Discover the Best Family Summer Holiday Activities in Devon – 2025 Guide
Planning a summer holiday in Devon with the kids? Look no further! Devon is one of the UK’s top family holiday destinations, offering a perfect mix of adventure, relaxation, and unforgettable experiences. From golden beaches and scenic coastal walks to family-friendly attractions and exciting outdoor adventures, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in Summer 2025. Our ultimate guide to family activities in Devon will help you make the most of your summer break and holiday - there’s something for every age, interest, and energy level—ensuring fun-filled days and magical memories for the whole family.
See below for a selection of fantastic ways for kids and their adults to spend their time this summer, some of which are free.
Thursday, 31st July - 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Thursday, 14th August – 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
This fun and interactive session allows children to create a beautiful piece of art using vibrant sands. This workshop is designed to welcome primary school-aged children to create with a parent and is catered for all skill levels, promising a delightful morning or afternoon of creativity. Each session lasts up to an hour.
Mosaics Craft Workshop
Thursday, 7th August - 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Throughout this fun Mosaic workshop, children will learn the basics of mosaic art, from selecting colourful tiles to arranging and assembling their designs. This workshop is designed to welcome primary and secondary school-aged children. Each session lasts up to an hour
Quilling Craft Workshop
Thursday, 21st August - 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
This fun and interactive workshop allows you to create a beautiful piece of quilling art and is designed to welcome children aged 10+ and adults. Each session lasts up to 1 hour and 30 minutes, giving you the perfect opportunity to create a quilling masterpiece.
Scratch Art Craft Workshop
Thursday, 28th August - 9:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.
This Scratch Art Workshop is perfect for all young artists who love to create dazzling designs! This session will teach children how to transform simple black surfaces into vivid, colourful masterpieces using scratch art techniques. Hidden rainbows and mesmerising patterns will appear with just a scratch – like magic! This workshop is designed to welcome children to create with a parent. Each session lasts up to half an hour.
World of Country Life, Exmouth – Devon’s multi-award-winning all weather day out for the whole family!
Go along and meet the animals, with daily bottle feeding, animal handling, goat walking and ferret racing activities as well as a bird of prey flying display. Ride the Deer Train Safari – hand-feed the red deer and llama, the challenge is to do it all in a day!
With a fantastic mix of play areas, animals, museum exhibits and entertainments, there really is something for all ages to enjoy. Three indoor soft plays, outdoor adventure playground with swings, slides, roundabouts and trampolines, an air bouncer, crazy golf, a Combine Harvester to clamber on and a full-size digger too!
Stroll through the Victorian Street and museum of farming, vintage & classic vehicle collection which includes the Charabanc from Downton Abbey and Mr Selfridge’s car from the TV series. The very special Reg Imray Motorcycle Collection is fascinating.
All this along with the farm-themed food outlet make this a unique full day out for all generations, whatever the weather.
Come & play! Occombe Farm are an all-weather family destination. Play indoors and out in their unique adventure spaces—run, jump and slide your way to fun! Meet their animals, learn about them, and watch them play. Follow the animal paddocks trail to discover even more! Refuel at their Farm Café with a legendary breakfast, tasty lunch or farm-style Afternoon Tea. Visiting Occombe supports the invaluable work of their parent conservation charity, Torbay Coast & Countryside Trust. Caring for Torbay’s most cherished green spaces. Gather the family - come and make magical memories this Summer!
Find out more atwww.occombe.co.uk#occombefarm
This summer at National Trust in Devon
Across Devon, National Trust places are alive with the promise of warm summer days, lazy weekend picnics and trips out with family and friends.
There’s loads going on this season from rockpool rambles to craft workshops, and wildflower trails to outdoor theatre performances and much more.
What’s more, every time you experience a National Trust day out, you help care for these special places for future generations.
Please check property websites for opening days and times ahead of your visit.
