|
|
This site uses cookies - see our privacy policy. Ads & links in bold may give us a small payment from the seller, at no cost to the buyer. However, this never affects our views - if we like it, we recommend it.
15 Activities And Things To Do With Toddlers On The Isle Of Wight 2026
Our little ones were still at the gurgling and crawling stage when we first started this guide, but we've since added several other things to do with toddlers on an Isle of Wight holiday. Thanks to Granny Guru (TM) who came up with suggestions in the early days when we were clueless new parents (rather than clueless old parents).
We've also got guides to Isle of Wight days out and attractions for teenagers (13 - 19) and things to do on the Isle of Wight for junior school aged children (5 - 12 year olds).
If you're planning your holiday, you might like to check out our guide to Isle of Wight holiday parks, many of which offer toddler friendly accommodation.
We've also got guides to Isle of Wight days out and attractions for teenagers (13 - 19) and things to do on the Isle of Wight for junior school aged children (5 - 12 year olds).
If you're planning your holiday, you might like to check out our guide to Isle of Wight holiday parks, many of which offer toddler friendly accommodation.
1. Outdoor Playgrounds
Granny Guru's favourite outdoor playground is at Sandham Gardens in Sandown (PO36 8AS - on the Esplanade near Dinosaur Isle). It's got a fair few facilities besides the playground including a skate park, a big minigolf course (about £6), a children's go-kart track (about £5) and a basketball court.
It's also got a pond with ducks and swans (subject to availability) and a bouncy 'Skynets' course (about £13). It's also over the road from a sandy beach. What more could you want?
It's also got a pond with ducks and swans (subject to availability) and a bouncy 'Skynets' course (about £13). It's also over the road from a sandy beach. What more could you want?
The toddler playground at Sandham Gardens...
Click on the drop down menus to read about other Isle of Wight playgrounds we've tried out or read our separate guide to the Isle of Wight's 6 Best Playgrounds.
Playgrounds in Ryde, Bembridge and East Wight
Bembridge has a good sized and modern playground in the park on Steyne Road (PO35 5SL), along with a skate park, football pitch, basketball court and outdoor gym. It also has free parking and toilets. On our last visit, I gleefully told the man who was emptying the bins that it was "one of my top six Isle of Wight playgrounds" and gave him a thumbs up. He seemed pleased.
Steyne Road playground in Bembridge was very quiet on our last visit
The playgrounds at Appley (Ryde - PO33 1ND) are good, with one on the beach (see image) and a smaller, sandy one on the Esplanade. There's also a paddling pool on the Esplanade in Ryde. The only thing missing from the bigger playground is a swing, which didn't go down well with my youngest child. The views almost make up for it.
This playground has a shocking swings to slides ratio, but the view is pleasant
Also in Ryde is a medium/large sized playground at Puckpool Park (PO34 5AR), which has a mix of things for toddlers and slightly older children. The same park has minigolf and a café. We were flummoxed by a game you can play on a giant spider climbing frame. The zip wire had disappeared when we last visited, but I'm getting over it.
If you head past the playground, you can walk straight onto the beach at Appley.
If you head past the playground, you can walk straight onto the beach at Appley.
10 house points if you can master the confusing spider climbing frame game
Playgrounds in Ventnor, Shanklin and South Wight
The Ventnor 'Seabreeze' playground near to the Winter Gardens and Dudley Road (PO38 1EH) isn't huge but it has a gorgeous view over the bay (read the blog). Dads will feel obliged to climb up the giant spider's net and pretend they are captain of a ship.
You won't get a playground with a view like that in Slough
Godshill got a new playground in 2024 thanks to a local resident called Nikki Collinson-Phenix, who took it upon herself to make it happen. She persuaded lots of donors to cough up when she found out that the Isle of Wight didn't have an accessible swing for kids in wheelchairs. As well as the fancy swing, it also has a zip wire, a couple of slides and a separate area for the under fives. You can park in the Old Smithy Car Park for free. Take note that there is also an old playground in Godshill that is less exciting. The one you want can be found in Central Mead.
