (most of the animals went to Tapnell Farm Park).
- Butterfly World, which is a good one for a wet day as it's entirely indoors. Read the blog about our visit after a 33 year gap.
- Haven Falconry is based next to the Isle of Wight Steam Railway and gets terrific reviews.
- The Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary is exceedingly popular, partly because it is free. It is on the way towards Ventnor if you are travelling from Newport.
See our guide to zoos and animal attractions for the full waffle.
A note for historians - Seaview Wildlife Encounter and Coleman's Farm closed in 2015 (most of the animals went to Tapnell Farm Park).
6. Isle of Wight Aqua Park at Tapnell Farm
The Isle of Wight's first aqua park opened in 2020, unless you count my neighbour's enormous paddling pool/trampoline combo (Ed: I think that might be stretching it a bit).
It's on the same site as Tapnell Farm Park in the West Wight but it runs as a separate attraction which you pay extra for (£20 per person at the time of writing). It is only for those aged 8+ and there are rules about younger children being accompanied.
It's a bit like Total Wipeout where you clamber around inflatable floating things and leap into the water. The main difference is that it doesn't include Richard Hammond making sarcastic remarks and counting his money whilst sitting in a dry studio in a different country.
Read the blog about one of our visits to the Isle of Wight Aqua Park.
It's on the same site as Tapnell Farm Park in the West Wight but it runs as a separate attraction which you pay extra for (£20 per person at the time of writing). It is only for those aged 8+ and there are rules about younger children being accompanied.
It's a bit like Total Wipeout where you clamber around inflatable floating things and leap into the water. The main difference is that it doesn't include Richard Hammond making sarcastic remarks and counting his money whilst sitting in a dry studio in a different country.
Read the blog about one of our visits to the Isle of Wight Aqua Park.
"Are we going on three or after three?"
7. Adventure golf/ mini golf/ crazy golf
If your idea of ‘crazy’ is putting a red golf ball around a corner then you’ve lived a very dull life, my friend. However, there are loads of adventure/mini/crazy golf courses on the Isle of Wight that fill a couple of hours with kids, until the inevitable cheating starts ('that was just a practice shot...' etc).
We've argued our way round most of them now. A few to choose from:
We've argued our way round most of them now. A few to choose from:
- Pirates Cove, Jurassic Bay and CaddyShack in Shanklin are three separate courses. They are all modern and well maintained. The dinosaur one was new in 2017 and replaced one of the two minigolf courses on the Esplanade. They cost about £6 per course. Caddy Shack is an indoor one that opened in 2020.
Shanklin has three seafront minigolf courses including a fairly straightforward dinosaur course...
...a pirate minigolf course, which is a similar level of difficulty...
...and an excellent indoor course called Caddyshack, which has easy and tricky routes to the hole
- Rylstone Gardens in Shanklin is an old-fashioned and charming minigolf course. It cost us about £10 for a family of four when we last visited - although that was a while ago. It's not terribly flashy, but it is in the middle of a lovely park and is next to a coffee shop so you might be able to leave the children playing whilst gorging on latte and lemon drizzle cake. Read our blog about Rylstone Gardens and Jurassic Bay.
Rylstone Gardens minigolf is charming, cheap and quite challenging
- Dino Islands in Sandown opened in 2019. It's a big and flashy course that replaced the old mini golf course at Sandham Gardens. It costs about £6 each and has a similar vibe to the Shanklin seafront courses. Read our blog about Dino Islands.
Dino Islands in Sandown has a puffing volcano...
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...and we enjoyed this narrow bridge hole
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- Mini golf at Puckpool Park in Ryde is a 12 hole course that was £3.50 when we visited. It is a quaint and old fashioned course in well kept gardens. There's an adjacent café, tennis courts and decent playground nearby.
Puckpool's minigolf course was popular with my green-fingered mother...
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...and it has a nice homemade feel to it, like a sponge cake at a village fete
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- Jurassic Golf at The Needles Park near Alum Bay has 11 holes. It costs £6 and is a nice new course to attempt whilst also visiting the chairlift and multicoloured sands. However, it's quite compact and expensive - read our blog. It's busy at The Needles so you may feel a queue forming behind you if your child takes 27 shots on each hole.
The small course at The Needles is also dinosaur themed
- Farm Themed Crazy Golf at Tapnell Farm Park is a simple course as part of a bigger attraction. It's not flashy but it's good fun for half an hour. You pay about £15 entry to the whole park but the minigolf is only about 10% of the whole park.
Tapnell Farm Park's minigolf course isn't flashy, but it's good fun and a nice location
- Lost World Adventure Golf in Sandown (indoor course on Sandown Pier, £4. My brother enjoyed this one - that makes it sound like he is a child, he's 37)
- Captain Hook's Adventure Golf at Peter Pan's Funfair and Amusements in Ryde (not done this one yet, TripAdvisor has some reviews).
- Adventure Golf at Calbourne Water Mill (About £9 per person to get in, plus extra for minigolf. Here's some reviews).
- There's also a putting green in Ventnor Park which has the excellent name of Tee In The Park.
Which is the best minigolf course on the Isle of Wight, I hear you cry?
If it's raining, I would go for Caddyshack. The holes have been cleverly thought out with easy routes for young children and trickier shots for grown-ups. If it's sunny, I'd go for either of the dinosaur courses in Shanklin and Sandown. They're both modern, well-located and straight forward for children. If you want old-fashioned charm for about half the price, go for Rylstone Gardens.
For those keeping notes, Jungle Adventure Golf on Shanklin Esplanade disappeared in 2019 to make way for Caddyshack. No flowers please.
If it's raining, I would go for Caddyshack. The holes have been cleverly thought out with easy routes for young children and trickier shots for grown-ups. If it's sunny, I'd go for either of the dinosaur courses in Shanklin and Sandown. They're both modern, well-located and straight forward for children. If you want old-fashioned charm for about half the price, go for Rylstone Gardens.
For those keeping notes, Jungle Adventure Golf on Shanklin Esplanade disappeared in 2019 to make way for Caddyshack. No flowers please.
8. Alum Bay and The Needles
Alum Bay and the Needles reminds me a bit of the Canadian side of Niagara Falls. OK, so it’s not quite so spectacular but it is a natural wonder that has become a tourism hotspot with loads of different things to do.
The bits that will appeal to children are unlikely to be the wartime, telecommunications and space race history of the National Trust's Old Battery.
However, families do flock to: the chairlift, the handful of funfair rides, the boat ride out to the lighthouse (you can’t go in the Lighthouse unfortunately) and the shop where you can fill up a glass shape with multi-coloured sand.
You pay about £6 to park and then you just pay for whatever you decide to do. Most activities cost £3-4. If you've got a National Trust card, show it at the main Needles car park for a parking discount.
In summer, the Needles is open late on some evenings and they put on a free fireworks display. It gets busy but we really enjoyed it and it's terrific value.
The bits that will appeal to children are unlikely to be the wartime, telecommunications and space race history of the National Trust's Old Battery.
