For a comparatively small island, the trickiest half a few household vacation to the Isle of Wight is how you can match all the things in – my daughter’s first journey was aged two, and she or he’s racked up a lot extra over the following dozen years trying out a number of the many issues to do on the Isle of Wight with children.
comprises affiliate hyperlinks*
Every time, we go house wishing there had been longer. From days out for toddlers to concepts for older children, seashores for when the solar shines (often due to the island’s microclimate) and sights for wet days on the Isle of Wight, there’s a lot for various budgets, ages and seasons.
Whether or not you fancy trying to find dinosaurs, animal recognizing, visiting pure landmarks or castles, listed here are my 24 high issues to do on the Isle of Wight for youths.
Isle of Wight seashores
One island, so very many beautiful seashores – 57 miles of shoreline means there are many spots to make sandcastles, holding a string of Blue Flag and Seaside awards through the years.
Ventnor, Shanklin and Sandown are nice for services, with cafes and retailers, or strive Ryde for open sands, plus others with arcades and funfairs.
Appley has a beautiful play space simply off the seashore too, which is nice for youthful children however there are beautiful choices for fossil-hunting in addition to sand-castles, plus large open areas to burn off some power.
Look out for dinosaurs at Yaverland and Compton Seaside, rock swimming pools at St Helens Duver and Bembridge Seaside, and spot caves at Freshwater Bay.
For extra concepts of the very best Isle of Wight seashores with children, try this publish
Carisbrooke Fort
Relying in your perspective, Carisbrooke Fort is finest recognized both because the place King Charles I used to be imprisoned earlier than being beheaded or house to donkeys which work the sixteenth century treadwheel for the historic water mill.
Both manner you’ve received centuries of historical past plus open areas for little ones to burn off loads of power: climb the cannon, then wander the partitions for some nice views.
There’s an opportunity to decorate up, watch these well-known donkeys, uncover the place King Charles tried to flee (and the place he whiled away his captivity taking part in bowls) and uncover extra of the fortress’s historical past within the little museum.
There are sometimes further household actions and particular trails throughout faculty holidays too, plus the Isle of Wight Space of Excellent Pure Magnificence and the island’s essential city, Newport, are each on the doorstep.
The Needles Park
On the southwestern tip of the island, the Needles Rocks rise from the water as one of many Isle of Wight’s most well-known landmarks.
The chairlift which takes folks from the clifftop right down to Alum Bay seashore is nearly as well-known because the rocks themselves – properly definitely worth the trip down (or again up, in the event you don’t fancy the steps) for a greater view of the ocean, whether or not you head out onto the water or not.
Again on the high of the cliff, you’ll additionally discover rides, sweet-making demonstrations, glass-blowing, the possibility to make sand souvenirs and loopy golf to say only a few at The Needles park.
Don’t miss a ship journey to the Needles – right here’s what we thought
Dinosaur Isle Museum
The Isle of Wight has a well-deserved status because the Dinosaur Isle – you’ll be able to nonetheless discover fossils on some seashores as we did on a fossil stroll, in the event you’re fortunate.
However this purpose-built dinosaur museum is ideal for dino-fans, together with 125 million years of geology and historical past that’s nice for even youthful children.
It’s additionally a fantastic possibility in the event you’re visiting the Isle of Wight within the rain with children because it’s all indoor. In case you’re visiting throughout time period time, it’s value making an allowance for that it’s standard with faculty teams too.
Try my overview of a go to to Dinosaur Isle with a toddler
Wildheart Animal Sanctuary
Wildheart Animal Sanctuary, previously referred to as the Isle of Wight Zoo, is legendary for its rescued massive cats and the conservation work it does, serving to shield totally different species at house, in addition to in India and Madagascar.
In addition to the possibility to identify tigers, lions, lemurs, monkeys and extra on the small zoo, hold a watch out for further actions for youths – together with a beautiful stamp path to comply with after we visited – plus the Journey Park play space and cafe.
There are normally talks all through the day, plus particular animal experiences together with a Junior Animal Carer possibility for age 8+. Tickets will be prebooked on-line.
Look out for the additional occasions which regularly run throughout the faculty holidays as properly – throughout the summer season, the Sundown Safaris imply you get a few hours to discover after the standard closing time.
We beloved with the ability to wander spherical and see the animals being fed, with a few of them extra lively after the warmth of the day – there’s a fantastic plant-based BBQ, plus you’ll discover pizza, ice-cream and cocktails on supply, together with face portray.
Amazon World Zoo Park
One of many many animal sights on the island, there are round 200 totally different species in Amazon World zoo, together with some distinctly uncommon ones.
