Rock pools teeming with life, Dartmoor ponies grazing on open moorland, cream teas after a coastal walk — Devon is one of the best places in England for a family adventure. Here's everything you need, whether the sun's out or it's pouring.
Activities covered
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Free days out
Three miles of golden sand, lifeguards through summer, gentle waves for bodyboarding and rock pools at the Barricane end. One of Devon's best family beaches.
One of Devon's best rock pooling spots — explore pools teeming with crabs, anemones, blennies and starfish. The Marine Conservation Society runs guided sessions in summer.
Ancient woodland trails through mossy boulders to a 22-metre cascade. Includes animal encounters, nature trails, adventure playground and a good café. A perfect family half-day.
The UK's largest aquarium — sharks, rays, seahorses and tropical reef displays. Interactive zones for kids and an ocean conservation focus. The go-to rainy day destination in Plymouth.
Free to visit all year round — hundreds of rescued donkeys roaming the rolling Devon countryside. Walking trails, a nature centre, indoor play area and a café with views across the hills.
The original outdoor treasure hunt, born on Dartmoor in 1854. Armed with clues and a compass, hunt for hidden boxes across the moorland — thousands are waiting to be found. Addictive for all ages.
Brilliant family surf beach with hire shops right on the sand. Book kids' surf lessons, bodyboard in the white water, or explore the rock pools at the far end. Beach shops and cafés within minutes.
One of the UK's largest zoos — over 2,000 animals across 80 acres. Giraffes, gorillas, big cats, reptile houses and themed habitats. Keeper talks and feeding sessions run daily through the summer.
Explore medieval tunnels beneath the city streets — the only accessible passages of their kind in the UK. Guided tours tell the story of these 14th-century water channels. Kids absolutely love it.
Dartmoor's most accessible tor — a short walk from the car park to the summit with amazing 360-degree views. Scramble up the rocks, spot wild ponies, and picnic at the top. Great for kids who love climbing.
Huge sandy beach with gentle water, a nature reserve, crazy golf, amusements, and an easy walk along the sea wall to watch trains passing just metres from the shore. Brilliant for younger kids.
Devon's biggest theme park — over 60 rides and attractions, from rollercoasters to toddler zones. Water rides, animals, and an indoor play barn. Can easily fill a full day (or a glamping break).
Walk to the dramatic tip of Morte Point and scan the rocks below for Atlantic grey seals — they haul out here year-round. Binoculars help but aren't essential. Combine with a Woolacombe beach day.
No family trip to Devon is complete without a proper cream tea — scones, clotted cream, jam, and a pot of tea. Remember: in Devon, cream goes on first. We've rounded up the best stops across the county.
Beautifully crafted miniature world set in award-winning gardens — over 400 tiny buildings, villages and scenes. Illuminated at night. Quirky, charming and genuinely entertaining for all ages.
Devon's deepest gorge — walk through ancient oak woodland to see the White Lady waterfall and the roaring Devil's Cauldron whirlpool. Dramatic, mossy and atmospheric. National Trust site with a tearoom.
Explore 400-million-year-old caves where cavemen and sabre-toothed cats once sheltered. Guided tours through stalagmites and stalactites, with a treasure hunt for kids and a Stone Age-themed playground above ground.
Sandy beach with surf, a calm estuary side for paddling toddlers, and outstanding natural beauty. Cross the river on the seasonal ferry for an adventure to Bigbury. One of the South Hams' finest.
Family kayaking and canoeing on the beautiful River Dart — paddle through ancient woodland, past herons and kingfishers, and stop for a swim in clear river pools. Multiple operators run guided family sessions.
Free museum with dinosaur skeletons, Egyptian mummies, local wildlife displays and hands-on activities for children. The world cultures gallery and natural history rooms are excellent. Holiday workshops run regularly.
Step back in time down the steep cobbled street to this car-free fishing village clinging to the North Devon cliffs. Donkeys carry supplies, flowers tumble over whitewashed cottages, and the harbour is picture-perfect.
Sheltered crescent of fine shingle in a stunning setting — crystal clear water for swimming, kayak hire, a fantastic café, and no strong currents. Often feels Mediterranean. Good toilets and changing.
Heritage steam train running along the beautiful Dart estuary from Paignton to Kingswear — connect with the ferry to Dartmouth. Thomas the Tank Engine events and special seasonal rides for children throughout the year.
Visit a working farm and watch ice cream being made from the farm's own milk. Meet the cows, explore the meadows, then taste the freshest ice cream you've ever had. Several farms across Devon welcome visitors.
Easy, flat headland walk above the surf at Croyde with views to Lundy Island. Keep an eye out for seals in the rocks below. Short enough for small legs, dramatic enough to thrill bigger ones. NT land.
Insider advice from local families to help you get the most out of your Devon adventure.
Devon weather changes fast. Carry waterproofs, sun cream and layers — you might need all three in a single afternoon. A windbreak for the beach is worth its weight in gold.
Many of Devon's best rock pools appear at low tide, and some beaches shrink dramatically at high tide. Check times before you head out — the Magic Seaweed app is reliable.
Popular beaches like Woolacombe and Croyde fill their car parks by 10am in July and August. Arrive before 9:30 or consider the less crowded alternatives we recommend on each page.
Many beaches have seasonal dog restrictions (typically May–September). Check our individual beach guides for details — and explore our dog-friendly beach guide for alternatives.
This is Devon, not Cornwall. The cream goes on the scone first, then the jam on top. Get it right and locals will love you. Get it wrong and you'll still enjoy it.
Better than geocaching and it started right here on Dartmoor in 1854. Buy a clue book from a local shop, pack an inkpad, and hunt for hidden boxes across the moor. Kids adore it.