15 Best Things to Do in the Isle of Wight With Kids

You’ll find the Isle of Wight packed with family adventures, from meeting white lions at Wildheart Animal Sanctuary to exploring Britain’s oldest amusement park at Blackgang Chine. Your kids can hunt for 125-million-year-old dinosaur fossils at Yaverland Beach, cycle the traffic-free Red Squirrel Trail, and experience treetop adventures at Robin Hill’s 88-acre woodland park. Don’t miss the free Donkey Sanctuary, medieval St Catherine’s Oratory lighthouse, and the iconic Needles rock formations for unforgettable memories that await your discovery.

Wildheart Animal Sanctuary – Meet Big Cats and Exotic Animals

Spanning 8.5 acres along Sandown’s dramatic coastline, Wildheart Animal Sanctuary houses the Isle of Wight’s largest collection of exotic animals within the historic walls of an 1864-built fort.

You’ll get remarkably close to four magnificent lions, including a stunning white lion pair, and four rescued female tigers with fascinating backstories.

Your kids will be captivated by the playful Eurasian lynx family and sleek servals in spacious enclosures.

Don’t miss the lemur domes featuring five different species, plus energetic capuchins and spider monkeys.

Book the Big Cat Experience for behind-the-scenes access from 9:00-10:00am, where you’ll witness feeding time and learn each animal’s rescue story. You can even return within 7 days for just £1 per person, making it excellent value for families who want to revisit their favorite animals.

This registered charity focuses on providing sanctuary for animals who can’t return to the wild.

Blackgang Chine – Explore Britain’s Oldest Amusement Park

Perched dramatically on the eroding Undercliff coastline above Chale Bay, Blackgang Chine holds the prestigious title of Britain’s oldest amusement park, delighting families since 1843.

You’ll discover themed zones including Pirate Cove, Cowboy Town, Fairyland, and the sci-fi Restricted Area 5, each packed with walk-through sets and animatronic figures.

Don’t miss the famous whale skeleton display—Queen Victoria herself visited in 1853 to see this remarkable exhibit.

Your kids will love exploring the maze areas, smuggling-themed attractions, and nursery rhyme scenes that’ve been entertaining generations. The park spans over 40 acres of cliff-top gardens and themed lands, featuring rides, exhibits, and entertainment.

The park’s shipwreck storytelling and maritime heritage connect perfectly with the dramatic clifftop setting.

It’s classic family fun with genuine historical significance, making it an essential Isle of Wight experience.

Robin Hill Adventure Park – Treetop Adventures Across 88 Acres

While Blackgang Chine offers classic charm, Robin Hill Adventure Park delivers pure outdoor excitement across 88 acres of ancient woodland and open parkland.

You’ll find over 35 family-friendly rides and attractions that emphasize nature-based play rather than high-intensity thrills.

The highlight’s definitely the treetop adventures – your kids can tackle Jungle Heights’ elevated nets, climb the Squirrel Tower, and navigate 100 meters of suspended walkways through the forest canopy.

The toboggan ride down valley slopes provides repeat thrills, while giant jumping pillows and the Botswana Play Area keep energetic children busy.

Don’t miss the Crocodile Creek boat safari or the Falconry Experience Centre featuring 40 birds of prey, including Dylan, a magnificent white-tailed sea eagle. For a unique experience, try the handcrafted Whispering Woods natural playground built from local wood.

Dinosaur Isle – Discover Fossils at Britain’s First Dinosaur Museum

When your kids are fascinated by prehistoric creatures, Dinosaur Isle in Sandown delivers an authentic paleontological adventure that’s both educational and thrilling. This pterosaur-shaped museum houses 40,000 specimens, including holotype fossils of Neovenator and Eotyrannus discovered locally.

Your children will marvel at “Pink Iggy,” an articulated Iguanodon skeleton, and life-size dinosaur reconstructions in the central hall. The museum’s interactive exhibits feature hands-on fossils and an animatronic Ophthalmosaurus from BBC’s Walking with Dinosaurs.

Don’t miss the guided fossil hunts to nearby beaches where your family can discover real ammonites and dinosaur bones. With resident paleontologists working in visible labs, kids witness actual scientific research happening.

This purpose-built facility perfectly showcases why the Isle of Wight earned its “Dinosaur Island” nickname. The museum’s journey begins with exhibits exploring ancient ecosystems, including impressive displays of Pleistocene era fossils such as Bison antiquus bones.

The Needles and Alum Bay – Marvel at Iconic Rock Formations and Coloured Sands

At the Isle of Wight’s dramatic western tip, The Needles create one of Britain’s most spectacular coastal scenes that’ll captivate your entire family. These three towering chalk stacks rise 98 feet above sea level, crowned by the automated Needles Lighthouse built in 1859.

You’ll discover they’re remnants of an ancient chalk ridge that once connected the island to mainland England.

Adjacent Alum Bay showcases stunning multi-coloured sand cliffs formed 70 million years ago. The striking colour variations come from minerals like quartz, feldspar, and mica. Your kids will love collecting the famous coloured sands for traditional glass souvenirs.

