Family Friendly Activities in Devon

Get ready for a fantastic family adventure in Devon!

Are you planning a family holiday to Devon and looking for fun-filled activities everyone will enjoy? Look no further! Devon is home to an array of attractions, theme parks, and so much more that will create lasting memories for you and your loved ones. From exploring the beautiful countryside to visiting the charming seaside towns, there is something for everyone in Devon. So pack your bags, book your Devon holiday cottage, and get ready for a holiday full of adventure and excitement! Read on to discover the top activities the whole family will love in Devon.

Theme Parks & Adventure Playgrounds

🎢 Milky Way Adventure Park

Clovelly, Bideford, Devon EX39 5RY

Get ready to celebrate 40 incredible years in 2024 with The Milky Way, a beloved local gem still proudly owned by the same family! This fantastic destination promises a day of fun and excitement, all while keeping the queuing to a minimum. You'll discover an array of multi-award-winning entertainment thoughtfully crafted by their dedicated team, ensuring that families can create joyful memories together—rain or shine!

With just one entrance fee, you gain access to all rides, play areas, activities, and shows. To make the most of your experience, be sure to book in advance as this popular park tends to reach capacity during peak times.

• Dogs-Accepted

• Toilets

• Free Parking

• Open All Year -restricted winter opening hours

• Tea / Coffee Shop

• Dog Friendly

• On-site Restaurant/Cafe

• Picnic Area

• Shop

🎢 Watermouth Castle

Berrynarbor, Ilfracombe, Devon EX34 9SL

Welcome to one of Devon's most exciting tourist attraction – an experience that promises fun for visitors of all ages! Step inside the castle, where you'll discover a captivating array of Victorian treasures, fascinating curiosities, and vintage displays. Venture outdoors to explore an exhilarating theme park filled with thrilling rides, attractions, and fantastic play structures! Take the pilot's seat on the Junior Aviator, embark on an adventure through the lush jungle of The Big River Ride, or zoom down the exhilarating Toboggan Run. If you prefer a more leisurely experience, enjoy a stroll through beautifully landscaped gardens and soak in the breathtaking views of Watermouth Cove and the stunning North Devon coastline.

• Dog Friendly

• Picnic Area

• On-Site café/restaurant

• Free Parking

• No smoking

🎢 Crealy Theme Park

Sidmouth Road, Clyst St. Mary, Exeter, Devon EX5 1DR

Experience the joy of award-winning family fun at Crealy Theme Park & Resort in Devon! With over 60 thrilling rides and attractions, there's endless excitement waiting for you. Enjoy spectacular entertainment, live shows, Sooty Land, and a wonderful array of animals that will charm visitors of all ages. Whether you're soaring on rollercoasters, exploring indoor adventure play areas, splashing through water rides, or visiting the zoo and farm animals – Crealy is your go-to destination for an unforgettable family day out—rain or shine! Don't forget to explore their fantastic calendar of seasonal events during the School Holidays; there's always something special happening at Crealy!

• On-Site café/restaurant

• Picnic Site

• Free Parking

🎢 Woodlands Family Theme Park

Blackawton, Dartmouth, Devon TQ9 7DQ

Get ready for an exhilarating adventure at Woodlands, the ultimate playground for superheroes eager to create unforgettable memories! With exciting seasonal events and special appearances from beloved TV characters, Woodlands is bursting with opportunities to explore and enjoy. Dive into a world of fun on Devon's largest watercoasters or embrace any weather with a splash inside the biggest indoor play centre in the South West. Experience breathtaking views across the entire park from Vertigo and feel the thrill as you soar skyward on our family-favourite Swing Ship! Wander through our amazing Zoo-Farm featuring five spacious indoor barns filled with wild, exotic, and adorable animals—plus delightful animal activities that will spark your imagination. Don't miss out on daily displays at the Falconry Centre that are sure to captivate all ages!

• Tea / Coffee Shop

• Picnic Area

• Shop

• Free Parking

• On-Site café/restaurant

Animal Farms

🚜 Pennywell Farm

Lower Dean, Buckfastleigh, Devon TQ11 0LT

Get ready for an unforgettable adventure at the multi-award-winning Pennywell Farm! Create memories that will last a lifetime as you dive into an experience brimming with animals, activities, exciting rides, and entertaining shows. As the largest activity farm in the South West, there's always something new to discover every 30 minutes—just keep your ears open for the bell! With over 150 delightful animals and fun attractions like pig racing and tractor rides, Pennywell has something special waiting for everyone.

• Dogs-Accepted

• On-Site café/restaurant

• Picnic Site

• Free Parking

🚜 Donkey Sanctuary

Slade House Farm, Sidmouth, Devon EX10 0NU

A trip to Devon is simply not complete without a visit to The Donkey Sanctuary! Nestled in a serene corner of the stunning Jurassic Coast near Sidmouth, this sanctuary is home to hundreds of rescue donkeys eagerly awaiting your arrival. Each resident donkey boasts its own unique character and heartwarming story.

