Looking for a day out with the kids on the Isle of Wight? It’s sometimes difficult to come up with fresh ideas to keep all of the family amused…
Island Echo’s guide highlights destinations and attractions to consider. This brand new feature has been put together to offer inspiration and there’s something below to keep children of all ages happy, come rain or shine!
JR Zone
JR ZoneJoin us at JR Zone Newport – the Isle of Wight’s leading soft play centre and indoor laser combat arena!
Our 5 level GIANT play frame includes a huge 4-lane wavy slide, a Hi-Viz Crawl, Dual Sky Glide, a Sky Walk, a ball-pit and the Arctic Blast Zone (cool off in the summer!). This is the biggest attraction of its kind on the Island.
Toddlers, kids, teens and adults can all enjoy our venue during casual play sessions, bubble discos, our adventure play birthday parties, laser storm sessions or even corporate private venue hire! To view all available activities; visit our website by clicking here.
As well as the play-frame, we also have a separate ‘drop-in’ café, which is open 7 days a week (08:00-17:00 on weekdays and 10:00-17:00 on weekends). We offer all-day breakfasts, home-baked goods, daily specials, great parking and free (superfast!) Wi-Fi. This is perfect for a business meeting, a light-bite or a chilling-out whilst you wait for the kids.
To stay up-to-date with JR Zone’s latest offers, activities and to WIN prizes follow our social media on Facebook and Instagram.
Call: 01983 559 272 | Visit: 55 Manners View, Newport, PO30 5FA | Web: http://www.jrzone.co.uk
Tackt-Isle Adventures
Tackt-Isle AdventuresFun for kids and adults on and off the water!
Nestled in the picturesque St Helens Duver on the edge of Bembridge Harbour is a little hidden treasure, a haven of activities for the young and old alike and the perfect location for family fun.
Tackt-Isle Adventures offers a range of activities on and off the water including sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, stand up paddleboarding, bushcraft, sand yachting, Segway riding and the latest string to their bow, Bubble Blitz. With a team of fully qualified instructors and local expertise, we have everything you need to make the Island your playground.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro on the water and want to hire some kit hassle free, or you want to learn to sail with the family, we have something for everyone. We’re open 7 days a week with activities running every day, holiday clubs during the school break and summer months – kit rental directly from the beach at St Helens. Planning a birthday party? – we offer tailor made parties on and off the water for an action-packed adventure like no other!
For our latest news and special offers and competitions, please Like us on Facebook and Follow us on Instagram.
Call: 01983 875542 | Visit: Woodnutts Yard, Duver Road, St Helens, PO33 1YB | Website: www.tackt-isle.co.uk
The Needles Landmark Attraction
The Needles Landmark AttractionSo much to see and do at the IOW’s most iconic attracrtion.
The Needles offers a range of attractions and rides for all ages, from traditional Victorian games to an interactive 4D cinema experience. No visit to The Needles would be complete without a visit to one of our entertaining demonstrations, where you can get hands on with fascinating glass blowing, sweet making and sand filling and take away a piece of the Isle of Wight you won’t find anywhere else.
For a close-up view of the dramatic Needles Rocks and Lighthouse, take one of the pleasure boats* from the jetty for a dramatic trip around the rocks and lighthouse and panoramic views of the Alum Bay sand cliffs. Alternatively take the chair lift down to the beach below.
Planning your visit is easy and we have plenty of parking and refreshment options on site. We usually have offers running both on the website and on our Facebook, and Twitter accounts so be sure to follow us for the latest deals.
Call: 01983 752 401 | Visit: Alum Bay New Road, Alum Bay, PO39 0JD | Web: www.theneedles.co.uk
1Leisure
1LeisureJoin us at 1Leisure Medina and 1Leisure The Heights for a splashing day out with your family and friends.
Being confident and safe in the water is one of the best ways to get the most out of living on the Isle of Wight! 1Leisure have a range of swimming options including: Fun Sessions, Casual Swimming, Aquababes & Swimming Lessons.
1Leisure’s fun sessions were created specifically to help kids break free and have fun. Our pool at Medina offers a 2-hour fun session (Saturday & Sundays 13:00-15:00) with use of pool toys & inflatables. Aquababes is a stepping stone to swimming lessons, through a mixture of free and structured play. Our qualified teachers will help your baby develop motor skills in a friendly, safe environment.