Themed round South America, there’s a formidable vary of creatures native to these international locations, from cheeky marmosets to massive anteaters, in addition to the uncommon Tamandua.
You may also watch the lemurs sunning themselves, spot crocodiles lurking of their pond or head into the rainforest space to spy tropical birds flying overhead.
Together with talks throughout the day, there are particular animal periods (for an added payment), with choices for ages 4+ to satisfy meerkats and armadillo (in addition to tapirs for these over 1m tall).
Between recognizing the animals, there’s an journey playground, plus a gentle play space. Tickets don’t have to be prebooked though you should buy them on-line.
Try our full overview of Amazon World Zoo Park
Monkey Haven
At this rescue centre for primates and birds of prey, you’ll be able to see monkeys, lemurs and gibbons alongside eagle and snowy owls, simply a number of the lots of of creatures given sanctuary right here because it opened in 2010.
In addition to assembly a number of the animals and watching the feeding time, the Monkey Haven is without doubt one of the finest locations for youths to study extra about conservation and sustainability on the island – to not point out listening to the gibbons whoop and howl.
Try the children’ zone on the web site for puzzles and colouring too, whereas tickets embrace a puzzle ebook and stamp path. There’s even an app to obtain!
There’s a reduction in the event you prebook tickets, and there’s a free 7-day return cross.
One among my favorite days out on the Isle of Wight with toddlers, try my overview of the Isle of Wight Monkey Haven
Osborne Home
Queen Victoria’s ‘seaside house’, Osborne Home is fascinating as each a royal residence with all of the regal trappings you may count on and a spot which was as soon as a real retreat from public life.
The famously unamused Queen stated; “It’s unattainable to think about a prettier spot”, and from its grounds to the weird and complicated decorations inside, even much less regal guests will agree.
Wander by way of the state rooms, the place an important friends had been obtained by royalty, earlier than exploring the household rooms – together with the Queen’s private bathtub tub – the place the royal household spent a lot of their time, and the place Victoria later died.
There’s additionally a wildlife path for youths, plus the possibility to play within the Swiss Cottage the place the princes and princesses performed, together with displays on every of Victoria’s 9 youngsters.
In addition to some Victorian-themed occasions throughout vacation occasions on the palace, you too can see Victoria’s personal seashore and a few Indian-inspired decorations.
Brading Roman Villa
One of many nation’s finest preserved Roman websites, Brading Roman Villa is a unbelievable place to discover with children – my daughter nonetheless talks about making mosaics after our go to right here, plus there’s a path to comply with and different interactive displays alongside the way in which.
The shows are housed within the stays of the villa itself, so it’s good for bringing Roman life to life, with displays on all the things from how villas had been heated within the chilly local weather of Britannia to fashions and faith.
There are sometimes further household actions as properly, and tickets will be prebooked on-line.
Go to the Nationwide Poo Museum
Who knew there was a Nationwide Poo Museum? And that it’s on the Isle of Wight… However let’s face it, for youths of a sure age, there may be merely no attraction extra tempting.
And whereas there’s a lot to snigger about on the museum, there’s really a formidable quantity to see and study.
Overlaying all the things from the Romans to the pure world, the entire museum matches right into a disused public bathroom, however continues to be filled with fascinating shows and loads of probabilities to get palms on. Ahem.
Closed throughout the winter months (apart from some faculty holidays), it’s open on weekdays from Easter to the top of September. Previously within the Sandown Barrack Battery, a Victorian fort above the cliffs at Sandown, it’s present house is at Division Arts Centre in Ryde.
Robin Hill Journey Park & Gardens
Stroll excessive within the timber, spot birds of prey, get some adrenaline flowing or play like there’s no tomorrow – Robin Hill Journey Park is the right youngsters’s playground whether or not you’re two or 12 (though there’s extra right here for older children than toddlers).
However with 88 acres of parkland to discover, in addition to some adrenaline-fuelled actions – from treetop cover walkways to downhill toboggan and rides – there’s an journey to go well with everybody, together with Jungle Heights nets and trampoline for age 14+.
Look out for the uncommon new white-tailed sea eagle which has been added to their roost, together with the opposite stunning birds of prey within the falconry shows.
Blackgang Chine
One other amusement park meets journey playground, there are exhibitions in addition to the slides and rides, and themed play areas at Blackgang Chine.
One of many largest Isle of Wight sights for households, it’s divided down into a number of areas, which makes it a fantastic possibility for households with children of various ages.