Godshill's playground is the place to go if your child uses a wheelchair
Niton's playground is surprisingly big and modern, considering Niton is the Isle of Wight's equivalent of Outer Mongolia. It is hidden behind houses off Allotment Road (PO38 2DT) and is spread out so it is a good one for energetic children.
Niton punches above its weight in the (non-existent) league table of Isle of Wight playgrounds
Shanklin's Big Mead is a large patch of grass, which is a little way inland. Don't expect a sea view. The playground is small/medium sized. It's not the newest and flashiest, but it is quiet and fills half an hour before a trip to the beach. It's got free parking (PO37 6RJ) and a duck pond.
The Big Mead playground is OK, but it didn't change my life
Playgrounds in Newport and Cowes
We like the sea themed playground at Gurnard (PO31 8LE), which has a big boat in the middle with smaller things to fall off around the edges. It's not huge, but it's right by a beach where you can skim some stones to fill another 10 minutes until someone sits in the water and cries. There's a cafe and toilets nearby, or there's a pub if you feel like you need a stiff drink.
Another playground with a good view, particularly during Cowes Week
East Cowes playground (PO32 6AE) on the Esplanade is very well equipped with a zip wire, huge climbing ropes, slides and swings and it also has a big paddling pool. Unfortunately, it did smell awful on the first day we visited (read the blog) and it was over-run with boisterous children and oblivious parents staring at their phones on the second visit. You might have more luck.
Bad smells and boisterous children when we visited...but East Cowes playground is big
Newport's Seaclose Park (PO30 2EL) - home of the Isle of Wight Festival - has a good sized modern playground, although you might baulk at having to pay to park. There are rumours (that I just made up) that Mick Jagger and Keith Richards played on the zip wire shortly before going on stage. It gets a bit busy.
Inappropriately named Seaclose Park is about as far from the sea as you can get on the Isle of Wight
You'll pass the playground on Park Road in Cowes (PO31 7NJ) if you are driving from Newport to Cowes town centre.
It's a little basic and doesn't offer the sea views or charm of Gurnard's playground. However, there's plenty of space and it's next to a skatepark and what the council call a 'MUGA'. Don't worry, this is nothing to do with either Donald Trump or muggers. It's a Multi Use Games Area (i.e. a bit of tarmac where you can kick a ball around).
It's a little basic and doesn't offer the sea views or charm of Gurnard's playground. However, there's plenty of space and it's next to a skatepark and what the council call a 'MUGA'. Don't worry, this is nothing to do with either Donald Trump or muggers. It's a Multi Use Games Area (i.e. a bit of tarmac where you can kick a ball around).
Cowes has a spacious playground, though it's not terribly exciting
Newport Victoria Recreation Ground has a large and fairly decent playground (location here). It's a no-nonsense playground with swings, a roundabout and a couple of slides. Don't come here expecting any of that woke playground malarky with wood and modern ideas.
If Ray Winstone designed playgrounds, he'd make it look like this one
Also in Newport is Litten Park's playground (PO30 1EL), which is modern but fairly small and good for combining with a trip to M&S opposite. It tends to be busy as it's right in the centre of town.
Northwood Park is nice and leafy, but I'd say the playground is a bit basic and a bit of a walk from the main car parks in Cowes.
Playgrounds in Freshwater and West wight
Freshwater playground is not as new as some, but it is a good size and also has an outdoor gym (in the park just off the main road - PO40 9AX). There are two halves to it, with one bit for toddlers and another bit for slightly older children. It's on a huge patch of grass so your noisy children can run around happily.
Freshwater's playground is split into two and is surrounded by grass
Brighstone playground is fairly small and not the newest, but it's a bit of a hidden gem alongside a stream in a pretty village. You can also waste a few minutes playing Pooh sticks on the little bridges. Park on the street on Wilberforce Road (PO30 4BE). If you look carefully at the photo, you can see my mother dutifully scrabbling onto the main climbing frame. Combine your visit with a welly walk to Brighstone's Dragon Tree.
