Best days out for kids & families in Devon

Our favourite things to do in Devon for families

When it comes to family days out, Devon has plenty to offer for kids of all ages - and parents! Whether you're after zoos, farms, theme parks or playgrounds, there is something for everyone to enjoy in this beautiful county. From toddlers to teenagers, we've put together a guide to the best days out for families in Devon, split into activities and attractions for different age groups to make planning your next adventure a breeze.

Ready to book your family home away from home? Discover our lodges and holiday parks in Devon, or check out our family holidays for other top UK destinations to take the kids.

Best for toddlers & pre-schoolers:

For the littlest members of your family, Devon has plenty of options for a fun and stress-free day out. Below are some of our favourite family attractions for toddlers and pre-schoolers.

Occombe Farm Park & Play, Paignton

If you're holidaying in Devon's popular "English Riviera" with little ones who love animals, then Occombe Farm in Paignton is a great choice. Toddlers and pre-schoolers can meet farm animals, bottle feed lambs, take a tractor ride and explore nature trails. There are also a whole host of exciting play areas to explore, including a straw bale maze, a tractor tyre sandpit and a messy kitchen! And for children under two, there's even a special crawling space with colourful beanbags (open daily 10am-11.45am). The farm also has a café serving delicious local produce, making it an enjoyable day out for all the family.

Postcode: TQ3 1RN
Opening hours: Daily 10am-5.30pm April-October and 10am-4.30pm November-March (last entry is one hour before closing)
Tickets: It's £8 for children (2-15 years) and £10.50 for adults. You can get a Saver Ticket (2 adults and 2 children or 1 adult and 3 children) for £34

Stay nearby: Discover our Paignton holiday parks and lodges

The Donkey Sanctuary, Sidmouth

Located in Sidmouth, The Donkey Sanctuary is home to hundreds of rescued donkeys that can be petted and fed. Kids can also enjoy donkey grooming sessions, nature walks and interactive exhibits about donkey care. It's a heartwarming and educational experience for family fun with the little ones.

Postcode: EX10 0NU
Opening hours: Daily 9am-5pm
Tickets: Free entry and no pre-booking required

Stay nearby: Ladram Bay Holiday Park - family-friendly caravans and lodges on the coast, 20 minutes' drive from The Donkey Sanctuary

Combe Martin Wildlife & Dinosaur Park, Combe Martin

Nestled in 28 acres of beautiful gardens, Combe Martin Wildlife & Dinosaur Park is a fantastic day out for animal-loving toddlers (and their parents!) The park combines wildlife and dinosaur attractions that will fascinate young visitors. Children can see animals like sea lions, meerkats and baboons; participate in feeding sessions and talks; and enjoy various playgrounds and rides. A highlight is the Dinosaur Domain & the Valley of the Dinosaurs, featuring life-size animatronic dinosaurs with interactive displays that educate and entertain.

Postcode: EX34 0NG
Opening hours: These vary so it's best to check the park's website
Tickets: Advance online tickets are slightly cheaper than at the gate. It's £14.99 for children (3-15 years) and £17.49 for adults (16+ years). Children under 3 go free

Stay nearby: Check out our Combe Martin holiday parks and lodges

Woodlands Family Theme Park, Dartmouth

Located just a few miles outside of Dartmouth, Woodlands Family Theme Park is an amazing all-weather, year-round attraction offering a wide range of rides, play areas, live shows and animal encounters. Toddlers and pre-schoolers can have fun exploring the giant indoor play areas, meeting farm animals and riding on mini attractions designed just for them. Keep an eye out for special events during summer, autumn and winter.