However, families do flock to: the chairlift, the handful of funfair rides, the boat ride out to the lighthouse (you can’t go in the Lighthouse unfortunately) and the shop where you can fill up a glass shape with multi-coloured sand.
You pay about £6 to park and then you just pay for whatever you decide to do. Most activities cost £3-4. If you've got a National Trust card, show it at the main Needles car park for a parking discount.
In summer, the Needles is open late on some evenings and they put on a free fireworks display. It gets busy but we really enjoyed it and it's terrific value.
The chairlift at The Needles gives a good view - it costs about £3-£4 each way
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The Needles Lighthouse is next to the multicoloured sands of Alum Bay
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9. Wight Karting (8+) and mini tank driving
Go-karts are never a cheap day out, but Wight Karting near Ryde does family deals and it gets rave reviews from visitors. Also, bear in mind that Lewis Hamilton earns about £40 million a year and he started out go-karting, so it's a more sensible investment than a lottery ticket.
There are various speeds of vehicle available, so anyone over the age of eight can take part. It even runs in wet weather, ideal for those who like the 'drowned rat' look.
The sessions are split by age group, so my nine year old daughter was able to give it a go without competing alongside a group of lads on a stag do.
Read the blog about my embarrassing attempt to beat a rival dad at Wight Karting.
There are various speeds of vehicle available, so anyone over the age of eight can take part. It even runs in wet weather, ideal for those who like the 'drowned rat' look.
The sessions are split by age group, so my nine year old daughter was able to give it a go without competing alongside a group of lads on a stag do.
Read the blog about my embarrassing attempt to beat a rival dad at Wight Karting.
Wight Karting is open on rainy or sunny days
Alternatively, those aged 10+ can have a Mini Tank Driving Experience on the outskirts of Newport. It takes place at Butterfly World in vehicles that are about the size of a Smart car. You pay about £12-£15 depending on whether you want tanks that fire at targets.
Before you ask, no you can't fire at the butterflies.
The same venue has paintball target practice which is for ages 6+.
Before you ask, no you can't fire at the butterflies.
The same venue has paintball target practice which is for ages 6+.
Tanks a lot! Older children can try driving a mini tank
10. Dinosaur Isle and fossil hunting walks
The first corridor at Dinosaur Isle is a bit educational for my liking, although I'm sure it's very worthy and important stuff for academics. As I've said before, trying to educate your children in August is a bad move.
However, once you get into the main room, it is much more child-friendly with things to prod, poke and smell. There are staggeringly large bones which are well presented and genuinely interesting.
It is quite small but it is near to some other nice beaches and attractions (Sandown Bay, Yaverland beach, Sandham Gardens - see #14).
If you're really into dinosaurs, there's also a small museum in the West Wight called the 'Dinosaur Expedition, Conservation and Paleoart Centre'.
However, once you get into the main room, it is much more child-friendly with things to prod, poke and smell. There are staggeringly large bones which are well presented and genuinely interesting.
It is quite small but it is near to some other nice beaches and attractions (Sandown Bay, Yaverland beach, Sandham Gardens - see #14).
If you're really into dinosaurs, there's also a small museum in the West Wight called the 'Dinosaur Expedition, Conservation and Paleoart Centre'.
Dinosaur Isle's funky building
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This guy can be found at Dinosaur Isle
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On a related note, you can fill a couple of hours on a dinosaur fossil hunting walk. They tend to cost about £5 each and are run by a few different companies on the Isle of Wight.
We went on a fossil walk with Dinosaur Isle on a windy day in April. It started with a talk about the geology of Yaverland before we walked along the beach looking for bones amongst the stones which had washed up on the beach.
I had imagined that we would be chiselling away at the cliffs and shouting "I've found a new species!" to the sound of cheers, which wasn't quite the case. However, we were delighted to find a small dinosaur fossil and our eight year old didn't complain (much) about the headwinds.
See our full guide to dinosaur themed holidays on the Isle of Wight.
- Island Gems has won lots of awards for its fossil hunting tours, including Best Activity Provider at the Red Funnel Isle of Wight Awards 2022. Their fossil hunts take place around Brook Chine in the West Wight. The beach is famous for its dinosaur footprints, which you can see at low tide.
- Dinosaur Expeditions runs fossil hunts from five different beaches along the crumbly cliffs of the Military Road. They also run a small museum in the area (as mentioned two minutes ago).
- Dinosaur Isle's fossil walks are on the other side of the Isle of Wight, around Yaverland and Shanklin.
- If you want to avoid the general public (I don't blame you) then you can go on a private fossil hunt with Wight Coast Fossils.
We went on a fossil walk with Dinosaur Isle on a windy day in April. It started with a talk about the geology of Yaverland before we walked along the beach looking for bones amongst the stones which had washed up on the beach.
I had imagined that we would be chiselling away at the cliffs and shouting "I've found a new species!" to the sound of cheers, which wasn't quite the case. However, we were delighted to find a small dinosaur fossil and our eight year old didn't complain (much) about the headwinds.
See our full guide to dinosaur themed holidays on the Isle of Wight.
Some fossil walks take place in Yaverland
11. Newport and Ryde Cinemas
If it’s raining then you might like to shelter in the safety of Cineworld's modern multiscreen cinema in Newport, or the more nostalgic cinema in Ryde, which is much smaller but is usually very cheap (£4 at the time of writing). Good luck finding a film that everyone is happy with…
Newport's 11 screen cinema (Note to self: take a better photo of the cinema...)
12. Ryde 10 pin bowling alley (Superbowl)
Nintendo's version of bowling is certainly cheaper for a family activity, but you can't beat the real thing. Ryde has a 10 pin bowling alley. Sandown Pier also has a half decent (and cheap) bowling alley with four lanes.
13. Sandham Gardens
Just round the corner from Dinosaur Isle on Sandown esplanade is Sandham Gardens, which has been revamped into a decent attraction with enough to fill a few hours. You don't pay an entry fee, you just pay for individual attractions.
There’s a free skate park and football/basketball court alongside a play area that older children will enjoy, as well a toddlers' playground. Dads won’t be able to resist trying out the zip wire. See our toddlers guide for more playground advice.
The paid attractions include a fancy dinosaur themed minigolf course, which opened in 2019 (about £6, mentioned earlier) as well as some electric go karts (about £5 a race) and some 'Skynets'. These opened in 2020 and involve bouncing around in giant nets. They cost about £13.
In case you're worried, the Skynets in Sandown have no relation with the baddies of the same name in the Terminator films.
There’s a free skate park and football/basketball court alongside a play area that older children will enjoy, as well a toddlers' playground. Dads won’t be able to resist trying out the zip wire. See our toddlers guide for more playground advice.
The paid attractions include a fancy dinosaur themed minigolf course, which opened in 2019 (about £6, mentioned earlier) as well as some electric go karts (about £5 a race) and some 'Skynets'. These opened in 2020 and involve bouncing around in giant nets. They cost about £13.