The Underwater Kingdom and dinosaur space had been a few of my daughter’s favourites, however you are able to do all the things from exploring fairyland to dodging a T-rex, taking part in on a pirate ship or dwelling out just a few cowboy desires, darting underneath a suspended whale or making an attempt the number of rides.
Tapnell Farm
There’s somewhat little bit of all the things at Tapnell Farm together with just a few of essentially the most uncommon household sights on the Isle of Wight.
The Aqua Park is the one one on the island with greater than 20 obstacles for youths aged 7+ to get pleasure from, from slides to challenges that may have everybody laughing. You may also tackle clay pigeon taking pictures (10+ solely, for apparent causes!), in addition to soccer golf and padel.
Because the title suggests, there are additionally animals on website on the Farm Park, together with meerkats, wallabies and livestock, plus some basic playground enjoyable, together with leaping pillows and climbing on straw bales.
You possibly can keep on website too, with an array of quirky household pleasant lodging, together with safari tents, quite a lot of eco-lodges and domes with a view – and nice burgers at The Cow restaurant.
Isle of Wight Donkey sanctuary
A haven for donkeys which want a protected house, the Isle of Wight Donkey sanctuary has develop into an attraction in its personal proper, and is a beautiful place to cease for youths who love animals.
Free to enter (though donations are welcomed), you’ll be able to meet the donkeys and there are particular seasonal occasions throughout the 12 months too, together with Halloween in addition to Easter and Christmas, in addition to household trails.
You possibly can even undertake one of many donkeys, or donate something from a bale of hay to a dentist go to to maintain all of them hee-hawing fortunately.
Ensure you join considered one of free excursions too, with an opportunity to talk to one of many sanctuary’s equine consultants, ask questions, uncover some quirky details (like simply how a lot hay they get by way of) and look behind the scenes.
West Wight alpacas
Dwelling to Suri alpacas, this breeding farm additionally runs treks and talks in regards to the animals – you’ll be able to select a brief trek across the farm, assembly a number of the animals at West Wight alpacas, in addition to longer ones off-site.
Children aged 8 or over can stroll with an alpaca or llama on their very own, whereas youngsters over 5 can nonetheless stroll with them so long as they’re assisted by an grownup.
You possibly can take youthful youngsters on the walks in the event you assume it’s applicable to your baby, however they’ll’t lead the animals. In the event that they’re too little to go out on a trek, you too can stroll across the farm to take a look at the alpacas and the opposite furry inhabitants as an alternative, from bunnies to pygmy goats.
There’s an opportunity to undertake your personal favorite alpaca right here too.
Butterfly World Isle of Wight
It’s not simply the larger animals you’ll be able to uncover on the Isle of Wight – Butterfly World has free-flying butterflies in its indoor subtropical backyard.
The fifth Butterfly Farm to open on the planet, there are some nice actions for youths as properly, together with butterfly walks, minibeast dealing with periods and koi feeding.
There’s additionally a brand new wildlife backyard and cafe. Tickets will be purchased on arrival.
Spot purple squirrels
One of many few locations within the UK the place yow will discover purple squirrels, protected from the extra aggressive greys who can’t swim the Solent (properly, not typically, anyway).
And when you’ll want to decide on your spot fastidiously, and go to with children who’re capable of hold quiet and nonetheless if one seems, it’s a fantastic place to spy these shy creatures.
Parkhurst Forest has its personal particular purple squirrel disguise, plus plenty of beautiful forest trails to wander close to Newport
Or head to the Alverstone Mead Nature Reserve advanced – 4 separate reserves, together with its personal purple squirrel disguise, the place you can be fortunate sufficient to see them leaping from department to department.
There’s even a purple squirrel biking path if you wish to cowl just a few squirrel-spotting areas in a single go, in addition to extra squirrels dwelling in Ventnor Botanic Backyard – head over in the direction of the Japanese bridge the place they typically come to feed.
Though the most effective locations we’ve discovered for recognizing purple squirrels with out an excessive amount of effort (and with some beautiful meals) is from the restaurant at The Garlic Farm – they often have enjoyable within the play space too, or look out for them within the woodland right here.
Goodleaf tree climbing
One for older children, Goodleaf tree climbing is the right journey for ages eight and above – two hours climbing a 70ft oak tree, with the assistance of ropes.
You will get round 50ft excessive to the cover with wonderful views out over the ocean or just calm down within the tree-top hammocks when you’re up, in addition to making an attempt some department strolling or swinging round at 40 toes within the air in the event you’re feeling courageous.
The methods used imply you don’t should be super-strong both, simply enthusiastic and up for a problem.
