isle of wight is a great place to have a day out with the kids. Below we've tried to list as many attractions as we can to make it easy for you to find fun places to visit - we hope you find our website useful - and easy to use. Do you know of any other great
places to go that we may have missed? If so, it would be really nice if you could you get in touch, so that other kids can enjoy the day out as well - thanks a lot - have fun!
Family Days Out in isle of wight
Dinosaur Isle
Sandown
Dinosaur Isle Dinosaur Isle is a fantastic dinosaur museum housed in a spectacular pterosaur shaped building watching over Sandown's blue flag beach. Walk back through fossilised time to the period of the dinosaurs and on a recreated landscape enhanced by sights, smells and sounds you will meet life sized dinosaurs including our animatronic Neovenator!
Blackgang Chine
Chale
Blackgang Chine 40 acres of Victorian cliff-top gardens with a range of fantasy activities including cowboy town, nurseryland, dinosaurland, and pirate fort. Cliffhanger roller coaster and waterforce family boat slide. Exhibitions about local rural and coastal life.
Fort Victoria
Yarmouth
Fort Victoria a Marine Aquarium, a Sea Bed Archaeology Exhibition, a Planetarium and a Model Railway
Robin Hill Country Adventure Park
Newport
Robin Hill Country Adventure Park The Islands favourite countryside attraction with something for everyone. The Islands biggest rides, loads of children's play features and areas of space to run free.
Needles Park
Totland Bay
Needles Park visit to view these jagged chalk stacks and lighthouse, the unique multi coloured sand cliffs and enjoy the Park's facilities, including the spectacular chairlift.
Colemans Animal Farm
Porchfield
Colemans Animal Farm Fun On The Farm For The Whole Family!
Feed and cuddle our friendly animals: Lambs, Goats, baby rabbits, guinea pigs, Highland cattle, pigs & piglets, cows & calves, donkeys, horses, ducks, geese, chickens and many more!
Butterfly & Fountain World
Wootton
Butterfly & Fountain World One of the Island's leading tourist attractions. Butterfly World was opened in 1983 by Roy Lancaster and was then only the fifth Butterfly House in the world. In 1989 Fountain World was added to provide customers with a longer and more interesting visit.
Isle of Wight Zoo
Sandown
Isle of Wight Zoo The Isle of Wight Zoo is a favourite destination for all ages. Situated alongside Yaverland beach, the zoo provides a fun, educational and wholesome day out for all the family. Specialising in tigers and lemurs, the zoo works to make conservation fun for everyone with talks, small animal handling and children's activities.
Amazon World
Newchurch
Amazon World An all-weather, family attraction! The Islands largest collection of rare and exotic animals! A great day out whatever your age!
Flamingo Park Wildlife Encounter
Springvale
Flamingo Park Wildlife Encounter There are three different species of flamingo at the Park ~ Chilean, Lesser and Caribbean, numbering well over a hundred in total.
Mottistone Manor Garden
Mottistone
Mottistone Manor Garden Find Captain Jack Marrow and his flowerpot friends then borrow a family discovery pack and become a Garden Detective solving clues and puzzles. Explore the garden's hidden pathways and play hide and seek in the orchard, plus lots of family events throughout the year including Magical Punch & Judy shows in the orchard, Tuesdays in August, 11.30am - bring a blanket to sit on.
Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary
Wroxhall
Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary 'The Sanctuary was first established in 1987 to provide any donkey in distress or otherwise in need of care and attention, a safe and permanent home.'
Special events include the Grand Donkey Day out.
Special events include the Grand Donkey Day out.
Owl and Falconry Centre
Ventnor
Owl and Falconry Centre A dazzling collection of some of the world's most beautiful and elegant birds awaits you, from eagles, hawks and falcons, to kestrels and sleepy owls, the centre is full of fascinating sights and flights. During flying displays the birds of prey soar above the sloping down land of the Appuldurcombe Valley, which is an 'Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty'.
Arreton Down Wildlife Reserve
Newport
Arreton Down Wildlife Reserve Arreton Down is on downland which is part of the main chalk ridge which runs across the Isle of Wight from east to west. It consists of calcarious grassland, with some scrub edges. It contains archaeological features. There are extensive views across the Island from the higher parts of the down.
