Outdoor Parks and Play Areas  

The Isle of Man has lots of different outdoor areas for families. With its mild climate and natural beauty there is no shortage of parks and outdoor spots to enjoy. Mooragh Park in Ramsey boasts a 12-acre boating lake, water sport activities, tennis courts, a bowling green, BMX track, and a crazy golf course as well as a children’s playground and special water play area. 

Onchan Pleasure Park is also a firm favourite with residents – the home of Isle of Man stockcar racing, as well as a boating lake, go-kart track and crazy golf course. Silverdale Glen is another family-friendly spot, with its extensive play area, pretty boating lake, water-powered carousel and beautifully secluded historic glen.  There’s also plenty of traditional playgrounds dotted across the Island including Poulsom Park in the south and Nobel’s Park in the capital. 

Sports For All Interests 

The National Sports Centre based in Douglas, offers a variety of sporting and health facilities, including two indoor swimming pools, a fitness zone, two large sports halls and an athletics stadium. During the summer holidays the Isle of Man Government’s Manx Sport and Recreation team and Youth and Careers Services run multi-sport holiday schemes which provide a positive experience through sport, in a safe, fun, and productive environment. Holiday schemes include a huge spectrum of sports, such as football, netball, badminton, athletics, table tennis, hockey, rugby, basketball, bowls, cycling, cricket - and squash! 

Animal Encounters  

For any animal lovers, take a trip to Curraghs Wildlife Park for animal encounters, outdoor play areas, giant mazes, and endless entertainment! Or why not pay a visit to the Home of Rest for Old Horses. Set in 92 acres of glorious Manx countryside, this caring animal sanctuary offers the horses a happy and fulfilling place to end their final years. 

Or why not try seal spotting? The Island has a large seal population – the east and south coasts, along with The Sound at the Island’s most southerly tip, are the best places to catch a seal sunbathing or swimming.  

If you’re lucky, you may even spot a wild wallaby at the north of the Island! 

Discover The Isle of Man’s Rich History  

The Isle of Man has a perfect mix of historic attractions. With a rich heritage and strong cultural identity, the Island has many quirky historical sites; from the Great Laxey Wheel - the largest surviving waterwheel of its kind in the world, to the working crofting community at Cregneash village. There’s also plenty of ancient castles to discover, including the medieval fortress Castle Rushen, and the striking ruins of Peel Castle - which overlooks one of the Island’s best beaches. 

For families looking to learn more about the Island’s rich and fascinating history, the House of Manannan in Peel and Manx Museum in Douglas are filled with fascinating artefacts that are unique to the Isle of Man and include interactive features – perfect for making the experience interesting for children. 

Arts & Crafts  

The Isle of Man has plenty of activities and attractions for those occasional rainy days. Craftworks Studio in Castletown is a paint your own pottery studio – perfect for children looking to escape into a world of imagination and creativity.  

Kensington Arts is also running a summer programme focused on creative wellness, where classes and workshops will cover art, music, theatre, dance, and backstage skills for young people aged 8-18.