The 10 best things to do on the Isle of Wight with kids

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There are so many fabulous things to see and do on the Isle of Wight – so if you’re taking the kids for a UK staycation on this beautiful island then these are some of the places that you’ll want to add to your family holiday itinerary. Despite offering loads of fantastic attractions, you might be surprised to hear that the Isle of Wight is only about 23 miles wide from east to west and 13 miles long from north to south. It’s small size makes it perfect for a family trip as everything is within easy reach – you don’t have to waste too much time in the car! Whether you want to spend the day at the beach, visit a family attraction or go on a scenic walk, you’ll never be too far from your next adventure. Here are the 10 best things to do on the Isle of Wight with kids and, in true Frugal Mum style, I have of course added in some money-saving tips too!

1. Explore the beautiful child-friendly beaches

The Isle of Wight boasts some of the most picturesque beaches in the UK, many of which are perfect for families. Shanklin Beach and Sandown Beach have golden sands and shallow waters, making them great for paddling and playing on the sand. Meanwhile, Compton Bay is ideal for fossil hunting and exploring rock pools. Many beaches also have free parking nearby, which is a bonus for budget-conscious families. You can pack up a picnic, and some buckets and spades, and enjoy a fun day at the beach without spending a penny.

2. Take a ride on the Isle of Wight Steam Railway

For little train enthusiasts, the Isle of Wight Steam Railway is a magical experience. The beautifully restored steam engines chug through the countryside, offering scenic views of the island. Family tickets are available, and kids under five travel free! We took our kids on the Isle of Wight steam train when they were tiny, unfortunately they no longer accept Tesco Clubcard Vouchers (that’s what we used at the time) but you can get a discount if you book your steam train tickets alongside a Red Funnel ferry journey – so that could be a good way to save some money if you fancy it.

3. Visit Blackgang Chine – The UK’s oldest theme park

A trip to the Isle of Wight wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Blackgang Chine, the UK’s oldest amusement park. It’s very different from your usual rollercoaster style theme park, instead Blackgang Chine has tamer rides, themed lands and play areas. It overlooks the coast, so it’s a stunning spot for a picnic too on a sunny day, and there’s lots there to keep the kids busy. In the summer, they also host firework and DJ nights, and each ticket is valid for 7 days so you can venture back as many times as you fancy. Check out my review of our visit to Blackgang Chine for more info.

4. Have an action-packed day at Tapnell Farm Park

Tapnell Farm Park has loads on offer to keep the kids busy all day with friendly farm animals, go-karts, an indoor soft play area, bouncy pillows and lots of other activities in the farm park. It’s also pretty budget-friendly, with reasonable entry prices and picnic areas to save on food costs. Tapnell Farm is also home to the only aqua park on the Isle of Wight, so if you’re visiting over the summer that has got to be one of the most fun things to do with the kids – my two love that sort of thing – and it’s a great option for slightly older children who might be too big for some of the farm park activities.

5. Enjoy outdoor fun at Robin Hill Country Park

When we visited Robin Hill Country Park a few years back, my kids spent hours on the toboggan ride – they loved it so much. The park has been closed for a while, after it was sold, but it’s re-opening for 2025 with new attractions included as well. If your children love outdoor adventures, Robin Hill Country Park is a great option – set in 88 acres of parkland, this attraction features treetop walkways, adventure playgrounds, crazy golf, a toboggan run, an ice-rink and lots more. Check out my review of our visit to Robin Hill Country Park for more info.

6. Go fossil hunting and follow the dinosaur trails

The Isle of Wight is known as Dinosaur Island due to its rich fossil history – so another brilliant thing you can do with the kids, without spending a penny, is some fossil hunting. You can go fossil hunting at Yaverland Beach or Brook Bay, where you might even find a dinosaur footprint! The Dinosaur Isle Museum in Sandown is also a great place to learn more about these prehistoric creatures without spending too much if the kids would like to know a bit more about it.