To the left of this image you can see my mother failing to keep up with a 4 year old
Yarmouth has a couple of small playgrounds. This hidden playground is the better of the two. We parked on Station Road and followed the blue signs to the playing field and playground. It was completely deserted when we visited despite having modern equipment including swings, a roundabout, a spinny thing and a climbing frame with ropes.
There's another playground visible from the road as you drive in from Newport but there's not much at that one.
There's another playground visible from the road as you drive in from Newport but there's not much at that one.
Yarmouth's playground is hidden behind some houses
Totland's playground has a fairly basic range of things to play on, but it is attached to a playing field. Beyond the classics (roundabout, slide) there's also a zip line and an outdoor gym. We found some free parking outside the local bowls club, which seemed to be available for park visitors.
A land for tots in a village called Totland
Shorwell's playground is better than I expected. It's hidden away in a village that most people drive through on the way to the beach. You can park for free by Shorwell Parish Hall. It's also got a large playing field and someone had taken the trouble to cut the grass for our visit. The village itself is not coastal, but it has nice whiff of wild garlic and a couple of manor houses that are linked by some pretty footpaths.
You sure will have a good time in Shorwell
If you'd rather let your children play whilst drinking a large glass of wine (I'm not judging you), then we've got a separate guide to family-friendly Isle of Wight pubs with playgrounds.
Granny Guru's favourite is the pub playground at the Eight Bells in Carisbrooke but there are several other good ones, such as the Horse and Groom near Shalfleet. The Eight Bells also has a soft play area.
The Fighting Cocks near Arreton has a playground and bouncy pillow. I recommend going on the bouncy pillow before pudding rather than after. The Griffin in Godshill is unusual in having a maze as well as a small playground. I became rather concerned that my fish and chips was about to arrive whilst we were lost in the maze.
Granny Guru's favourite is the pub playground at the Eight Bells in Carisbrooke but there are several other good ones, such as the Horse and Groom near Shalfleet. The Eight Bells also has a soft play area.
The Fighting Cocks near Arreton has a playground and bouncy pillow. I recommend going on the bouncy pillow before pudding rather than after. The Griffin in Godshill is unusual in having a maze as well as a small playground. I became rather concerned that my fish and chips was about to arrive whilst we were lost in the maze.
The Fighting Cocks in Arreton has a bouncy pillow and playground
2. Toddler-friendly beaches and swimming pools
In our view, the most toddler friendly beaches are Sandown, Yaverland, Shanklin, Ventnor, Appley (Ryde) and Colwell (see our interactive map of Best Beaches for locations).
They all have parking, public toilets and somewhere to buy food. Sandown and Shanklin have a lot of seafront attractions, such as minigolf and amusement arcades that may appeal to slightly older children. Sandown has a great playground just off the seafront called Sandham Gardens but Shanklin is generally looking a bit smarter. One section of Sandown seafront is currently suffering from closed hotels with broken windows, so try to avoid turning round when you are sat on the beach.
They all have parking, public toilets and somewhere to buy food. Sandown and Shanklin have a lot of seafront attractions, such as minigolf and amusement arcades that may appeal to slightly older children. Sandown has a great playground just off the seafront called Sandham Gardens but Shanklin is generally looking a bit smarter. One section of Sandown seafront is currently suffering from closed hotels with broken windows, so try to avoid turning round when you are sat on the beach.
Shanklin has plenty of sand, toilets, amusements and seafront parking (usually)
|
Sandown is sandy and has a pier to hide inside if it starts raining
|
Appley makes this prestigious list because it has two playgrounds on the Esplanade. It's also got Puckpool Park with its minigolf and gardens. The long esplanade is particularly good for pushing toddlers along on a trike. There is also a small funfair with a carousel, amusement arcade and other attractions for older toddlers called Peter Pan's (read the reviews here). We like the Dell Café at the Puckpool end of the Esplanade. My advice is to park in Puckpool Park and walk through to the beach from there.