This award-winning attraction invites visitors for free, ensuring that whether you're here for family moments or seeking a spot to relax with coffee and cake, you'll find something special. Immerse yourself in all the wonderful offerings at the sanctuary—from engaging exhibits and an exciting new play area to breathtaking gardens and scenic walks. You'll have countless opportunities to meet the lovable donkeys while enjoying activities, trails, and informative talks. Whether rain or shine, there's so much fun waiting for you and your loved ones. Plus, friendly dogs on leads are more than welcome too!

• Open All Year

• Free Parking

• Tea / Coffee Shop

• Dog Friendly

• On-site Restaurant/Cafe

• Picnic Area

• Shop

🚜 World of Country Life

Westdown Lane, Sandy Bay, Littleham, Exmouth, Devon EX8 5BY

Experience the joy of connecting with nature at the multi-award-winning World of Country Life in Exmouth, where every day is a new adventure! Imagine hand-feeding a friendly deer or llama, walking alongside adorable pygmy goats, and even bottle-feeding lambs.

There's an exciting daily program filled with activities for everyone to enjoy, plus an incredible array of swings, rides, and slides suitable for all ages. With three spacious undercover soft play areas and a fun-filled crazy golf course, there's always something happening. Rain or shine, you can set sail on the high seas aboard the thrilling pirate ship. In the sunny summer months, challenge yourself in the Amazing Maize Maze – it's a fantastic way to have fun outdoors! Don't miss exploring attractions like the Rabbit Warren, Dougie the Digger, and Harry the Combine Harvester while bouncing happily on our Air Bouncer.

• Tea / Coffee Shop

• On-site Restaurant/Cafe

• Picnic Area

• Shop

• Free Car Parking

🚜 Paignton Zoo

Totnes Road, Paignton, Devon TQ4 7EU

Get ready for an incredible day of adventure at Paignton Zoo, where over 2,000 animals and a stunning array of plants await you across 80 acres of gorgeous grounds! Nestled in the heart of South Devon, this gem is not only one of the South West's most thrilling visitor attractions but also ranks among Britain's top zoos.

Prepare to meet your new favourite animals—both big and small! From majestic gorillas and playful orangutans to giraffes, tigers, red pandas, and rhinos—you're sure to encounter unforgettable experiences and surprises around every corner. Whether it's rain or shine, Paignton Zoo promises an inspiring outing that fosters a deeper connection with wildlife. Plus, as part of Wild Planet Trust—a dedicated conservation charity committed to protecting our planet's precious species—you'll be joining a meaningful mission that aims to halt species decline while having a fantastic time.

• Open All Year, Except for Christmas day

• Free Parking

• On-site Restaurant/Cafe

• Picnic Area

• Shop

Outdoor Fun for Kids

🌳 Tree Surfers

Tamar Trails, Woodlands,Tavistock, Devon PL19 8JE

Discover the thrill of tree-top adventures that are perfect for everyone aged 4 and up, all set in the breathtaking Tamar Valley along the Devon Cornwall border! Soar through the treetops as you traverse exhilarating rope bridges, glide down zip lines, navigate walkways, and swing like Tarzan. For those looking to try something new, book an exciting archery session or hop on a bike to explore the scenic 25km of trails and mountain bike tracks.

• Dog friendly

• Cafe

• Parking

🌳 Tamar Trails

Woodlands, Gulworthy, Tavistock, Devon PL19 8JE

Discover the Tamar Trails, perfect for families who cherish the great outdoors! This welcoming attraction invites children and adults alike to explore its stunning network of woodland trails on foot or by bike—all completely free. With over 25 kilometres of walking paths starting from the Tamar Trails Centre, adventure awaits! These scenic hiking trails guide you through lush woodlands to reveal breathtaking views of the beautiful Tamar Valley and landscapes enriched by the area's fascinating mining heritage.

And that's not all! Join us for guided family canoe trips on the River Tamar. Experience a picturesque paddle starting from the historic Quay at Cotehele—glide up river past Calstock village and into serene wilderness as you create unforgettable memories with your loved ones.

• Open All Year

• Shop

• On-site Restaurant/Cafe

• Parking

🌳 Roadford Lake

Broadwoodwidger, Lifton, Devon PL16 0RL

Nestled in the breathtaking beauty of Wolf Valley, this attraction is an absolute highlight of your visit to Devon! Your little adventurers will be thrilled as they explore and uncover a world of fun at this remarkable lake, the largest inland water in the South West. Get ready for excitement—you can venture out on your own by hiring equipment with the reassurance of South West Lakes Trust's dedicated safety team watching over you. Or why not dive into a 'Have a Go' instructor-led session? Experience the joy of kayaking, learn how to paddleboard like a pro while standing tall, spot fascinating wildlife from your canoe, hit bullseyes in a thrilling game of archery, conquer new heights on our exhilarating high ropes course, master the art of sailing, or simply unwind while enjoying some tranquil trout fishing.