Postcode: TQ9 7DQ
Opening hours: These vary so it's best to check the park's website - the park is open all year round but some rides may be closed during off-peak periods
Tickets: Online off-peak prices start from £13.95 for children over 92cm and adults. Children under 92cm go free

Stay nearby: Leonards Cove holiday park - clifftop holiday park on the coast, 15 minutes' drive from Woodlands Family Theme Park

The Milky Way Adventure Park, Bideford

The Milky Way Adventure Park in Bideford is often touted as one of the best family days out in Devon. When it comes to taking your toddler, there's a dedicated area called "Little Stars", which includes gentle rides, soft play areas and interactive exhibits. Little ones can enjoy bouncing on trampolines, watching magic shows and exploring space-themed attractions for an out-of-this-world experience.

Tip: This is a great place to visit with multiple children of different ages, as there are also bigger rides for older kids.

Postcode: EX39 5RY
Opening hours: These vary so it's best to check the park's website
Tickets: Entry starts from £2 for children under 1, £7.95 for children 1-2 years, and £16.50 for children 3-17 years and adults 18+

Stay nearby: Bideford Bay holiday park - hilltop holiday park by the sea, only a few minutes' drive from The Milky Way Adventure Park

Watermouth Family Theme Park & Castle, Ilfracombe

Watermouth Family Theme Park & Castle is a magical family destination for toddlers, boasting beautiful gardens and various activities and attractions. Standout features include the adventure playground, ideal for climbing and sliding, and the miniature railway, which offers scenic rides around the grounds. The castle also hosts an exciting water show with music, lights and dancing fountains, captivating viewers of all ages. Regular live performances enhance the fun, making it a memorable day out for families in Devon.

Postcode: EX34 9SL
Opening hours: Daily 10am-5pm March-October (last entry 3pm)
Tickets: Online off-peak tickets start from £4 for children under 92cm and £18 for general admission. Children under 1 year go free

Stay nearby: Golden Coast Holiday Park - seaside villas and apartments, 20 minutes' drive from Watermouth Castle

Diggerland Devon, Cullompton

Diggerland Devon is a unique theme park in Cullompton, around 30 minutes' drive from Exeter, offering a hands-on experience for families with young children. The park features a range of construction-themed rides, activities and attractions where kids can operate real diggers and experience digger-based rides. It's an exciting and educational day out for toddlers and pre-schoolers who love construction vehicles.

Postcode: EX15 2PE
Opening hours: These vary so it's best to check Diggerland Devon's website
Tickets: It's £25.95 for children over 100cm and adults. Children under 100cm go free

Stay nearby: Upton Lakes Lodges or Goodiford Mill Lakes, both 10 minutes' drive from Diggerland Devon

Seaton Tramway, Axe Valley

Located in the seaside resort of Seaton, the gateway to the Jurassic Coast, Seaton Tramway is a scenic tram ride that takes visitors along the stunning Axe Valley coastline. Families with young children can enjoy a leisurely ride on vintage trams, taking in beautiful views of the countryside and seaside. The tramway also has interactive exhibits, a play area and a café for a relaxing day out exploring Devon's picturesque landscapes.

Tip: Seaton Tramway is also dog-friendly!

Postcode: EX12 2WD
Opening hours: Trams usually run every 20 minutes from 10am-5pm daily, although it's best to double check in advance
Tickets: Explorer tickets, which allow unlimited travel on any trams for the whole day, start from £12.70 for adults and £10 for children (2-15 years). Children under 2 years go free and there are discounted options for families with more than one child

Best for primary schoolers:

If you have energetic young children and are looking for fun activities during the school holidays, Devon has no shortage of exciting attractions to keep them entertained. Read on to discover some of the best family attractions for primary school-age kids.

Pennywell Farm, Buckfastleigh

Head to Pennywell Farm in Buckfastleigh, near Totnes, for a day of meeting adorable animals and taking part in interactive activities. Primary school-aged children will have a fantastic time here, participating in activities such as deer feeding, goat milking, pig racing and egg collecting. The farm also offers educational shows and demonstrations that are both entertaining and informative. It's a fun and engaging way for kids to learn about farm life, animal care and the importance of agriculture.

