Planning a trip to Devon for February half term? Wondering what to do to keep the kids entertained all day every day? Here’s some suggestions of great family friendly attractions to enjoy together this half term.
For the family that likes a bit of adventure
If you’re a family of thrill seekers, there are loads of things to keep you amused during half term in Devon! Crealy Theme Park on the outskirts of Exeter is a great choice for a family day out, whatever the age range of the family. There are rides and activities for everyone from the smallest child to the oldest guardian, plus a host of animals and even undercover play areas for if the weather takes a turn. Plus, it is just minutes from the M5, so easy to access from all over the country.
Another option is Woodlands Family Theme Park, as Devon’s largest family theme park and home to the largest water coaster in the region and the biggest indoor play centre in the south west, there are plenty of ways to get the heart pumping here.
In North Devon there is the Milky Way Adventure Park, located near the historic village of Clovelly and the town of Bideford. As a frequent winner of the TripAdvisor Traveller’s Choice Award, this is a well loved day out for the whole family. With a rotating calendar of seasonal activities and workshops on top of the rides, there is so much to see and do, there is something new every time you visit.
For the family that likes to make friends
If your family likes to spend time getting up close and personal with some of the cutest animals you can imagine, there are fewer places better for a half term holiday than Devon. Aside from the wild ponies that can be spotted on Exmoor and Dartmoor and the many seals, dolphins and other beautiful creatures that can be found at the coast, there are a host of animal attractions.
In Sidmouth, there is the Donkey Sanctuary, which is free to visit and gives you the chance to meet a host of rescue donkeys and is somewhere calm and tranquil to spend a few hours together. All year around, whatever the weather, there are activities, trails, talks and more, plus, their kitchen has some of the best food and drink in the region!
Also in east Devon is World of Country Life where you ca n spend your days hand feeding deers and llamas and walking pygmy goats and lambs. With an eclectic mix of museums, play areas and entertainment, both outdoors and undercover, there’s plenty to see and do here. Nearby is Wildwood Escot, which features mazes, animals, adventure play, zip lines and an authentic Saxon village. For a unique, entertaining and educational day out, this is a great one to add to your itinerary.
Pennywell Farm is another option with something new happening every hour. The farm is home to a herd of world famous miniature pigs and the world renowned pig racing – you have to see it to believe it! Not only are there the pigs to befriend but there are hundreds of friendly farm animals just waiting to meet you as well as activities, rides and more. At the other end of the county is The Big Sheep. Fantastic for families, this is guaranteed to be the highlight of your holiday with hilarious shows, sheep racing, rides and even the South West’s largest family roller coaster! Plus, with a calendar of live performances and other events, there is something for everyone here.
With dozens of different animals across eighty acres, Paignton Zoo is one of Britain’s top zoos and features all your favourite animals and more. It is a fun day out for the whole family.
For the family who loves to be hands on
If you have kids that are into everything and love getting their hands dirty, try one of the region’s adventure activities like Tamar Trails. Tamar Trails is an all day attraction for families who love being outdoors. There are wide networks of trails you can explore by foot or on bikes, and there are even bike hire for those who don’t have their own. The Bear Trail is Devon’s muddiest family assault course, over thirty obstacles and unlimited mud, this is the best place for kids that love to get dirty. Once you’ve tackled the assault course, you can relax with a wood fired pizza or bring your own picnic!
Packed with outdoor fun for all ages and abilities, River Dart Country Park has over 90 acres with extensive playgrounds, agility trails, canoe tours and bike trails. If you’ve had enough adventure and want something a little more gentle, there are lovely scenic walks on site too that take you along the riverside and through the woodland.
For the family that likes to learn
If you want your fun to include a dash of education, there are loads of amazing museums, heritage attractions and more, there are loads of places to choose from in Devon.
In South Devon there is the South Devon Railway, where you can ride historic steam trains along a section of the former Great Western Railway track. The line passes through some of Devon’s most beautiful countryside, hugging the River Dart for most of the journey. On selected days, there are themed activities and more taking place, adding to the fun. If you’ve never ridden a tram before, head to Seaton Tramway for a chance to step back in time. The trams have panoramic views of the estuary and enclosed salons so you can ride whatever the weather.
If you like the sound of heading back into the past, Pecorama above the fishing village of Beer is home to the famous PECO model railway exhibition and the Beer Heights Light Railway. A ride allows you to see some of the beautiful gardens and views across the Lyme Bay.
For those that love a day out at the museum, the Royal Albert Memorial Museum and Art Gallery in Exeter is free to visit and has sixteen galleries of displays taking you from prehistoric times all the way through to modern day. The museum’s busy event programme includes talks, classes and activities for the whole family. Museums don’t have to be all hushed voices and static displays, Coldharbour Mill is a working museum where visitors are not just able to see how life was at the height of the industrial revolution but also see crafts people making traditional textiles. As one of the oldest woollen mills in the UK it has been largely untouched since the 1700s and is in continuous production.
Another option is to visit Kents Cavern, which is part of the English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark site. Featuring some of the most exciting Stone Age caves with an extensive labyrinth of spectacular and easily accessible caverns that are open all year around.
For a choice of amazing visitor attractions, take a look at Devon’s Top Attraction’s portfolio, featuring theme parks, farm attractions, adventure activities and more.
Looking for a bit more inspiration? Take a look at our family friendly attractions here.
Featured members
Woodlands Family Theme Park
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The Milky Way Adventure Park
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The Donkey Sanctuary
No trip to Devon is complete without visiting The Donkey Sanctuary. There’s a tranquil corner…
World of Country Life
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Wildwood Devon
Wildwood Devon is one of Devon’s best wildlife parks. Set in 45 acres of stunning parkland…
Pennywell Farm
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The BIG Sheep
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Paignton Zoo
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Tamar Trails
The Tamar Trails is an all day attraction for families who love the outdoors. This a child friendly…
River Dart Country Park
Voted Small Visitor Attraction of the Year at Visit Devon Tourism Awards, River Dart Country Park is…
South Devon Railway
The South Devon Railway is a glorious branch line of the former Great Western Railway. Gleaming…
Seaton Tramway
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Pecorama
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Royal Albert Memorial Museum & Art Gallery - RAMM
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Coldharbour Mill
Coldharbour Mill is one of the oldest woollen mills in the UK having been in continuous production…
Kents Cavern Torquay
Kents Cavern is one of Europe’s top Stone Age sites, with an extensive labyrinth of…
Devon’s Top Attractions
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