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15 activities for teenagers on the Isle of Wight
Is your child refusing to get out of bed before 10am despite your insistence that you need to 'make the best of the day'? Are they eating cereal at 11pm? Do they no longer seem interested in visiting Blackgang Chine or castles? Research shows that you may have a teenager on your hands.
Teenagers require a certain type of entertainment on family holidays or there is a significant risk they will sabotage the whole week by antagonising siblings.
Here is our guide to Isle of Wight activities for teenagers, although many of these activities and adventures are also suitable for an Isle of Wight stag-do (things like Go-Karting rather than shopping).
Teenagers require a certain type of entertainment on family holidays or there is a significant risk they will sabotage the whole week by antagonising siblings.
Here is our guide to Isle of Wight activities for teenagers, although many of these activities and adventures are also suitable for an Isle of Wight stag-do (things like Go-Karting rather than shopping).
1. Isle of Wight Aqua Park
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The Isle of Wight's (only) Aqua Park opened in 2020 with a whole load of inflatable slides and things to fall off/jump off. It's at the same site as Tapnell Farm Park which is a lovely attraction for junior school aged children so you might be able to combine the two if you're trying to entertain a family with a big age range. The Aqua Park costs about £20 for a session whilst Tapnell Farm Park costs about £10 (ish).
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Leaping off tall things at the Isle of Wight Aqua Park
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2. Shopping
Newport has the best selection of chain shops, such as H&M, Topshop, TK Maxx and so on. Cowes is excellent for yachty clothing (e.g. Crew Clothing, Joules) particularly during Cowes Week (early August). Ryde feels more like a seaside shopping town with quite a few independent shops, alongside the usual pound shops and sparsely stocked mobile phone retailers.
Please note, teenagers must be allowed to roam free whilst shopping on holiday. Under no circumstance should parents attempt to turn this into a school-shoe-buying outing. It is also very risky to ask your teenager to 'run a couple of errands' for you whilst they are in town. This will ruin their week, and ultimately it will ruin yours too.
Click on the Street View image below to take a wander around Newport High Street.
Please note, teenagers must be allowed to roam free whilst shopping on holiday. Under no circumstance should parents attempt to turn this into a school-shoe-buying outing. It is also very risky to ask your teenager to 'run a couple of errands' for you whilst they are in town. This will ruin their week, and ultimately it will ruin yours too.
Click on the Street View image below to take a wander around Newport High Street.
Check out our guide to the best Isle of Wight caravan holiday parks
3. Newport and Ryde Cinemas
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Newport Cineworld is the largest cinema on the Island with 11 screens. It offers Meerkat Movies discounts and has a Pizza Hut, Burger King and KFC attached.
Ryde Cinema is a much more vintage day out, with three screens but is very cheap (currently £4 in 2020). Parents - do not attempt to find a film that the whole family will want to watch. It's never going to happen. Your best bet is to split into at least three parties and enjoy two hours' peace. |
Newport's 11 screen cinema
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4. Watersports
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Digging holes in the sand and jumping over 6 inch waves will no longer cut it I'm afraid. You're going to need to find something a bit more exciting for your teenager.
Tackt Isle in St Helen's (East Wight near Ryde) offers Dinghy Sailing, Kayaking, Land Yachting, Paddleboarding, Windsurfing and even Standup Paddleboard Yoga. They also hire out things like fishing equipment, kites and the like. Costs vary from free things like geocaching through to kayaking at about £10 - £30 or private lessons in sailing and windsurfing which are more like £50. |
A cheap option is a bodyboard, but don't fob them off with a child's one
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Wight Water Adventure Watersports is halfway between Sandown and Shanklin on Dunroamin Beach and rents out things like Standup Paddleboards, Surfboards, Windsurfers, Kayaks and Sea Trampolines. Rental tends to cost between £10 and £20 an hour, lessons cost about £25-£40 an hour, so it's not a cheap activity. Last time I went there was a cafe there so you can have lunch whilst the children charge around the beach.
UKSA offer watersports taster days which are for 7-15 year olds. A full day was £35 when I checked (2019).
iSurf is a mobile surf school with lessons starting at about £25 an hour. They often work from Compton Bay although I've also seen them in Shanklin. They move around depending on the surf.
A cheap option is hiring a standup paddleboard, pedalo or kayak from Bayside Beach Hire or West Side Beach Hire in Sandown which are about £5-£10 for half an hour. Shanklin also has a couple of places on the seafront which hire out kayaks and standup paddleboards for about £10. In 2021, I spotted a small number of kayaks, surfboards and bodyboards for hire at Steephill Cove under the name Cove Kayaks.
