Things for older kids to do on the Isle of Wight

We’re often asked “What else can you suggest for my tween/teenager to do?” Here’s a few ideas for the rest of your holiday when you’re not tree climbing.

Do let us know if you’ve got any other suggestions…

A family group cycling along a cycle path. All are wearing helmets and have just cycled under a brick bridge.

Picture courtesy Visit Isle of Wight

Out on the water

Kids can try their hand at lots of great water sports at Wight Waters from paddle boarding and dinghy sailing to windsurfing and sailing. You can take the whole family for the on-water experience or mum and dad can watch from the perfectly placed Tradewinds Café.

If you’re tired of watching people serenely paddling by on their SUP, give it a go! You can hire boards from a few different Island locations.

Of course, for many kids there’s nothing better than taking a boogie board to the beach. Some of
the best spots on the Island to do just that are at Compton, Yaverland and Freshwater Bay when conditions are right. Pack a picnic and enjoy a post surf evening swim but please take all of your rubbish home with you.

On the land

As a family we love a bit of geocaching, especially if there’s an ice cream van or café along the way! You just need a smartphone and an app. It’s a fun way to discover different parts of the Island.

If you’re cyclists, take advantage of miles of trails around the Island. The Red Squirrel Trail is suitable for all ages and abilities. Hire bikes from Wight Cycle Hire who will deliver to your door. For the more adventurous, check out the Isle of Wight Mountain Bike Centre.

On the land but by the sea

Two people riding horses on a sandy beach

Picture courtesy of Sally’s Riding

Many of our tree climbers treat themselves to horse riding on the beach at Bembridge and St Helens with Sally’s Riding School. Everything is provided and most ages can join for a ride, so it’s a good activity if you have different age kids in your family.

Wet weather

Yes, very occasionally it rains on the Isle of Wight. You can still have fun!

Give skateboarding a go at John Cattles Skate Club. It’s for all ages an abilities and they are brilliant with total novices. Recommended.

Not to far from us in Ryde, Wight Karting have an all weather track…channel your inner Lewis Hamilton.

Try an escape room? We’ve not been for a while, but had a hilarious Goodleaf team outing to Random Rooms a couple of years ago.

If you need more ideas, head to Visit Isle of Wight, you’ll finds lots more things to do and see.