Take the seasonal chairlift down to the beach for aerial views, or enjoy family boat trips for close-up lighthouse encounters during calm weather. The area also features the fascinating Needles Old Battery, a restored Victorian artillery battery managed by the National Trust that operated from the 1860s until 1954.

Tapnell Farm Park and Aqua Park – Farm Fun and Water Adventures

Your family will discover endless entertainment at Tapnell Farm Park, one of the Isle of Wight’s premier all-weather attractions nestled near Yarmouth with stunning countryside and sea views. You’ll experience hands-on animal encounters in the Animal Barn with rabbits and guinea pigs, plus an unforgettable Wallaby Walkabout where you can feed these friendly creatures during keeper sessions.

The park excels with its mix of indoor and outdoor adventures. Inside, you’ll find massive soft play barns, trampolines, and go-kart tracks. Outside, giant jumping pillows, zip wires, and climbing towers provide thrilling challenges. The Coffee House offers delicious snacks, sandwiches, and ice creams with both indoor and outdoor seating options.

Don’t miss the Isle of Wight’s only floating Aqua Park featuring twenty inflatable obstacles and free-fall slides. Remember to book advance tickets online for this unforgettable family day out.

Amazon World Zoo Park – Conservation-Focused Animal Encounters

Since Amazon World Zoo Park houses over 200 species from threatened rainforest habitats, you’ll discover an extraordinary conservation-focused adventure that’s perfect for curious families.

You’ll walk through immersive rainforest environments where free-flying birds soar overhead, while keeper talks teach about endangered species like tamandua, ocelots, and sloths.

Your kids will love the lemur walkthrough in the Madagascar section and feeding wallabies with specially provided food.

The indoor Monkey Madness soft play area features jungle-themed climbing walls, zip lines, and ball pits, while outdoor Jurassic Adventure playground offers dinosaur-themed equipment and fossil dig activities.

As the largest exotic animal attraction on the Isle of Wight, this destination provides an unmatched variety of rare species in one location.

Located at Hale Common with free parking, this all-weather attraction combines conservation education with hands-on animal encounters, making learning about biodiversity genuinely exciting for children.

Isle of Wight Steam Railway – Journey Through Countryside in Historic Carriages

When you step aboard the Isle of Wight Steam Railway‘s historic carriages, you’ll set out on an authentic Victorian railway adventure that transports your family through 5½ miles of stunning countryside between Smallbrook Junction and Wootton.

These century-old coaches provide a genuine period travel experience while steam locomotives chug past four charming stations.

Your journey connects seamlessly with the modern Island Line at Smallbrook Junction, making access from Ryde ferry terminals straightforward.

At Havenstreet headquarters, you’ll discover extensive family facilities including a playground, picnic areas, museum, and locomotive depot where kids can watch restoration work. The railway operates various historic steam locomotives, including engines dating back to the 1870s like the LB&SCR A1, which was originally built between 1872-1880.

The railway preserves just 5 miles of the island’s original 55-mile network, but it’s packed with interactive history, traditional signalling, and seasonal themed events that’ll captivate children.

Yaverland Beach – Hunt for Dinosaur Footprints and Fossils

While exploring Yaverland Beach near Sandown, you’ll walk directly over 125-million-year-old dinosaur footprints embedded in the mudstone beneath the sand – making this one of Europe’s most significant paleontological sites where kids can literally follow in ancient footsteps.

These three-toed prints likely belong to Mantellisaurus, an herbivorous dinosaur twice the length of a car that thundered across this coastline. A complete skeleton of this fascinating creature was discovered right here on the Isle of Wight back in 1917.

Visit during low tide for ideal fossil spotting, as erosion constantly exposes loose bones and fragments across the sand. The beach stretches along the entire Yaverland seafront, offering endless exploration opportunities for families.

Don’t miss the nearby Dinosaur Isle Museum in Sandown, where experts document finds and provide fascinating context about the Isle of Wight’s incredible prehistoric heritage.

Butterfly World – Walk Among Free-Flying Tropical Butterflies

Step into the Isle of Wight’s only dedicated tropical butterfly house at Butterfly World in Wootton Bridge, where hundreds of free-flying butterflies from around the world flutter through a steamy jungle environment that’ll transport your family straight to the rainforest.

You’ll witness the complete butterfly lifecycle during summer months, spotting eggs, caterpillars, and chrysalises alongside newly emerged adults.

Don’t miss the scheduled butterfly walks at 10:45 and 13:45, where knowledgeable keepers share fascinating insights about species and behaviors.

The separate Minibeast Zone offers twice-daily handling sessions with tarantulas, leopard geckos, and corn snakes.

Feed koi carp using special bottle feeders in the Japanese garden, creating memorable close encounters.

This all-weather attraction features wheelchair accessibility and operates March through October. Refuel at The Hungry Caterpillar Café, which serves hot and cold refreshments with outdoor seating areas for families.