In Colwell, there's a standup paddleboard hire place called SupDog and there's a shop in Cowes called Two Elements which hires stand-up paddleboards by the hour rather than by the day.
My preferred option is buying a bodyboard (about £20-£40) and heading over to Compton Bay (check the surf forecast) or Dunroamin Beach near Lake. Warning: do not attempt to fob off your teenager with a child's Paw Patrol bodyboard.
Read the blog about our kayaking outing
iSurf is a mobile surf school with lessons starting at about £25 an hour. They often work from Compton Bay although I've also seen them in Shanklin. They move around depending on the surf.
A cheap option is hiring a standup paddleboard, pedalo or kayak from Bayside Beach Hire or West Side Beach Hire in Sandown which are about £5-£10 for half an hour. Shanklin also has a couple of places on the seafront which hire out kayaks and standup paddleboards for about £10. In 2021, I spotted a small number of kayaks, surfboards and bodyboards for hire at Steephill Cove under the name Cove Kayaks.
In Colwell, there's a standup paddleboard hire place called SupDog and there's a shop in Cowes called Two Elements which hires stand-up paddleboards by the hour rather than by the day.
My preferred option is buying a bodyboard (about £20-£40) and heading over to Compton Bay (check the surf forecast) or Dunroamin Beach near Lake. Warning: do not attempt to fob off your teenager with a child's Paw Patrol bodyboard.
Read the blog about our kayaking outing
5. Ryde 10 pin Bowling Alley (Superbowl)
Not exactly unique to the Isle of Wight but the seafront boasts a decent bowling alley. There's also a cheap and cheerful 10 ten pin bowling alley on Sandown Pier.
6. Isle of Wight Football Golf
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I'm not quite sure on the etiquette for football golf. If you get a hole in one should you politely punch the air whilst wearing a Pringle jumper or should you shout "come on my son", rip off your shirt and do a knee slide?
Regardless, it's a good way for a family to fall out with each other whilst getting some light exercise. There's a shorter nine hole course and a longer nine hole course, so you can pick based on your party's ability to hoof it. It's next door to the Isle of Wight Aqua Park in the West Wight and costs about £6-11 depending on how many holes you complete. |
Christiano Ron-faldo playing football golf
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7. Outdoor Laser combat, Paintball, Clay Pigeon shooting and airsoft
Much of my childhood was spent shooting people in woodland on the Isle of Wight. Headhunters laser combat is less than a tenner for two hours (at the time of writing - 2020), much cheaper than most indoor laser tags. Tag Commander is a similar sort of thing.
There is also indoor Laser Quest in Ryde as part of the bowling alley on the esplanade (from £5.95 per game for non-members, price checked 2020 - not sure how long each game lasts for).
Alternatively, if laser combat sounds a bit too pain-free for your liking then you could try Splatter on Paintball which has adults and kids packages available (£20 for three hours when I checked) or 4D Sports offers something called IPSC which is a 'safe, dynamic, competitive target shooting sport' which uses airsoft pistols.
If you don't mind teaching your teenager how to use a real weapon then children aged 10+ can do clay pigeon shooting at Top Targets which is based at Tapnell Farm.
There is also indoor Laser Quest in Ryde as part of the bowling alley on the esplanade (from £5.95 per game for non-members, price checked 2020 - not sure how long each game lasts for).
Alternatively, if laser combat sounds a bit too pain-free for your liking then you could try Splatter on Paintball which has adults and kids packages available (£20 for three hours when I checked) or 4D Sports offers something called IPSC which is a 'safe, dynamic, competitive target shooting sport' which uses airsoft pistols.
If you don't mind teaching your teenager how to use a real weapon then children aged 10+ can do clay pigeon shooting at Top Targets which is based at Tapnell Farm.
Have you read our guide to discount Isle of Wight ferry travel?
8. Go Karting
My only encounter with Go Karting didn't end well thanks to my weak stomach but I did thoroughly enjoy it as long as I could stand it. Wight Karting is on the edge of Ryde, near Tesco.
It is suitable for anyone over 8 and describes itself as all weather, despite being outdoors. Karting is not a cheap activity - it works out at about £1 a minute. Although to be fair, calling Directory Enquiries costs more than that and it's far less exhilarating.
It is suitable for anyone over 8 and describes itself as all weather, despite being outdoors. Karting is not a cheap activity - it works out at about £1 a minute. Although to be fair, calling Directory Enquiries costs more than that and it's far less exhilarating.
9. Outdoor GymsThe chance to show off your sweaty weightlifting body used to be reserved for those willing to pay £40 a month for gym membership. Not any more!