In case you're worried, the Skynets in Sandown have no relation with the baddies of the same name in the Terminator films.
Sandham Gardens has a good playground, as well as minigolf, go karts and 'skynets'
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The second playground at Sandham Gardens is aimed at older children
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14. Traffic-free cycle tracks
The Isle of Wight has loads of gruelling cycle routes down chalk ridges and up steep hills but if your child's helmet has Moana or Spiderman on it then it's probably best to keep it simple and traffic free.
Our favourite car-free cycle track on the Isle of Wight is the route from Freshwater's Causeway to the Off The Rails café/restaurant in Yarmouth. If you have your own bikes, I would start at the Causeway. If you need to hire bikes, head for Wight Cycle Hire next to the café. See our full guide to this cycle track to ensure it's not a complete disaster for you. It's about 1.8 miles each way and is mostly wide enough to accommodate a bit of swerving.
Our favourite car-free cycle track on the Isle of Wight is the route from Freshwater's Causeway to the Off The Rails café/restaurant in Yarmouth. If you have your own bikes, I would start at the Causeway. If you need to hire bikes, head for Wight Cycle Hire next to the café. See our full guide to this cycle track to ensure it's not a complete disaster for you. It's about 1.8 miles each way and is mostly wide enough to accommodate a bit of swerving.
The Freshwater to Yarmouth cycle track goes alongside water for a bit - but it's very family friendly
Many families with children on wobbly bicycles attempt a section of the Red Squirrel Trail. It is mostly former railway lines (i.e. flat and car-free) but also includes some parts that go on roads through towns.
The whole thing is 32 miles long and covers Cowes, Newport, Shanklin and Sandown but you can easily just do a small section of it.
Some people start from Cowes and cycle along a former railway line to Newport alongside the River Medina. Alternatively, you can do a more circular ride by starting from Wight Bike in Merstone, routefifty7 in Shanklin or Sandown Bicycle and Beach Hire.
Other car free cycling options suggested by the Red Squirrel Trail people include:
Bike hire options that we haven't already mentioned include TAV Cycles in Ryde and Zoom e-Bikes in Niton.
The map below shows the Cowes to Newport section of the Red Squirrel Trail. See our full cycling guide for more waffle on Isle of Wight cycling holidays.
The whole thing is 32 miles long and covers Cowes, Newport, Shanklin and Sandown but you can easily just do a small section of it.
Some people start from Cowes and cycle along a former railway line to Newport alongside the River Medina. Alternatively, you can do a more circular ride by starting from Wight Bike in Merstone, routefifty7 in Shanklin or Sandown Bicycle and Beach Hire.
Other car free cycling options suggested by the Red Squirrel Trail people include:
- Parkhurst Forest (watch out for Red Squirrels and prison escapees)
- Brading to St Helens (former trainline with nature reserve)
- Newport to Wootton Bridge
- Ryde to St Helens (mostly coastal)
- Newport to Island Harbour
Bike hire options that we haven't already mentioned include TAV Cycles in Ryde and Zoom e-Bikes in Niton.
The map below shows the Cowes to Newport section of the Red Squirrel Trail. See our full cycling guide for more waffle on Isle of Wight cycling holidays.
There are several places to hire bikes. This photo was taken in Shanklin in 2021
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The Red Squirrel Trail is mostly car-free. This is the Newport to Cowes section.
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Google map showing the cycle track from Cowes to Newport
15. Bembridge lifeboat station
A good free outing is to Bembridge Lifeboat Station to see their impressive vessel that hangs at the top of a slope ready to swoosh into the sea. There's a huge great walkway/pier, although it does have some small gaps in it so smaller children need to watch out.
They also hold training events where you can watch the lifeboat being launched. Details are usually on their Facebook page.
They also hold training events where you can watch the lifeboat being launched. Details are usually on their Facebook page.
There are regular training evenings where you can see the lifeboat being launched
16. Breezer Buses or Helicopter Tours
For those without wigs, the 'Island Breezer' open top bus routes provide a fun way to see the Isle of Wight. A warm day is preferable, or you'll soon be calling it the 'Freezer'.
The Needles Breezer trundles through Yarmouth, Freshwater, Alum Bay and Colwell in a circular motion in just under an hour, whilst the Downs Breezer does a circular route through Ryde, Sandown, Brading and Arreton in just over an hour. The Island Coaster is no longer open top, but has good views and goes from Ryde to the Needles, via Ventnor in 2 hours 45 minutes. The Shanklin Shuttle is no longer an open top bus.
The Needles Breezer trundles through Yarmouth, Freshwater, Alum Bay and Colwell in a circular motion in just under an hour, whilst the Downs Breezer does a circular route through Ryde, Sandown, Brading and Arreton in just over an hour. The Island Coaster is no longer open top, but has good views and goes from Ryde to the Needles, via Ventnor in 2 hours 45 minutes. The Shanklin Shuttle is no longer an open top bus.
Hold on to your hats!
You can hop on and off all four, and you can buy an all day ticket which also covers the connecting 'normal' buses.
I would say that the Needles Breezer is better for seeing unspoilt scenery and some sea views, whereas the Downs Breezer is better if you want to stop at busy seaside resorts and attractions on route (having said that, Brading Downs has lovely views).
The Island Coaster is an epic journey of nearly three hours which takes in loads of lovely coastline and sea views. It is very scenic in places but personally I'd be somewhat sick of buses after three hours (and it's not circular so you'll need to get another bus back to wherever you are staying). Of course, you could just do part of the journey. It's no longer an open top bus, which does take away some of the appeal in my view.
It's better value if you travel in a group. At the time of writing (2023 prices), you can get a hop-on hop-off 24 hour ticket for £16 for an adult or £8 for a child - but it's only £37 if you travel in a group of any five people. That's a saving of £19.
One ticket gives you access to all four buses (and other Southern Vectis buses) - so you can attempt a bus tour challenge if you fancy it.
I would say that the Needles Breezer is better for seeing unspoilt scenery and some sea views, whereas the Downs Breezer is better if you want to stop at busy seaside resorts and attractions on route (having said that, Brading Downs has lovely views).
The Island Coaster is an epic journey of nearly three hours which takes in loads of lovely coastline and sea views. It is very scenic in places but personally I'd be somewhat sick of buses after three hours (and it's not circular so you'll need to get another bus back to wherever you are staying). Of course, you could just do part of the journey. It's no longer an open top bus, which does take away some of the appeal in my view.
It's better value if you travel in a group. At the time of writing (2023 prices), you can get a hop-on hop-off 24 hour ticket for £16 for an adult or £8 for a child - but it's only £37 if you travel in a group of any five people. That's a saving of £19.
One ticket gives you access to all four buses (and other Southern Vectis buses) - so you can attempt a bus tour challenge if you fancy it.
The Needles Breezer bus passes through Freshwater Bay
Families with strong stomachs and deep pockets may prefer a helicopter tour of the Isle of Wight.