As you explore Okehampton Show you can find everything from traditional Showing Classes to Bubble artists and Craft shops to Morris Dancing teams. There’s entertainment all day long, with Falconry, Gun Dog Displays, Dangerous Steve, and the Fun Family Dog Show, which you can enter on the day at the entertainment ring. Down the Showground, along our all-weather tracks you’ll find the family zone, where you can meet the Giant Tortoises, have a go at sports and craft activities with OCRA, scale Adventure Okehampton’s climbing wall and visit Farm West Educational trailer. There’s something for everyone and kids go free!
Boarding your next adventure this summer fun at The Donkey Sanctuary
Get set to explore the globe in the comfort of our Sidmouth sanctuary this summer! Their brand new Donkey Passport Trail transports you to faraway and exotic countries. Take all the family to begin your adventure and combine exercise and brainpower, just £5 per trail. Plus, with the new miniature paddock, daily talks, scenic walks, engaging exhibits, hedge maze and lots of friendly donkeys, there’s so much to explore! Open daily from 9am, general admission and parking are free. Dogs welcome on a lead.
This summer, Kents Cavern offers two unforgettable underground adventures
Step into the depths of the cave for Cave Cinema, where classic family favourites and edge-of-your-seat thrillers are screened in an awe-inspiring pop-up cinema. By day, join Tribal Summer - an interactive family experience where children become part of ancient tribes, complete with face painting, tribal challenges, woodland trails, gemstone digging and bushcraft demos in 'Hands of the Hunter'. Whether you’re cooling off from the sun or escaping a rainy day, Kents Cavern is the perfect all-weather attraction. Book online in advance to save and uncover magic beneath the surface this summer.
Join the Heath Week fun on the Pebblebed Heaths National Nature Reserve from Saturday 26 July-Friday 1 August.
Heath Week Festival Day kicks off the school holidays and a week of wildlife and wellbeing activities, with a fresh format and a new location. If you’re an active, nature-loving family keen to connect with the outdoors this summer and get involved in looking after this stunning part of the East Devon Countryside, then Festival Day is the perfect start to a wildlife-packed week of activities, offering something for everyone including your four-legged friend!
Whatever the weather, Clip ‘n Climb Exeter is the perfect place for a family day out! With over 25 exciting climbing challenges, there’s something for everyone —from first-time climbers to fearless adventurers.
No experience? No problem! Their auto-belay system means you can just clip in and climb, with no need for ropes or technical skills. It’s a fantastic way to get active, burn off some energy, and try something new together.
With sessions running all day, every day throughout the school holidays and every weekend plus youth clubs after school, it’s easy to fit in some climbing fun. What’s more, as a fully indoor centre, it’s the perfect activity for keeping the kids entertained—rain or shine!
Originally opened in 1898, and closed in 1935; what you can see today at Woody Bay is just the beginning of an exciting project to rebuild one of the world’s most famous and picturesque narrow-gauge railways.
Currently you can step back in time and ride on the line from Woody Bay Station to Killington Lane, a two-mile round trip over a glorious part of Exmoor through rolling countryside, with views of wild moorland, the Bristol channel and into Wales on a clear day.
Take a break from the excitement of steam and visit their cosy Tea Room. Serving a selection
of hot/cold drinks, hot pasties, sausage rolls, local sandwiches, cakes and Devon cream
teas.
The Station Shop is well stocked with a range of bespoke souvenirs, toys, clothing and books.
Both the Tea-Room and Shop are open every running day during the operating season from
Get ready for the ultimate day out at Splashdown Quaywest - the UK’s largest outdoor waterpark! Located on South Devon’s beautiful coast, the park now boasts 11 exciting slides. Highlights include 3Fall, an exhilarating, three-lane, head-first slide and Shipwreck Island, a pirate-themed aqua play zone for younger visitors under 12. Thrill-seekers will love Devil’s Drop and Raging Rapids, while those seeking relaxation can unwind in the swimming area or enjoy the bay views. Refuel at Boarders restaurant, Lewey's Snack Shack, or grab a Costa coffee year-round. Open daily from 27th June to 3rd September - check the website for session times and availability.
Looking for fun this summer? Tiverton Museum’s Country Summer (26 July–30 August) is packed with traditional games, country fair themed fun and activities perfect for the whole family! Enjoy Punch & Judy, hunt for scarecrows, dress up for seaside selfies, and play fairground favourites like Hook a Duck and Splat the Rat!