7. Enjoy the English Heritage sites

Enjoy a family day out at Osborne House – once the beloved seaside home of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, this grand estate is like stepping into a royal storybook. The expansive gardens and private beach are perfect for running around, and the Swiss Cottage (a playhouse built for the royal children) is a must-see. Or, head to Carisbrooke Castle – the kids can explore the medieval walls, dress up as knights and meet the castle’s resident donkeys. If you have an English Heritage membership you can visit both sites for free, or use Blue Peter Badges to get the kids in for free, and there are often family-friendly activities during the holidays to keep the little ones entertained.

8. See exotic wildlife at Amazon World Zoo Park

If the kids are animal-lovers, you might want to take a trip to Amazon World Zoo Park – the largest exotic animal attraction on the Isle of Wight. The zoo is home to some family-friendly favourites including sloths, lemurs and wallabies – with over 200 species of animals. The walk-through enclosures allow kids to get up close with the animals, and there’s a soft play so the kids can let off some steam while you have a cuppa. You can use Tesco Clubcard Vouchers to visit Amazon World Zoo Park – so if you save up your reward points you can enjoy a free day out!

9. Experience The Needles landmark attraction

The Needles is one of the most iconic sights on the Isle of Wight – it’s such a beautiful spot for a picnic. For those on a tight budget, you can walk down to Alum Bay, we did this on our last visit and had the perfect picnic with a view. You can also take a chairlift down to the water’s edge, which can be a fun thing to do with the kids and might save little legs from lots of steps. At The Needles attraction, you can also make your own sand ornaments, which make for the perfect Isle of Wight holiday souvenir, watch glass-blowing and enjoy some funfair rides. Entry to the landmark itself is free, so you’ll only pay for the attractions you choose to take part in. If you fancy getting out on the water, you can also take one of the boat trips which run daily from Easter to October.

10. Enjoy budget-friendly family walks

One of the best things about the Isle of Wight is that there are so many beautiful spots to enjoy a walk with the kids, making the most of nature. Families can enjoy scenic coastal walks, countryside trails and woodland adventures without spending a penny. In particular, Ventnor Downs and the Tennyson Trail both offer stunning views and plenty of space for little explorers to roam, so pack up a picnic and enjoy what the beautiful Isle of Wight has to offer. Whilst you’re in the Ventnor area, make sure you pop to the donkey sanctuary too – entry and parking is free but they rely on donations so enjoy what’s on offer and pop into the cafe for a cup of tea to support the animals.

Which are the best holiday parks for families on the Isle of Wight?

We’ve been to the Isle of Wight several times with the kids – for our last trip we stayed at Lower Hyde Holiday Park and had a lovely time – check out my Lower Hyde Review for more info. There are 6 holiday parks in particular that are well set up for families when it comes to kids’ activities, swimming pools, their proximity to the island’s best beaches and attractions, and a wide range accommodation options to suit all budgets. (All of the sites also have hot tub lodges available if you’re after a little bit of luxury!) Here’s a quick glimpse at my top picks, and you can find out more about them here: The 6 best Isle of Wight holiday park getaways for families.

How do I get to the Isle of Wight?

Getting to the Isle of Wight is super easy, with regular ferries running from various locations on the south coast. The main ferry operators, Wightlink and Red Funnel, offer services from Portsmouth, Lymington and Southampton. If you’re travelling by car, you can take a vehicle ferry from Portsmouth to Fishbourne, Lymington to Yarmouth, or Southampton to East Cowes. If you’re on foot, there are high-speed passenger ferries, such as the Wightlink FastCat from Portsmouth to Ryde or the Red Jet from Southampton to West Cowes, which take just 20-30 minutes. To get the best price for your ferry journey – use comparison website Direct Ferries, or take advantage of the discounts offered through both Parkdean Resorts and Away Resorts when you’ve chosen your favourite Isle of Wight holiday park.

Final thoughts

I hope that my article on the 10 best things to do on the Isle of Wight with kids has been helpful – this gorgeous island is the perfect family-friendly destination – offering a mix of family attractions, natural beauty and budget-conscious activities too. So, whether you’re looking for beach days, outdoor adventures or action-packed days out, there’s something for every age and budget. So pack your bags, hop on the ferry and enjoy everything that this wonderful place has to offer. We can’t wait to visit again! 😊