A grand total of 11 Isle of Wight beaches have been given the highest rating possible for water cleanliness in summer by the Environment Agency. Those three star resorts includes Colwell, Shanklin, St Helens, Totland, Ventnor and Yaverland (see the full data). The four other beaches tested received two stars.
However, we also recommend the free Safer Seas website or app as a way of checking water quality before you leap into the water. It is more of an issue after heavy rain.
A grand total of 11 Isle of Wight beaches have been given the highest rating possible for water cleanliness in summer by the Environment Agency. Those three star resorts includes Colwell, Shanklin, St Helens, Totland, Ventnor and Yaverland (see the full data). The four other beaches tested received two stars.
However, we also recommend the free Safer Seas website or app as a way of checking water quality before you leap into the water. It is more of an issue after heavy rain.
Yaverland is a wide open beach with easy parking, a toilet and shop - but it does allow dogs
|
Ryde has a playground overlooking the beach, toilets, parking and shady spots
|
Yaverland allows dogs all year round, whereas the most popular sections of Shanklin, Sandown and Appley have a dog ban in summer (see our dog guide for more details). Appley also has the advantage of offering shade under the trees along the esplanade.
Other Isle of Wight beaches with easy parking and toilets include Totland Bay and Freshwater Bay (West Wight), Gurnard Beach (North Wight) and Bembridge Beach (East Wight, although it's popular with dog walkers). See our clickable map for more info on these.
Other Isle of Wight beaches with easy parking and toilets include Totland Bay and Freshwater Bay (West Wight), Gurnard Beach (North Wight) and Bembridge Beach (East Wight, although it's popular with dog walkers). See our clickable map for more info on these.
Gurnard beach is a bit scrubby and has very little space at high tide, but it has a playground, toilets and parking
|
Ventnor beach is a mix of shingle and sand but it does offer ice creams, parking and toilets
|
If you've packed your trunks ready for a swim but you arrive to find monsoon conditions then the chlorine and plasters of a public swimming pool may be your only option.
Lots of the Isle of Wight's caravan parks and hotels have their own pools but there are council-owned public swimming pools in Newport (Medina Leisure Centre) and Sandown (The Heights). Both have two pools - a larger one and a smaller one with toddler sessions at certain times, although neither have flumes. Make sure you check their timetables first as they often have school groups etc. We've tried them both in the last couple of years and have found them to be decent and clean.
Charity-run West Wight Swimming Pool puts on some activities for toddlers and has a kids pool that is 0.8m deep. We also like the Waterside Pool in Ryde. It only has a big pool, but it's got a cool retractable roof and welcomes toddlers. It is on the seafront, and it is pretty warm too. I believe the deep end is 1m and it doesn't have a toddlers pool so it won't work for everyone.
There aren't any water parks on the Isle of Wight, although some of the big holiday parks (e.g. Whitecliff Bay) have pools with flumes and water activities for children. There is an Aqua Park in the West Wight but that's more of a Total Wipeout style experience and is for older children.
Lots of the Isle of Wight's caravan parks and hotels have their own pools but there are council-owned public swimming pools in Newport (Medina Leisure Centre) and Sandown (The Heights). Both have two pools - a larger one and a smaller one with toddler sessions at certain times, although neither have flumes. Make sure you check their timetables first as they often have school groups etc. We've tried them both in the last couple of years and have found them to be decent and clean.
Charity-run West Wight Swimming Pool puts on some activities for toddlers and has a kids pool that is 0.8m deep. We also like the Waterside Pool in Ryde. It only has a big pool, but it's got a cool retractable roof and welcomes toddlers. It is on the seafront, and it is pretty warm too. I believe the deep end is 1m and it doesn't have a toddlers pool so it won't work for everyone.