The museum is proudly family-friendly, with loads for little ones — including dressing up, toys, ride-ons and plenty of space to play. Great for all ages!
Dinosaur World Live, Princess Theatre Torquay – 19th and 20th August
Grab your compass and join the intrepid explorer across uncharted territories to discover a pre-historic world of astonishing (and remarkably life-like) dinosaurs. Meet a host of impressive creatures, including every child's favourite flesh-eating giant, the Tyrannosaurus Rex, a Triceratops, Giraffatitan, Microraptor and Segnosaurus!
A special meet and greet after the show offers all our brave explorers the chance to make a new dinosaur friend.
Winner of the prestigious 2024 Olivier Award for Best Family Entertainment in London’s West End, don’t miss this fun and mind-expanding jurassic adventure, live on stage.
The Newton Abbot Racecourse Country Show is on Saturday 9th August 2025.
With indoor and outdoor stalls, bouncy castles, yummy food, the Torquay Company of Archers, Dartmoor Hill Pony Display Team, Dog Agility, South Devon Hunt, Humaryn Miniature Pony rides, Pow Wow Alpacas, Owls and Newton Bushell Morris Dancers. Live music from “Collision” and “Oo-de-Lallys Band”. Their Dog Show by D4Dogwalking has many categories from Best Male Dog, Best Veteran to Waggiest Tail only £2 to enter your dog. Gates open at 10am, advance entry tickets £6 for adults and children are free (£8 for adults on the day)
A traditional themed summer fair, offering local crafts stalls, children's activities, games and live music performances, all set within the grounds of Torre Abbey.
This family-friendly event takes place on 30 August, and offers an array of children's activities including:
· Artisan Craft Fair
· Live Music and Entertainment
· Children's activities and workshops
· Educational Talks
· Children's storytelling
· Face painting
· Carnival games
· Fun Dog Show (A light hearted contest for your four legged friends)
There will also be an array of food and drink available onsite too.
So join us for a summer celebration with a traditional carnival atmosphere!
Summer of play at Arlington Court and the National Trust Carriage Museum
Step into Olde Arlington for a Summer of Play from 7 July – 31 August, where sword-fighting bandits roam, tax collectors play checkers, and the laundry maze is full of twists and turns. Enjoy circus games, hobby horse races, water play, and surprises around every corner.
For curious minds, the ‘Wonder World: Earth’ book trail invites young adventurers to dig into the magical world of soil, hunt for minibeasts, spot birds, and uncover the marvellous mysteries of mud.
Get creative this summer with Pom Stitch Tassel!
Join in over the holidays for their fun and inspiring holiday clubs for children aged 5+. With craft, crochet and sewing sessions on offer, there’s something for every young maker to enjoy. Book individual weekly sessions or save £20 when booking the full block of four. Spaces are extremely limited, so secure your child’s spot today!
Plus, don’t miss their much-loved Saturday Craft & Cuppa sessions running throughout August – perfect for a fun, creative family day out. And if that’s not enough, they’re ending the holidays in style with our very own Summer Festival on Saturday 30th August.
Film, theatre, creativity and adventure – all under one roof (and sometimes under the sky!).
Get stuck into a summer of family fun at Exeter Phoenix! Watch How to Train Your Dragon on the big screen, catch outdoor movie magic at Big Screen in the City and enjoy playful park performances like Splat! & Professor Slug’s House of Bugs.
Budding creatives can also join a Family Animation Workshop, where drawings are brought to life!
Nestled in a lush North Devon valley, Combe Martin Wildlife & Dinosaur Park offers a unique day out for families, nature lovers, and dino enthusiasts. Meet rare species like the majestic Amur leopard, be wowed by playful sea lions, and journey back in time with life-sized animatronic dinosaurs. With daily animal presentations, indoor play areas and a beautiful woodland, there’s something for every explorer, rain or shine. Whether you’re making memories or sparking curiosity, your adventure awaits!
