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What to Do with the Kids on the Isle of Wight This October Half Term 2025
Half term dates: 18 October – 2 November 2025. The island comes alive with autumn colours, family-friendly events and Halloween fun — here’s our local guide to making the most of it with kids.
Highlights: Halloween & Half Term Events
Many island attractions stage special half-term and Halloween programmes. Popular events typically include pumpkin trails, themed workshops, spooky storytelling and safe after-dark family activities. Here are the must-check events and family favourites to put on your list:
- Monkey Haven — Spooky half-term activities: animal encounters, themed crafts and trails.
- Carisbrooke Castle — Halloween at the castle: scavenger hunts, storytelling and dress-up.
- “Ferocious!” at the Museum of Island History: low-cost mask-making and themed trails for younger children.
- Tapnell Farm Park — Autumn adventures: indoor play, animal encounters, seasonal pumpkin activities.
- Whitecliff Bay / Holiday Parks — 31 Days of Halloween: pumpkin trails, family discos and nightly themed events at selected parks.
Top Family Attractions to Visit in October
Whether it’s bright and breezy or grey and drizzly, the Isle of Wight has brilliant options for families:
- Tapnell Farm Park — all-weather family fun with indoor activity barns and outdoor trails.
- Blackgang Chine — whimsical themed areas (fairyland, pirates, dinosaurs) that still delight in autumn.
- The Needles Landmark Attraction — chairlift views, beachcombing and souvenir sand demos.
- Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary — relaxed animal time and easy walking for little legs.
- Indoor options: Brading Roman Villa, Isle of Wight Bus & Coach Museum, Butterfly World and Island CraftWorks.
5-Day Family Itinerary (Sample)
| Day | Morning | Afternoon | Evening / Optional |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive & local walk | Tapnell Farm Park | Relaxed dinner at a family pub |
| Day 2 | The Needles & Alum Bay | Blackgang Chine | Sunset cliff walk |
| Day 3 | Monkey Haven | Carisbrooke Castle | Spooky story night |
| Day 4 | Museum workshop or indoor museum | Animal farm / craft session | Explore Newport cafes |
| Day 5 | Donkey Sanctuary | Beachcombing & pack | Departure |
Free & Low-Cost Autumn Ideas
- Tennyson Down: easy cliff-top walking and dramatic views — perfect for crisp autumn days.
- Shanklin Old Village & Chine: quaint streets, treats and short nature walks.
- Quarr Abbey: grounds, small café and peaceful wander — often quieter in autumn.
- Beachcombing at Appley or Compton Bay: fossil and shell hunts delight children of all ages.
Top planning tips:
- Book ferries and timed attraction tickets early — half term sees higher demand.
- Check attraction opening times (some rides or exhibits have reduced hours in October).
- Pack layers and waterproofs — autumn weather can change quickly.
- Bring a mix of indoor & outdoor options so you can swap plans if it rains.
Parent-Pro Tips
- Look for family passes or mid-week discounts — many attractions run offers for half term.
- Consider staying near family-friendly hubs (Cowes, Shanklin, Sandown or Yarmouth) for easy travel times.
- If you need help planning, The Wight Concierge can pre-book activities, arrange groceries or organise childcare-friendly services.
Book & Plan with The Wight Concierge
Want this half term planned for you? The Wight Concierge arranges ferry tickets, attraction bookings, grocery packs and local services so your family holiday runs smoothly.
Have questions or want the itinerary converted into a printable PDF? Email us or visit thewightconcierge.com.
