Spending a perfect family day on the Isle of Wight can mean different things to different people. Maybe you are a family of thrill seekers, budding history buffs or wildlife watchers. Whatever your interest, there is something to tick that box for the whole family. Read on for further inspiration.
Family-friendly attractions on the Isle of Wight
If you are heading over with younger children, you won’t be short of things to do.
Attractions such as Monkey Haven offer a great mix of entertainment and education in their fun keeper talks and the chance to get up close and personal with the animals; whilst at West Wight Alpacas you can get involved with feeding the farm animals as well as experience walking an alpaca!
If your kids love the wild things then the Wildheart Animal Sanctuary at Sandown is an educational but fun look at the world of lions, tigers and other creatures.
Amazon World at Newchurch also has lots of fascinating creatures to see, from armadillos to crocodiles and tapirs, plus falconry displays and a soft play area for the smaller ones.
The Isle of Wight Rare Breeds CIC is a wonderful place for families to visit, where you can meet friendly animals up close and learn all about their history and how they’re being cared for and protected.
Find more inspiration in our recent blog post ‘Things to do with children on the Isle of Wight’ here.
Older kid-friendly activities on the Isle of Wight
They might seem hard to please, but teenagers and older children will find loads to do here including the Isle of Wight Aqua Park. Featuring over 20 obstacles all joined together to create a series of floating challenges, can you conquer Mount Rainer? Towering at 3.8m high it’s time to jump and splash!
On the water-based theme, Tackt-Isle Adventures over at St Helens offers the chance to try out kayaking, windsurfing or sailing on your break.
Wight Karting will bring out their competitive streak. Open all weathers, have a go on this purpose-built 520m track and choose from a variety of different race options including ones for adults and teens. For rainy days, why not have a go at the latest escape room on the Island? The Lost Crypt is housed in a former church in Ryde and is the first in the UK to be housed in a real church crypt. Teams have 60 minutes to solve the puzzle, escape, or stay there forever!
Fun for all ages on the Isle of Wight
Keeping the whole family, including the grandparents, happy is no easy task but thankfully there are lots of places to visit that will keep everyone amused, no matter what age.
The Needles Landmark Attraction offers stunning views of the iconic landmark and much more. Young children will enjoy the fairground rides, whilst older children can take the chairlift down to the beach below. Everyone will enjoy making their own sand model filled with the famous Alum Bay coloured sands and you can even watch sweets being made, before sampling a few!
Tapnell Farm Park is surrounded by stunning 360-degree views over the Solent, Newtown Creek and Tennyson Down, and has something for everyone. Discover animals in paddocks, indoor and outdoor play, daily falconry shows, the fab Wallaby Walkabout and much more.
Island CraftWorks offers warm, hands-on creative experiences for visitors of all ages, based in the beautiful coastal town of Ryde. Whether you’re a complete beginner or a seasoned crafter, our relaxed and friendly workshops are designed to help you unwind, get creative, and leave with something handmade and truly special.
Find more on our blog post ‘32 things to do across the Isle of Wight’.
Theme parks for families on the Isle of Wight
If it’s thrills you are after, the Isle of Wight is ready to make you scream! Take a trip to the UK's oldest theme park, Blackgang Chine. Here you can take a ride on Extinction - a cliff-top 360 pendulum swing, round up dangerous dinosaurs, cast spells in Fairyland, be a sheriff in Cowboy Town and battle pirates at Pirate Cove.
Sandham Gardens overlooking Sandown Bay has plenty to do. Have a go at the Sandham Skynets: The Big Bounce, Sandham Karts and Dino Islands: A Golf Adventure.
Family adventure activities on the Isle of Wight
If you are a family of adrenaline junkies, you can get your thrills here on the Isle of Wight. Head up a majestic oak tree with Goodleaf Tree Climbing. Set in Appley Park, you’ll use a rope and harness to climb the 15-metre-high tree, guaranteeing a fantastic view from the top.
Island Riding Centre is set between Newport and Wootton Bridge and is ideal for both beginners and advanced riders. There is a wide selection of horses with safe on-site hacks and excursions to some of the Island’s finest beaches and trails with spectacular views and amazing experiences.
Canopy Skatepark in Chale is housed inside a 400-square-metre ex-agricultural barn. Regardless of the weather, you can skate as a beginner or beyond, focusing on developing and landing your tricks on this fast, mega-smooth surface. There’s a viewing platform for those who just want to watch, as well as lessons and regular skate clubs.
History and heritage on the Isle of Wight
If it’s a ‘horrible histories’ themed day you fancy, or for those that want to soak up information, the Isle of Wight has a great mix of historical attractions for the family to enjoy.
Isle of Wight Steam Railway lets you step back in time to a bygone era when steam power ruled the world. Jump aboard a beautifully restored Victorian or Edwardian carriage as you steam your way through the countryside before returning to the main station where there is loads more to do.
Discover the Island’s royal heritage with a trip to Carisbrooke Castle and Osborne House. Carisbrooke Castle was once the prison of Charles I who was sent here after escaping from Hampton Court Palace. Today you can see his bedroom and also visit the stunning Princess Beatrice Garden. Osborne House was famously the holiday home of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert and has been the backdrop for several period dramas. Enjoy the opulently decorated staterooms including the legendary Durbar Room; walk the sweeping Italianate gardens and rest a while on the pretty private beach overlooking The Solent.
If it’s military history you are after, Yarmouth Castle, the Needles Old Battery and Fort Victoria will all be of interest and, for a real adventure back in time, Dinosaur Isle is Britain's first purpose-built dinosaur museum where you can walk back through fossilised time to the period of the dinosaurs 120 million years ago - now that’s historical!
If you are looking for some budget-friendly family fun, check out our blog post ‘24 family days out for under £50’ here.
And if you are looking for some free things to do on the Isle of Wight, check out this page.
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