There aren't any water parks on the Isle of Wight, although some of the big holiday parks (e.g. Whitecliff Bay) have pools with flumes and water activities for children. There is an Aqua Park in the West Wight but that's more of a Total Wipeout style experience and is for older children.
3. Blackgang Chine
Blackgang Chine - Land of Imagination - is a kitschy mix of carbon fibre model dinosaurs and cowboys, a spooky mansion, an underwater kingdom, a crooked house, a handful of fairly small theme park rides and an exhibition about the disappearing coastline.
It quite rightly claims to be an 'Isle of Wight institution' and has been around in some form or other since the 1840s.
Older children might find it a bit tame compared to big theme parks like Alton Towers, but toddlers and younger children will love it. I'd recommend it from about the age of 3 or 4 up to about 11.
Entry is about £15-£25 per person. If you are under one metre, you get in for free. That means you will probably get in for free until your children are about 3 or 4.
Read our guide to Blackgang Chine or our tips for getting good value from your ticket.
It quite rightly claims to be an 'Isle of Wight institution' and has been around in some form or other since the 1840s.
Older children might find it a bit tame compared to big theme parks like Alton Towers, but toddlers and younger children will love it. I'd recommend it from about the age of 3 or 4 up to about 11.
Entry is about £15-£25 per person. If you are under one metre, you get in for free. That means you will probably get in for free until your children are about 3 or 4.
Read our guide to Blackgang Chine or our tips for getting good value from your ticket.
Smugglers, dinosaurs and dodos at Blackgang Chine
|
Younger children will enjoy the maze, Fairyland and the Underwater Kingdom
|
4. Tapnell Farm Park
Tapnell Farm Park offers a toddler-friendly mix of indoor play barns, two giant bouncing pillows, a petting zoo and lattes for parents. It quite rightly gets terrific reviews as it actually understands what parents want from a day out.
There is the usual selection of piglets, calves and goats along with wallabies and the now ubiquitous meerkats. There's also a herd of decorated cows and some stuff for junior school aged children such as pedal go karts with toddler side car seats, zip wires and a football shooting game.
Grown ups will appreciate the great views of the 1970 Isle of Wight Festival site and the mainland (although I wouldn't expect a parent with toddlers to have time to look up and admire a view obviously).
It's got plenty indoors, so is one to consider on a rainy day.
Tapnell Farm Park is in the West Wight, so we normally combine it with a trip to Freshwater Bay where you can buy an ice cream from the beach shop or the café at Dimbola.
There is the usual selection of piglets, calves and goats along with wallabies and the now ubiquitous meerkats. There's also a herd of decorated cows and some stuff for junior school aged children such as pedal go karts with toddler side car seats, zip wires and a football shooting game.
Grown ups will appreciate the great views of the 1970 Isle of Wight Festival site and the mainland (although I wouldn't expect a parent with toddlers to have time to look up and admire a view obviously).
It's got plenty indoors, so is one to consider on a rainy day.
Tapnell Farm Park is in the West Wight, so we normally combine it with a trip to Freshwater Bay where you can buy an ice cream from the beach shop or the café at Dimbola.
Indoor play at Tapnell Farm Park in the West Wight
|
Tapnell Farm Park has plenty of animal-themed activities
|
5. Robin Hill Country Park
I used to tell people that Robin Hill is only really suitable for children aged about 4 or 5 upwards, but after visiting with my 3 1/2 year old I've changed my mind (read the blog about my 'Road to Damascus' moment).
There are various adventure playgrounds that will appeal as well as tunnels to crawl through, a miniature village and a maze. You can also sit on a parent's knee and control a digger (as long as you are 80cm tall), run across one of three wobbly water pad things or jump on a bouncy pillow.
More adventurous three year olds are also allowed on the Toboggan Run with an adult. Children under one metre get in free, which is usually at around the age of three or four.
Entry for adults and children is about £20 - £22.
