With the little ones broken up from school… or just about to if they have not already, finding what to do in the summer holidays can be a task in itself. So whether you’re holidaying here on the Island or lucky enough to call the beautiful Isle of Wight your home here are a few ideas of what to do with kids, during the day, all around the Island (including some free/low-cost ideas too).
East Wight
If you’re after that quintessential, British seaside holiday experience then head east to Sandown and Shanklin.
Shanklin benefits from a large arcade with both indoor and outdoor facilities. Play crazy golf at either the outdoor dino themed course or head inside to the newly installed 18 hole indoor mini golf, Caddy Shack. Take your 2ps to the arcade games, or many have a go at winning one of the illustrious teddy bears. Then once you’ve had your fill of games, fill your belly at Toppings Ice Cream Parlour. With around 30 flavours to choose from, you’ll be spoiled for choice and just one scoop won’t do.
For a more relaxed experience, and to get back to nature too, head to the end of the esplanade to Shanklin Chine. A natural wonder, check out the pretty falls, where one tumbles 45 feet down. Escape the sun under the natural canopy, spot a red squirrel, enjoy something to eat from the on site cafe (or the Fisherman’s Cottage at the base of the Chine) and do it all again in the evening when the Chine is illuminated by thousands of coloured lights transforming the space into something that’s quite enchanting. What’s better is that your ticket is valid for 7 days and you can come back as many times as you like, day or evening.
At the other far end of Shanklin is a footpath which takes you along the seafront to Sandown and it really does hark back to holidays of days gone by. The pleasure pier is lined with great arcade games, candy floss and doughnut stands and right at the end is a bumper cars ride and a helter skelter.
If a walk on the wilder side is what you are looking for then the Wildheart Animal Sanctuary should be on your list. Formally Sandown Zoo (for those who have visited before) the centre focuses on providing a safe haven for (predominantly) mistreated wild cats and focusing on conservation. Home to tigers, lions and new residents two servals, who were rescued from the illegal pet trade where people are cross breeding them with domestic cats to create Savannah cats.
The Trust has another new addition this season, they are building two large domes made from bamboo to provide a primate walk-through enclosure which is currently home to small conspiracy of lemurs (yes that is what a group of lemurs is called). It is the first of its kind not just on the Island, but the entire UK.
Free things to do – number one has to be the beach. The long sandy stretches, from Sandown to Shanklin, are ideal for families looking to spend a while by the sea. There are a few quieter parts than others, you’ll just have to keep your eyes peeled for those sections.
South Wight
When you ask a lot of people about their memories of holidaying on the Isle of Wight, Blackgang Chine features high on the memory list. The UK’s oldest theme park is tucked away on the south side of the Isle of Wight and is bursting with activities for your kids’ imaginations to literally run wild. From heading back to prehistoric times with interactive dinosaurs, channelling their inner Jack Sparrow on pirate ships where you can fire water cannons to put lawbreakers in a wild west jail in Cowboy Town and even exploring a magical fairy kingdom, there’s something to appeal to everyone’s imagination.
Ventnor Botanic Garden is a must for those who love anything horticultural. Set in 22 acres in the relative shelter of the undercliff, this beautiful garden has a microclimate allowing them to grow flowers outside in the UK that cannot grow anywhere else on our shores, such as the Puya. Wander around the site as each section is dedicated to a region around the world, from the New Zealand garden to the Japanese on through to the arid planes. There’s also a ‘hot house’ where giant water lilies can be seen growing in the pond.
Free things to do – The Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary is completely free to enter (but donations are always welcomed). Stroll around the site visiting the 100 or so donkeys alongside ponies too. Each animal there has been rescued and is now living a wonderful life right here on the Island in their forever home. There’s an ample car park and also a place to have a picnic as well as an onsite cafe.
Stretch your legs and explore some of the rugged south coasts. You can start in Niton and take the (fairly steep) walk to The Pepperpot and take in the views overlooking Blackgang, wander down the hill, over the main road and along the coastal path. You can either divert along here and carry on back into the main village or head towards St Catherine’s Lighthouse. While you can’t go inside to see it is pretty amazing. There are plenty of grassy places along the walk, with cracking views to enjoy a picnic (you may be lucky enough to see dolphins swim by).