Get ready for a summer packed with excitement and unforgettable memories! From splashing fun in the pool and brilliant climbing walls to epic games of bowling, tennis, and adventure golf - there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Let their imaginations run wild in soft play, build their skills in tennis holiday camps, and enjoy toe-tapping music at Exmouth Pavilion. Whether you're planning ahead or need a last-minute lifesaver, LED has you covered. Jump into Summer and let the adventures begin!
You and your band mates have just been offered a record deal- but there's a catch! You have to write, record and promote your debut album to reach the number 1 spot in the charts, in the next 60 minutes! Will you crack the charts, or crack under the pressure? Get ready to solve the puzzles, hit the right notes and escape to stardom!
Embark on The Great Summer Expedition at Paignton Zoo!
This summer, get ready for a wild journey around the globe – all without leaving Devon! From the lush tropical rainforests and wetland swamps to arid deserts and savannah grasslands, explore incredible habitats and come face to face with some of the world’s most iconic animals.
Meet majestic lions, spot towering giraffes, and come eye-to-eye with mighty gorillas. Wander through tropical trails, discover colourful birds, and get up close to fascinating reptiles and amphibians. With over 2,000 amazing animals to uncover, it’s a fun-packed, great-value day out for every young explorer – and a chance to help protect nature too!
Book online and save: paigntonzoo.org.uk
Get ready for the ultimate day of fun with Riv-Air and Waves Leisure Pool!
Riv-Air delivers high-energy excitement with a mega slide, reaction test games, and the bouncy challenge of Jelly Mountain—perfect for kids aged 5-14. Meanwhile, Waves Leisure Pool offers a splash-tastic experience with its sloping beach entry, thrilling flume, powerful wave machine, and sensory splash area, creating the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation. Whether bouncing or splashing, there’s something for everyone to enjoy! Pre-book Riv-Air up to two weeks in advance and dive into the action at Waves Leisure Pool today!
Torquay Museum presents Science Ninjas: Bringing Hands-on Science To Everyone!—an action-packed summer of discovery and fun!
Launching Sunday 27th July with Science Ninja TV Live, young experimenters can show off their skills and star on our YouTube channel. It’s science with a kick—from Balloon Skewers to Matchbox Microphones, every session blends creativity, curiosity, and just a touch of ninja flair. Tickets are only £1 with a valid museum ticket (which lasts all year!). Spaces are limited—book now and unleash your child’s inner Science Ninja! Hi-ya to hands-on science!
Get ready for a fantastic summer at Affinity Devon with five weeks of FREE activities and events for the whole family! From thrilling live shows and hands-on creative workshops to exciting experiences like meeting amazing animals and conquering their climbing wall, there’s something new every week to keep everyone entertained. Whether you're looking for a fun day out with the kids or something different to do during the holidays, Affinity Devon has it all.
Don’t miss out – visit affinitydevon.com to see the full line-up and plan your Summer of Fun!
Join The Great Woodland Adventure for a summer of hands-on forest fun these holidays at RHS Rosemoor, 19 July – 31 August 2025
Go wild in the woods at RHS Rosemoor who have a tree-mendous programme of activities for the whole family this summer! Head to their brilliant woodland basecamp for six weeks of hands-on fun and outdoor challenges, from den building and forest school workshops to woodland crafts, tree climbing, campfire cooking and more.
Adventure awaits this summer at RHS Rosemoor and with children’s admission now only £5 for 5–16-year-olds, it shouldn’t bread the bank. Save further on entry and avoid disappointment by booking paid for sessions in advance online today.
Princesshay and Exeter Phoenix Presents ‘Big Screen in the City’
Princesshay, in partnership with Exeter Phoenix will host Big Screen in the City, an iconic outdoor cinema event for Exeter. Returning for its 22nd year, the five-day experience will take place in a new location on Princesshay Square. Princesshay’s main square will be transformed to offer an immersive outdoor film experience for viewers to enjoy the magic of the movies on a huge LED screen. The pop-up cinema will offer a variety of seating options on a first-come, first-served basis, including bean bags, with deckchairs available to book for evening and Bank Holiday screenings. The site will have fully accessible facilities with a dedicated area for wheelchair users, as well as access to Princesshay toilets. Refreshments will be available at a pop-up bar with a selection of street food vendors nearby, together with take-out favourites from Princesshay’s restaurants including POP Kitchen, Wagamama, Hanlee’s and YO!Sushi.