These take off from Sandown Airport and cover a big chunk of the Island in either 15 or 30 minutes. The minimum age is six and the maximum weight is 15 stone.
On the shorter flight you either head off towards St Catherine's Lighthouse in the South Wight or Ryde and Cowes.
The longer flight covers a few more landmarks including The Needles and Osborne House.
There's no way Mrs Guru would let me take the kids on a helicopter ride so we stick to the bus...
These take off from Sandown Airport and cover a big chunk of the Island in either 15 or 30 minutes. The minimum age is six and the maximum weight is 15 stone.
On the shorter flight you either head off towards St Catherine's Lighthouse in the South Wight or Ryde and Cowes.
The longer flight covers a few more landmarks including The Needles and Osborne House.
There's no way Mrs Guru would let me take the kids on a helicopter ride so we stick to the bus...
17. Isle of WIght Football Golf
Once you've fallen out with each other over minigolf, you might like to try Isle of Wight Football Golf which is on fields alongside Tapnell Farm Park and the Isle of Wight Aqua Park (although they are all separate attractions). It's on a pleasant spot overlooking the West Wight.
There's a shorter 9-hole course which is more suited for younger children and a longer 9-hole course for dads who want to shout "'ave it" as they hoof the ball into the car park. When I last checked, it was £6-£11 depending on how many holes you sign up for.
I've spent the last 10 minutes trying to come up with golf/football mashup puns but the best I've managed is Christiano Ron-Faldo and Rory McIlroy-Keane.
Read the blog about our wet day at football golf.
There's a shorter 9-hole course which is more suited for younger children and a longer 9-hole course for dads who want to shout "'ave it" as they hoof the ball into the car park. When I last checked, it was £6-£11 depending on how many holes you sign up for.
I've spent the last 10 minutes trying to come up with golf/football mashup puns but the best I've managed is Christiano Ron-Faldo and Rory McIlroy-Keane.
Read the blog about our wet day at football golf.
Pringle jumpers are optional at football golf
18. Carisbrooke Castle and Yarmouth Castle
**Save about £5 with a Carisbrooke Castle/Osborne House bundled ticket via Tiqets**
**English Heritage Discount Code: Save 20% on annual memberships via this link with exclusive code IWGEHMEXC until 07/01/24**
I wasn’t sure if I should include anything that may appear educational in this list. I used to get very irked when my mother used to try and make me learn things during school holidays.
However, if your kids are constantly lunging at each other with swords and holding shields then you might get away with Carisbrooke Castle.
English Heritage make a good effort to keep it family-friendly with jousting on the bowling green in the summer. Is there a charge? Yes, of course, that's the general idea of jousting (Ed: groan).
There are also donkeys which pull up a bucket from a well all year round and a dry moat outside the ground that we used to run up and down like lunatics.
There’s another smaller castle in Yarmouth, but Carisbrooke would be my choice if you only have time for one.
Osborne House (another big English Heritage property) didn't interest me until I was at least 25, but well-meaning parents may be able to talk children round with the promise of summertime entertainment or an ice cream on the beach. The entertainment has previously included a Punch and Judy show on Queen Vicky's beach.
If you plan to visit two or three of the Isle of Wight's English Heritage properties then you might consider membership as it also gets you a ferry discount. My rule of thumb is that entry to Carisbrooke Castle and Osborne costs about two thirds of the price of annual membership to English Heritage. If you can get a discount on membership then it's probably worth coughing up.
However, if your kids are constantly lunging at each other with swords and holding shields then you might get away with Carisbrooke Castle.
English Heritage make a good effort to keep it family-friendly with jousting on the bowling green in the summer. Is there a charge? Yes, of course, that's the general idea of jousting (Ed: groan).
There are also donkeys which pull up a bucket from a well all year round and a dry moat outside the ground that we used to run up and down like lunatics.
There’s another smaller castle in Yarmouth, but Carisbrooke would be my choice if you only have time for one.
Osborne House (another big English Heritage property) didn't interest me until I was at least 25, but well-meaning parents may be able to talk children round with the promise of summertime entertainment or an ice cream on the beach. The entertainment has previously included a Punch and Judy show on Queen Vicky's beach.
If you plan to visit two or three of the Isle of Wight's English Heritage properties then you might consider membership as it also gets you a ferry discount. My rule of thumb is that entry to Carisbrooke Castle and Osborne costs about two thirds of the price of annual membership to English Heritage. If you can get a discount on membership then it's probably worth coughing up.
Carisbrooke Castle hosts jousting in the summer
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Yarmouth Castle is smaller than Carisbrooke Castle
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19. Isle of Wight Steam Railway, Island Line Railway and the Isle of Wight Bus Museum
The Isle of Wight Steam Railway appeals to a) families who fancy a nice ride on an old choo choo train and b) men called Nigel and Brian who like to discuss the merits of Ivatt Class 2 locomotives.
A round trip takes about an hour, but they do put on special events throughout the year and there's also a small play area, woodland walk and the 'train story discovery centre'. The train route is inland and goes through some nice scenic fields although you won't get a sea view.
An alternative option is the Island Line which travels from Ryde Pierhead to Sandown and Shanklin. The route is relatively attractive but not stunning (the bit along the pier is the most exciting). We wrote a blog about our trip on the old Island Line service before it was replaced in 2021 with new trains.
A round trip takes about an hour, but they do put on special events throughout the year and there's also a small play area, woodland walk and the 'train story discovery centre'. The train route is inland and goes through some nice scenic fields although you won't get a sea view.
An alternative option is the Island Line which travels from Ryde Pierhead to Sandown and Shanklin. The route is relatively attractive but not stunning (the bit along the pier is the most exciting). We wrote a blog about our trip on the old Island Line service before it was replaced in 2021 with new trains.
There are well trained volunteers at the Isle of Wight Steam Railway
A free alternative is the Isle of Wight Bus Museum in Ryde. It is run by volunteers and isn't on the same scale as the steam railway, but you can climb on board several old buses. It's indoors so may be a good option on a rainy day.
They also run events during the year where you can have rides on vintage buses.
They also run events during the year where you can have rides on vintage buses.
20. Horse Riding
Encouraging young girls to try horse riding carries a severe risk of a lifetime of poverty, weekend gymkhanas and shovelling manure at 6am. However, there are three family-friendly stables to choose from on the Isle of Wight (Sally's Riding School, Bembridge, Island Riding Centre, near Newport and Hill Farm Stables, Freshwater).
Sally's Riding School and Island Riding Centre sometimes lead horse rides along the beach, which sounds like it would be great fun, especially if it was in slow motion with an 80s ballad playing in the background.
Horse riding on the beach is organised for guests staying at Parkdean Resorts Nodes Point Holiday Park.
The Island Riding Centre also has lots of modern accommodation for those who really want the full horsey holiday experience. Options include:
Sally's Riding School and Island Riding Centre sometimes lead horse rides along the beach, which sounds like it would be great fun, especially if it was in slow motion with an 80s ballad playing in the background.
Horse riding on the beach is organised for guests staying at Parkdean Resorts Nodes Point Holiday Park.