Owl and Monkey Haven
Newport
Owl and Monkey Haven 'We welcome you to come and get to know our friends and see for yourself their beauty,
charm and very different personalities!'
Dinosaur Farm Museum
Brighstone
Dinosaur Farm Museum Dinosaur Farm Museum is popular with children as well as adults. Our children's activities include 3D dinosaur jigsaws, a fossil sandpit and dinosaur rubbings.
Shipwreck and Maritime Museum
Arreton
Shipwreck and Maritime Museum including audio visual room showing action films. "Wreck and Rescue" Lifeboat Museum, featuring vintage 1887 "Queen Victoria" pulling/sailing lifeboat and RNLI archive material, Smuggling and Fishing displays
Lilliput Antique Doll and Toy Museum
Brading
Lilliput Antique Doll and Toy Museum A very historic and interesting toy museum, boasting a great gift shop and being famous for its thousands of exhibits.
Brighstone Village Museum
Brighstone
Brighstone Village Museum A small village museum depicting C19th life adjoining a National Trust Giftshop.
Bembridge Heritage Centre
Bembridge
Bembridge Heritage Centre A centre boasting displays that 'cover a wide range of historical interest and new displays are introduced each year to commemorate special events or topics. Scale models, for example Bembridge Railway Station (closed in 1953), are a special feature of the Centre, and a fully-restored PLUTO pump (Pipe Line Under the Ocean) is on display with the story of the PLUTO project.'
Ventnor Heritage Museum
Ventnor
Ventnor Heritage Museum A small museum detailing the historic life of Ventnor with displays and exhibits that are changed yearly. There are also models of Ventnor Railway and various publications for sale.
Nostalgia Toy Museum
Godshill
Nostalgia Toy Museum An excellent collection of toy cars and lorries by Dinky, Corgi, Matchbox, Triang and Hornby. Recently added is a large display of 'Star Wars' toys from 1977-1985.
Isle of Wight Natural History Centre
Godshill
Isle of Wight Natural History Centre A unique collection gathered from the earth and sea.
UKSA fun
Cowes
UKSA fun 'From 28th July through to 30th August UKSA are offering a whole host of programmes to help you get the most from the summer season and the islands fantastic on the water venues
Weekend and 5 day residential and non residential programmes are available every week of the summer holidays. This summer we are offering a choice of programmes for both parents and children, so that everyone can join in the fun.'
JR Zone
Newport
JR Zone JR's, is the Island's top indoor adventure play zone for all ages with stimulating toddler section, thrilling gigantic 3-level play zone
Space Island Indoor Soft Play Area
Lake
Space Island Indoor Soft Play Area Challenging structure for ages 4 plus, 3 levels to explore with climbing walls, ball cannons, sky glides, giant astra slide, mini sports area and more.
Mouse World Indoor Play Centre
Chale
Mouse World Indoor Play Centre Indoor and outdoor play areas attached to a beautiful pub - ring for more details
Jungle Jims Adventure Play Area
Shanklin
Jungle Jims Adventure Play Area An adventure play-area for children in a safe and fun environment.
The Needles Old Battery
Alum Bay
The Needles Old Battery This spectacularly sited fort overlooks the Needles rocks and has a fascinating history told by cartoons. There are guns on the parade ground, a twisty tunnel to explore and family activity packs to borrow plus a free children's soldier trail. Can you find Major Mindup and his Gunners? New for 2010: see how the Cartridge Store looked in 1880.
Godshill Model Village
Godshill
Godshill Model Village The models depict Godshill and Shanklin Old Villages.
You can walk amongst our 1/10-scale models and maybe catch a little Islander at work or play.
Carisbrooke Castle
Newport
Carisbrooke Castle - a great place for children to explore  with its towering keep to climb and battlements to march, there's lots to spark the imagination.
Blackgang- The Disappearing Village
Ventnor
Blackgang- The Disappearing Village A new way to discover the remarkable story of this mysterious village and coastline.