Isle of Wight Steam Railway
Not a children’ attraction as such, it’s nonetheless more likely to be a agency favorite with followers of Thomas and Associates (and their grandfathers).
In addition to taking a trip throughout the island from Havenstreet in one of many Victorian and Edwardian carriages, you’ll be able to look around the sheds on the superbly restored locomotives of the Isle of Wight Steam railway within the Discovery Centre.
There’s additionally a youngsters’s play space – very best in the event you’re searching for Isle of Wight issues to do with toddlers – and wonderful woodland stroll, so it’s very simple to fill at the least half a day. In case you’re hoping to see the birds of prey on the Haven Falconry, this has now closed, nevertheless.
Godshill Mannequin Village
A enjoyable household time out with youthful children, there’s extra to identify at Godshill Mannequin Village than you may count on, with a youngsters’s quiz to maintain them searching for all of the tiny squirrels dotted round.
Even when they don’t fancy squirrel recognizing, there are many quirky particulars hidden away within the recreations of the village of Godshill, Shanklin Previous Village and Chine – all at 1/tenth scale.
The thatched roofs are even thatched utilizing the identical supplies and strategies as their full dimension originals.
Individuals typically say that visiting the Isle of Wight is like stepping again in time… however right here you’ll be able to actually wander by way of the island because it was again within the 50s. Permit round an hour to go to.
Ventnor Botanic Backyard
Dwelling to the nation’s oldest palm tree (and virtually its tallest – give it just a few years), Ventnor Botanic Backyard has just a few different quirky sights up its green-fingered sleeves.
In addition to the possibility to wander previous one of many UK’s most spectacular assortment of vegetation, which thrive within the island’s sunny and virtually frost-free microclimate, you too can join one of many tunnel excursions and enterprise from the gardens by way of a 350ft tunnel to somewhat grassy platform above the ocean.
There’s the stays of one other hidden tunnel right here, a small museum on the gardens’ authentic function as a hospital, a tropical glasshouse, a Japanese bridge and Tori gate, and – after all – some spectacular flowers and vegetation, together with one whose spikes have been recognized to lure sheep!
It’s simple to lose a few hours wandering the paths which is able to take you just about around the globe, from Australia and New Zealand to Asia, South Africa and the Mediterranean, and you may even entry the seashore frm the gardens. Need longer? You possibly can even keep on website.
Quarr Abbey
Simply outdoors Ryde, Quarr Abbey continues to be house to a group of Benedictine monks – it may not appear an apparent place to go to with children, however makes for an unexpectedly memorable cease.
You possibly can wander the grounds, with an Explorer Package out there to borrow totally free, for youngsters to take out onto the Woodland Stroll, together with binoculars and wildlife booklet.
There are sometimes particular nature actions throughout vacation weeks too, in addition to an opportunity to identify the pigs, calm down within the cafe and replenish within the farm store.
Discover the cycle routes
There are a string of family-friendly cycle routes on the Isle of Wight, together with some alongside the coast and riverside, in addition to car-free routes following the previous prepare tracks.
All in all, there are 200 miles of cycle tracks, byways and bridleways, together with some more difficult stretches in the event you’re visiting with teenagers or lively older children, plus the gentler choices for brand new cyclists.
In case you aren’t bringing your personal bikes with you, there are additionally loads of locations to rent bikes on the Isle of Wight, together with totally different dimension baby bikes, stability bikes, tagalongs and baby seats.
Get out on the water
In case you’re extra tempted by the water than dry land, there are some nice watersports centres for youths to study or rent gear, as properly – unsurprisingly, given the island hosts the Cowes Regatta – plenty of opportunies to sail.
Watersports embrace browsing, in addition to kayaking, windsurfing, and get up paddleboarding. Most are appropriate for round age 8+, with some choices for youthful youngsters aged 5+
Wightwater Journey Sports activities and Tackt-Isle Adventures are just a few of the watersports centres on the island providing tuition and rent.
For extra concepts on visiting the Isle of Wight with children, examine our day trying to find dinosaurs, inspiration for a Bear Hunt on the Isle of Wight in addition to exploring the island coast, plus extra issues to do in Hampshire with children in the event you’re spending time on the mainland too
*First printed 2016, up to date 2026*
PIN FOR LATER: ISLE OF WIGHT WITH KIDS
Disclosure: This publish comprises affiliate hyperlinks – any purchases you make are unaffected however I’ll obtain a small fee
Photos: Osborne Home/purple squirrel/cycle observe picture courtesy Depositphotos, all different photographs copyright MummyTravels
LIKED THIS? SIGN UP FOR MY EMAIL NEWSLETTER