The Island Riding Centre also has lots of modern accommodation for those who really want the full horsey holiday experience. Options include:
- Giddyup (sleeps 4)
- Bay Cottage (sleeps 4)
- Home Straight (sleeps 6)
- Gift Horse House (sleeps 7)
21. ISLE OF WIGHT TREASURE TRAILS and Geocaching
Treasure Trails is a UK-wide provider of treasure hunts that offers several around Isle of Wight towns. They're one step up from the kind of thing your mother used to write, although you do have to pay for them (about £10).
They usually take a couple of hours and involve a walk of a couple of miles, although the Bembridge one is done on a bike and travels a bigger distance. If you get stuck you can text them and they'll give you a hand. If you complete the puzzle you can enter a prize draw and download a certificate.
So far we've done the Treasure Trails in:
Alternatively, City Breaks UK do an Isle of Wight themed walking tour with the slogan "The travel guide that's a game!". This one is £25 and I haven't tried it myself.
They usually take a couple of hours and involve a walk of a couple of miles, although the Bembridge one is done on a bike and travels a bigger distance. If you get stuck you can text them and they'll give you a hand. If you complete the puzzle you can enter a prize draw and download a certificate.
So far we've done the Treasure Trails in:
- The Needles and Alum Bay - not pushchair friendly, quite hilly and quite windy but worth it for the views throughout the whole trail. Parking was quite pricey but it filled about three hours. My favourite so far.
- Cowes - took a couple of hours around the town and involved about 30 steps but you can take a detour if you've got a pushchair. Small playground towards the end of the route. Some scenic seaside bits.
- Freshwater Bay and Tennyson Down - it took us a whole year to complete this one, as we did half of it in 2019 and returned in 2020 to finish it off. Beautiful beach and one of the Island's best views from the top of the Downs. We took a pushchair but we regretted it as there were lots of gates and a really steep climb towards the end. Quite a lot of walking and massive cliffs so it may not be ideal for rogue children.
- Godshill - shorter and more compact Treasure Trail with less walking and a couple of tricky questions. Keep a close eye on children in the pavement-free areas and shops selling breakables.
- Ventnor town - lots of lovely views, very steep hills to climb, took us two hours. Playground about halfway round the route. About 20 steps, but you can take a detour if you know the town a bit.
- Ventnor to Steephill Cove coastal path - fantastic sea views, lots of steep ups-and-downs as well as some steps. Was pouring with rain for most of the time when we did it but we still enjoyed it. Took us about three hours over two days. Probably my second favourite so far.
- Yarmouth - nice mix of scenery along a cycle path and sea wall and through the small town centre. Mostly off road. We managed it with a pushchair though there was a steep slope with steps at one point. Scenery not quite so spectacular but still coastal and very pleasant.
Alternatively, City Breaks UK do an Isle of Wight themed walking tour with the slogan "The travel guide that's a game!". This one is £25 and I haven't tried it myself.
Our five year old detective trying to crack the case in Cowes
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The Freshwater Bay and Tennyson Down Treasure Trail offers terrific views
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Meanwhile, Geocaching combines a 17th century pirate's love of treasure hunting with a 21st century child's love of staring at small screens. The basic idea is that you download an app on a smartphone that shows you roughly where little boxes of 'treasure' are hidden all over the world.
The 'treasure' is usually a tupperware box full of little trinkets that has been hidden by a fellow geocacher.
You sign a log book, swap a trinket if you want to and then declare to the world that you found it. There are lots of 'caches' hidden across the Isle of Wight, some of which are at landmarks and historic sites.
It is free for the basic app or you can pay a fee if you want the version with more features.
We wrote a blog about our first Isle of Wight geocache adventure. You might also like to watch this video called What Is Geocaching?
The 'treasure' is usually a tupperware box full of little trinkets that has been hidden by a fellow geocacher.
You sign a log book, swap a trinket if you want to and then declare to the world that you found it. There are lots of 'caches' hidden across the Isle of Wight, some of which are at landmarks and historic sites.
It is free for the basic app or you can pay a fee if you want the version with more features.
We wrote a blog about our first Isle of Wight geocache adventure. You might also like to watch this video called What Is Geocaching?
22. Child Friendly short walks on the Isle of Wight
If you'd rather keep it simple and free, some of our favourite short strolls on the Isle of Wight include:
**2023 Update - the first walk in this list currently involves a big detour due to a landslide**
- Bonchurch to Ventnor, along the sea wall. Not great for little children as there are no railings stopping them falling into the sea for most of the journey but it's a flat walk that we have managed with pushchairs in about half an hour. The walk also displays a scale model of the Solar System. Warning: Ventnor doesn't have great mobile signal so be prepared to blag your way through a series of questions about the planets without the help of Google. We park at the Shore Road car park in Bonchurch and then walk towards Ventnor where there are places to eat and a playground near to the Winter Gardens.
If you keep going along the coastal path once you get to Ventnor then arrive at Steephill Cove. Personally, I prefer this walk but it's hillier and more challenging for young children.
Bonchurch to Ventnor is a flat walk, whilst Ventnor to Steephill Cove is much hillier
- Gurnard to Cowes is an easy walk with a playground in Gurnard and plenty of shops and cafes in Cowes. It's a good one if you like watching the yachts and cruise liners on the Solent. If you've got time, have a wander round the back of Gurnard's sailing club as there's a hidden beach that most people miss. We call it Robert's Beach but I've never been sure if it has an official name.
The Cowes to Gurnard walk includes a playground with a view
- Shanklin to Sandown is another nice walk along the seafront. Again, there aren't railings for the whole way so it's a bit tense with wobbly toddlers. There is parking at either end of the walk and plenty of family-friendly things to do including a good playground in Sandown at Sandham Gardens and money-hungry amusements at Shanklin.
You may end up stopping for an ice cream in Shanklin
- Totland to Colwell is a short walk along a coastal path. You can park on the seafront at Totland and walk round the corner in about 20-30 minutes. There aren't any railings so watch out for wobbly children. At one point you can see where there was a massive landslide in 2012 which closed the path for three years. There are places to eat at both ends of the walk.
Colwell to Totland is only about half a mile - although there are no railings on the sea wall
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The coastal path between Colwell and Totland goes over the 2012 landslide
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- Carisbrooke Castle's dry moat is good for a short walk and you can access it without paying to get into the Castle. You can walk up from Carisbrooke village via Castle Street which has a ford for children to fall into. Alternatively, drive up to Carisbrooke Castle and walk round it for nice views across Carisbrooke and Bowcombe.
Carisbrooke Castle's dry moat makes a nice (and short) circular walk
- Freshwater Bay to Tennyson Down is a bit more ambitious but it has a good combination of a glorious beach at the start of the walk and fantastic views from the top of the downs. Sometimes there are cows in the field and there is also a cliff edge so perhaps not one if you're feeling a bit tense because of a stressful morning of arguments over who left the dishwasher open.
