Kids go free Wightlink offer: Amazing things to do on the Isle of Wight this summer

Long, sunlit evenings lend themselves to fireworks over the sea, family festivals fill fields with music and laughter, and almost every corner of the Island seems to host a celebration of its own. Summer here has a habit of turning ordinary days into lasting family memories.

Travel with Wightlink and the adventure begins the moment you step on board. With sailings from Portsmouth and Lymington, it's never been easier to leave the mainland behind and discover everything the Isle of Wight has to offer.

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1) Family Firework Fun

Every Thursday in August, you’ll be able to enjoy ‘Magic in the Skies’. One of the Isle of Wight’s premier summer events featuring a massive fireworks display choreographed to a musical score over Alum Bay and The Needles. From 10am until late you can enjoy shopping, foodie treats, live music and family entertainment, before the iconic firework display lights up the landmark (weather dependent). It’s the perfect way to end a family day out.

2) Foam Parties and Confetti Canons

Every Wednesday evening running through the summer holidays from 29 July to 26 August, are full on party vibes at Blackgang Chine’s Summer Fest with events running from 10am to 10pm. Expect massive foam parties, confetti and bubbleology for children, carnival performers and a fireworks extravaganza to finish of a perfect day.

3) Carnivals Galore

A huge number of carnivals take place across the Isle of Wight during the school summer holidays meaning you’re never far away from an incredible parade of colour and music. Ryde, Shanklin, Newport, and Sandown also have spectacular illuminated carnivals with evening parades that make the most of balmy summer nights.

4) Summer party on the farm

Tapnell Farm Park showcases AJ’s Summer Party on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 28 July to 27 August for music, games, puppet shows, dance competitions, plus a balloon drop all for the kids to enjoy. Bring your best moves and vibes for an afternoon filled with fun!

5) Garlicky Family Fun

From the 15 to 16 August, you can enjoy the Isle of Wight’s biggest summer show at The Garlic Festival. As well as incredible (and garlicky) food, you can enjoy garlic games, garlic dress-up and many more garlicky activities. The kids will love Camp Garlic where they can enjoy free arts and crafts.

6) Feel Good Hits

From 29 to 30 August you can take a short FastCat ride across the Solent to experience ‘Ticket To Ryde’, a free-to-attend community festival. You can experience a FREE two days of feel-good live music including Reggae, Ska, Northern Soul and 2 Tone. Not only that, you can also enjoy a taste of the Island like the real ale bar or local food traders, while admiring an impressive parade of scooters nearby during the annual International Scooter Rally.

7) Cowes Week

This year's Cowes Week marks the 200th anniversary (bicentenary) of the world’s longest running sailing event with special features including special historic exhibitions. The landmark edition expects around 800 boats and 8,500 competitors with over 40 daily events taking place over the Solent. It's a one-of-a-kind event with plenty of exciting onshore activities for spectators, taking place from 1 to 7 August.

Find out more and book your Kids Go Free* offer here.