Regular Isle of Wight visitors may be aware that Robin Hill closed for a season in 2024 after being sold. Its new owners have invested a lot in the park and re-opened with about a dozen new attractions in 2025.
There are various adventure playgrounds that will appeal as well as tunnels to crawl through, a miniature village and a maze. You can also sit on a parent's knee and control a digger (as long as you are 80cm tall), run across one of three wobbly water pad things or jump on a bouncy pillow.
More adventurous three year olds are also allowed on the Toboggan Run with an adult. Children under one metre get in free, which is usually at around the age of three or four.
Entry for adults and children is about £20 - £22.
Regular Isle of Wight visitors may be aware that Robin Hill closed for a season in 2024 after being sold. Its new owners have invested a lot in the park and re-opened with about a dozen new attractions in 2025.
Parenting is full of ups and downs, and so are the playgrounds at Robin Hill
These Teletubbies style tunnels are aimed at younger children
A digger school was added in 2025 - to the delight of dads
6. Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary
Free parking and free entry makes the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary a fantastic value toddler-friendly day out. It's obviously a charity so they do appreciate visitors making a donation or adopting a donkey (please do not take the adopted donkey home with you).
There's also a modern café where you can buy a Babychino.
Read the blog about one of our visits to the Donkey Sanctuary.
There's also a modern café where you can buy a Babychino.
Read the blog about one of our visits to the Donkey Sanctuary.
Heehaw!
Check out our guides to Glamping and Holiday Lodges
7. Indoor Soft Play
You may not want to spend your whole holiday kneeling in a ball pool, but soft play is just about preferable to standing in the rain on a beach (Ed: Really?)
- Our personal favourite is the indoor barn at Tapnell Farm Park (see #4) although it is part of an attraction in the West Wight with animals so it's more of a day or half-day out (so costs more than the others in this list, about £15). It also has a giant bouncing pillow, zip wires, go karts and playground stuff, although some bits are outdoors.
- Robin's Nest is a new soft play area for 2026. We've not been to this one yet. It's attached to Robin Hill Country Park, but runs as a separate attraction. Isle of Wight enthusiasts will be interested to know that it was formerly the home of the indoor ice rink at Robin Hill. Prior to that it was the 4D Cinema and before that it was the Time Machine (Ed: we get the idea...)
- Another good soft play area is at Monkey Madness near Sandown, which opened at Amazon World Zoo Park in 2019. Entry is about £20. A few years ago, you could just visit the soft play area but it's now bundled together as one attraction so it's not just somewhere to pop in for an hour. It is probably the biggest soft play area on the Isle of Wight. Amazon World scores 4/5 on TripAdvisor.
- A new soft play area opened at Aspire Ryde in late 2019 called Aspire Kingdom Play. Aspire is a Christian charity based in a former Church of England building, which runs a number of local community activities and projects.
- There's also Magic Island on Sandown Pier (3.5/5 on TripAdvisor though that's the score for the whole Pier). It's cheap and cheerful compared to the soft play we've been to on the mainland (£4) and is a welcome shelter if it starts raining whilst you are at the seaside.
- The Eight Bells pub in Carisbrooke has an indoor soft play area. It's not huge but it's nicely done and gives you a much-improved chance of finishing your Sunday roast in peace.
A not particularly illustrative photo of Monkey Madness soft play near Sandown
8. Ventnor, Appley and East Cowes Paddling Pools
Ventnor Esplanade is home to a rather quaint public paddling pool in the shape of the Isle of Wight. In summer time it is full of toddlers who are either giggling at the hilarity of it all or crying because they have got their trousers wet. It's next door to a café that we like called Besty and Spinkys.
East Cowes has a big paddling pool on its Esplanade with some free on-street parking (read the blog).
There was a splash park at Appley beach in Ryde, but last time we visited it was closed off and didn't look at its best. Anyone want to start a crowdfunder?
East Cowes has a big paddling pool on its Esplanade with some free on-street parking (read the blog).