Osborne House
East Cowes
Osborne House 'If you're planning a family day out in the Isle of Wight, then Osborne House has everything you could ask for. Built by Queen Victoria as a family holiday home, this stunning Italianate palace offers a glimpse into the private life of the royal family. Take a peek into the royal nursery, see the bedroom in which Queen Victoria died and marvel at the exotic Indian-inspired Durbar Room.'
Calbourne Water Mill and Rural Museum
Calbourne
Calbourne Water Mill and Rural Museum 'Set in 10 acres of stunning rural landscape, Calbourne Water Mill contains one of the oldest working water mills in the country, dating back to the Domesday Book.'
Newport Roman Villa
Newport
Newport Roman Villa - a 1,700 year old country pile! Discovered in 1926 when the owner of a nearby house sank foundations for a garage, subsequent excavations revealed extensive remains of a late Romano-British farmhouse built around 280 AD.'
Yarmouth Castle
Yarmouth
Yarmouth Castle The remains of a C16th coastal fort as well as a wonderful picnic spot, historic Yarmouth exhibition and a C16th shipwreck.
Underwater Archaeology Centre
Yarmouth
Underwater Archaeology Centre A centre where you can discover the wonders of Maritime history and archeology.
Nunwell House and Gardens
Brading
Nunwell House and Gardens Visit the place where the ill-fated King Charles I spent his last night of freedom! A great historical and architectural interest.
Newton Old Town Hall
Newton
Newton Old Town Hall Visit the mysterious little building that reveals the interesting and surprising historical importance of Newton.
LA Bowl
Ryde
LA Bowl 22 lanes of computerised Tenpin Bowling, Fast Food Diner, Licensed Bar serving bar meals, Restaurant in the summer, patio area, Large screen TVs, Pool Tables, Amusement machines.
Ventnor Paddling Pool
Ventnor
Ventnor Paddling Pool In the middle, rising out of the water is a model of the Isle of Wight which children can play on. The hills and inlets are physically modelled and the towns and roads (in red) are painted on. In the past, the Island's remaining railway line has also been shown (in black). Very popular with smaller kids
Combat Island
Yarmouth
Combat Island Looking for action? Go commando! Set amongst acres of forested terrain lies the Island's exciting new laser combat adventure Combat Island.
Butterfly Paragliding School
Chale
Butterfly Paragliding School A paragliding school where fantastic tuition means you can enjoy both tandem and solo paragliding. See the entire Island and even stay in the organic B&B or on the campsite for a greater experience.
Goodleaf Tree Climbing
Seaview
Goodleaf Tree Climbing 'The Isle of Wight home of recreational tree climbing - the mellowest adventure activity in the UK.'
Wight Llama Trek
Newport
Wight Llama Trek 'Wight Llama Treks offers a range of guided walks through the beautiful West Wight countryside accompanied by llamas trained to walk on a rein and carry a pack.'
Medina Leisure Centre
Newport
Medina Leisure Centre Participate in activities that range from swimming and climbing to Badminton and gym fitness training.
The complex has a range of leisure features as well as a theatre that doubles as a cinema.
West Wight Sports Centre
Freshwater
West Wight Sports Centre 'We are located in the centre of Freshwater, and have one of the newest sports and leisure facilities on the Isle of Wight.'
Sandown Rocks Climbing Wall
Sandown
Sandown Rocks Climbing Wall Visit for a unique rewarding climbing experience!
Isle of Wight Steam Railway
Ryde
Isle of Wight Steam Railway Five-mile steam railway using Victorian and Edwardian locomotives and carriages. Other attractions include souvenir shop, refreshments and children's playground, gardens and woodland walk. Great idea if you are looking for family days out on the isle of wight.
Ryde Dotto Train
Ryde
Ryde Dotto Train Running in the summer months, easter to october usually, train runs in a circular route from Puckpool park, along the Esplanade of Ryde, through the town and upto Summerfields in the town centre.
Puckpool Park
Ryde
Puckpool Park 18hole putting green, 15hole crazy golf, tennis courts and bowling greens. You can hop on the Ryde Road train (dotto train) to get to other places.
