Growing up in Cornwall many of my own childhood memories come from popping over into Devon – not surprising given just how much there is to explore in Devon with kids!
Without further ado, here are my top things to do in Devon with kids of all ages from animal attractions to theme parks, castles, museums and historic spots to endless glorious Devon beaches.
Amusement and theme parks
Fancy visiting a sheep-themed family amusement park? It sounds very quirky but at The Big Sheep you can enjoy sheep racing, watch sheep shearing, try lamb feeding, and there are farm safaris and a soft play barn, Ewetopia, making it perfect for a rainy day.
Up in Clovelly is the Milky Way Adventure Park, which is perfect for smaller kids and pre-schoolers. Again, as well as the rides there’s also a large indoor play centre for rainy days.
Another brilliant amusement park for kids and regularly voted the best day out in Devon, Crealy Theme Park is the biggest in the county, with over 60 rides and attractions spread over 100 acres. It offers a massive 75,000ft of undercover play and outdoor adventure areas as well as the classic coasters and rides, there are also more than 200 animals to meet so there’s something for all ages, whatever the weather.
Fun Attractions
Walk through a labyrinth of caverns at Kents Cavern near Torquay, past ancient rocks, and discover the home of ancient humans in caves which date back 2.5 million years for a fascinating glimpse into how people once lived. You can even dig for fossils and create chalk cave paintings on the wall!
The Golden Hind in Brixham is a replica of Sir Francis Drake’s famous ship and has plenty to offer history fans, including a new audio tour, but the Golden Hind is also great for kids to scramble around and explore.
For kids who love tractors, take them on a unique tractor ride at Burgh Island sea tractors. The sands of Bigbury on Sea beach are perfect for families, but the sea tractor ride on the 1930s machine to Burgh Island at high tide is even more thrilling for kids.
On the theme of transportation, if your kid is more of a train geek than a tractor geek, head to the South Devon Railway, which takes you between Buckfastleigh and Totnes so you can enjoy some of the countryside without any effort as your steam train puffs and chuffs along.
There’s also the Dartmouth Steam railway, which has its own vintage trains running between Paignton and Kingswear for a rather different way to get to the seaside.
Another fun day out is The House of Marbles at Bovey Tracey. This working glass and games factory has a collection boasting one of every marble made over the years, and you can see five different marble runs in action as well as picking up souvenirs in every colour. There’s even brass rubbing trails to try – including an indoor option for rainy days.
Animal attractions
There are lots of animal attractions in Devon that will make kids spark with joy. For marine-life enthusiasts the National Marine Aquarium in Plymouth is unmissable. It’s the UK’s largest aquarium and the Great Barrier Reef exhibit has over 70 species of fish alone.
Exmoor Zoo in Barnstaple allows you to get much closer to the animals than most zoos, with a string of special animal experiences. There are also some great talks and chances to see the animals being fed.
For farm animals you’ll want to visit Occombe Farm in Paignton or the Totnes Rare Breeds Farm, another fabulous attraction in Devon with kids, you can cuddle a guinea pig or smooth the feathers of an Eagle Owl as you explore the Totnes Rare Breeds farm.
We also recommend paying a visit to the Donkey Sanctuary in Sidmouth, where you can hug, stroke and pet the 500 residents for free at the lovely sanctuary, with mules as well as donkeys looked after by the charity in charge.
If your children are unafraid of butterflies flying around them, then The Butterfly Farm and Otter Sanctuary in Buckfastleigh is a wonderful experience. Three species of otter live here, including native British ones, playful Asian short clawed and show-off North American river otters.
Castles and heritage
Devon is full of castles and heritage sites that the kids will love exploring, come rain or shine.
Watermouth Castle is one of our favourite castles in Devon for kids. Not only is this a sprawling Georgian estate to explore, but there’s even an onsite theme park.
Even if you’re not an Agatha Christie fan, there’s plenty to discover at her former home, Greenway, left frozen in time as it would have been in the 1950s. There’s a trail for kids to follow around the house, which gets dressed up for Christmas, spotting crocodiles and boats along the way, as well as a changing display in the Cabinet of Curiosities.
In the city of Exeter you’ll find the city’s 14th century medieval passages running beneath the high street – booking is essential, and this one is for over-fives only. After visiting the passages, head to the medieval cathedral to keep the history theme going – there’s always something extra to capture kids’ attention too.
The former monastery of Buckland Abbey is probably best known as the home of Sir Francis Drake, but the piratical explorer is only part of the eight centuries of history to discover. Converted to a home after the Dissolution of the monasteries, you can still see evidence of the old church, including secret doorways and stairs which no longer lead anywhere, as well as being able to walk through time as you wander from Tudor chambers to a Georgian dining room.
There are a string of other National Trust sites in nearby Cornwall too, including Trelissick House, Cotehele Manor and Gardens, and Godolphin House and Estate.
Museums
The Royal Albert Memorial Museum and Art Gallery, to give RAMM its full name is a treasure trove of discovery for kids – and great if you’re looking for free days out in Devon. As well as displays telling the history of Devon from the prehistoric to the present, plus natural history and an Egyptian tomb, not to mention a bull elephant, suspended whale and Gerald the giraffe.
The Box in Plymouth is an arts and cultural hub, opened in 2020, with a mix of permanent galleries and temporary exhibitions – and even better, there’s no entry charge (though you have to prebook) so it’s another fantastic free day out in Devon with kids.
Kids can pick up free trails to follow as they explore, designed for all ages, with half a dozen different topics, or step in front of a green screen to try their hand as a TV presenter.
For a quirky day out in Devon with kids, check out the Museum of British Surfing in Braunton, with a variety of early boards, as well as more ideas for what to do on a rainy day in Devon with kids
Outdoor activities
Devon’s two coasts are great for finding rock pools – Shoalstone beach is fantastic for clambering over rocks to discover crabs, tiny sea snails and the occasional minnow as well as a big sea water pool for swimming.
You can take older kids (over 8 years old) Coasteering with Surfing Croyde Bay. They offer a family coasteering package so the whole family can enjoy this unique experience together.
The gorgeous clifftop reserve of Berry Head Nature Reserve is on the southern half of Tor Bar and is one of the gateways to the English Riviera global geopark, with some fabulous views out to the sea on a sunny day.
Or, of course, there’s the beach. But where do you start? You’ll never be far from a gorgeous stretch of sand…
Blackpool Sands Beach is a Blue Flag family beach that could easily be confused with the Mediterranean, while the three miles of sand at Woolacombe are regularly ranked as one of Britain’s best beaches.
Bantham Beach is shallow enough for younger swimmers while a smugglers’ tunnel takes you to the red cliffed rugged Ness Cove at Shaldon.
For keen cyclists, Devon has plenty of cycling trails for young and old alike. So grab the bikes and the kids and try out the Tarka Trail or Exe Estuary trail.
For the ultra-adventurous, whether it’s sunny or rainy, The Bear Trail is perfect for getting hilariously muddy with its 27 obstacles to “climb, slip, slide, run and swing in, under, over and through” as they describe it.
This fun obstacle course also has a cubs’ corner designed for children under one metre, but they can also join in leaping over muddy bear pits, whizzing down zip wires and crawling through tunnels (plus a path alongside if any obstacles defeat some of the baby bears).
Having fun in Devon with the Kids
Whether your kids are animal lovers, transport enthusiasts, or outdoor adventurers, Devon has it all. The county has a huge amount to offer kids and we hope this guide has helped you plan your visit to our beautiful home.
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