Tip: Numbers are limited so you need to book tickets in advance.

Postcode: TQ11 OLT
Opening hours: Daily 9am-4pm from mid-February to early November
Tickets: Day tickets are £17.95 for children (3-15 years) and £21.95 for adults. Children 0-2 years go free (prices may vary throughout the year and for special events)

Babbacombe Model Village, Torquay

Visit Babbacombe Model Village for a miniature world of wonder that is sure to capture your child's imagination! Set in 4 acres of gardens, children can admire the miniature models, explore the interactive displays and engage in fun activities. They can learn about different decades of British life and culture, and even participate in quizzes or treasure hunts.

Postcode: TQ1 3LA
Opening hours: These vary throughout the year so it's best to check Babbacombe's website in advance
Tickets: It's £15.95 for children (3-15 years) and £18.95 for adults

Stay nearby: Check out our holiday cottages in Torquay or stay at Torquay Holiday Park, 10 minutes' drive from Babbacombe Model Village

Crealy Theme Park & Resort, Exeter

Crealy Theme Park & Resort near Exeter is a firm favourite with families, offering a mix of exciting rides, adventurous rollercoasters and thrilling waterslides. In addition to the rides, Crealy also boasts a wide range of interactive animal encounters, including petting zoos and feeding sessions, providing a safe and controlled environment for children. There are also plenty of indoor rides and soft play areas in case it's raining.

Tip: If you're visiting with a toddler in tow, you can also check out the Adventure Zone and Animal Kingdom, where younger children can enjoy the gentler rides, play areas and animal interactions.

Postcode: EX5 1DR
Opening hours: These vary throughout the year so it's best to check the park's website in advance
Tickets: Children over 92cm and adults start from £18. Children under 92cm go free

Stay onsite at one of our family-friendly hot tub lodges in Crealy Theme Park & Resort!

The BIG Sheep, Bideford

The BIG Sheep farm and theme Park is a fantastic day out for little and big thrillseekers! This attraction offers a variety of rides, including Devon's fastest rollercoaster "Rampage", as well as play areas, activities and live shows like sheep racing and duck trials. Kids can also enjoy petting and feeding the farm animals, making for a fun, interactive and educational experience during the school holidays.

Tip: the BIG Sheep is home to Devon's fastest rollercoaster, Rampage.

Postcode: EX39 5AP
Opening hours: These vary throughout the year so it's best to check the park's website in advance
Tickets: Online tickets start from £6 for children under 3ft, and £14.95 for children over 3ft and adults. Babies under 12 months start from £1

Stay nearby: For a family caravan holiday with sea views, check out Bideford Bay, 10 minutes' drive from The BIG Sheep

Exmoor Zoo, Barnstaple

Located just outside of Exmoor National Park, not far from popular coastal spots including Combe Martin, Lynton and Lynmouth, Exmoor Zoo is a great attraction for families with young children in North Devon. Kids can observe and learn about a variety of animals, including monkeys, meerkats and big cats. The zoo offers interactive activities and animal encounters, making it an exciting and educational experience for kids.

Postcode: EX31 4SG
Opening hours: Daily 10am-5pm in summer and 10am-4pm in winter (last entry is one hour before closing)
Tickets: Online tickets start from £14.25 for children (3-15 years) and £18 for adults. Alternatively, it's £60.50 for a family ticket (2 adults and 2 children). Children under 3 years go free

Stay nearby: Check out our Lynton holiday cottages or Lynmouth Holiday Retreat, 20 minutes' drive from Exmoor Zoo

Paignton Zoo, Paignton

For animal lovers in South Devon, Paignton Zoo is another fantastic family day out. With over 2,000 animals and 80 acres of beautiful gardens to explore, kids can learn about a wide range of species from around the world. The zoo also offers daily talks, feeding sessions and interactive exhibits.