Outdoor gyms are appearing all over, and the Isle of Wight is no exception. Locations that we know of include Bembridge (PO35 5SL), Ventnor Park (PO38 1LB), Freshwater (PO40 9AX), Bouldnor playing fields (also known as Yarmouth Park) and Northwood Recreation Ground near Cowes. Last time we visited, the Olympic themed one at Sandown/Yaverland within Sandham Grounds (PO36 8AS) had disappeared. |
RELATED GUIDE FROM THE ISLE OF WIGHT GURU
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10. Cycling/Orienteering
Cycling is a tricky one to get right with teenagers. You can be fairly sure that they won't enjoy piddling along at a snail's pace whilst you stop to admire the view or pop in to a lovely tea room in Godshill.
However, if you give them a bicycle and a bit of freedom then it's a decent way to spend a day.
There are various cycle hire places to choose from including:
Our guide to cycling on the Isle of Wight is a good place to start (if I do say so myself).
Visit Isle of Wight and Wightlink also have plenty of suggestions for routes or the main traffic free cycle track is called the Red Squirrel Trail.
If you're a mountain biker, there's the Cross Ridge Extreme route or a cross country track at Cheverton Farm which featured on Countryfile in 2018.
If you want to stick together then one option is to let the cyclists hurtle around Parkhurst Forest whilst the walkers look for Red Squirrels (see our guide to free days out on the Isle of Wight).
As an alternative, you might try one of the permanent orienteering courses on the Isle of Wight which are at Parkhurst Forest, Firestone Copse and Brighstone Forest.
However, if you give them a bicycle and a bit of freedom then it's a decent way to spend a day.
There are various cycle hire places to choose from including:
- TAV Cycles in Ryde
- Isle Cycle in Sandown
- Two Elements in Cowes
- Wight Cycle Hire in Yarmouth
- routefifty7 in Shanklin
- Wight Bike in Merstone
Our guide to cycling on the Isle of Wight is a good place to start (if I do say so myself).
Visit Isle of Wight and Wightlink also have plenty of suggestions for routes or the main traffic free cycle track is called the Red Squirrel Trail.
If you're a mountain biker, there's the Cross Ridge Extreme route or a cross country track at Cheverton Farm which featured on Countryfile in 2018.
If you want to stick together then one option is to let the cyclists hurtle around Parkhurst Forest whilst the walkers look for Red Squirrels (see our guide to free days out on the Isle of Wight).
As an alternative, you might try one of the permanent orienteering courses on the Isle of Wight which are at Parkhurst Forest, Firestone Copse and Brighstone Forest.
11. Skateboarding and Roller Disco
If your teenager knows the difference between a fun box, a flat bank and a transition driveway then they would quite enjoy a skatepark. There are skateparks in Bembridge (in the park on Steyne Road) Newport (by Seaclose Park), Ryde, Sandown esplanade, Niton, East Cowes and (West) Cowes.
There's also a place called John Cattle's Skate Club which is a not-for-profit community club where you can book for lessons.
Alternatively, there's a roller disco in Newport called Skates. You can hire skates or bring your own.
Dads should avoid trying to join in with the disco and ripping a hole in their trousers.
There's also a place called John Cattle's Skate Club which is a not-for-profit community club where you can book for lessons.
Alternatively, there's a roller disco in Newport called Skates. You can hire skates or bring your own.
Dads should avoid trying to join in with the disco and ripping a hole in their trousers.
12. Paragliding
High Adventure paragliding school leaps off hills towards the cliffs in the West Wight. Minimum age is 12, current price of a tandem flight is £80 (2020).
It looks graceful from below but I can't help feeling I would be screaming if it was me.
It looks graceful from below but I can't help feeling I would be screaming if it was me.
Paragliding in the West Wight
13. Kite flying
Do teenagers enjoy flying kites? I reckon you'd get away with it if you bought them a decent stunt kite for about £20-£30 but not if you presented them with a 99p Winnie The Pooh kite from Home Bargains.
There's a guide to where to fly your kite towards the bottom of our guide to free days out, along with tips on how not to accidentally run off a cliff.
There's a guide to where to fly your kite towards the bottom of our guide to free days out, along with tips on how not to accidentally run off a cliff.
14. Tree Climbing/ Rock Climbing
Do you enjoy dangling awkwardly from a great height whilst someone bellows encouragement? You might consider the indoor climbing wall at West Wights Sports and Community Centre.
Goodleaf Tree Climbing meets in Appley Park (Ryde) to help you clamber up an oak tree with safety harnesses and professional advice. Climbs take part in groups of six, somewhere between Newport and Cowes. It's got rave reviews on Trip Advisor, although it isn't a cheap day out - prices for a two hour climb are about £30.
The first bit of this video shows you the kind of thing to expect.
