IT'S half term, and we've compiled a list of ten indoor activities to keep the children entertained.
Come rain or shine, these suggestions are viable no matter the weather.
1: Take a trip to the cinema
While Newport's Cineworld has been temporarily closed — a consequence of Covid-19 — Leo leisure's Commodore, in Ryde, is still open for business.
Films on show suitable for the family include Cats and Dogs 3: Paws Unite, The Elfkins — Baking a Difference, and Over the Moon.
2: Hit the lanes
They say bowling dates back to 5,200 BC, and to this day, it remains a fun and inclusive activity for all the family to enjoy.
Ryde Superbowl is now fully open, and visitors can even play a spot of LaserQuest afterwards — quick-fire, high octane excursions through narrow corridors, where friend becomes foe.
3: Swashbuckle on the seafront
Shanklin seafront is flush with activities this half-term, including The Pirates Cove Adventure golf, complete with a pirate cave, palm trees and a fully rigged pirate ship.
While the cove is outside, visitors can test their skill on one of the Island's newest indoor attractions, the Caddy Shack — an 18-hole mini golf course — before spending some time in the summer arcade.
4: Board the steam train
The Isle of Wight Steam Railway reopened to visitors in July, and Islanders looking for a fun time under cover can board one of its carefully restored vintage carriages.
You can take in the Island’s outstanding natural beauty, embrace the sights and scents of steam-hauled travel, and listen for the whistle as you journey along the line.
You can then peruse its museum, which showcases a whole host of curios from the Railway’s rich history, including nameplates and maker’s plates from some of the earliest locomotives to run on the Island.
In the spirit of Halloween, the Railway is also running a Wizard Week from October 27 to 30.
Visitors can meet the friendly witches of Havenstreet, and help conjure up some magic spells before embarking on a journey through the ‘haunted’ woodland.
5: Alleviate your boredom — at Board
At Board Cafe Bar, based in Newport, visitors can play their favourite board games, tuck into cakes and bakes, and have a milkshake, all in one place.
The cafe boasts an extensive library of games, from the age-old classics such as Monopoly and Scrabble, to more modern gems — the likes of Catan and Pandemic.
If you're looking to spend time with your family away from the television screens, Board might be the place for you.
6: Walk with dinosaurs
Sandown's Dinosaur Isle is open once more, and it's Covid-secure.
An interactive museum, designed in the shape of a giant pterodactyl, it's got everything from rock re-constructions to fully-fleshed dinosaurs.
As many as 1,000 fossils can be found on display, complemented by skeletal re-constructions and two animatronic dinosaurs, making for a fun and informative afternoon, combining entertainment and education.
7: Rediscover a love for nature
Amazon World has plenty to do indoors.
While its soft play area is closed, its zoo park remains open, and has a vast range of rare and exotic animals.
Visitors can learn about conservation and rainforests, and come face to face with some of the world's most unusual, beautiful and endangered species.
8: Practise arts and craft
A five minute drive from Ryde or Newport is Chessell Pottery, where visitors can try their hand at pottery painting.
Visitors can pop into the cafe for a light lunch, then settle down for an afternoon of family-friendly activities.
Or visit Arty Shakes in Shanklin, where you can paint pottery and wooden pieces, and enjoy a milkshake.
9: Take it easy at Tapnell
Tapnell Farm Park has several indoor attractions.
The former dairy-farm-turned-all-weather-attraction presents a chance for visitors to meet the animals, and enjoy its soft play barn, with a three-storey soft play area.
Parents can sit back with a hot drink while their children enjoy the farm's undercover straw adventure barn, complete with zip wires, trampolines, pedal Go-Karts, climbing wall and bales.
From Saturday, October 24 to 31, the Farm Park is also holding a 'pick your own pumpkin from Wanda’s Pumpkin Patch" event.
10: Swim the lanes
1Leisure facilities at Medina and Sandown are available for lane swimming.
Its pools are open on a pay per session only basis and to competent swimmers, offering slow, medium and fast lane sessions.
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