Postcode: TQ4 7EU
Opening hours: Daily from 10am. Closing times vary throughout the year so it's best to check the zoo's website
Tickets: Online tickets start from £19.75 for children (3-15 years) and £26.35 for adults. Alternatively, it's £81.95 for a saver ticket (2 adults and 2 children). Children under 3 years go free

Stay nearby: Discover our Paignton holiday parks and lodges

Kents Cavern, Torquay

Kents Cavern is a prehistoric cave system in Torquay - the heart of the English Riviera. Kids can have great fun exploring the caves and learning about the history of the area, including how early humans lived. The caves also offer interactive exhibits and activities, making it a hands-on and educational experience for both adults and children.

Tip: You can only access the caves on a guided tour so will need to book a specific time.

Postcode: TQ1 2JF
Opening hours: Tours run daily from 10am, with the last tours around 3pm or 3.30pm
Tickets: Online tickets start from £14 for children (3-15 years) and £16 for adults. Children under 3 years go free

Stay nearby: Check out our holiday cottages in Torquay or stay at Torquay Holiday Park, 15 minutes' drive from Kents Cavern

World of Country Life, Exmouth

Occupying a prime spot on the Jurassic Coast and the South West Coast Path, the World of Country Life offers an array of indoor and outdoor play areas, plus plenty of unique and exciting family activities. From meeting farm animals to riding on tractors and exploring vintage vehicles, children can learn about rural life in a fun and engaging way. The park also features a museum and puts on daily shows.

Tip: Park tickets are open and not date specific, so if you buy tickets and your plans change, you can visit on another day

Postcode: EX8 5BY
Opening hours: Daily 10am-5pm mid-March to early-November
Tickets: It's £14.95 for children (3-15 years) and £18.25 for adults. Alternatively, it's £61.50 for a family saver ticket (2 adults and 2 children) or £74.75 for a family super saver ticket (2 adults and 3 children). Children under 3 years go free

Stay nearby: Explore Woodbury Woods for woodland caravans, 15 minutes' drive from the World of Country Life

Torquay's Dinosaur World, Torquay

Torquay's Dinosaur World is a great family day out for anyone fascinated by these pre-historic creatures! The indoor exhibition - ideal for rainy days - features life-sized dinosaur models, fossils and interactive displays. Children can learn about different dinosaur species, their habitats and behavior, making it a hands-on and educational experience for dinosaur enthusiasts, young and old.

Tip: This features on our list of things to do in Devon in the rain, which you can check out for more all-weather attractions!

Postcode: TQ1 2BB
Opening hours: 11am-5pm (last entry is 3.30pm). Opening days vary throughout the year so it's best to check the website in advance
Tickets: It's £7.95 for children (3-16 years) and adults. Children under 3 years go free

Stay nearby: Check out our holiday cottages in Torquay or stay at Torquay Holiday Park, 15 minutes' drive from Torquay's Dinosaur World

Becky Falls, Newton Abbot

Becky Falls is a beautiful, family-friendly attraction located in Dartmoor National Park. Kids can explore the stunning waterfall, woodland trails, and rock pools, making it a great outdoor adventure for families with nature lovers. The park also offers interactive activities, such as animal encounters and nature trails, making it an educational and fun day out for children.

Tip: Dogs on leads are welcome everywhere except the Animal Discovery Zone.

Postcode: TQ13 9UG
Opening hours: Daily 10am-5pm from early-February to early-November (last entry is 4pm)
Tickets: It's £8.75 for children (4-15 years) and £9.75 for adults. Alternatively, it's £35 for a family ticket (2 adults and 2 children) with additional children at £7 eachor £74.75 for a family super saver ticket (2 adults and 3 children). Children under 4 years go free

Stay nearby: For a family-friendly holiday park, check out Finlake Resort & Spa, 20 minutes' drive from Becky Falls

Best for tweens & teenagers

For kids who are a little older and looking for more adrenaline-fuelled thrills, or for teenagers who might appreciate a bit of independence, Devon has plenty to offer. If your tween or teen is interested in watersports, you can also check out our guide to the best places to surf, kayak and paddleboard in Devon.