PRINCESSHAY TO BE THE OFFICIAL EXETER CITY CENTRE FANZONE FOR THE WOMEN’S RUGBY WORLD CUP 2025
Princesshay is delighted to announce that it has been awarded official city centre fanzone status for the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 this August and September.
Rugby fans will be able to gather and watch all the action in Princesshay Square where live coverage will be shown on a big screen each day of the tournament including all the matches hosted at Sandy Park staring on Friday 22nd August when the tournament officially begins.
Spectators will have a mix of seating options within the free and accessible fan zone including bean bags, deck chairs and picnic benches with refreshments available at a pop-up bar. Nearby to the main square will be a host of street food vendors together with take-out favourites from Princesshay’s restaurants.
Totnes Show - A Great Family Day Out.
Visit Totnes Show on 27 July for a varied, fun event featuring cattle, sheep, horses, alpaca’s, shearing competitions, pets & farmyard corner as well as a friendly family dog show, vintage cars & tractors. This combines with attractions such as a lively Music Stage, Food & drink Village, horticulture, craft marquee, trade stands and Lifestyle pavilion.
All day main ring entertainments include sheep dog trials, Dartmoor Hill Pony Display Teams, terrier racing (open to all breeds) Parade of Livestock & more.
Don’t miss the popular rabbit show marquee & cycle shows!
Discounted tickets in advance via www.totnesshow.com - free park & ride.
Dive into the Summer Book Quest – Launching 12th July!
Get ready for an exciting adventure with the Summer Book Quest, launching 12th July in libraries across Devon and Torbay!
This brand-new challenge invites children to explore magical stories, join in with events and activities, and collect fun rewards all summer long. Designed by Libraries Unlimited, the Summer Book Quest encourages reading for pleasure throughout the school holidays with an exciting ocean theme and a focus on looking after our seas.
Open to all ages and completely free – it’s the perfect way to keep young minds active this summer.
Lundy Island
Lundy, beautiful and remote, a magical island of contrast which has dramatic terrain, with unique flora and fauna, sika deer, Lundy ponies, seals and an array of bird life, plus puffins visiting and breading on the island from April to July.
Lundy lies in the Bristol Channel, three miles long and half a mile wide, this granite outcrop rises 400 feet above sea level and is a place of outstanding natural beauty. Take a day trip to this beautiful unspoiled Island travelling on their passenger ferry, MS Oldenburg, between April and October, but If one day is not enough for you, why not take a short break and stay in one of Lundy’s lovely self catering properties.
**Also, Lundy Annual Air Day on Sunday 3rd August**
Enjoy a day trip to Lundy onboard MS Oldenburg and watch as light aircraft and microlights land on Lundy throughout the day trying to break the current record of 75.
The sailing is departing Ilfracombe at 10am and returning to Ilfracombe at 6:30pm.
Ticket prices – Adults (16+) £54, Concessions £49. Infants (under 4’s) FREE, Family ticket (Two adults and two children) £125. Please call 01271 863636 for more information.
(Fly in is subject to weather conditions)
Honiton Show – 7th August
Lots to see and do at this years event. The supremely talented Bolddog Lings FMX team return, and the Show is excited to welcome HOH Equestrian Team performing two stunning displays with their extremely skilled team of horses and riders.
There will also be an abundance of children’s entertainment including the amazing animated characters Sheridan the Sheepdog and Pumpkin the Pony, Twistopher Punch and Judy Show, Professor Crump on his stilts, Magical Musical Bike touring the showground and fairground rides. A new Family Fun Zone includes Wacky Races for all ages, bubble and Circus Skills workshops and a Pottery Painting Den as well as The Sheep Show.
In addition, you can see over 100 Vintage Tractors and over 50 classic cars as well as a vast array of shopping, food and drink and cookery theatre with a full schedule of Chef demonstrations.