There are swimming lessons at both leisure centres, and classes for beginners, improvers and advanced swimmers. No matter what age or level, our swimming lessons will develop swimming skills using a range of fun and intuitive games, children can develop fundamental aquatic skills.
We also offer Squash and Racket ball at 1Leisure Westridge. Bookings last 40 minutes and there are a number of leagues played at Westridge. Shots have some great names like The Ramy, The TrickleBoast and a Rolling Nick – why not master them all?
To stay up-to-date with all 1Leisure’s latest offers, competitions & fitness updates, follow our social media on Facebook and Instagram & Twitter.
Call: 01983 823880 | Visit: Fairlee Road, PO30 2DX (Newport) & Broadway, PO36 9ET (Sandown) | Web: www.1leisure.co.uk
The Isle of Wight Zoo
The Isle of Wight Zoo4-year-old lion brothers Vigo & Kumba are waiting to meet you.
Our newest arrivals came from Spain in March 2019 after being rescued from a difficult start in life from a travelling Circus. Our 5 ex- circus tigers joined us last Summer & have settled in well too. Come and hear their stories & those of a host of other animals that you will meet here, from lemurs to meerkats & monkeys to raccoons.
Take a walking safari with one of our knowledgeable animologists who will engage you into the lives of our own, very special animals whilst explaining the how we can all help the plight of their wild relatives.
When it’s time to eat make your way to The Wildheart Café – we have lots to tempt you. From July, children can let off steam in our beautiful new bespoke play area and of course no trip is complete without a visit to the shop for a souvenir of a great and very wild day out.
The Wildheart Trust is a registered Charity committed to rescuing exotic animals and every penny you spend with us during your visit helps. Check out our What’s On page & look for updates on Facebook , Instagram and Twitter!
Call: 01983 403883 | Visit: Yaverland Road, Yaverland, Sandown, PO36 8QB | Web: www.isleofwightzoo.com
The Wight Military and Heritage Museum
The Wight Military and Heritage MuseumCome and let the kids have a drive in one of our vehicles!
Historic military and other exhibits abound at this great museum in Northwood. We hold an interesting mix of tanks, artifacts, other vehicles, small arms and a range of uniforms from the 19th century to the present day. Learn about life in wartime and about those who contributed so much to the war effort as you investigate the replica street scene and other exhibits.
Adults and children of all ages can experience the surge of adrenaline on an armoured vehicle ride around the display track – phone ahead for availability. There is also a covered air rifle range to test your shooting skills and a fully stocked gift shop with some very unusual items. You can then enjoy refreshments in Churchills, our on-site tea room.
We are an all weather attraction and you can even bring your dog! Follow us on Facebook to see our news, events and special offers. The museum is a registered charity and any profit made will go to Armed Service and related charities.
Call: 01983 632039 | Visit: 490, Newport Road, Cowes, PO31 8QU | Website: http://www.wmahm.org.uk/
Sandham Gardens
Sandham GardensA great new Venue in Sandown with discount for Island residents.
Located on the northern side of Sandown, Sandham Gardens is the ideal place to relax and enjoy some quality time with friends and family. Offering a great value day out for all ages, with activities including Sandham Karts – watch your speedy kids put the pedal to the metal as they zoom around our track! We have 6 battery powered, electric karts suitable for children aged 4-12.
Alternatively there’s Dino Island: a Golf Adventure that takes players on a prehistoric adventure with life-size dinosaurs, volcanoes, bridges and waterfalls.
Sandham Gardens is located directly across from the beautiful Sandown family beach, widely regarded as one of the best on the Island. The Ice Cream Station is open for tea, coffee, ice creams and general refreshments with stunning views in an amazing garden setting.
Come and check out this great new venue – you only pay to park your car and for the activities you want to enjoy. We regularly post news on events and offers on Facebook and Twitter so be sure to follow us.
Call: 01983 407 802 | Visit: Sandham Gardens, Culver Parade, Sandown, PO36 8AT | Web: www.sandhamgardens.com
Butterfly World
Butterfly WorldGreat for kids that like nature and a sneaky way to get all your garden supplies at the same time!
A visit to the recently reopened Butterfly World provides the opportunity to see hundreds of butterflies flying freely in a natural environment and an opportunity to study their life cycle first hand. This is an all weather attraction so ideal for rainy days too.
There’s much more to see here which you’ll love if you’re planning some gardening work during the summer. If water features float your boat take a look around Fountain World, the Italian & Japanese gardens, Koi ponds and more. The Hungry Caterpillar coffee shop serves various refreshments and snacks.
