If there is a curious and attractive weekend destination to check off your wish list is Jersey part of the Channel Islands. The island of Jersey is full of surprises with lots of things to do for kids to discover all year round.
In this guide, I have shortlisted the best activities and museums you can explore with your family in Jersey.
First, let’s go back in time to understand the origins of Jersey. The island is located in North West of France near the Cotentin region facing the Normandy coast. The island of Jersey was originally part of the Duchy of Normandy ruled by William the Conqueror in the 11th century.
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Fast forward, the island of Jersey became a self-governing territory part of the British Crown Dependency. Also the island is not part of the United Kingdom, you will find the English language used everywhere during your visit. However, strong roots with French history are still intact with cities names that sound more French than English like the capital St Helier.
Without further do, let’s discover all the sightseeing and things you could do with your kids during your holiday in Jersey. Let’s go!
1. Jersey Zoo
I couldn’t start this list without mentioning straight away the beautiful Jersey Zoo located on the North East of the island with over 32 acres of parkland. As you would expect, this place is very well maintained where animals seem healthy and well taken care of. Your kids will spot different mammals like gorillas but also beautiful birds like the famous pink flamingos.
As part of the Durrell Wildlife Conversation Trust, Jersey Zoo has also a big role to fill to educate visitors on endangered animal species. So expect to find lots of information about animals for your family to discover during your visit.
If you have the munchies or need a hot drink, the zoo has two little cafés called Café Dodo and Café Firefly. Both places serve light meals including breakfast and yummy desserts.
📍Jersey Zoo, La Profonde Rue, Jersey JE3 5BP, Jersey
2. Elizabeth Castle
Pending the weather is sunny, the best way to visit Elizabeth Castle is to book a tour that includes an amphibious strange bus especially if the tide is high around the castle. Elizabeth Castle is an amazing fortress rich of 400 years of history.
Located in St Helier district, this castle is a must see for history fans who want to understand how this little island defended itself against pirates and potential invaders. Children will love meeting King Charles II who will reveal anecdotes and stories when he was visiting Jersey. A lot of more interesting events happen on site, so make to visit the website to check performance on your scheduled day of visit.
📍St Aubin’s Bay, St Helier JE2 3NU, Jersey
3. Maritime Museum
Whilst you are in the area of St Helier, you can pay a visit to the Maritime Museum where you can find numerous artefacts and exhibitions around navigation, boats and so much more. Past family visitors have praised how interactive and fun this museum is especially with young children.
The highlight of your visit would be the Occupation Tapestry gallery, which depicts different stories during the German occupation of Jersey during War World II.
Overall, you can easily spend up to 2 hours at this museum that should be your ticket entry for a fun activity to do with kids in Jersey on a wet day.
📍New North Quay, St Helier, Jersey JE2 3ND, Jersey
4. aMaizin! Adventure Park
Among our favourite outdoor activities to do in Jersey with children is aMaizin! Adventure Park. This attraction is the perfect solution to allow the inner energy of your children and have lots of fun with their peers. Located in La Houge Farm, this adventure park has lots of activities for every age group including a bouncy castle, slides and a little farm with goats and pigs.
If your children are into zip lines, go karts and toboggans, aMaizin! Adventure Park is the place to be in Jersey. If the rain invites itself during your visit, not to worry as the venue also has an indoor area with a soft play area full of activities. Last but not least, you will certainly pay a visit to Rangers Diner with different cold and hot dishes perfect your lunch break or early dinner with the family.
📍La Hougue Farm, La Gd Rte de Saint-Pierre, Jersey JE3 7AX, Jersey
5. Mont Orgueil Castle
If there is an historic site not to miss in Jersey is Mont Orgueil Castle. I am sure you have received postcards from friends and family with the castle in lights. Situated on the East side of the island, the Mont Orgueil Castle gives you an incredible panoramic view over Gorey city and the sea pending you have made to the top of the castle.
Families will love exploring every corner of this beautiful castle with lots of passageways that lead to the towers. You can expect to stay around 2 hours to properly visit the premises and allow enough time for young children to climb the steps and reach the top of the castle.
📍Castle Green, Gorey, JE3 6ET, Jersey
6. The Pallot Steam Museum
Here is another museum idea if you get stuck in Jersey with persistent rain during your holiday with the kids. The Pallot Steam Museum welcomes families and other visitors with a keen interest into modern transportation. In this little museum, you will be able to find old vintage cars, steam tank engines and utility cars.
For grown ups and grand parents, this place will bring back lots of good memories such as the 2CV Citroen car or American Cadillac long cars.
📍6f Rue du Bechet, Jersey JE3 5BE, Jersey
7. A Day at the Beach
If you decide to spend a family friendly holiday in Jersey in the summer, you would certainly be tempted to spend a morning or the whole day at the beach. If you have the hot weather we had in 2022, you may even hire a parasol to hide from the scorching sun.
