23 things to do on the Isle of Wight with kids

For a relatively small island, the trickiest part about a family holiday to the Isle of Wight is how to fit everything in – my daughter’s first trip was aged two, and she’s racked up several more before turning 10.

Each time, we go home wishing there had been longer. From days out for toddlers to ideas for older kids, beaches for when the sun shines (regularly thanks to the island’s microclimate) and attractions for rainy days on the Isle of Wight, there’s plenty for different budgets, ages and seasons if you’re visiting the Isle of Wight with kids.

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Whether you fancy hunting for dinosaurs, animal spotting, visiting natural landmarks or castles, here are my 23 top things to do on the Isle of Wight for kids.

Isle of Wight beaches

One island, so very many gorgeous beaches – 57 miles of coastline means there are plenty of spots to make sandcastles, holding a string of Blue Flag and Seaside awards over the years.

Ventnor, Shanklin and Sandown are great for facilities, with cafes and shops, or try Ryde for open sands, plus others with arcades and funfairs. 

Appley has a lovely play area just off the beach too, but there are lovely options for fossil-hunting as well as sand-castles, plus wide open spaces to burn off some energy.

For more ideas of the best Isle of Wight beaches with kids, check out this post

Amazon World Zoo Park

One of the many animal attractions on the island, there are around 200 different species in the zoo, including some distinctly unusual ones.

Themed around South America, there’s an impressive range of creatures native to those countries, from cheeky marmosets to giant anteaters, as well as the rare Tamandua.

You can also watch the lemurs sunning themselves, spot crocodiles lurking in their pond or head into the rainforest area to spy tropical birds flying overhead.

Along with talks during the day, there are special animal sessions (for an added fee), with options for ages 4+ to meet meerkats and armadillo (as well as tapirs for those over 1m tall).

Between spotting the animals, there’s an adventure playground, plus a soft play area. Tickets don’t need to be prebooked although you can buy them online.

Check out our full review of Amazon World Zoo Park

Carisbrooke Castle

Depending on your point of view, Carisbrooke Castle is best known either as the place King Charles I was imprisoned before being beheaded or home to donkeys which work the 16th century treadwheel for the historic water mill.

Either way you’ve got centuries of history plus open spaces for little ones to burn off plenty of energy: climb the cannon, then wander the walls for some great views.

There’s a chance to dress up, watch those famous donkeys, discover where King Charles tried to escape (and where he whiled away his captivity playing bowls) and discover more of the castle’s history in the little museum.

There are often extra family activities and special trails during school holidays too, plus the Isle of Wight Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the island’s main town, Newport, are both on the doorstep.

The Needles Park

On the southwestern tip of the island, the Needles Rocks rise from the water as one of the Isle of Wight’s most famous landmarks.

The chairlift which takes people from the clifftop down to Alum Bay beach is almost as famous as the rocks themselves – well worth the ride down (or back up, if you don’t fancy the steps) for a better view of the sea, whether you head out onto the water or not.

Back at the top of the cliff, you’ll also find rides, sweet-making demonstrations, glass-blowing, the chance to make sand souvenirs and crazy golf to mention just a few at The Needles park.

Don’t miss a boat trip to the Needles – here’s what we thought

Dinosaur Isle Museum

The Isle of Wight has a well-deserved reputation as the Dinosaur Isle – you can still find fossils on some beaches as we did on a fossil walk, if you’re lucky.

But this purpose-built dinosaur museum is perfect for dino-fans, including 125 million years of geology and history that’s great for even younger kids.

It’s also a great option if you’re visiting the Isle of Wight in the rain with kids as it’s all indoor. If you’re visiting during term time, it’s worth bearing in mind that it’s popular with school groups too.

Check out my review of a visit to Dinosaur Isle with a toddler

Wildheart Animal Sanctuary

This small zoo, formerly called the Isle of Wight Zoo, is famous for its rescued big cats and the conservation work it does, helping protect different species at home, as well as in India and Madagascar.

As well as the chance to spot tigers, lions, lemurs, monkeys and more, keep an eye out for extra activities for kids – including a lovely stamp trail to follow when we visited – plus the Adventure Park play area and cafe.

There are usually talks throughout the day, plus special animal experiences including a Junior Keeper option for age 8+. Tickets can be prebooked online.

Monkey Haven

At this rescue centre for primates and birds of prey, you can see monkeys, lemurs and gibbons alongside eagle and snowy owls, just some of the hundreds of creatures given sanctuary here since it opened in 2010.

As well as meeting some of the animals and watching the feeding time, the Monkey Haven is one of the best places for kids to learn more about conservation and sustainability on the island – not to mention listening to the gibbons whoop and howl.

Check out the kids’ zone on the website for puzzles and colouring too, while tickets include a puzzle book and stamp trail. There’s even an app to download!

