Free and low cost activities
Summer Fun for Island Families – Holiday Activities and Food Programme 2025
The Isle of Wight Council is excited to bring you a fantastic line-up of free and low-cost activities designed especially for Island children and families.
From creative workshops and outdoor adventures to sports, games, and tasty food, there’s something for everyone to enjoy – all delivered by our dedicated council teams who care about making your summer special.
Whether you're a parent, carer, grandparent, or simply have young people in your life, this is your invitation to join in the fun and make the most of the school holidays together. Let’s make summer 2025 one to remember!
HAF – Holiday Activities and Food Programme
The HAF programme is back – bigger, brighter, and bolder than ever! Children eligible for benefits-related free school meals can enjoy free activities and nutritious meals all summer long.
What’s on offer?
A wide range of fun-filled activities, including:
- Animal care
- Arts and crafts
- Creative play
- Dance
- Day trips
- Football
- Gymnastics
- Horse riding
- Tennis
- Theatre skills
- Water sports
Every session includes a hot meal or packed lunch, and some even let kids help prepare it!
Island Museums - Family Fun This Summer!
Museum of Island History (Newport Guildhall)
Step back in time and explore the Island’s story from prehistory to the present day.
Family-friendly trails and pop-up exhibits
Opening Times: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10am to 1pm
Entry: £1 per adult and 50p per child – no booking needed!
Visit the Museum of Island History webpage for more details
Newport Roman Villa
Get hands-on with history! Make mosaics, dress like a Roman, explore a real Roman villa and more!
Opening Times: Monday to Saturday, from 10.30am (Last entry 2.30pm)
Entry: Family tickets from £12.50 (2 adults and 2 children) – no booking needed!
Visit the Newport Roman Villa webpage for more details
Dinosaur Isle and Fossil Walks
Discover real fossils on guided beach walks and explore the prehistoric world at Dinosaur Isle!
Fossil walks in Yaverland and Shanklin - booking essential.
For dates and times of the fossil walks visit dinosaurisle.com
Fort Victoria ranger activities
Nature adventures await!
Join in with regular rock pooling, bug hunts, woodland crafts sessions. throughout the school holidays!
- times and days vary due to tides
- activities are published a week in advance
- Check the walk schedule and join the fun at Fort Victoria
Make a Splash This Summer with 1Leisure!
Looking for fun ways to cool off?
Join us for daily fun swim sessions at The Heights and Medina – complete with floats and balls for all ages!
Open as usual on Bank Holiday Monday.
Great Value for Families
- Group of up to 4: £15.00
- Adults: £6.50
- Juniors: £3.25
- Under 4s: Go free!
- One Card holders
- children enrolled in junior swim lessons via Direct Debit
Check the Holiday Swim Timetables
For Medina or the Heights holiday swim timetable visit 1Leisure website
Plan Your Visit
Download the 1Leisure App from Google Play or the Apple App Store for up-to-date swimming timetables, fitness class schedules, the latest offers and promotions, booking options, and much more!
Call us:
- The Heights: 01983 823881
- Medina: 01983 823882
For the latest updates follow the 1Leisure Facebook page
Start for Life and Family Hubs – Here for Your Family
Whether you're pregnant and expecting a baby or raising a young person up to age 19 (or 25 with SEND), Family Hubs are here to support you every step of the way.
What We Offer
- Friendly advice and guidance
- Fun activities for children and families
- Resources to help your family thrive
Supporting Families with SEND
We provide tailored support for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
Find Out More
For full details and local services visit IW Start for Life and Family Hubs
For the latest updates follow the IW Family Information Hub Facebook
Libraries – Summer Reading Challenge 2025
Step into the magical world of Story Garden - this year’s theme celebrates imagination, nature, and creativity.
Children aged 4 and over are invited to read six books over the summer holidays to earn stickers, rewards, a medal, and a certificate!
What’s included:
- read any books – including audiobooks via BorrowBox
- mini Challenge available for babies and toddlers
- runs until Saturday 6 September 2025
- join in-person or online for virtual badges, games, and book recommendations.
More information provided on the Summer Reading Challenge webpages
Plus! Libraries across the Island are hosting lots of other free craft events and activities all summer long.
For the latest updates follow the Isle of Wight Libraries Facebook page
Bikeability summer holiday sessions – Booking essential
Boost your child’s cycling confidence with a fun and safe Level 1 Bikeability course.
Perfect for ages 8 to 11!
- session 1: 10am to 12 noon
- session 2: 12.30pm to 2.30pm
Ages: 8 to 11 years
- your child’s name and age
- your preferred session time
- number of places needed
What to bring: Must bring a bike, helmet, and be able to ride
Reward: Certificate and badge awarded on completion