20 Free Days Out and Things to Do With Kids in Devon
Check out these things to do with the kids in Devon, whether it's building sandcastles at Woolacombe Beach, or letting off steam at Decoy Country Park, I've got you covered, and best of all it's free!
I'm still adding to this list, so keep checking back, please get in touch if you've got any hidden gems to recommend, or if you have a picture to replace any that I'm missing (ie the places that have words). As a thank you, I'll send a 20% money off voucher to spend in the shop for anything that gets used.
I've tried to make sure that all the details on here are up to date, but please do double check on the websites I've linked to before you travel in case anything has changed. Although I'd love to be able to travel to every place on here, time and practicalities dictate that I've sourced a lot of information from 3rd parties so some information might be incorrect (Please let me know if you spot anything that is so that I can amend it).
Especially important: double check parking costs to avoid any nasty surprises on a day out that was supposed to be cheap, and obviously, be careful if you're visiting places with kids, especially where the terrain is dangerous (ruins, cliffs, beaches, slippy paths etc).
Happy adventuring!
Donkey sanctuary with a new play area, daily talks, walks, exhibits and gardens.
A stunning beach, with sandy shores, and lifeguards. Winner of the Times 2021 beach of the year award. (Pay for parking).
A park with gardens, play area. woodlands, and open countryside. The nearby village has picturesque cottages, and craft workshops including a blacksmith.
A museum packed with things to keep the kids busy including trails and interactive exhibits.
Learn all about the bridges that span the Taymar with this learning centre in Plymouth. There are interactive exhibits, spotter trails, and dressing up costumes, as well as explorer backpacks to loan.
An iconic 12th century church on top of the tor formed from basaltic lava. You can reach it via a 1.1 mile walk up the hill along rugged terrain.
A charming town park with play areas, a river running though it, gardens and ancient woodlands.
A magical woodland, famous for the mosses and lichens that cover the trees and boulders.
A 13th century tower on a mound, built as a prison, a great spot for picnics. To the south is an earlier Norman earthwork castle and to the north, there are Saxon town defences.
Learn about the cultural heritage and natural environment with interactive exhibits. There's a children's room with dressing up, and learn more about Dartmoor's myths and legends.
Burrator Reservoir
Yelverton
Stunning scenery with dramatic tors, open moorland, historic settlements, and a nature reserve. Visit the discovery centre to learn about local history. Enjoy many choices of walks, including a wildlife trail through the aboretum, watch the water cascade down Devonport Leat.
A toy shop that's been operating since 1973, it's evolved into a family experience including a games garden, a glassworks studio, a games museum, and a pottery museum. Check out the Snooki 2000, the (possibly) largest permanent marble run structure in the world. While you're in the area, head to the Mill Marsh Park, and enjoy the enclosed adventure playground.
A brilliant beach to go rockpooling, with spectacular cliffs it'll be a big hit with geology fans. It's also sandy, so perfect for building sandcastles.
It's hard to find anywhere more quintessentially seaside town than Torquay. Fabulous beaches include Oodicombe, Meadfoot, and Torre Abbey Sands, and visit the chocolate box village of Cockington.
An award winning museum, art gallery and archive. There's heaps for kids to do including family trails, 'I wonder' sessions for under 5s, explore more tables, and creative holiday activities. While you're there, combine it with a trip to the playground in Central Park.
Explore the adventure playground with water play features, walk around the lake. There's also a BMX race track and dirt jumps, sports pitches, woodland walks, and a trim trail.
A beautiful, long sandy beach, overlooked by an impressive Victorian pier. Nearby there's the Den, a large playground with a wet play feature, and a Multi Use Game Area.
A long sandy beach, promenade, traditional pier. Particularly awesome is the Geoplay Park, with toddler, junior, and sand and water areas, as well as a big adventure playground for older kids.
3500 acres of woodland with a range of trails to follow as well as a pump loop, play equipment, and a cycle skills area. Don't miss the Zog Activity Trail,
Enjoy the jurassic themed playground including a dinosaur climbing frames, snake swings, and a sandpit. Combine it with a visit to the glorious Exmouth Beach, with its 2 miles of golden sand, rockpools, and cliffs teaming with geological finds.
You know what the kids would love to be filling in as you're exploring new places? An epic activity pack! And it should be filled with easy activity ideas, and stickers, and personalised!
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