Visitors are asked to prebook tickets, and there’s a free 7-day return option

One of my favourite days out on the Isle of Wight with toddlers, check out my review of the Isle of Wight Monkey Haven

Osborne House

Queen Victoria’s ‘seaside home’, Osborne House is fascinating as both a royal residence with all the regal trappings you might expect and a place which was once a genuine retreat from public life.

The famously unamused Queen said; “It is impossible to imagine a prettier spot”, and from its grounds to the unusual and intricate decorations inside, even less regal visitors will agree.

Wander through the state rooms, where the most important guests were received by royalty, before exploring the family rooms – including the Queen’s personal bath tub – where the royal family spent much of their time, and where Victoria later died.

There’s also a wildlife trail for kids, plus the chance to play in the Swiss Cottage where the princes and princesses played, including exhibits on each of Victoria’s nine children.

As well as some Victorian-themed events during holiday times at the palace, you can also see Victoria’s private beach and some Indian-inspired decorations.

Brading Roman Villa

One of the country’s best preserved Roman sites, Brading Roman Villa is a fantastic place to explore with kids – my daughter still talks about making mosaics after our visit here, plus there’s a trail to follow and other interactive exhibits along the way.

The displays are housed in the remains of the villa itself, so it’s perfect for bringing Roman life to life, with exhibits on everything from how villas were heated in the chilly climate of Britannia to fashions and religion.

There are often extra family activities as well, and tickets can be prebooked online.

Robin Hill Adventure Park & Gardens

EDIT: Robin Hill Adventure Park closed its doors in late 2023, and so far it’s not known what might replace it

Rides, adventure playgrounds, gardens, falconry, special events around the year – this is the perfect children’s playground whether you’re two or 12, although there’s more here for older kids than toddlers.

But with 88 acres of parkland to explore, as well as some adrenaline-fuelled activities – from treetop canopy walkways to downhill toboggan and rides – there’s an adventure to suit everyone, including Jungle Heights nets and trampoline for age 14+.

Look out for the rare new white-tailed sea eagle which has been added to their roost, along with the other beautiful birds of prey in the falconry displays.

There’s a discount if you prebook tickets online, and you can get joint tickets with sister attraction Blackgang Chine including 7 days of free returns to both parks.

Blackgang Chine

Another amusement park meets adventure playground, there are exhibitions as well as the slides and rides, and themed play areas at Blackgang Chine. It’s the sister attraction to Robin Hill and you can get combined tickets (with a discount if you prebook) giving entry to both.

One of the biggest Isle of Wight attractions for families, it’s divided down into several areas, which makes it a great option for families with kids of different ages.

The Underwater Kingdom and dinosaur area were some of my daughter’s favourites, but you can do everything from exploring fairyland to dodging a T-rex, playing on a pirate ship or living out a few cowboy dreams, darting under a suspended whale or trying the variety of rides.

Tapnell Farm

There’s a little bit of everything at Tapnell Farm including a few of the most unusual family attractions on the Isle of Wight.

The Aqua Park is the only one on the island with more than 20 obstacles for kids aged 7+ to enjoy, from slides to challenges that will have everyone laughing. You can also take on axe throwing and archery (11+ only, for obvious reasons!), as well as football golf.

As the name suggests, there are also animals on site at the Farm Park, including meerkats, wallabies and farm animals, plus some classic playground fun, including jumping pillows and climbing on straw bales.

You can stay on site too, with an array of quirky family friendly accommodation, including safari tents, a variety of eco-lodges and domes with a view – and great burgers at The Cow restaurant.

Isle of Wight Donkey sanctuary

Another haven for donkeys which need a safe home, the Isle of Wight Donkey sanctuary has become an attraction in its own right, and is a lovely place to stop for kids who love animals.

Free to enter (although donations are welcomed), you can meet the donkeys and there are special seasonal events during the year too, including Halloween as well as Easter and Christmas.

You can even adopt one of the donkeys, or donate anything from a bale of hay to a dentist visit to keep them all hee-hawing happily.

West Wight alpacas

Home to Suri alpacas, this breeding farm also runs treks and talks about the animals – you can choose a short trek around the farm, meeting some of the animals at West Wight alpacas, as well as longer ones off-site.

Kids aged 8 or over can walk with an alpaca or llama on their own, while children over five can still walk with them as long as they are assisted by an adult.

You can take younger children on the walks if you think it’s appropriate for your child, but they can’t lead the animals. If they’re too little to head out on a trek, you can also walk around the farm to look at the alpacas and the other furry inhabitants instead, from bunnies to pygmy goats.

There’s a chance to adopt your own favourite alpaca here and the cafe has some great pizza.

Butterfly World Isle of Wight

It’s not just the bigger animals you can discover on the Isle of Wight – Butterfly World has free-flying butterflies in its indoor subtropical garden.

The fifth Butterfly Farm to open in the world, there are some great activities for kids as well, including butterfly walks, minibeast handling sessions and koi feeding.

There’s also a new wildlife garden and cafe. Tickets can be bought on arrival.