The most popular beach on the island is St Brelade’s Bay located in the South West of Jersey. The sandy beach is very long with different cafes and restaurants where you can stop by for lunch for early dinner.
Another great accessible beach in Jersey to look at is Green Island Beach where you can find car park, toilets, outdoor showers and even a few cafes nearby.
There are other beaches worth trying such as Portelet Bay but beware that some of them have difficult access so not suitable if you are traveling with young children.
8. Jersey Falconry
More an incredible experience than an activity, Jersey Falconry offers an opportunity for an intimate afternoon with birds like hawks or falcons. This experience is a two-person activity with Richard Hall who has been managing this falconry for nearly 30 years.
So if you are prepared to learn about these beautiful birds and hold a owl like Harry Potter, make sure to book in advance this experience directly with Richard.
📍29 Beech Hill Oak Tree Gardens, La Route De Lane Trinite, St Helier, Jersey JE2 4YQ, Jersey
9. Jersey Wetland Centre
Another place you could go to if you want to spot different birds in the wild is the National Trust for Jersey Wetland Centre. Access to the centre is free but of course donations are welcome.
What you can expect to see over there is a visitor centre with lots of information about the different birds species you can find on site. The bird watch house allows you to sit quietly and observe the wildlife as it goes in their habitat.
If you don’t have binoculars with you, you will find a large TV that streams live footage of the wildlife habitats with different angles and cameras you can control from the house.
Overall, the Jersey Wetland Centre is a good spot on the island to take the family out for a few hours. Maybe stop by l’ Ouziere beach, which is located not too far from the centre.
📍Grande Route des Mielles, Jersey JE4 5RL, Jersey
10. Jersey Museum & Art Gallery
Jersey Museum is a good introduction to the history of the island where you will learn how it was discovered and why it belongs to the English crown. In addition, you will be able to hear and read the local dialect Jèrriais which seems closer to French than English at least verbally.
Don’t forget to sit down and watch the movie Story of Jersey with lots of facts and illustrations about the island.
📍The Weighbridge, JE2 3NG, Jersey
11. Jump Jersey Les Ormes
If your kids need an exciting indoor activity, you simply can’t go wrong by booking a session at Jump Jersey Les Ormes. This fun attraction has 40 different trampolines with climbing walls. In fact, Jump Jersey is the largest indoor attraction for families in Jersey.
For your little ones, there is a designated soft play area and even quiet sessions for shy children in exploratory mode.
On the top of these popular activities, you can book a pottery painting workshop or make your own teddy bear.
Don’t forget to book within 48 hours your desired activity for your kids to avoid disappointment.
📍Les Ormes Le, Mont a la Brune, JE3 8FL, Jersey
12. Rocco’s Crazy Golf
Now in my opinion this activity will be a winner among most children who are asking for a fun thing to do in Jersey. Rocco’s Crazy Golf is a 18 holes miniature golf located in St Ouen’s Bay.
It will take between 40 minutes and 1 hour to complete your round of golf and hopefully beat your kids by scoring the lowest points on the course.
The most impressive and colourful course is the Adventure Golf with statues and tricky holes that will boost your patience. This new course was added last year in 2022 and has a seating area nearby. This activity is highly praised for families visiting Jersey with kids.
📍St Ouen, Jersey JE3 2LN, Jersey
13. Aqua Splash
If you fancy a swimming session indoor, head to Aqua Splash in St Helier where you and your children can enjoy 25m pool with different lanes. There is also the Leisure pool to enjoy with a wave machine and Jacuzzi. At the moment, the popular flumes are out of use due to maintenance.
Aqua Splash is a good alternative to beach swimming if you are unlucky one day with heavy rain coming down on Jersey or if you simply feel taking a swimming lesson with your young children.
📍The Waterfront Centre, Rue de L’etau, JE2 4HE, Jersey
14. Hamptonne Country Life Museum
Hamptonne Country Life Museum is a fascinating open air museum where your family can discover the history of farming in Jersey. Lots of animals are be found in the farm such as chicken or pigs.
The farming estate dates back from the 15th century with different owners through the centuries. Parents will appreciate how cider is made in Jersey and could even participate in a cider tasting session.
Finally, your children will have a good time in the outdoor play area whilst you are enjoying a snack or your favourite hot drink.
📍La Rue de la Patente, JE3 1HS, Jersey
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CONCLUSION
You’ve come to the end of my guide on the best things to do in Jersey with your kids. I hope you have found enough ideas to keep the family busy during your holiday in Jersey.
Typically, visitors spend 2 to 3 nights in Jersey which gives plenty of time to explore different areas of the island. However in the summer it is not impossible find families spend a week there to split time between the beach and sightseeing. Happy Travels!
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