Ventnor Botanic Gardens
St Lawrence
Ventnor Botanic Gardens A botanic garden with many exhibits and facilities to be enjoyed by all the family.
Waltzing Waters
Ryde
Waltzing Waters Spectacular water show with a gift-shop that boasts gifts from all over the world and a comfortable coffee lounge.
Island Planetarium
Yarmouth
Island Planetarium Planetarium Theatre and astronomy centre with various displays and shows. Discover the universe through a variety of exhibitions.
Cineworld Cinema
Newport
Cineworld Cinema A variety of films in comfortable surroundings. Group bookings are available and a special showing for children is at 10am every Saturday.
isle of Wight Ghost Experience
Porchfield
isle of Wight Ghost Experience 'Delightfully frightful tales from the tomb, chillingly told by your host and ghost-master Marc Tuckey. Come with us as we visit actual locations of ghostly hauntings and dastardly deeds on the Island.'
Island Speedway
Ryde
Island Speedway Go witness the speed and the excitement that is the Islanders race track with events and practices regularly occurring!
Isle of Wight Music Festival
Newport
Isle of Wight Music Festival Held every year with amazing musical acts in the Summer months! (Usually June/July)
Bestival
Newport
Bestival 'Bestival is an award winning 3 day boutique music festival set at Robin Hill - a beautiful leafy country park (a veritable Garden of Eden!) near Downend and Newport in the heart of the Isle of Wight.'
Chessell Pottery Barns
Brook
Chessell Pottery Barns Visit the new Chessell Pottery Barns where you can watch the potters at work producing the new Chessell Ware or decorate your own pottery in our working studio.
Sandown Pier
Sandown
Sandown Pier A whole days fun in one! Lost world adventure golf. Magic Island fantasy and fun. Superbowl, dodgems, snake slide, amusements, cafes, bars and whole lot more.
Isle of Wight Pearl
Brightstone
Isle of Wight Pearl A craft workshop offering an insight into the craft of pearl jewellery with a cliff-top cafe and view.
Arreton Craft Barns
Arrenton
Arreton Craft Barns 'Experience real village life in the heart of the Island. Enjoy watching the skilled local artisans at work in the craft centre, browse the local shops and take in the numerous displays of rural life in times gone by.'
Shanklin Chine
Shanklin
Shanklin Chine Historic gorge with dramatic waterfalls and nature trail. Heritage Centre with Exhibition "The Island -Then and Now" featuring "Flora of the Island", together with PLUTO (Pipe Line Under the Ocean) display
Summer Arcade Tenpin Bowling
Shanklin
Summer Arcade Tenpin Bowling 10-pin Bowling - good fun for all the kids
Superbowl
Ryde
Superbowl Whether you're a first-timer, an established league player or a seasoned pro, ten pin bowling at LA Bowl is always an action packed and fun day out. And with the latest equipment to hand, including lane bumpers, ball ramps, light weight balls for the young ones and easy access for wheelchair users, it's easy to see how we cater for all comers, every day of the week.
Camp Beaumont
Bembridge
Camp Beaumont Week-long adventures for older children who want to experience adventure and excitement for themselves!
'Sail across the Solent from mainland Britain to Camp Beaumont The Island one of our most perfect the uk residential summer camps for a high-action adventure.'
Thanks for all the great places to go when visiting isle of wight you keep sending in.
Now the summer holidays are upon us, we're trying to find as many things to do with kids as possible, especially cheap and free family friendly places to visit this year - theme parks, waterparks and swimming pools, museums, indoor soft playcentres, petting farms, wildlife parks and zoos, castles, railways, pottery making and ceramic cafes, roller and ice skating rinks, dry and indoor ski slopes, climbing walls, ten pin bowling alleys, steam railways and other tourist attractions.
Also teachers may find the site useful for ideas for the best places to take their classes on school journeys.
So, if you've been for great days out with the kids, or a school trip, which isn't listed above, just send in an email and we'll add it on so people on holidays and all the other children in isle of wight can enjoy the great day out as well.
If you're looking for fun places for kids when visiting america on vacation, go to our new site familydaysoutusa.com
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