Haldon Forest Park, Exeter

Haldon Forest Park near Exeter is a fantastic place for families with tweens and teenagers to spend a day outdoors. With over 3,500 acres of woodland to explore, there are plenty of walking and cycling trails to keep older children entertained. The park also offers high ropes courses, zip lines and Segway tours for those looking for a bit more adventure.

Postcode: EX6 7XR
Opening hours & tickets: The forest is open daily from 7am-9pm - activity times and prices vary depending on what you want to do so check out the park's website to find out more

Stay nearby: Holmans Wood or Finlake Resort & Spa

North Devon Wake Park, Bideford

North Devon Wake Park is a great destination for families with older children who enjoy watersports. The aqua park offers ringo rides, open-water swimming, and wakeboarding and paddleboarding experiences on their man-made lake, as well as a café and picnic area for a relaxing break between activities.

Tip: This is right next to The Milky Way Adventure Park, which we mentioned earlier.

Postcode: EX39 5RY
Opening hours & tickets: Prices and opening hours vary by activity, so it's best to check the park's website for more information

Stay nearby: Bideford Bay holiday park - hilltop holiday park by the sea, only a few minutes' drive from North Devon Wake Park

Ultimate Adventure Centre, Bideford

The Ultimate Adventure Centre in Bideford is perfect for families with tweens and teenagers who love outdoor activities. With options such as coasteering, high ropes courses, archery, paddleboarding and mountain biking, there's something for everyone at this adrenaline-fueled attraction.

Tip: The centre offers Ultimate Day Out tickets specifically aimed at families, which includes the Ultimate Assault Course and Aerial Adventure Courses, and lasts from 10am-3pm.

Postcode: EX39 5AP
Opening hours & tickets: Prices and opening hours vary by activity, so it's best to check the cenre's website for more information

Powderham Castle, Exeter

Powderham Castle can be a great destination for tweens and teens, with its rich history, stunning architecture and beautiful grounds to explore. The castle offers a range of activities and events that cater to this age group, such as guided tours, interactive exhibitions and outdoor activities like the deer park and adventure playground. Additionally, the castle often hosts special events and workshops that are engaging and educational for tweens and teens, such as falconry displays and medieval reenactments.

Tip: If you don't want to visit the castle, you can get cheaper tickets for access to the grounds only, which includes the Belvedere Tower, American Garden and Secret Garden.

Postcode: EX6 8JQ
Opening hours: 10am-4pm Sunday-Friday
Tickets: Advance online tickets for entry to the castle and grounds start from £10.95 for children and £14.95 for adults. Alternatively, it's £39.95 for a family ticket (2 adults and 2 children). Children under 5 years go free

River Dart Country Park, near Newton Abbot

Nestled in Dartmoor National Park, not far from the historic market town of Newton Abbot, River Dart Country Park is an ideal day out for families with teenagers. The park features exciting water sports, including kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding and an inflatable assault course on the lake. Adventure-seeking teens can tackle the high ropes course or zip line. For those preferring land activities, the park has numerous walking routes and cycling trails, along with archery, rock climbing and an assault course.

Postcode: TQ13 7NP
Opening hours & tickets: Prices and opening hours vary by activity, so it's best to check the park's website for more information

Stay nearby: Finlake Resort & Spa, family-friendly holiday park, 20 minutes' drive from River Dart Country Park

Family attractions for any age

No matter the age of you or your children, Devon has something for everyone to enjoy on a family day out. Whether you're looking for adventure, relaxation or education, this incredible county has it all. So pack up the car, grab the kids and get ready for a day of fun and memories in Devon!

Find more ideas for your Devon staycation below, or check out our full choice of Devon holiday homes to book your family getaway!

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