101 Best Things To Do With Kids In Devon

See Also

  1. Let the kids imaginations run wild at River Dart Country Park.
  2. Marvel at the wolves and wildcats at Wildwood Escot.
  3. Have a sleepover with sharks at The National Marine Aquarium.
  4. Cuddle a guinea pig and smooth the feathers of an Eagle Owl at Totnes Rare Breeds farm.
  5. Lookout for woodland sculptures at Lydford Gorge, the deepest natural gorge in the South West with a stunning 30m waterfall.
  6. Step into the stone age and try some cave painting at Kents Cavern.
  7. Take a scenic ride around Bicton Park Botanical Gardens on the Woodland Railway.
  8. Ride the last remaining coal-fired paddle steamer in the UK with the Dartmouth Steam Railway & River Boat Company.
  9. Become a newspaper reporter and discover the truth behind the ‘Curse of the Mummy’s Hand’ in the ‘Egyptomania’ exhibition at Torquay Museum.
  10. Take the archaeology trail or the animal themed spotter trail at Agatha Christie’s holiday home, Greenway.
  11. Hop aboard the Jungle Express and get up close to over 2,500 animals at Paignton Zoo.
  12. Feed the animals in the indoor barn at The BIG Sheep.
  13. Enjoy some kayaking at the picturesque Blackpool Sands.
  14. Ride the coasters at Woodlands, the largest family theme park in Devon.
  15. Take part in a family arts and crafts session at Exeter’s Royal Albert Memorial Museum & Art Gallery.
  16. Have some piggy cuddles with the miniature pigs at Pennywell Farm.
  17. Explore the full-size replica of Sir Francis Drake’s tudor galleon, The Golden Hind.
  18. Explore the Hill Fort and trails at Woodbury Common.
  19. Say hello to the hundreds of donkeys at The Donkey Sanctuary, which is free to visit.
  20. Breathe some of the purest air in England and explore 50 acres of stunning woodlands at Becky Falls.
  21. Ride the Twister, the Tidal Wave or the Safari Express at Crealy Theme Park & Resort.
  22. Stumble upon the intriguing walled art garden where you can find hidden artwork and a story telling area at Cockington Court House & Gardens.
  23. Shop til you drop and visit the Play-Zone at Trago Mills.
  24. Explore Exmouth Beach its two miles of golden sand and fascinating rock pools to keep the kids happy.
  25. Get up close to tropical butterflies and otters at Dartmoor Otters & Buckfast Butterflies.
  26. Explore the adventure play area at Simmons Park, Okehampton.
  27. Take a riverside trail at the 1,200-acre Dartington Hall estate.
  28. Try mountain boarding, aerial adventuring, archery and more at The Ultimate Adventure Centre.
  29. Experience the sights, sounds and smells of a working factory and learn about yarn and textile production at Coldharbour Mill.
  30. Step back in time into a life size Victorian Street with an apothecary and toy shop, plus see the miniature railway at Bygones Victorian Museum.
  31. Explore the Dunkeswell Memorial Museum or pack a picnic and take a hike at The Blackdown Hills, an area of outstanding natural beauty.
  32. Ride the ringo’s or race around the Aquapark at North Devon Wakepark.
  33. Step aboard the Seaton Tramway for a fun family day out and view 3 miles of beautiful, unspoilt countryside along the way.
  34. Launch onto a giant airbag and bounce the day away at iBounce Exeter.
  35. Dinosaur fans will love the Jurassic themed play area with snake swings and climbing frames at Queen’s Drive Space on Exmouth Seafront.
  36. Splash and play in the wave machine or ride the flume at Waves Leisure Pool.
  37. See lions, tigers and many more rare and wonderful creatures at Dartmoor Zoo.
  38. Clamber through acres of woodland and take the family trails at Haldon Forest Park.
  39. Get a guided tour of the medieval Powderham Castle and burn off some energy at the Play Fort.
  40. Drive and operate real diggers at Diggerland, where the whole family can have buckets of fun.
  41. Watch master craftsmen at work and stock up on bags of marbles at The House of Marbles.
  42. Explore the ruined shell of the great Elizabethan mansion of the Seymours, set within the 15th century defences of the Berry Pomeroy castle.
  43. Search for crabs and shells in the rock pools at Shoalstone Beach.
  44. Check out the surfboards and related memorabilia at The Museum of British Surfing.
  45. Take a great Coast Path Explorer Trail, collect rubbings and learn about the resident crabs at Wembury.
  46. Pack a map and a compass and try Letterboxing On Dartmoor, a pastime that delighted intrepid walkers of the Victorian era.
  47. Have plenty of fun in the ball pools at Bear Feet Playcentre, an amazing 8,000 square feet of soft play.
  48. Admire a mini Stonehenge, a fire breathing dragon, the model railway and more at Babbacombe Model Village and Gardens.
  49. Become a keeper for the day and feed, interact with and even help clean out the animal enclosures at Shaldon Zoo.
  50. Ride the South Devon Steam Railway which runs along the stunning valley of the River Dart between Buckfastleigh and Totnes.
  51. Watch the duck racing, hop on board the Deer Train or play some Crazy Golf at The World of Country Life.
