Looking for something to do with the kids on your upcoming staycation in Devon? From thrilling theme parks, fun farm attractions, amazing adventure courses and riveting railways, there’s something for kids of all ages to enjoy here in the stunning Southwest.
Keep reading to discover our roundup of the best family friendly activities in Devon…
Amazing Adventure Courses
Go Ape at Haldon Forest is nestled in 3500 acres of woodland, providing the perfect day out for you and your tribe. Gather your adventurous friends and family and head to the forest to take on some awesome challenges, including tree-to-tree-crossings, super-springy bounce nets and zippy Segways.
The Bear Trail in Cullompton is a muddy assault course with 27 obstacles for you to climb, slip, slide, run and swing under, over and through. The Bear Trail is ideal for all ages, welcoming everyone from young toddlers and children to teenagers and adults.
River Dart Country Park in Ashburton provides the most scenic setting for all kinds of outdoor activities. With over 25 park attractions, children can rough-and-tumble over space nets, swing through trees on jungle ropes or even capture a wooden pirate ship surrounded by water.
Fun Farm Attractions
World of Country Life in Exmouth is a farm attraction with a difference. You can make friends with a variety of furry and feathered creatures, including lambs, goats, calves, donkeys, alpacas, rheas, llamas, red deer, and ferrets. There is also a fascinating collection of vintage vehicles to discover.
Pennywell Farm in Buckfastleigh is packed full of animals, activities, shows, and displays. Children can join in with fabulous farm activities such as goat milking, ferret racing, deer feeding and egg collecting. The farm is home to the Pennywell Miniature pigs – their pig racing event is a must-see!
The Donkey Sanctuary in Sidmouth is home to hundreds of rescue donkeys that love to meet new people. The attraction is totally free, offering fun activities, trails and talks for families to enjoy. Friendly dogs on leads are also welcome.
The Miniature Pony Centre in Newton Abbott is a hands-on family day out with lots of cute ponies and donkeys. Meet the resident unicorns, miniature Shetlands, miniature pigs and Mammoth Donkeys, whilst taking part in the centre’s free daily interactive activities.
Awesome Animal Encounters
Combe Martin Wildlife and Dinosaur Park boasts some of the most endangered animals in the world, as well as housing many prehistoric dinosaurs. Discover animatronic T-Rex’s, Triceratrops, Megalosaurs, Spinosaurus and Brachiosaurus, whilst meeting many exotic animals.
Exmoor Zoo houses wildlife from around the world – from Amazonian creepy crawlies to Australian wallaby joeys and everything in between. They offer a wide range of talks, handling and feeding sessions, with lots to see and do whatever the weather.
Buckfast Butterflies and Otter Sanctuary boasts a wonderful collection of exotic butterflies and moths, as well as beautiful birds, fish, and terrapins. They have three different types of otters on site, with opportunities to learn all about these fascinating creatures.
Days Out with a Difference
Crealy Theme Park & Resort in Exeter is home to the most rides in Devon, with an exciting calendar of events during the summer holidays. There are over 60 indoor and outdoor rides and attractions on offer, as well as animals, an undercover play area and an extensive outdoor adventure area.
Wildwood Escot in Ottery Saint Mary provides a fun-filled family day out with a difference. Children can lose themselves in the Beech Hedge Maze, venture down the heart-stopping Drop-Slide, wander through the woodland trails or encounter wolves, lynx, wild boar, wildcats, otters, and red squirrels.
Quince Honey Farm in South Molton houses over 1500 beehives. This working honey farm is jam-packed full of bee related activities for all the family to enjoy, including guided tours, honey tasting sessions, beeswax candle making, beekeeping demos, bee displays and more.
Riveting Railways
South Devon Railway is the longest established steam railway in the Southwest. This 7-mile former Great Western Railway line runs along the River Dart between Buckfastleigh and Totnes, with stops to Totnes Rare Breeds Farm and Buckfast Butterflies and Otter Sanctuary along the way.
Dartmouth Steam Railway provides a rather different way to travel to the seaside. You can discover the delights of Torquay, Paignton, Brixham, Dartmouth, the River Dart, Kingswear and Totnes via a steam train ride, boat trip or paddle steamer.
Wilderness Adventures for the Whole Family to Enjoy at Exe Valley Glamping
Children love the great outdoors; sleeping under canvas, toasting marshmallows and discovering the vast array of wildlife hidden under logs and within pebbled streams. Here at Exe Valley Glamping, you can enjoy woodland walks, picnics on the river Exe and paddling in the pebbled bank, all just a stone’s throw away from your tent.
Each canvas tent contains a selection of board games, puzzles, and books; providing families with precious time to relax and unwind together. Whether your children are thrill seekers, explorers or moochers, there's something here to suit everyone.
We are filling up fast for the summer season – so don’t delay, book your summer staycation in mid Devon today!
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