Spot red squirrels

One of the few places in the UK where you can find red squirrels, safe from the more aggressive greys who can’t swim the Solent (well, not often, anyway).

And while you’ll need to choose your spot carefully, and visit with kids who are able to keep quiet and still if one appears, it’s a great place to spy these shy creatures.

Parkhurst Forest has its own special red squirrel hide, plus lots of lovely forest trails to wander near Newport

Or head to the Alverstone Mead Nature Reserve complex – four separate reserves, including its own red squirrel hide, where you could be lucky enough to see them leaping from branch to branch.

There’s even a red squirrel cycling trail if you want to cover a few squirrel spotting locations in one go.

Although one of the best places we’ve found for spotting red squirrels without too much effort (and with some lovely food) is from the restaurant at The Garlic Farm – they sometimes have fun in the play area too, or look out for them in the woodland here.

Goodleaf tree climbing

One for older kids, Goodleaf tree climbing is the perfect adventure for ages eight and above – two hours climbing a 70ft oak tree, with the help of ropes.

You can get around 50ft high to the canopy with amazing views out over the sea or simply relax in the tree-top hammocks once you’re up, as well as trying some branch walking or swinging around at 40 feet in the air if you’re feeling brave.

The techniques used mean you don’t have to be super-strong either, just enthusiastic and up for a challenge.

Isle of Wight Steam Railway

Not a kids’ attraction as such, it’s still likely to be a firm favourite with fans of Thomas and Friends (and their grandfathers).

As well as taking a ride across the island from Havenstreet in one of the Victorian and Edwardian carriages, you can look round the sheds at the beautifully restored locomotives of the Isle of Wight Steam railway in the Discovery Centre.

There’s also a children’s play area – ideal if you’re looking for Isle of Wight things to do with toddlers – and lovely woodland walk, plus free daily flying displays at the Haven Falconry, so it’s very easy to fill at least half a day.

Godshill Model Village

A fun family day out with younger kids, there’s more to spot at Godshill Model Village than you might expect, with a children’s quiz to keep them looking for all the tiny squirrels dotted around.

Even if they don’t fancy squirrel spotting, there are lots of quirky details hidden away in the recreations of the village of Godshill, Shanklin Old Village and Chine – all at 1/10th scale.

The thatched roofs are even thatched using the same materials and methods as their full size originals.

People sometimes say that visiting the Isle of Wight is like stepping back in time… but here you can literally wander through the island as it was back in the 50s. Allow around an hour to visit.

Quarr Abbey

Just outside Ryde, Quarr Abbey is still home to a community of Benedictine monks – it might not seem an obvious place to visit with kids, but makes for an unexpectedly memorable stop.

You can wander the grounds, with an Explorer Kit available to borrow for free, for children to take out onto the Woodland Walk, including binoculars and wildlife booklet.

There are often special nature activities during holiday weeks too, as well as a chance to spot the pigs, relax in the cafe and stock up in the farm shop.

Explore the cycle routes

There are a string of family-friendly cycle routes on the Isle of Wight, including some along the coast and riverside, as well as car-free routes following the old train tracks.

All in all, there are 200 miles of cycle tracks, byways and bridleways, including some more challenging stretches if you’re visiting with teens or active older kids, plus the gentler options for new cyclists.

If you aren’t bringing your own bikes with you, there are also plenty of places to hire bikes on the Isle of Wight, including different size child bikes, balance bikes, tagalongs and child seats.

Get out on the water

If you’re more tempted by the water than dry land, there are some great watersports centres for kids to learn or hire equipment, as well – unsurprisingly, given the island hosts the Cowes Regatta – lots of opportunies to sail.

Watersports include surfing, as well as kayaking, windsurfing, and stand up paddleboarding. Most are suitable for around age 8+, with some options for younger children aged 5+

Wightwater Adventure Sports and Tackt-Isle Adventures are a few of the watersports centres on the island offering tuition and hire.

Visit the National Poo Museum

Who knew there was a National Poo Museum? And that it’s on the Isle of Wight… But let’s face it, for kids of a certain age, there is simply no attraction more tempting.

And while there’s plenty to snigger about at the museum at the Sandown Barrack Battery, a Victorian fort above the cliffs at Sandown, there’s actually an impressive amount to see and learn.

Covering everything from the Romans to the natural world, the whole museum fits into a disused public toilet, but is still packed with fascinating displays and plenty of chances to get hands on. Ahem.

Closed during the winter months (except for some school holidays), it’s open on weekdays from Easter to the end of September.

For more ideas on visiting the Isle of Wight with kids, read about our day hunting for dinosaurs, inspiration for a Bear Hunt on the Isle of Wight as well as exploring the island coast, plus more things to do in Hampshire with kids if you’re spending time on the mainland too

**First published 2016, updated 2023**

PIN FOR LATER: ISLE OF WIGHT WITH KIDS

Osborne House/donkey/red squirrel/cycle track image courtesy Depositphotos, all other images copyright MummyTravels

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