  52. Take a trip on a Sea Tractor at Bigbury On Sea beach.
  53. Get your teeth into the interactive indoor exhibition at Torquay’s Dinosaur World.
  54. Set up a snail race and create some wild art at Knightshayes a great post-war garden and grand Gothic Revival house.
  55. Take on the sheer speed of The Screamer and ride the Wild Kamikaz at Splashdown Waterparks.
  56. Ride a pony and learn all about the wonderful furry animals at The Miniature Pony Centre.
  57. Swim in crystal-clear waters at the beautiful Blackpool Sands.
  58. Let the little ones run wild at Geoplay Park on Paignton seafront.
  59. Learn about the history of the Mid Devon area from the late 19th century at the family friendly Tiverton Museum.
  60. Head to Occombe Farm, a working farm that you can visit for free.
  61. Create everlasting keepsakes at The Art Café, Kingsbridge.
  62. Have an owl encouter and handle a variety of birds at Yarak Birds of Prey Centre.
  63. Explore the fascinating medieval passages and learn of sieges, plague and pestilence at Exeter’s Underground Passages.
  64. Get a factory tour and watch the talented craftsmen at work at Dartington Crystal Glass.
  65. Take your seats for the famous underground Water Show Extravaganza at Watermouth Family Theme Park and Castle.
  66. Learn all about the natural and human history of North Devon at The Museum of Barnstaple.
  67. Do something out of the ordinary and hire The Picnic Boat for a trip along The River Dart, ideal for families and groups of up to 12!
  68. Become a mini bee keeper or try some beeswax candle rolling at Quince Honey Farm.
  69. Take the Milky Way and have a fun packed day out at this large family theme park.
  70. See the impressive model ship collection or roam the Victorian Gardens at Arlington Court.
  71. Get your skates on at Plymouth Pavilions Ice Rink.
  72. Take a Segway Tour around the trails at Haldon Forest Park. Suitable for older kids (riders must be over 34.5kg and over 135cm).
  73. Conquer the bridges, trenches and barricades without getting shot at Paintball, North Devon.
  74. Pack a picnic and take the Tarka Trail through unspoiled countryside, dramatic sea cliffs and beautiful beaches.
  75. Budding golfers can have a go at virtual sports in all weathers at Bunker Indoor Golf.
  76. Hit the alleys for some Tenpin Bowling in Exeter.
  77. Master the mini assault course and take in the breathtaking sight of Canonteign Falls.
  78. Try fun indoor climbing at Clip ‘n Climb Exeter.
  79. Mingle with the playful penguins and get up close to otters, rays and seals at Living Coasts on Torquay seafront.
  80. Take a boat to Lundy Island and explore ‘Britain’s own Galapagos,’ home to Puffins and Manx Shearwaters.
  81. Visit the secret garden or take the lavender walk at Buckfast Abbey.
  82. Explore a tropical paradise at Overbecks sub tropical gardens.
  83. Journey through hand-carved tunnels leading to the spectacular, secluded Tunnels Beaches.
  84. Hit the waves with a full or half day Surf Lesson in Croyde.
  85. Ride the scenic train on the Bicton Woodland Railway.
  86. Visit the dramatic Castle Drogo overlooking the Teign Gorge.
  87. Spend the day at the wildlife & dinosaur park of Combe Martin, where kids will love the impressive life sized animatronic dinosaurs.
  88. Climb to the top of the battlement at one of the most beautifully located fortresses in England, Dartmouth Castle.
  89. Tackle muddy tracks and the water splash on a quad biking experience at Keypitts Off Road Adventures.
  90. Enjoy an Axe Valley Wildlife Park Experience and become a keeper for the day.
  91. Savour the sights, sounds and smells of the trational British seaside at Paignton Pier.
  92. Have some good old fashioned fairground fun at The Dingles Fairground Heritage Centre.
  93. Take an unforgettable Alpacca Trek through the East Devon countryside.
  94. Try tobogganing, 650 metres of sheer exhilaration, at Plymouth Snowsports Centre.
  95. Experience the thrill of meeting and flying a selection of some magnificent birds of prey at Hawkridge Bird of Prey Centre.
  96. Bows and arrows at the ready for aiming at dinosaurs, wolves and armoured knights at Dragon Archery.
  97. Try the exciting infra red combat game and claim victory against your opponents at Battlefield Live.
  98. Travel aboard the time-ship and step back in time to the Jurassic World, some 200 million years ago at Seaton Jurassic.
  99. Visit and learn about ‘life inside’ one of the world’s most famous and notorious jails at Dartmoor Prison.
  100. Swing through the trees at Go Ape, Haldon.
  101. Get an abseiling experience at Rock & Rapid.

101 Things To Do With The Kids

Photo of author

Nicola Horgan

Nicola is a mum of two who loves to travel. After plenty of trips abroad and here in the UK, she enjoys writing about all of the best places to stay and visit, especially with the kids in tow. When it comes to our product guides, Nicola has a wealth of experience in reviewing baby products, kids clothing and homewares. Her background in beauty marketing and fashion, always keeps her looking for the next best product.