There are terrific views on the walk from Freshwater Bay to Tennyson Monument (and a steep cliff edge)
- Ryde Esplanade is long and has some attractions and entertainments along the route including two playgrounds on the seafront and a splash park. If you keep going past Appley Tower you'll end up at Appley Park, which has another good playground.
- Compton Bay is probably our favourite beach for a wander along the sand. It gets nice sunsets and is particularly appealing in the late afternoon on a hot day when everyone else has gone home. You can either park at the Hanover Point end which has about 20 steps to climb down or the Compton Farm end which has better views but a precarious set of steep steps and a bit of clambering to get on to the beach. There isn't as much beach in winter. Yaverland Beach is a better option for walking if you have a dog, as it allows dogs all year whereas Compton Bay is closed to dogs in the warmer months.
23. Amusement Arcades and games arcades
If you have deep pockets and a high tolerance for electronic noise, there are amusement arcades on the seafront in Sandown (on the Pier), Shanklin (our personal favourite) and smaller ones in Ryde and at The Needles.
The Shanklin arcade is particularly good as they keep investing in new machines so you don't spend all your time complaining that a machine has stolen your pound coin.
Ryde also has a free-play games arcade called Game On. You pay upfront (about £10) and can then play on everything for 90 minutes.
Ventnor's Gaiety seafront amusement arcade disappeared a few years ago and is preparing to become residential property.
The Shanklin arcade is particularly good as they keep investing in new machines so you don't spend all your time complaining that a machine has stolen your pound coin.
Ryde also has a free-play games arcade called Game On. You pay upfront (about £10) and can then play on everything for 90 minutes.
Ventnor's Gaiety seafront amusement arcade disappeared a few years ago and is preparing to become residential property.
Sandown, Shanklin and Ryde have amusement arcades on their esplanades
24. Seafront 'funfairs'
On Ryde's Esplanade, towards the Appley end you will find Peter Pan's Funfair and Amusements, which is aimed at younger children and has things like a small carousel, teacups and little cars to drive.
I've only looked at it in passing, so you may want to read the reviews on TripAdvisor.
Meanwhile, Shanklin Seafront has some small funfair type attractions, like those balls you climb inside and run on water. We've been to this one a couple of times and enjoyed it.
There are also amusements at The Needles, including a carousel (as previously mentioned).
I've only looked at it in passing, so you may want to read the reviews on TripAdvisor.
Meanwhile, Shanklin Seafront has some small funfair type attractions, like those balls you climb inside and run on water. We've been to this one a couple of times and enjoyed it.
There are also amusements at The Needles, including a carousel (as previously mentioned).
Peter Pan's Funfair in Ryde
25. Our Isle Spy car journey Game
The Isle of Wight's bumpy roads can be a bit nauseating at times, and can lead to children complaining from the back seat. One solution is to tell them to imagine it is a rollercoaster ride at Blackgang Chine but if that doesn't work then try our Isle Spy Car Journey game.
We've chosen 15 things which you'll see on an Isle of Wight car journey, including quirky road signs, a giant-coloured cone and a very short stretch of dual carriageway.
Print it off and see if you can find all 15 before someone throws up.
We've chosen 15 things which you'll see on an Isle of Wight car journey, including quirky road signs, a giant-coloured cone and a very short stretch of dual carriageway.
Print it off and see if you can find all 15 before someone throws up.
Can you spot an Isle of Wight personalised number plate?
26. The Wight Military and Heritage Museum
I know what you're thinking - my kids are not going to be impressed if I take them to something which is bordering on educational during the school holidays. However, the Wight Military and Heritage Museum may well appeal to some as they offer rides in armoured vehicles. Check their website in advance as it is a charity run by volunteers.
27. Sea Safaris and Pleasure Cruises
Taking children on a boat trip is a bit of a gamble, as there is always a chance that one member of your party will start to feel sick and ask to go home when you are sat out in the Solent.
If you are willing to risk such things, then you might consider the following:
If you are willing to risk such things, then you might consider the following:
- Needles Pleasure Cruises runs a tame 20-minute tour out to the famous red and white lighthouse (you can't go in the lighthouse) and a less tame 15-minute high speed ride around the coastline. They leave from Alum Bay and cost about £8 for the slow ride or £15 for the fast trip.
- Black Rock Cruises also covers the Needles, but they leave from Yarmouth which makes it a longer journey that explores more of the West Wight coastline. Costs about £30 for 90 minutes. They also do a fishing trip that lasts a couple of hours.
- Coral Star is another boat that is based in Yarmouth and offers trips to the Needles.
- During the summer months, the world's last 'seagoing paddle steamer' (the Waverley) usually does trips around the Isle of Wight. It's based in Scotland but visits other parts of the UK (reviews can be found here).
28. Family friendly festivals and events
The Isle of Wight has a busy calendar of events which start around mid-Spring and continue until the Autumn (see our guide to festivals or our carnivals guide).
Child-friendly ones include Carnivals which take place in July and August in Sandown, Shanklin, Ryde, Newport, Ventnor, Cowes, Yarmouth and St Helen's (Islanders sure do love their carnivals). The biggest and oldest Carnival on the Isle of Wight is Ryde Carnival, which is usually in late August.
The Garlic Festival is family-friendly, while Cowes Week is good for a wander.
Along similar lines, Jay Miller's Circus turns up on the Isle of Wight for a few weeks in the summer. The National Trust run sandcastle building competitions in July and August (more details in our annual events guide).
Child-friendly ones include Carnivals which take place in July and August in Sandown, Shanklin, Ryde, Newport, Ventnor, Cowes, Yarmouth and St Helen's (Islanders sure do love their carnivals). The biggest and oldest Carnival on the Isle of Wight is Ryde Carnival, which is usually in late August.
The Garlic Festival is family-friendly, while Cowes Week is good for a wander.
Along similar lines, Jay Miller's Circus turns up on the Isle of Wight for a few weeks in the summer. The National Trust run sandcastle building competitions in July and August (more details in our annual events guide).
Ventnor Carnival is one of several held over the summer on the Isle of Wight
29. Sandown Pier
Sandown's Pier is one of four left on the Isle of Wight (Yarmouth, Ryde and Totland are the others) but it is the only one which offers classic pier-style attractions.
So, roll up, roll up for the headache-inducing clankity-clank of amusement arcades and the flashing lightbulbs of teacups and dodgems. You'll also find a cheap bowling alley, minigolf, indoor play and a couple of bars.
It's cheap and cheerful but it's a good way to waste a couple of hours if it suddenly starts raining when you are sat on the beach in your pants.
Read the blog about Sandown Pier.
So, roll up, roll up for the headache-inducing clankity-clank of amusement arcades and the flashing lightbulbs of teacups and dodgems. You'll also find a cheap bowling alley, minigolf, indoor play and a couple of bars.
It's cheap and cheerful but it's a good way to waste a couple of hours if it suddenly starts raining when you are sat on the beach in your pants.
Read the blog about Sandown Pier.
