If you’re coming to Devon this half term and want to fill your days with fun here are a selection of activities taking place throughout the week to keep you entertained! This year, Halloween falls at the end of half term, so there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy something spooky while you’re here!
For those of you who do love a few spooks, make sure to visit Dartmoor Zoo for Boo at the Zoo. Starting on Friday, 28th October, the zoo is opening its doors after dark to give you a truly creepy experience! Find out more here.
We’re also celebrating all things creepy at Babbacombe Model Village this half term with their Halloween themed characters taking over the village! Their Evening Illuminations are also taking place on the 25th, 26th and 27th October, so you can see a whole new side to the models! Find out more here.
At Becky Falls, you can take part in a Halloween themed challenge to earn a pumpkin which you can then take home and carve so you have something to decorate your doorstep on the big day. That’s on top of all the usual fun activities that are on offer. Find out more here.
Pumpkins are the focus at Strawberry Fields too, this year they are hosting their biggest Pumpkin Fest ever! With family friendly entertainment taking place all day, this is a great place to pick the perfect pumpkin for carving! Find out more here.
If you’re looking for activities on a budget, Affinity Devon in Bideford are offering some free spooktacular fun this half term. There will be a mad scientist visiting on the 24th, 26th and 28th October who will help you create your own spooky slime and the Wicked Witch of the North will be in town on 25th October to chill your bones! There are a host of completely free family friendly spooky activities taking place throughout half term, so make sure to stop in! Find out more here.
Sidmouth’s Donkey Sanctuary also has some spooky activities going on, including their Hide and Treat Halloween Hunt. Entry to the sanctuary is free and dogs are welcome, so the whole family can join in. The team have hidden some specially made Halloween Neddies around the sanctuary for you to find, if you want to join in, it’s just £5 and there’s a treat at the end! Find out more here
For something a little different, head to Exmoor and take part in one of the many events for their annual Dark Skies Festival. As the UK’s first Dark Skies Reserve, Exmoor is the best place to catch sight of the night sky – you can even see the Milky Way on a clear night! There are a host of activities taking place across the festival with several happening during half term. One that is suitable for children aged 7 plus is A Walk Across the Solar System, which includes space themed activities too. Find out more here.
If you have active kids or kids you want to keep away from a screen for a day or two, there is plenty to entertain them – at Roadford Lake they are hosting a series of “Have a Go” sessions suitable for all ages and abilities. Try your hand at sailing, archery, paddleboarding, kayaking and high ropes among others. These sessions are a great way to try out these activities and you never know, you might discover a whole new hobby! Find out more here.
We know half term can be a bit overwhelming for some of us – if you or your family members have sensory needs, autism or dementia, there is a special two hour event taking place at the National Marine Aquarium. Quiet at the Aquarium is perfect for those that want to enjoy the exhibits without the noise and distractions of a usual day out – their next one takes place on 24th October, with another planned for December. Find out more here. The National Marine Aquarium are also offering boat trips in Plymouth Sound on 26th October, giving you a chance to explore the UK’s first National Marine Park. Find out more here.
Also taking part during half term, China Blue are hosting one of their popular pottery evenings. With only 8 people in each session, it’s a lovely relaxing way to spend some time and you get to build your own items! Find out more here.
There are loads of events and activities taking place all year around in Devon – find out more here.