Medina Garden Centre itself is set in 5-and-a-half acres and is one of the largest on the Island. You will find a great selection of gifts and gardening product, patio sets and furniture etc. We have a huge selection of plants and flowers for sale and as always, our trained horticulturists are on hand to provide advice and suggestions for your garden. Follow us on Facebook to see our latest deals.
Call: 01983 883 979 | Visit: Wootton Bridge, Ryde, PO33 4RW | Web: https://butterflyworldiow.com/
Monkey Haven
Monkey HavenSwing by the Island’s award-winning primate rescue centre that makes animals happy – and people happy.
You’ll meet all kinds of wonderful animals, including the singing Lar gibbons, cheeky meerkats and the most beautiful birds of prey. You could even get the chance to handle a snake or an owl, during one of the many keeper talks and animal feeds throughout the day. You’ll learn all about the fascinating creatures, their personalities, and how they came to be at Monkey Haven. Many were rescued from tragic situations or badly neglected. The keepers have won a top award for their talks – VisitEngland’s Best Told Story accolade for 2018 .
Monkey Haven is a registered charity and open every day from 10am. Why not book a keeper for the day or let us host a birthday party! Facilities include a tea room, gift shop, Wifi, play areas, trails, full disabled access and a free return within seven days!
All proceeds from your visit will help support the animals you’ll meet. So have fun and monkey around! Download our free awesome App to plan your visit and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for news updates.
Call: 01983 530885 | Visit: Staplers Road, Newport, PO30 2NB | Web: www.monkeyhaven.org
Fort Victoria Country Park
3 great venues to keep to the kids amused all day. An all weather tourist attraction based in West Wight with free parking, wild beach and woodland trails. All just a 10 minute walk from the bus stop.
The Archaeology Discovery Centre brings to life the stories of Solent shipwrecks, Ice Age lands now drowned by the sea and this lost Fort. Explore its secret military experiments and how it defended Britain from attack. Travel through time in our “Make History” family workshops or loan out our Dino-Explorers kit and go fossil hunting! Follow our Facebook page for info on guided archaeology walks and evening lectures. Call: 01983 761214.
The Isle of Wight Reptilarium is a small indoor, chargeable exhibit that will take around 1.5 hours to explore (if you look at all the animals). We have live Reptiles, Amphibians and invertebrates on display to educate and inspire our visitors. Take a look round the Terrapin Sanctuary, a Desert Room and our Rainforest and Nocturnal rooms – we want to educate the public to the threats these animals face in the wild. Follow us on Facebook for our special deals. Call: 01983 761582.
The Island Planetarium hosts a choice of multi-media planetarium shows including a great new Apollo 50th Anniversary show. We shall have an exhibition of genuine moon rocks in the School Summer holidays & check out our amazing Stargazing shows. Enjoy our Interactive Astronomy displays & large scale Solar System model, Sundial & Scale Solar System Trail in Country Park. Follow us on Facebook for special deals & news on our stargazing events & weekends. Call: 01983 761555.
Fort Victoria Country Park has its own Facebook page – Like and follow for info.
Call: 01983 760860 | Visit: West Hill Lane, Yarmouth, PO41 0RR | Web: www.fortvictoria.co.uk
Monkey Madness at Amazon World
Monkey Madness at Amazon WorldThe soft play fun zone for children at Amazon World Zoo Park.
This jungle themed play area is a great attraction for children 1 to 14-year olds to let off steam and run, jump and literally throw themselves around. Jump in the ball pits, scale the climbing walls, travel the giant slide, ride the zip lines, enter the crazy tunnels, push through the squeezing rollers and squashing columns, cross the rope bridges, navigate the wobbly floors and hit the splat zones. Monkey madness soft play has a great little cafe that offers a selection of hot and cold snacks and drinks.
With all that energy expended how about a gentle stroll through the rest of Amazon World where you can check out the huge range of animals from the commonly seen and loved marmosets to the more unusual and rare Tamandua , Giant Anteaters and Armadillo. We also offer displays and talks about conservation, animal adoption and where you can meet the animals.
Amazon World have been here since 1990 and really is a great place out for you and your family to explore, learn and play. Follow us on Facebook for details of special events and offers.
Call: 01983 867122 | Visit: Watery Lane, Nr Arreton, PO36 0LX | Web: www.amazonworld.co.uk