Sandown Pier is a good place to hide if it starts raining
30. Isle of Wight Pottery or Fired Art Ceramics
If you enjoy recreating episodes of The Generation Game, head for Isle of Wight Pottery in Niton. They offer group pottery making sessions which are £100 for four people as well as kids' sessions.
There is also a paint-your-own souvenir type place in Ryde called Fired Art Ceramics.
Chessell Pottery Cafe stopped doing pottery painting in 2023 but you can still visit for a cream tea.
There is also a paint-your-own souvenir type place in Ryde called Fired Art Ceramics.
Chessell Pottery Cafe stopped doing pottery painting in 2023 but you can still visit for a cream tea.
31. Mottistone Gardens
Now don't get me wrong. Children will not be entertained by the glorious floral displays and tea served in delicate crockery at Mottistone Gardens (West Wight, near Brighstone). Nor will they be impressed with the adjacent manor house, which hosted Benedict Cumberbatch and Sophie Hunter's wedding reception.
However, there is often a trail or something similar for children and they can waste another 10 minutes in the den building area. It is a National Trust property so worth a stop if you are members. Check the website first for opening hours.
However, there is often a trail or something similar for children and they can waste another 10 minutes in the den building area. It is a National Trust property so worth a stop if you are members. Check the website first for opening hours.
Don't tell the children that you want to look at the flowers at Mottistone Manor Gardens
32. The Garlic Farm
I wouldn't plan a full day out with children at The Garlic Farm, but it is worth an hour or two of your time if you are in the Sandown or Shanklin area. Entry is free and then you pay a few pounds for a 20 minute tour around the farm in a trailer pulled by a tractor. If you prefer, you can follow a walking trail through the woods. It's family run and is very well kept and laid out.
The Garlic Farm Shop was named as 'Best Shop/Retail' at the Red Funnel Isle of Wight Awards in 2022.
It is a working farm, although we didn't actually see any garlic growing as they rotate round between fields and were using a section a couple of miles away.
There's a small (but modern) playground, a popular café and various garlic tasting opportunities. Of course, there's also a large garlic themed shop where you can discover what happens when you add garlic to perfectly decent tasting things like beer. The owners also organise the Garlic Festival in August which is a sort-of country show with a focus on garlic.
Not recommended for vampires or first dates.
The Garlic Farm Shop was named as 'Best Shop/Retail' at the Red Funnel Isle of Wight Awards in 2022.
It is a working farm, although we didn't actually see any garlic growing as they rotate round between fields and were using a section a couple of miles away.
There's a small (but modern) playground, a popular café and various garlic tasting opportunities. Of course, there's also a large garlic themed shop where you can discover what happens when you add garlic to perfectly decent tasting things like beer. The owners also organise the Garlic Festival in August which is a sort-of country show with a focus on garlic.
Not recommended for vampires or first dates.
When we visited the Garlic Farm, they were offering tractor trailer rides
33. Godshill Model Village
I previously just included Godshill Model Village in our guide to days out for toddlers. I've added it to this guide for older children after a successful day out with three girls aged four, six and nine who spent an hour or two pointing and giggling at things and completing a quiz. I wouldn't drag a teenager round.
The Model Village is immaculately kept and has the feel of a family's pride and joy rather than an attraction created to relieve tourists of their money.
If you want an amusing five minutes then stand near to the model of the model village and listen to every visitor having the same conversation. I thought about recording eight hours of it and entering it into the Turner Prize.
The Model Village costs about £7. Prudes should look away when they get to the streaker at the model football match.
The Model Village is immaculately kept and has the feel of a family's pride and joy rather than an attraction created to relieve tourists of their money.
If you want an amusing five minutes then stand near to the model of the model village and listen to every visitor having the same conversation. I thought about recording eight hours of it and entering it into the Turner Prize.
The Model Village costs about £7. Prudes should look away when they get to the streaker at the model football match.
If you are allergic to quaintness, stay away from Godshill Model Village
34. Fort Victoria
Fort Victoria is a medley of small attractions, housed within a beachside fort designed for firing cannonballs at unwelcome ships in the Solent.
There's currently a planetarium and the Isle of Wight Reptilarium and Terrapin sanctuary.
The attractions cost about £5 each.
There's also a woodland with natural trails at the site, which is worth exploring. We found homemade swings and a rarely visited beach that can be reached via some steps in the woods.
There's currently a planetarium and the Isle of Wight Reptilarium and Terrapin sanctuary.
The attractions cost about £5 each.
There's also a woodland with natural trails at the site, which is worth exploring. We found homemade swings and a rarely visited beach that can be reached via some steps in the woods.
Cannons at Fort Victoria are aimed at grey squirrels planning a holiday on the Isle of Wight
35. Briddlesford Lodge Farm Tours
On 'Welly Wednesdays' during school holidays, you can take a tour of Briddlesford Lodge Farm for about £8. There are tractors and Guernsey cows, as well as some activities for kids.
According to the blurb, the tour includes an appetising opportunity to "stop off at the silage pits to look at and smell the different varieties of silage". It's a bit like a vineyard tour where you get to sniff the bouquet of fine wines, except that it's nothing like that at all.
According to the blurb, the tour includes an appetising opportunity to "stop off at the silage pits to look at and smell the different varieties of silage". It's a bit like a vineyard tour where you get to sniff the bouquet of fine wines, except that it's nothing like that at all.
36. Snacks and Ladders Board Game CAfe, Shanklin's Tweerooms and Comicoffee
Newport is home to a board game café called Snacks and Ladders which opened in 2019.
If you're into this sort of thing, there are lots of specialist games with hundreds of cards and funny shaped dice. Younger visitors may prefer to stick to that one where you have to climb ladders and slide down snakes. I forget what it's called.
My advice is to let the youngest player win unless you want a tantrum in Newport town centre.
When I checked, it cost from £2 to play any game you like.
Snacks and Ladders was a finalist in the 'Best Small Attraction' category at the Red Funnel Isle of Wight Awards in 2022.
If you're into this sort of thing, there are lots of specialist games with hundreds of cards and funny shaped dice. Younger visitors may prefer to stick to that one where you have to climb ladders and slide down snakes. I forget what it's called.
My advice is to let the youngest player win unless you want a tantrum in Newport town centre.
When I checked, it cost from £2 to play any game you like.
Snacks and Ladders was a finalist in the 'Best Small Attraction' category at the Red Funnel Isle of Wight Awards in 2022.
Younger girls that are into pink things, fairies and pixies (or boys, I'm not judging), may enjoy a visit to The Old Thatch Teashop in Shanklin. It is English tweeness turned all the way up to 11 with a thatched roof, garish pink walls and a well-kept 'fairy garden'. It is right in the middle of Shanklin's olde village, which is pretty twee in itself.
Thanks to Rachel for getting in touch and recommending it.
Thanks to Rachel for getting in touch and recommending it.
Catch the ferry to see fairies in Shanklin
Comicoffee in Newport or Cowes is the place to take children if they are into superheroes and comic books.
