Best things to do on Isle of Wight with young kids

In October, I went to the Isle of Wight for a family holiday with my husband and three kids (5, 3, baby).

I went to the Island when I was 11 on a school trip and loved it. I was hoping that the trip would live up to my expectations…

And didn’t it just!

From my trip, here are the best things to do on the Isle of Wight with young kids — and the things you should skip for now!

Things to do on Isle of Wight with kids under 6

Kids under six have unique needs. What makes a great day out or activity for this age is:

• close to toilets
• snacks available
• pushchair friendly
• short bursts of activity
• short queue times
• parks

We spent 5 days, 4 nights on the Isle of Wight. I could have easily filled the entire week with activities.

Here’s what we did. More detail later.

• Monkey Haven
• Robin Hill Park
• Garlic Farm
• Osbourne House
• Beach walks
• The Imaginarium

Monkey Haven

Monkey Haven was a really sweet trip. The monkeys were all rescued and some had a little information about their story. They were all kept in really large enclosures that were very clean. We listened to a couple of the talks with the keepers and they really knew their stuff and seemed to care for the animals. 

For four adult adults, two kids and a baby it came to about £70 .

There’s a play park here a reptile room and a craft room, which extended our time there a little bit. However, we only managed to make about half a day activity. I think if you stay for the full day, the kids would probably get bored unless they’re really happy playing in one of the two parks. We went at Halloween and there was a Halloween trail, which was quite fun. All the pumpkins were hidden around with the monkeys.

Robin Hill Park 

I’m going go as far as saying that Robin Hill Park was one of the best days of my parenting life. It was one of those days where you were outside all day. The weather is bright there is loads to do the kids so I’m really good form and has an adult up. You are also having fun. It was a highlight.

Robin Hill has loads of parks quite literally in the trees. At one point there is a giant netting system that’s a massive tree top adventure. It’s not a very cheap day out, however it is a full day out and everything inside the park is included in the price except the toboggan. 

There is a maze, a toboggan run, falconry show, a boat ride, treetop parks, regular parks, diggers, a giant bouncy pillow, amazing slides.

It’s honestly so fun.

We took a packed lunch with us, however there were loads of places to buy food hot and cold. We did stop for a coffee and cake on at one point. 

The Garlic Farm 

I feel like we didn’t get the best look at the Garlic Farm because it was so busy as they had a Halloween trail on. However, we did have some really interesting examples of food based around garlic. I think it’s a sort of place I’d probably like to go just me and Matt and we could have a proper little mooch. I wouldn’t suggest it with young kids you aren’t fans of garlic. They weren’t even tempted by the garlic chocolate.

The Imaginarium 

The Imaginanarium was one of the best finds on the Isle of Wight. I had a whole itinerary planned and this was not included, however when we got off the boat, we still had four hours until we could check into our Airbnb. So we googled what was in the local area and I found this little place by the sea. Seemed like there were a couple of shops and a café.

We stumbled quite literally into this creation station. It is an all day craft place. The options are endless. The lady showed us round and you could paint, decorate — anything goes. And it wasn’t too expensive. The girls painted a money box each which was about £7. That price included paints, decorative items, and to sit down. They even cleared up for you! And there was so much glitter! It was a child and adult dream. I got to use a glue gun. It was a good day.

I 100% recommend if you are a creative person and are going to the Isle of Wight with or without kids. 

Osbourne House

This was the holiday house of Queen Victoria. It is really beautiful. We looked around the house and walked down to the beach. It is a longish walk for kids, but there is a toilet and ice cream on the beach if you need to give them an incentive to walk!

Holiday on the Isle of Wight with kids

Would I recommend a holiday on the Isle of Wight with kids? 1000%.

It was one of my best holidays to dates. We’ve done Centre Parcs, First Holidays, Butlins. Abroad. But Isle of Wight felt like we had freedom to explore like you wouldn’t get so much at Centre Parcs or Butlins. When you go there you feel like you’re in a bubble away from the world, which has its benefits, but also it is a little claustrophobic.

Isle of Wight is also really beautiful, and the Islanders are so friendly. I did find myself on Rightmove while we was there!