There was a splash park at Appley beach in Ryde, but last time we visited it was closed off and didn't look at its best. Anyone want to start a crowdfunder?
I think that's my children gathered around Alverstone on the Ventnor paddling pool
9.Godshill Model Village
Godshill Model Village is a quaint attraction within a quaint village. It's been in the same family for the last 40 years, and they take great pride in the quality of everything from the church to the 3000 model conifers. Young children obviously need to be accompanied to make sure that you don't get home to find half a dozen residents and a lamp-post in a coat pocket. Under threes get in free, adults pay about £7.
If you're in Godshill I would also have a look at the (free) gardens at the Old Smithy, which have a few odd characters that will appeal to young visitors.
As mentioned earlier, Godshill has a good playground that can be found just off the big free car park.
If you're in Godshill I would also have a look at the (free) gardens at the Old Smithy, which have a few odd characters that will appeal to young visitors.
As mentioned earlier, Godshill has a good playground that can be found just off the big free car park.
Yes, there is a model village within the model village
10. Movies for Juniors
The Isle of Wight's biggest cinema (Newport Cineworld - PO30 2TA) regularly does Saturday morning films for younger viewers, which only costs £3. Ryde Cinema (PO33 2HX) is a much more vintage day out, with three screens and regular kids films but is also very cheap (currently £4).
With a bit of luck you can a half-decent Pixar film with a few jokes rather than some terrible nonsense about a talking unicorn. Try to stay awake.
With a bit of luck you can a half-decent Pixar film with a few jokes rather than some terrible nonsense about a talking unicorn. Try to stay awake.
Newport's Cineworld cinema
11. Parkhurst and Bouldner Forests
For a free day out, Granny Guru recommends Parkhurst Forest, which has red squirrels, information boards with things to look for and plenty of bumpy tracks for walking.
Having said that, red squirrels are pretty shy and require silence before they come anywhere near humans - so toddlers may not be ideal...
We tried out the red squirrel hide walk at Parkhurst Forest with a three-year-old and she managed to walk about two-thirds of the way before declaring she was too tired and needed a piggyback (read the blog).
Another good-sized woodland on the Isle of Wight is Firestone Copse, which is near Havenstreet.
Having said that, red squirrels are pretty shy and require silence before they come anywhere near humans - so toddlers may not be ideal...
We tried out the red squirrel hide walk at Parkhurst Forest with a three-year-old and she managed to walk about two-thirds of the way before declaring she was too tired and needed a piggyback (read the blog).
Another good-sized woodland on the Isle of Wight is Firestone Copse, which is near Havenstreet.
A rarely spotted red squirrel. Photo by Kate Bucci.
12. Animal adventures
Wildheart Animal Sanctuary (PO36 8QB) in Sandown used to be called Isle of Wight Zoo and is a decent day out for younger ones. Other options include Amazon World (PO36 0LX) and Monkey Haven (PO30 2NB), which has won tourism awards.
They all cost about £15 - £20 for an adult but there are often deals available via our guide to discounts to Isle of Wight attractions.
Tapnell Farm Park (see #4) adopted some of the animals from Colemans Farm and Seaview Wildlife Encounter (including wallabies, meerkats, donkeys, farm animals) when they closed a few years ago. As mentioned earlier, the park also has a big indoor soft play area and a bouncing pillow, which is a bit like a bouncy castle but without the annoying ridges. As you may have gathered, we really like Tapnell Farm Park.
Quarr Abbey (PO33 4ES) has some pigs that you can feed. It has free entry with a small charge for pig food.
The farm at West Wight Alpacas is free for 0-2s to look round. It costs about £10 for adults. There's also a cafe and shop or you can pay to take an alpaca for a walk.
Read about our visits to Isle of Wight Zoo (now Wildheart Animal Sanctuary) and Monkey Haven or read our guide to Isle of Wight zoos and animal parks for more details.
