Whether you’re exploring the outdoors, visiting family, or simply enjoying some quiet days at home, the summer holidays offer time to unwind and create some new memories. It can be quite full on and overwhelming trying to keep the kids entertained during the holidays, so we’ve put together this handy guide including seven delightful family-friendly spots in Devon to visit during the summer holidays.
Crealy - Clyst St Mary, Exeter
Go Ape at Haldon Forest – Kennford, Exeter
Donning some of the most amazing views, Go Ape at Haldon Forest is right against the backdrop of Dartmoor and you’ll experience some amazing 360-degree views when you’re up in the tree tops. If you opt for the TreeTop Challenge, you’ll spend two to three hours grabbing hold of ropes, rising to new heights, and riding a 200-metre long zip wire. You must be at least 10 years old. The Treetop Adventure is high up over Haldon but is suitable for the younger adventurers, as long as they’re over 1m tall!
Haldon Forest itself is a lovely place to visit. Whether you want to go for a family bike ride, walk or run, Haldon Forest is popular with mountain bikers and walking groups and there are a number of different trails to suit everyone. There’s bike hire available on site, a children’s play area, a café or plenty of picnic areas if you want to bring your own food.
Paignton Zoo – Paignton
Meeting animals and exploring new species is the perfect way to spend the day, and what better place to do it than at Paignton Zoo?
They have over 2,000 different animals set in naturalistic indoor and outdoor exhibits across 80 acres of spacious grounds set against the backdrop of Paignton’s coast. There’s lots of picnic areas and places to grab food or ice cream, adventure play areas for younger ones, and a peaceful nature trail if you fancy a relaxing walk.
Whether you’re experiencing the humidity of the Reptile House or climbing the hill to Baboon rock, you’re guaranteed an exciting day discovering animals from all around the world.
Pennywell Farm – Buckfastleigh, South Devon
Pennywell Farm is well known for being Devon’s go-to family attraction. Set against the rolling hills of Dartmoor, the farm offers so much more than visiting animals; there’s a plethora of experiences for you and your young ones to enjoy.
Meet, feed, cuddle, and pet animals in a safe and supervised environment, including their new baby goats, lambs, piglets, and other seasonal newborns! Watch the iconic pig racing, enjoy live activities and shows, picnic and play, and enjoy the free farm rides – fun for all ages.
The Donkey Sanctuary - Sidmouth
Why not spend the day visiting hundreds of adorable donkeys in a tranquil corner of the Jurassic Coast? The Donkey Sanctuary is a working farm home to hundreds of donkeys, as well as award-winning gardens and coastal walks.
There’s also a natural play area, daily talks and engaging displays. Make sure you bring a picnic with you or stop off at their restaurant for a bite to eat.
National Marine Aquarium – Plymouth
Situated in the port city of Plymouth, the National Marine Aquarium is the largest in the UK and is home to over 5,000 aquatic animals. Offering a variety of interactive activities, educational presentations and exhibits, the aquarium is perfect for visitors of all ages.
If you’re feeling peckish, you can eat at the Waves Café which overlooks the Barbican harbour or you can sit outside and bring a picnic or visit the Sea’cret Garden Snack Shack. The aquarium also has a soft play area for youngsters to let off some steam when the excitement gets too much. And on your way out, stop off at the ocean gift shop to pick up a souvenir.
The aquarium has recently launched their snorkelling experience, giving you the opportunity to immerse yourself among animals such as stringrays, sharks, and a green turtle from the safety of the snorkel-pen!
The Big Sheep – Bideford, North Devon
The Big Sheep is a multi-award-winning theme park and top family attraction in North Devon.
You’ll be able to experience live shows such as the world-famous Sheep Race, feed the baby lambs, and ride Devon’s largest family rollercoaster! There’s always plenty of other things to do, and their indoor and outdoor play areas mean it’s worth a visit whatever the weather. Meet the animals, experience the tractor safaris, and even camp onsite for the ultimate visit.
A trip here is guaranteed to keep the kids entertained all day!