• Tea / Coffee Shop

• Dog Friendly

• On-site Restaurant/Cafe

• Picnic Area

• Parking (with a charge)

🌳 Wildwood Devon

Escot Park, Ottery St, Mary, Devon EX11 1LU

Welcome to a 45-acre paradise filled with stunning parkland where you can connect with nature and explore the wonderful world of Britain's native wildlife! Here, you'll find iconic species such as the red squirrel, along with an impressively diverse range of animals including bears, wolves, lynx, arctic foxes, otters, and magnificent birds of prey—all comfortably living in enclosures designed to replicate their natural habitats.

As you meander through serene woodlands, don't miss out on the unique opportunity to walk hand-in-hand (well—perhaps more like eye-to-eye!) with the beloved red squirrels in one of the country's few walkthrough habitats dedicated to these delightful creatures. Keep your eyes peeled as you venture around the wetlands—you may just catch sight of a playful wallaby or two! As one of Britain's leading animal conservation charities, Wildwood Trust is passionately committed to preserving and nurturing the UK's most vulnerable wildlife.

• On-site Restaurant/Cafe

• Shop

• Free Parking

🌳 River Darts Country Park

Holne Park, Ashburton, Devon TQ13 7NP

Discover the joy of family adventure at River Dart Country Park, an award-winning destination that promises a thrilling day for everyone! Spanning over 90 acres, this playground of outdoor fun offers excitement at every turn. Dive into expansive adventure playgrounds and challenge your skills on the Agility Trail. Climb to new heights in Treetop Tower while soaking up the gorgeous views, or conquer the Climbing Pods for an unforgettable experience! Unleash creativity aboard the Pirate Ship or in Play Fort, and let those competitive spirits thrive as kids tackle the Assault Course or navigate the Bike Pump Track.

Don't miss out on our free activity trails like the engaging Eco Trail! Join Eco Ed on a journey through River Dart Country Park, discovering all the fantastic initiatives they're implementing to protect our environment.

• Dog Friendly

• On-site Restaurant/Cafe

• Picnic Area

• Shop

• Parking

Indoor Adventure

🐠 National Marine Aquarium

Rope Walk, Coxside, Plymouth, Devon PL4 0DX

Dive into adventure at the UK's largest Aquarium and explore a mesmerising underwater world! Purchase an all-day ticket and enjoy the fantastic bonus of a free 12-month pass—just pay once, and you can come back as often as you'd like throughout the year! Your visit to the Aquarium will be an exciting journey through our planet's oceans, from the stunning shores of Plymouth Sound to the vibrant coral reefs of Australia. With over 4,000 incredible animals waiting to greet you—including awe-inspiring sharks, graceful stingrays, playful octopuses, enchanting jellyfish, and even a cheeky turtle. Every ticket purchased supports the Ocean Conservation Trust, ensuring that 100% of proceeds go towards connecting people with our precious ocean.

🐠 Bear Town

Westcott, Cullompton, Devon EX15 1RZ

Discover the magic of Bear Town, a one-of-a-kind role play adventure designed to immerse children in an engaging town setting that stands out as a gem in the South West. With 12 exciting and diverse role play areas, your child will embark on an inspiring journey that nurtures their personal, social, and emotional development. They'll enhance their communication and language skills while building confidence—all within a backdrop of pure enjoyment! Carefully crafted to provide a delightful educational experience aligned with the Early Years Foundation Stage, Bear Town promises not just learning but also endless fun for every little adventurer!

• Max 7 years of age

• Free Parking

• On-site Restaurant/Cafe

🐠 Jurassic Discovery

Jurassic Discovery, The Underfleet, Seaton, Devon EX12 2WD

Unleash your sense of adventure at Jurassic Discovery, located in the heart of Seaton, East Devon – your perfect gateway to the breathtaking Jurassic Coast! This family-friendly attraction brings history alive with its captivating exhibits and jaw-dropping, lifelike animatronic dinosaurs. Step back into a fascinating world during 'The Last Day of the Dinosaurs' experience. While kids explore and play in the exciting Jurassic soft play area, adults can unwind and rejuvenate in the café.

• Picnic Area

• Restaurant

• Off site Parking

Looking for more inspiration?

Whether you're looking for a luxurious retreat or an affordable family adventure, Devon has something for everyone. With over 1400 Devon holiday cottages to choose from, your next getaway is bound to be unforgettable. Explore our Devon holiday guides for more tips and tricks on how to make the most of your time in this idyllic county. Get ready for a holiday filled with family-friendly activities and memories that will last a lifetime. Start planning your Devon escape today!

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