Discounted Early bird Tickets are available now at just £20.00 in advance, (show day prices £22.00) for a whole day of enjoyment, accompanied children (Under 16) are admitted free! Please go to www.honitonshow.co.uk and purchase your early bird ticket.
Ditch the screens and head outdoors for the ultimate family adventure at Gone Wild Festival!
Join Bear Grylls & friends for an action-packed weekend at Holkham Hall, Norfolk (7-10 August) or Powderham Castle, Exeter (21-24 August).
Adventure by day and party by night with over 100 activities to choose from, family entertainment, interactive live shows, talks & workshops and huge live performances every evening, with this year’s lineups including Ministry of Sound Classical, Clean Bandit, Dick & Dom and more.
Do something different with your family this summer and embark on the adventure of a lifetime. Choose from Weekend tickets (camping included), Day tickets, or Evening tickets. Discover more at gonewildfestival.com.
At Bridge Troll Board Game Café you can enjoy a unique experience, combining gaming, delicious treats and a welcoming atmosphere. Spend your time exploring their massive Library of games – from tabletop and board games to trading games and accessories. Indulge in fantastic food and beverages while you relax, or shop from the extensive catalogue to find you next favourite game. With a wide variety of groups and activities available, Bridge Troll is the ultimate destination for game enthusiasts. Whether you are there to play, shop or simply hang out, there’s always something exciting waiting for you!
Located at Riverside Leisure Centre, Exeter. this Club is open to anyone wishing to learn new skills or undertake lifesaving skills training. Currently the participants are children working towards Life Saving Skills for first aid and water rescues however the club has the capacity to provide opportunities for training to other community-based clubs such as Scouts.
The club structure is such that the qualified instructors train the older children who then train the younger children under supervision by the qualified instructor. This aims to instil a sense of responsibility; whilst promoting communication and leadership skills. The Club have also started building a relationship with other community pools; offering other children opportunities to continue their swimming education through outreach.
Big celebrations for Pecorama
This summer, Pecorama celebrates its 50th anniversary, marking five decades of family fun and railway magic. To commemorate this milestone, the attraction is offering 50% off all tickets—that’s half price entry for half a century. It’s a special thank-you to the generations of visitors who’ve made Pecorama a cherished destination. With scenic train rides, award-winning gardens, and activities for all ages, it’s the perfect time for families to visit or rediscover the magic. The offer is available for a limited time, so guests are encouraged to book early and join in the golden anniversary celebrations.
A truly special place nestled in the rural countryside with animals you know like Cheetahs to those you don’t, their Shoebill Stork. On your journey around the zoo, you’ll see carefully planted flora providing their animals with more natural enclosures, like Clouded Leopard, Servals, Red pandas and Sitatungas. Remember to be on your toes as some of their bigger animals like the Grey Wolves, Painted Dogs and their Black Leopard, are likely stalking you as you enjoy your walk around our winding paths.
Exmoor Zoo is slightly different, neither a wildlife park or a city zoo, here you’ll get the lush grasses and flowering plants giving it that wild feel.
“At Brixham College, we deliver a values curriculum to all students as part of their personal development, underpinned by our College Values: High Expectations, Continuous Improvement, Character, Knowledge, and Leadership.
Our upcoming open mornings offer Year 5 pupils and their families the chance to explore our school in action. You will experience lessons taking place across a range of subjects, showcasing how we nurture academic, social, and moral growth in every student.
Brixham College isn’t just about education; it’s a values-led college dedicated to shaping well-rounded individuals ready to thrive.”
Book your place today:www.brixhamcollege.co.uk/school/year-6-into-year-7-transition
Message from Exeter College - GCSE Advice Line (Open from Results Day): 01392 400 555
“We understand that your child may face a mix of emotions on GCSE Results Day. Whether their results were better than expected, or not quite as good as they'd hoped, our GCSE Advice Line is here to help. The Advice Line is open to all students collecting their results, whether they have applied to study at Exeter College or not. Our friendly team can advise students on their options, and help them find the right course for their ambitions. Phone us from Results Day onwards, at 01392 400 555 from 8:30am to 4:30pm on weekdays (excluding bank holidays).”