The 5 best FREE 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 budget-friendly UK staycation then these are some of the FREE days out that you’ll want to add to your family holiday itinerary. Despite offering loads of fantastic attractions and places to explore, 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 5 best FREE things to do on the Isle of Wight with kids:

1. Head to 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 with the kids and entry to the landmark itself is free, so you’ll only pay for the things that you choose to do. For those on a tight budget, you can walk down to Alum Bay, we did this on our last visit and had the perfect packed lunch 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, but if you don’t want to spend a penny you can explore for nothing!

2. 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 that you can do for free with the kids 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.

3. Enjoy budget-friendly family walks

If your family loves wildlife and a good walk, Newtown National Nature Reserve is a peaceful and picturesque spot run by the National Trust. It’s free to explore, with some flat buggy-friendly paths and great views. Bring binoculars for a bit of bird-spotting or just enjoy the freedom to roam. 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. You can also 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 enjoy some fresh air.

4. 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 – pack up a picnic, bring some things for the kids to do (think buckets and spades, beach rounders and paddle boarding!) and enjoy a fun day at the seaside for free. 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.

5. Visit the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary

A family favourite for free things to do on the island (though donations are welcome), the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary is a lovely place to visit with the kids. Set in the countryside near Ventnor, the sanctuary is home to over 100 rescued donkeys and ponies and the kids can learn all about their care while getting up close to the animals. There’s a café and small gift shop if you fancy a treat, but you can easily enjoy a visit without spending a thing.

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.

Is the Isle of Wight worth visiting?

I hope that my article on the 5 best FREE things to do on the Isle of Wight with kids has been helpful – this gorgeous island is the perfect UK holiday destination – offering a mix of family attractions, natural beauty and budget-conscious activities too. Without a doubt, the Isle of Wight is definitely worth visiting with the kids! 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. For even more ideas for family days out check, check out my article: The 10 best things to do on the Isle of Wight with kids – there are some fantastic theme parks, a zoo and all sorts of other wonderful places to explore on the island too. Have a lovely trip! 😊