THE summer holidays are here and there is no shortage of things to keep everyone entertained across the Isle of Wight.
Check out our guide below to some of the best activities and places to visit the Isle of Wight has to offer, come rain or shine.

MONKEY HAVEN

Monkey Haven

Meet the Lar Gibbons, Somer and her mother Rasmaya at Monkey Haven.

Swing by Monkey Haven this summer to hang out at VisitEngland's Small Visitor Attraction of the year.
The Island's primate rescue centre is fun for the whole family. There are loads of gorgeous animals to meet, plus fun keeper talks, play areas, stamper trails, tea room, gift shop, picnic areas and free Wi-Fi.
The attraction also has a brand new app featuring a banana trail around the park, sneaky peaks behind the scenes and fun photo filters.
With full disabled access, pushchair-friendly paths, free car parking and free returns within seven days, you can enjoy hanging out at England's award-winning sanctuary. Plus your admission fee will help to care for all the animals you'll meet - and rescue even more creatures in crisis.
Find out more at www.monkeyhaven.org

NEEDLES PLEASURE CRUISES

Needles Pleasure Cruise

Choose from a relaxing cruise or a trip in a high-speed RIB.

For some fun afloat, why not head to the West Wight for a choice of two trips to explore the Isle of Wight's lovely coastline.
The first trip from Needles Pleasure Cruises is a traditional cruise to view the Needles rocks, lighthouse and spectacular Alum Bay coloured sands.
The trip is a must for those interested in wildlife and lasts around 25 minutes.
The second trip is one for thrillseekers aboard the RIB Skye Rose and takes you south of the lighthouse into Scratchells Bay before returning to Alum Bay. Minimum age restrictions apply to this trip.
See needlespleasurecruises.co.uk for details.

ISLE OF WIGHT DONKEY SANCTUARY

Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary

Have a great day out at the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary in Wroxall - entry is free!

If the weather is not fit for the beach, defy the showers and visit Wroxall's aah-inspiring donkey sanctuary, where you can stay warm and dry in the donkey barns among the 91 donkeys and 25 ponies.
Have a go at Donkeyspotting and see how many donkeys you can find around the sanctuary.
There are also great nature walks and areas, as well as Dillon's Café for refreshments and a gift shop.
Entrance and parking are free and dogs are welcome.
Visit www.iowdonkeysanctuary.org for details.

ISLAND RIDING CENTRE
Island Riding Centre

Children can take part in a host of special summer holiday activities at the Island Riding Centre.

One of the Isle of Wight's newest attractions is ideal for those who love horses. The Island Riding Centre opened in July 2017 and welcomes riders and non-riders alike.
Located on Staplers Road, just outside Newport, the centre boasts an all-weather 60m x 40m outdoor arena and an off-road hacking trail.
The riding school has horses and ponies of all sizes, and lessons are suitable for beginners aged four and upwards, as well as more experienced riders. There are group and private lessons with friendly, qualified instructors.
During the summer holidays, in addition to daily lessons, children can take part in a wide range of activities, including day camps, a kids' club for younger riders and 'own-a-pony' days.
Further details are available at www.islandriding.com

BLACKGANG CHINE
Underwater Kingdom at Blackgang Chine

Explore the Underwater Kingdom at Blackgang Chine this summer holiday.

New for 2017 at the enchanting theme park is the Underwater Kingdom, a magical themed world where you can discover a magical underwater cave, vibrant luminescent coral reef, an abandoned sunken shipwreck and colourful larger than life animatronic sea creatures.
There are plenty of other great things to do at the park, which has amazing views over the Channel. You can enjoy the Wild West antics in Cowboy Town, marvel at the dinosaurs in the mysterious, restricted Area 5 and let the little ones let off steam in Rumpus Mansion, or experience the Fireworks Extravaganza every Wednesday night until August 30.
Go to blackgangchine.com for further details and park opening times.

ADVENTURE ACTIVITIES
Adventure Activities

Adventure Activities' 'Young Adventurers' Activity Days are for children aged eight to 16, over the summer holiday.

Adventure Activities Isle of Wight are once again offering their amazing value and always popular 'Young Adventurers' Activity Days for children aged eight to 16, over the summer holidays.
Coasteering, paddleboarding, archery, kayaking, team challenges, climbing, mountain boarding, raft building and bushcraft, are among the activities on offer, from their base at Tapnell Farm, near Freshwater.
For more details visit adventureactivitiesisleofwight.co.uk/our-adventures/school-holiday-adventurers-adventure-days/

ROBIN HILL

Zorb football at Robin Hill

New for this year is Diaz's Zorbing Fun. Don these bubble capsules and have some 'bumping' great fun at Robin Hill!

Another great day out for all the family is this excellent park in the centre of the Isle of Wight. The beautiful setting and the many attractions make it an ideal place for kids to work off some excess summer energy.
On selected days up to September 1, the Squawks Olympics are held, with children getting the chance to compete in fun and games organised by the park's resident Squawk Birds Bonita and Diaz.
New for 2017 as a Squawk Olympics event is Diaz's Zorbing Fun, a high-energy sport that has you bouncing your way around an arena.
Another new attraction at Robin Hill this year is the Canopy Skywalk Squirrel Run, which takes you up into the trees.
Visit robin-hill.com for all the details.

TAPNELL FARM PARK

Tapnell Farm Park

Meet the wallabies this summer holiday at Tapnell Farm Park.

Tapnell Farm Park has you covered this summer, with plenty of fun-packed activities to entertain the kids, even when it's raining.
As well as the popular indoor play barn, Straw Bale Adventure Barn, and animal areas, there is the new Bugs and Beasties area, with a range of weird and wonderful critters to discover.
When the weather is better, head outdoors for the new Toddlers Jumping Pillow (for under 5s only) and outdoor play area, with slides, swings and tyre obstacle course.
There are new daily activities which will be running every day alongside old favourites like the wallaby feed and meerkat talks.
Find out more at www.tapnellfarmpark.com

WHITECLIFF BAY HOLIDAY PARK

Whitecliff Bay Holiday Park

There's loads on offer to keep the kids entertained at Whitecliff Bay Holiday Park in Bembridge.

Perfectly placed next to its own beautiful beach, Whitecliff Bay Holiday Park makes the ideal base, and a beautiful place to stay, for exploring and discovering everything the Isle of Wight has to offer.
You will find a huge variety of exciting activities at the park to keep everyone busy over the summer holiday, including sandy beaches, kids' play areas, indoor and outdoor pools, archery, laser tag, bike hire, zorbing, abseiling and rock climbing. Plus don't miss the big holiday Cream Pie Fight on August 27.
The Rock the Bay live music show brings together an amazing line up of live music and comedy for two nights of non-stop entertainment on August 18 and 19.
Find out more at www.awayresorts.co.uk/whitecliff-bay/

WIGHT KARTING

Thrills and spills aplenty are to be had at Wight Karting on the outskirts of Ryde. Drive like Lewis Hamilton around the tight, twisting circuit in the high-powered karts for an authentic race day experience.
Wight Karting offers electronic race timing, great packages, a full race briefing and a café for refreshments.
For all the latest news and deals go to www.wightkarting.co.uk