Playtime: Summer Splash

Keep cool this summer with water, water, water. Sara Whatley has some suggestions for fun water activities for all ages 

Keeping the kids cool this summer has never been more fun! We are spoiled for choice on the Isle of Wight when it comes to water activities and with so many to try it’s difficult to pick just one. There is only one thing for it, you will just have to make this the summer of water fun and try them all! 

Little Ones 

Simple fun is sometimes best when it comes to the little ones. Nothing is more fun than a trip to the seaside with a bucket and spade and perhaps even an ice cream! Let the water tickle their toes or help them jump the waves; build a sandcastle – or even a sand village – together; and see what mysterious sea life you can find in the rock pools.

Another brilliant water activity to do with the younger ones is to visit a paddling pool. Since the 1940s, when it was first built, Ventnor Paddling Pool has been entertaining children and adults alike and is well known and loved for its iconic design. Within the bright blue paddling pool is a replica of the Isle of Wight, complete with roads and hilly contours. Children can have loads of fun and learn about their Island too! 

Find another fun paddling pool at East Cowes Esplanade, just next to the park, benches and a café, with lovely views out to sea. 

Family Fun 

Swimming pools are great fun at any time of the year and are abrilliant activity to enjoy as a family. There are plenty to choose from on the Island, so grab your swimmers and towel and get splashing! 

Bigger Kids 

Bigger kids may enjoy more of a challenge with the sportier side of water play. There are lots of water sports centres all around the Island where you can hire kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, leisure rowing boats and more. This is a great way to explore the water from a different angle and discover more of the Island as you navigate around the coastal waters. 

And finally, don’t forget about water play in your own garden (subject to any local water restrictions). Paddling pools, sprinklers and hosepipes, water blasters and pistols, refillable water balloons, garden slip and slide...the fun literally never ends and there is definitely no age restriction in joining this water party.