Tapnell Farm is tailor-made for all-ages fun – but if you're stopping over, it's well worth making time for a few family trips around the Island. There's something for everyone, ranging from high-octane sports to quiet countryside rambles. Here are some of our favourite family activities, including the best of the farm and a few highlights from further afield.
Tapnell Farm • All ages
Located at the heart of Tapnell Farm, our Farm Park is the Isle of Wight's top destination for all-weather, people-powered family fun. There's so much to do here, from walking with wallabies to riding go-karts – with plenty of opportunities to bounce, play and laugh along the way. It's always an adventure, no matter your age and whatever the weather.
Tapnell Farm • Ages 7+
Jumping, splashing and getting delightfully drenched… If that sounds like your idea of fun, head to the Aqua Park at Tapnell Farm. It's the only outdoor Aqua Park on the Isle of Wight, and it's full of fun inflatables to climb on, jump off and bounce around. The perfect opportunity, we think, to get very wet and go a little wild in the Great Outdoors.
Tapnell Farm • All ages
Here's an activity the whole family can enjoy. These sporty fusions combine the rules of golf with the have-a-go fun of a five-a-side kickabout or game of Frisbee. It's a great excuse to enjoy some friendly family competition while getting active and getting outdoors. And if your aim is off, don't worry – the views alone are worth the price of entry.
Tapnell Farm • All ages
The Clubhouse is Tapnell Farm's gizmo-free gaming zone. Why not pop by for a quick game of table football or a family darts tournament? Or, if you'd rather indulge in some downtime, just grab a few drinks and catch up on some TV. You'll find the Clubhouse in a wooden hut alongside The Cow, our on-site restaurant.
Freshwater Bay • 12 years +
Explore the Island's Wild Coastline. Enjoy a 2 hour guided coasteering adventure around the stunning Freshwater Bay.
Islandwide • 8 years +
Join group surfing lessons which are great fun and help you kickstart or progress your existing skills under the guidance of qualified instructors. Regardless of your ability, iSurf’s tuition will benefit anyone wanting to get in the water under the safe supervision and expert guidance of a fully qualified Surfing England surf coach.
Islandwide • All ages
88 acres of rolling parkland, natural woodland and countryside gardens for exploration.
Newchurch • All ages
The Garlic Farm is a haven for food lovers of every generation. Here, you'll find a well-stocked farm shop, a well-regarded restaurant and plenty of well-trodden paths – all set on a sustainably run, family-owned garlic farm. As you might expect, the menu is garlic-heavy, but there's plenty of choice to suit all palates – including younger foodies. There's also a family play area behind the restaurant.
Tapnell Farm • All ages
In partnership with Wight Cycle Hire, we now offer bicycle rentals here at Tapnell Farm. That means it's simpler than ever to explore on two wheels and make your own adventures around the Island. To book, simply call Wight Cycle Hire on 01983 761800. They'll provide a code to unlock your bike. They'll also provide helmets and a map of local cycling routes to help you get started.
When stock is low, please contact Wight Cycle Hire as usual. They can arrange for a suitable bike to be delivered.
Blackgang Chine has a long history. In fact, it's the oldest amusement park in the UK, having opened in 1843 as a park resort for Victorian holidaymakers. Today, the focus is on family fun, including classic fairground rides and magical themed worlds. It still retains some of its original features, though, including a real whale skeleton that washed up near The Needles in 1842.
Horse riding on the Isle of Wight is always an unforgettable experience. There's nothing quite like trotting around green fields as great expanses of rolling hills unfold before you. Hill Farm Stables offers pleasure rides, pony rides and lessons for all abilities. It's staffed by experienced instructors. You'll find it near Freshwater, just a short drive northwest of Tapnell Farm.
Ryde • All ages
There's more than just bowling at Ryde Superbowl. This popular entertainment centre also hosts a Laser Quest arena and an action-packed amusement arcade. Then, when you've had fun zapping your friends or shooting for a strike, you can head to the licensed café-bar for some well-deserved refreshment. The Superbowl is open seven days a week, so it's a fine choice for some Sunday fun.
Newport • All ages
This award-winning monkey sanctuary cares for colourful primates from all across the globe, as well as birds of prey, reptiles and a mob of meerkats. Plus, with keeper talks, feeding sessions and animal demonstrations, it promises an engaging day out for wildlife lovers of all ages. Little explorers are well catered for, too, with several children's play areas.
Near Arreton • All ages
Amazon World Zoo Park isn't the biggest zoo in the world, but its range of animal residents is truly impressive. You can meet around 100 species here, spanning the entire animal kingdom. It's easy to spend hours gazing at the cute, quirky and fascinating critters on display. Or, for something a little more hands-on, you can book animal experiences that bring you face-to-face with tapirs, sloths, meerkats and more.