Goodleaf Tree Climbing meets in Appley Park (Ryde) to help you clamber up an oak tree with safety harnesses and professional advice. Climbs take part in groups of six, somewhere between Newport and Cowes. It's got rave reviews on Trip Advisor, although it isn't a cheap day out - prices for a two hour climb are about £30.
The first bit of this video shows you the kind of thing to expect.
15. Golf/Driving Range
Teenagers may enjoy a driving range, such as the one at Westridge Golf Centre near Ryde, which is also a good stag do activity. I'm very proud of my record of hitting the ball almost 50% of the time. It is £5 for 25 balls at the time of writing (2020).
There are loads of minigolf courses on the Isle of Wight. I'm in two minds as to whether teenagers would enjoy the ironic competitiveness or consider them to be "a totally daggy loser fest, man" (I am not too clear on how teenagers speak nowadays). Anyway, if you want crazy golf courses, see our guide to days out for children which has more details.
There are loads of minigolf courses on the Isle of Wight. I'm in two minds as to whether teenagers would enjoy the ironic competitiveness or consider them to be "a totally daggy loser fest, man" (I am not too clear on how teenagers speak nowadays). Anyway, if you want crazy golf courses, see our guide to days out for children which has more details.
16. Escape Rooms
The Isle of Wight has an escape room called Random Rooms which has games on offer which are suitable for 12+ and others which are 18+. It describes itself as a 'real life, immersive game' although one of them is called the 'Goddess Curse Room' which I must admit isn't a routine part of my real life. I'm hoping to gather up a group of five other willing participants, as it works out cheaper if you go in a group. At the time of writing it was £63 for 6 people. It is in Newport and gets very good reviews.
They remind me of The Crystal Maze where enthusiastic workmates would shout 'GET THE CRYSTAL!' at people they'd just met in the vague hope of winning a canal holiday together, which they probably didn't want anyway.
There's also an outdoor escape room run by Adventure Out games which is run in the grounds of Appuldurcombe House. You have an hour to 'investigate a suspected assassination attempt on the Prince Regent'. It's for 2-8 players and costs about £10-£15 each.
They remind me of The Crystal Maze where enthusiastic workmates would shout 'GET THE CRYSTAL!' at people they'd just met in the vague hope of winning a canal holiday together, which they probably didn't want anyway.
There's also an outdoor escape room run by Adventure Out games which is run in the grounds of Appuldurcombe House. You have an hour to 'investigate a suspected assassination attempt on the Prince Regent'. It's for 2-8 players and costs about £10-£15 each.
17. Speedway
For the uninitiated, Speedway involves motorbikes roaring round and round and round and round and round in a great big circle. The bikes don't have any brakes and only one gear, much like my old Fiat Punto. They also seem to love sliding round corners, which is rather reminiscent of Mario Kart to boys my age.
There's a Speedway track on the outskirts of Ryde, home of the Wightlink Warriors. Last time I checked (2019), an evening watching the Wightlink Warriors cost £14 for an adult. Thanks to Jo for getting in touch via Facebook to recommend Speedway as a teenage friendly activity.
There's a Speedway track on the outskirts of Ryde, home of the Wightlink Warriors. Last time I checked (2019), an evening watching the Wightlink Warriors cost £14 for an adult. Thanks to Jo for getting in touch via Facebook to recommend Speedway as a teenage friendly activity.
18. Beach Sports
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Teenagers are unlikely to be satisfied with a game of French cricket or that velcro catch game.
However, they might be keen to try a proper game of beach soccer, beach volleyball, beach tennis or beach rugby. During the warmer months, Wight Wave organise such things as part of their community beach sports coaching days on Appley beach in Ryde. They don't run every day, but if you're interested in signing up then I would take a look at their events page and their Facebook page. They also organise a beach sports festival which takes place over a few days in July. |
Ryde hosts a good choice of beach sports
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19. Live Music in dark and sweaty gig venues
All I wanted to do as a teenager was to watch live music and write band names on my pencil case.
A husband and wife duo singing sea shanties at a coastal pub probably won't cut it.
Your best bet on the Isle of Wight is probably Strings Bar and Venue in Newport. Of course, during the summer months there is the Isle of Wight Festival and other big events but that isn't much use if you're visiting in February.
A husband and wife duo singing sea shanties at a coastal pub probably won't cut it.
Your best bet on the Isle of Wight is probably Strings Bar and Venue in Newport. Of course, during the summer months there is the Isle of Wight Festival and other big events but that isn't much use if you're visiting in February.
The-Isle-of-Wight-Guru-Don't-Blame-Us-Disclaimer™ The information on this website is correct, as far as we know, but please do check opening times and details with attractions directly if you are planning a long journey - and please contact us if you find anything inaccurate.