They all cost about £15 - £20 for an adult but there are often deals available via our guide to discounts to Isle of Wight attractions.
Tapnell Farm Park (see #4) adopted some of the animals from Colemans Farm and Seaview Wildlife Encounter (including wallabies, meerkats, donkeys, farm animals) when they closed a few years ago. As mentioned earlier, the park also has a big indoor soft play area and a bouncing pillow, which is a bit like a bouncy castle but without the annoying ridges. As you may have gathered, we really like Tapnell Farm Park.
Quarr Abbey (PO33 4ES) has some pigs that you can feed. It has free entry with a small charge for pig food.
The farm at West Wight Alpacas is free for 0-2s to look round. It costs about £10 for adults. There's also a cafe and shop or you can pay to take an alpaca for a walk.
Read about our visits to Isle of Wight Zoo (now Wildheart Animal Sanctuary) and Monkey Haven or read our guide to Isle of Wight zoos and animal parks for more details.
Wildheart Animal Sanctuary used to be called Isle of Wight Zoo
13. Isle Imagine
Isle Imagine turned up on Newport's industrial estate after spending a couple of years as a pop-up attraction.
It's one of those role play centres where children can dress up as firefighters or hairdressers. Parents can decide whether or not to intervene when another child steals a policeman's helmet from their darling daughter.
I like to approach these situations by loudly saying things like "don't worry, I'm sure that boy will give it back to you later".
It's one of those role play centres where children can dress up as firefighters or hairdressers. Parents can decide whether or not to intervene when another child steals a policeman's helmet from their darling daughter.
I like to approach these situations by loudly saying things like "don't worry, I'm sure that boy will give it back to you later".
14. Isle of Wight Steam Railway
If your toddler (or husband) spends hours running around the lounge say 'choo-choo' then they may enjoy the Isle of Wight Steam Railway. As well as the hour long train ride, there's a woodland walk and a small play area.
The railway has something called Train Story, which is a nicely done museum with some interactive bits to keep children interested whilst Grandad admires old rolling stock.
The railway has something called Train Story, which is a nicely done museum with some interactive bits to keep children interested whilst Grandad admires old rolling stock.
All aboard the Isle of Wight Steam Railway
15. Quarr Abbey
Quarr Abbey (also mentioned at #11) is free and is worth an hour of your time if you are in the Fishbourne area. The Benedictine monastery is mostly of interest to older visitors but there's a woodland trail that we managed with an off-road pushchair in half an hour. There are also some pigs and a coffee shop.
We kept our pre-schoolers away from the section of Quarr Abbey that requests silence for obvious reasons...
We kept our pre-schoolers away from the section of Quarr Abbey that requests silence for obvious reasons...
Quarr, that's a good Abbey
16. Storytime and singing groups
It's hardly unique to the Isle of Wight, but there's a good choice of things like Rhyme Time groups and storytime groups at the local libraries. There are about 10 libraries on the Isle of Wight and several of them were offering toddler-friendly events when I checked. I would call ahead as some only run during term time.
You might feel like a break from your usual routine of toddler groups and playgrounds but it's a useful time filler if it starts raining.
All together now..."I'm a dingle dangle scarecrow with a flippy floppy hat..."
You might feel like a break from your usual routine of toddler groups and playgrounds but it's a useful time filler if it starts raining.
All together now..."I'm a dingle dangle scarecrow with a flippy floppy hat..."
16. Skateboarding
You may feel that giving a skateboard to your pre-school child is akin to giving a grenade to a grizzly bear.
If not, head along to Micro Shredders at John Cattle's Skate Club in the East Wight or Baby Boarders at Canopy Skatepark in the South Wight. Pads and helmets are provided for the children. Parents might want to avoid wearing sandals...
If not, head along to Micro Shredders at John Cattle's Skate Club in the East Wight or Baby Boarders at Canopy Skatepark in the South Wight. Pads and helmets are provided for the children. Parents might want to avoid wearing sandals...
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.