Sandham Gardens – High Ropes and Outdoor Adventures

Located directly opposite Sandown Beach on Culver Parade, Sandham Gardens transforms outdoor family fun with its brand-new Skynets High Nets Adventure course.

This course features four gigantic safety nets suspended above ground around a central treehouse, creating an open-air bounce park experience that’ll have your kids scrambling across massive netting walls without needing harnesses.

Three large slides add extra thrills to the two-hour sessions running daily from 10:00am.

At £15 per person (ages 3+), it’s brilliant value for active families.

You’ll also find Sandham Karts‘ 150-meter electric track perfect for ages 4+, offering six-minute races with karting medals for £6.

Don’t miss the prehistoric-themed adventure golf featuring life-size dinosaurs, plus free playground facilities and skate park—all with stunning sea views. The gardens welcome dogs on leads, making it easy for families to bring their four-legged companions along for the adventure.

Red Squirrel Trail – Traffic-Free Cycling Through Island Landscapes

Spanning 32 miles of mostly traffic-free countryside, the Red Squirrel Trail offers your family one of Britain’s most scenic cycling adventures along converted railway lines that weave through the Isle of Wight’s diverse landscapes.

You’ll cycle through estuaries, woodland, farmland, and coastline from Cowes to Sandown Bay, with excellent family options including a manageable 14-mile loop or shorter 2-6 mile segments around Pedallers Café in Langbridge.

The flat terrain suits children perfectly, though you’ll encounter gentle gradients at Wroxall.

Watch for red squirrels scampering through Borthwood Copse and Shanklin Chine, plus dormice in atmospheric autumn woodlands. Keep your eyes peeled for the rare Glanville Fritillary butterfly, which is found exclusively on the Isle of Wight.

Strategic parking at Cowes, Merstone, and Shide makes access easy, while cycle hire at Shanklin’s Route 57 provides convenient equipment rental.

Sandown Pier and Beach – Seaside Fun and Adventure Golf

After cycling through the island’s countryside, you’ll find Sandown Pier and Beach offers the perfect seaside finale to your Isle of Wight adventure. This bustling seafront destination delivers “a whole day’s fun in one” with its unique combination of indoor and outdoor attractions.

The pier’s standout feature is Lost World adventure golf – crazy golf with an Ancient Aztec ruins theme featuring fantasy décor and sound effects. You’ll also discover Superbowl ten-pin bowling, dodgems, snake slide, and Magic Island soft play area for younger children. Entry to the pier is completely free, though individual attractions carry their own charges.

The golden sandy beach stretches invitingly alongside, perfect for traditional bucket-and-spade fun. With baby-changing facilities, all-weather cover, and year-round opening (09:00-23:00 Easter-September), Sandown Pier provides reliable family entertainment regardless of weather conditions.

St Catherine’s Oratory – Climb the Medieval Pepperpot Lighthouse

Why not combine history with adventure by climbing England’s only surviving medieval lighthouse? St Catherine’s Oratory, known locally as the “Pepperpot,” stands 35 feet tall on St Catherine’s Down, one of the Isle of Wight’s highest points.

Built in 1328 as penance for stolen wine from a shipwreck, this octagonal tower offers breathtaking views over Chale Bay and the treacherous waters below. The lighthouse was built with four large buttresses added later in the 18th century for reinforcement.

Your kids will love exploring this unique 14th-century structure while learning about medieval maritime history. The tower’s eight-sided design and pyramid roof create an instantly recognizable silhouette.

You’ll also discover the remains of the original oratory and the circular base of an 1785 replacement lighthouse called the “salt cellar.”

Free access through English Heritage makes this historical adventure both educational and budget-friendly for families.

Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary – Free Animal Sanctuary Visit

Since opening in the 1980s, the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary has rescued over 100 donkeys and miniature Shetland ponies. It has created a heartwarming 55-acre haven in Wroxall’s picturesque valley near Ventnor.

You’ll discover each animal’s unique rescue story through information boards as they graze peacefully in natural meadows.

The sanctuary offers free entry, parking, and daily activities including 11am Q&A sessions and 11:30am guided tours during school holidays.

Your kids can enjoy the Donkey Experience for hands-on care activities like grooming and cuddles. The sanctuary provides specialized care including hoof care, veterinary treatment, and socialization programs that help rehabilitate these rescued animals.

The on-site café serves family meals while the gift shop supports the sanctuary.

With wheelchair accessibility, dog-friendly policies, and no booking required, it’s perfect for spontaneous family visits year-round.

The Sum Up

You’ll create magical memories exploring the Isle of Wight’s incredible family attractions. From feeding exotic animals at Wildheart Sanctuary to conquering treetop adventures at Robin Hill, there’s something thrilling for every age. Don’t miss cycling the Red Squirrel Trail or hunting for fossils at Dinosaur Isle. Pack your sense of adventure and prepare for unforgettable experiences – the island’s perfect blend of wildlife encounters, outdoor activities, and seaside fun guarantees your family holiday will be absolutely spectacular.