(Updated 04/04/2023)
It can sometimes be difficult to keep children and young people occupied, so if you are responsible for entertaining your children or grandchildren you may find some of these suggestions useful!
Places To Visit:
For a comprehensive list of places to visit including English Heritage, Museums, National Trust and Theme Parks, please visit the directory part of this website and search for leisure activities > places to visit
Youth Organisations:
Community Action IW works in partnership with the Isle of Wight Council to deliver the Community Youth Offer. They provide advice, guidance and support,to the 11 commissioned providers across the Island, who are delivering youth services to 11-19 year olds (25 years old with additional needs).
For an up to date list of current providers click here
Outdoor Activities:
The IOW has a number of centres offering outdoor activities ranging from sailing and kayaking to skateboarding and climbing. Many of these can be found through the Visit IOW website.
Scouting & Guides:
Scouting and girl guiding provides opportunities for children and young people to meet up regularly and take part in a number of activities and opportunities.
For Isle of Wight Scouts visit isleofwightscouts.org.uk
For Girl Guiding visit girlguidingisleofwight.co.uk
Cadets
Army, Air Force & Navy all offer opportunities for young people to engage in regular activities through their cadet programmes.
Visit armycadets.com/county/hampshire-and-isle-of-wight-acf
The Local Offer – IOW Council Directory:
All families need extra support from time to time. Whether that support is from family and friends, community groups, services that everybody can use such as schools, children’s centres, leisure centres and doctor’s surgeries, or more specialist services, all can make a valuable contribution and difference to people’s lives. Knowing what is out there gives you more choice and more control over what support is right for your child.
To view our Local Offer website please click here
Short Breaks:
Short Breaks is a statutory service funded through Children’s Services by the Isle of Wight Council and aims to increase activity opportunities available for children and young people with disabilities and/or additional needs to participate in. It also helps provide a ‘short break’ for parents/carers while their child or young person participates in a safe, fun and enjoyable activity which meets their needs.
For more details please click here
Libraries:
Storytimes and Activities for Children
Most libraries hold special events for children and young people, ranging from storytimes for under fives, to a manga group for older children and teenagers.
Unless stated otherwise, events are free and there is no need to book in advance, although a few events have limited places that need to be booked ahead, or charge a small fee for admission.
At all events, under eights must be accompanied by an adult throughout. At some events, over 8s can attend unsupervised, as long as a registration form is filled in and contact information provided.
For more information, please click here
Dance Classes & Drama Schools:
To find dance classes and drama schools on the island visit the event section of this website