It's another café that gets outstanding reviews and has been nominated for prizes at the Red Funnel Isle of Wight Awards. The first Comicoffee opened in 2018. Back in 2022 we enjoyed saying that "they've had a Fantastic Four years" but that joke doesn't work any more (Ed: it didn't ever work very well...).
It's another café that gets outstanding reviews and has been nominated for prizes at the Red Funnel Isle of Wight Awards. The first Comicoffee opened in 2018. Back in 2022 we enjoyed saying that "they've had a Fantastic Four years" but that joke doesn't work any more (Ed: it didn't ever work very well...).
37. Parkhurst Forest, Firestone Copse or Brighstone's Dragon Tree
Parkhurst Forest is a good-sized forest and is also a popular spot for seeing red squirrels in a specially built 'hide'.
There aren't a huge number of child-friendly things to do, but if you're one of those parents who went hiking when your children were still in nappies then you might like it. You can read about our visit to the red squirrel hide.
Firestone Copse near to Ryde is another good-sized woodland on the Isle of Wight.
Other notable woodland on the Isle of Wight include Brighstone Forest (West Wight), Borthwood Copse (near Sandown) and America Wood (near Shanklin).
There's also a small woodland at Fort Victoria near Yarmouth that is alongside a beach so you get glimpses of ships sailing past the trees.
There aren't a huge number of child-friendly things to do, but if you're one of those parents who went hiking when your children were still in nappies then you might like it. You can read about our visit to the red squirrel hide.
Firestone Copse near to Ryde is another good-sized woodland on the Isle of Wight.
Other notable woodland on the Isle of Wight include Brighstone Forest (West Wight), Borthwood Copse (near Sandown) and America Wood (near Shanklin).
There's also a small woodland at Fort Victoria near Yarmouth that is alongside a beach so you get glimpses of ships sailing past the trees.
I can't figure out if the trees are leaning over or if my camera work was wonky
Meanwhile...there's a rather famous and unusual tree in Brighstone that occupied us for half an hour.
The Dragon Tree was voted as the UK's third best tree in a Woodland Trust competition in 2019. Let's not worry about the two trees which beat it, since they aren't on the Isle of Wight.
It's actually an oak tree which seems to be growing sideways across a stream. When we visited, the stream was shallow enough for wellies and it had a tyre swing. You can find it along footpath number BS23, just off New Road in Brighstone.
The Dragon Tree was voted as the UK's third best tree in a Woodland Trust competition in 2019. Let's not worry about the two trees which beat it, since they aren't on the Isle of Wight.
It's actually an oak tree which seems to be growing sideways across a stream. When we visited, the stream was shallow enough for wellies and it had a tyre swing. You can find it along footpath number BS23, just off New Road in Brighstone.
Local legend suggests this tree is a slain dragon. Logic suggests it isn't.
38. National Poo Museum
The National Poo Museum is a celebration of all things turdy which is sporadically open at Sandown Barrack Battery. Prepare yourself for sniggering and poo-related puns with remnants from safari animals and ancient humans amongst retro toilet seats and educational bits about the power of poo.
Stop giggling at the back.
Stop giggling at the back.
39. Skates Roller Disco or an indoor skatepark
Slap on your lycra, perm your hair and get yourself down to the Isle of Wight's roller disco in Newport. Don't worry, it is self aware and retro rather than further evidence that the Isle of Wight is stuck in the past.
There are sessions for beginners as well as disco nights. It costs about £5-£10 depending on whether you bring your own skates or borrow theirs.
Meanwhile, Canopy Skatepark in the South Wight offers one-off taster sessions for absolute beginners.
There are sessions for beginners as well as disco nights. It costs about £5-£10 depending on whether you bring your own skates or borrow theirs.
Meanwhile, Canopy Skatepark in the South Wight offers one-off taster sessions for absolute beginners.
40. Appuldurcombe House
I would normally avoid stately homes with children as they'll be bored to tears and will do their best to embarrass you.
However, we enjoy trips to Appuldurcombe House with children so I think it's worth a mention as a bit of a curveball.
It's mostly a ruin and is rarely busy so it's ideal for exploring or hide and seek. There are no guides telling you to shush and no rare vases for your children to knock over. There's plenty of green space around it and trees for climbing.
It only filled about an hour for us but it's free, so you can incorporate it into a visit to somewhere nearby such as the Donkey Sanctuary or Ventnor seafront.
However, we enjoy trips to Appuldurcombe House with children so I think it's worth a mention as a bit of a curveball.
It's mostly a ruin and is rarely busy so it's ideal for exploring or hide and seek. There are no guides telling you to shush and no rare vases for your children to knock over. There's plenty of green space around it and trees for climbing.
It only filled about an hour for us but it's free, so you can incorporate it into a visit to somewhere nearby such as the Donkey Sanctuary or Ventnor seafront.
The grand front of Appuldurcombe House won't appeal to children...
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...but the ruins inside are good for exploring
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41. Cowes Milkshakes
If you're travelling from Newport to (West) Cowes you may like to stop off at Crockers Farm Dairy, known locally as Old McDonalds Drive Thru (Ed: I'm pretty sure you just made that up). They sell farm-produced milkshakes from a vending machine. They do the usual flavours, but they also have a guest flavour each month. At the time of writing it is biscotti and raspberry.
Parents, feel free to quote the milk advert from the 1980s which includes the line "Accrington Stanley? Who are they?".
Parents, feel free to quote the milk advert from the 1980s which includes the line "Accrington Stanley? Who are they?".
Self service milkshakes from Cowes Milk at Crocker's Farm
42. Family Survival Days
This one is pretty niche and I would strongly advise you to consult with your spouse before booking this...
Forest School Isle of Wight offers Ray Mears-style family survival sessions which 'will have you working together as a team to make sure you survive till help arrives'. The idea is that you are marooned on an Island or have crashed in the wilderness.
Survival is about as much as I hope for on most family day outs, but perhaps that's just me.
Forest School Isle of Wight offers Ray Mears-style family survival sessions which 'will have you working together as a team to make sure you survive till help arrives'. The idea is that you are marooned on an Island or have crashed in the wilderness.
Survival is about as much as I hope for on most family day outs, but perhaps that's just me.
43. Laser Quest
If your children are throwing objects at each other in the caravan, then it may be time to channel that aggression. Your best option is probably Laser Quest in Ryde, which is for age 6+ and a minimum height of 1.1m.
There's also archery and axe throwing at Tapnell Farm but both of those are for ages 11+, presumably because some government jobsworth reckons that throwing an axe can be a little dangerous. Honestly, next they'll be telling us we can't sell flamethrowers to toddlers (Ed: have you been writing letters to the Daily Mail again?).
There's also archery and axe throwing at Tapnell Farm but both of those are for ages 11+, presumably because some government jobsworth reckons that throwing an axe can be a little dangerous. Honestly, next they'll be telling us we can't sell flamethrowers to toddlers (Ed: have you been writing letters to the Daily Mail again?).
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