A-Z of Isle of Wight activities for families

A family trip to the Isle of Wight is guaranteed to be full of fun for parents as well as children of all ages thanks to the wide range things to do and see. Here is an A-Z list of some fantastic Isle of Wight activities that will provide an unforgettable holiday experience.

Archery is sure to hit the mark when it comes to an activity that can be enjoyed by any visitor of any age. With expert coaches and equipment supplied for you, all you need to do is turn up and test your Robin Hood skills.

Bushcraft is an ideal option for visitors who are keen to develop useful outdoor skills including how to make a fire, build a shelter and develop creative culinary techniques with wild cooking.

Coasteering is perfect for people who like outdoor adventures that are different from the norm. Jumping off rocks, climbing up cliffs and discovering sea caves are just some of the exciting entertainments that will get hearts racing in this fun outdoor sport.

Dinosaur Isle will delight anyone who is daft for dinosaurs. This museum has over a thousand wonderful fossils on display and life-sized dinosaur recreations among its many enticements.

Eddington House Nursery‎ is a secret garden full of fantastic plants in lovely displays and it’s a good place to go for gardening advice too.

Fossil hunting is both informative and intriguing and the Isle of Wight is the perfect place to dig into this activity. Why, you may ask? The island is also known as Dinosaur Island and is a world famous location for finding fantastic fossils.

Gyro experiences are 360 degrees of fun that provide some insights into the training required to head into space. Give this activity a spin to find out which family member has the best control and spatial skills!

High Adventure Paragliding takes adrenaline adventures to new heights by offering a range of paragliding courses to suit beginners and more experienced paragliders.

Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary offers donkeys a safe and loving home and is open to the public from Easter to October annually. Entry is free of charge and the residents are sure to charm.

JR Zone is an indoor entertainment venue that caters to visitors of all ages. It includes a soft play area for babies, an adventure play area for young children and Laser Storm for adults and teenagers

Kayaking on the ocean is a superb way to see the sea and the island from a different vantage point. From paddling into watery caves to bobbing over waves, this outdoor activity is so enjoyable that nobody will mind getting a bit wet!

Laser Quest is a great alternative to paintball if you fancy testing your battle skills without a hail of stinging paintballs flying towards you. The guns are electronic so you can focus on being super stealthy and sneaking past your opponents rather than worrying about getting hit by a painful paintball.

Mountain boarding is the summer answer to snowboarding and will quickly have adrenaline seekers hooked as they hurtle down a hill on a wheeled board. Beginners as well as experienced mountain boarders are catered to on the Isle of Wight, so anyone can have a go.

Needles Pleasure Cruises offers exciting boat trips to view the famous Needles Rocks and the accompanying lighthouse up close, as well as trips around Alum Bay.

Orienteering is an outdoor sport that is ideal for stretching your body’s muscles as well as your navigating abilities. Two courses are available on the Isle of Wight to suit all ages and experience levels.

Paddleboarding is a bit like a cross between surfing and kayaking. This outdoor activity provides the option to kneel or stand up while paddling and is a wonderful way to take in the stunning scenery on the island and perhaps catch a glimpse of some of the local wildlife if you’re lucky.

Quarr Abbey is a beautiful monastery that offers tours, a tea garden and an art gallery. Enjoy some tasty refreshments, peruse the ancient ruins and compare them to the abbey as it is today for a relaxing day out.

Rock climbing on the Isle of Wight won’t leave you stuck between a rock and a hard place as there are climbing experiences to accommodate all ages and levels of climbing experience, whether you’re a pro or just getting to grips with this fantastic sport.

Surf’s up on the island for anyone eager to hit the waves, whether they’re a keen surfer or just trying it for the first time. Surfing lessons are provided under expert tuition in safe and beautiful beach locations for both adults and kids.

Treasure Trails are available in locations across the Isle of Wight that will get all the family involved in following clues, figuring out mysteries and getting to explore the island in an engaging and fun way.

UKSA offers a variety of courses for people who are keen to get into watersports or who want to further existing skills, including courses in kayaking, yachting and windsurfing to name a few.

Ventnor Botanic Garden features a superb subtropical and exotic collection of plants and is ideal for leisurely strolls taking in the beauty of nature.

Walking on the Isle of Wight is an activity not to be missed. This pastime can be tailored to suit the fitness levels of everyone in the family, from gentle and relaxing strolls to more vigorous trails for walkers who really want to stretch their legs. In addition to setting off on a self-led walk there are also guided walks available that are a great way to learn about the history of the island.

eXotic (okay, that’s a bit of a cheat but attractions starting with ‘x’ are tricky to find!) animals and plants abound at Amazon World Zoo Park. There are around 200 different species of animals to see including mammals, insects, birds and reptiles, as well as a stunning selection of exotic plants.

Yarmouth Castle is a small 16th century castle that offers excellent sea views and a picturesque picnic spot. Visitors can explore the rooms which have been recreated to showcase their original intended use.

Zoo visits are a wonderful way to view rare and magnificent creatures that you might not otherwise have the chance to see in person. The Isle of Wight Zoo specialises in tigers and lemurs but has a host of other animals as well such as lions, wallabies, jaguars and monkeys.

An island getaway guaranteed to please

The wide array of attractions offered on the beautiful Isle of Wight make this island a perfect choice for a family holiday. There’s something to keep every visitor busy, so instead of sitting wondering what to do you’ll actually have trouble trying to fit everything in!