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After school activities for children in Devon

Prolong that summer holiday feeling at the beginning of the autumn term by making the most of the weekends. Need some ideas? Here are some for you…

 

Indoor and Outdoor Fun Awaits at The Waie Inn

The Waie Inn, set in the middle of the Devon countryside, has something for everyone. Run by the same family for nearly forty years, this friendly establishment has an indoor swimming pool, soft play for all ages, skittles, and pool and snooker tables. The fun extends outdoors into its park that boasts a number of swings, a roundabout, slides, a zipwire, an Astro football pitch and beer garden. More traditional sports such as badminton, football, tennis and netball can be played in its sports hall. After all the physical exertion, the tasty food served in the pub, including the great choice of food for children, is a welcome treat. Call 01363 82348 or see www.waieinn.co.uk

 

Disney On Ice celebrates 100 Years of Magic 

Grab your Mickey ears and get ready for the ultimate Disney experience when Disney On Ice celebrates 100 Years of Magic. Be charmed by a cast of over 50, including Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Disney Princesses, and Disney’s Frozen as they bring 14 stories and over 30 songs to life, leaving your whole family captivated with memories to last a lifetime. See it live at Westpoint Exeter. Book your tickets now at www.disneyonice.co.uk

 

Bounce at the Park: Sunday 29 September

Bounce at the Park returns to River Dart Country Park in Ashburton this September! A day of fun-filled bounce sessions is promised where there will be a vast range of exciting inflatables to choose from including a Gladiator Duel, Sumo suits, a large event slide, Hungry Hippos, a surf simulator, a pirate assault course, a Helter Skelter and much more. Dare Devil activities will be available at extra cost and there will be music from a Devon DJ. Limited early bird tickets are available now at www.riverdart.co.uk

 

Northcott Welcomes Stage Adaptation of Enid Blyton's Malory Towers

Nostalgic, naughty and perfect for now, Emma Rice’s Malory Towers is the original Girl Power story, filled with high jinks, high drama and high spirits, all set to sensational live music and breath taking animation. The show follows new pupil Darrell Rivers as she starts at the eccentric Malory Towers school on a cliff top in Cornwall against the backdrop of the Second World War. This is a show for girls, boys, and all the grown-up children who still dream of midnight feasts. It will be at the Exeter Northcott Theatre from 17 to 21 September. For details see www.exeternorthcott.co.uk

 

Oaks and Acorns at Buckfast Abbey

Oaks and Acorns at Buckfast Abbey offers grandparents and toddlers the opportunity to grow together through a wide variety of activities with the hands on help of the experienced education team. Each session makes the most of the glorious setting and the fantastic facilities at the Abbey and offers the chance to meet other awesome grandparents. Every session includes reading a children's book and lots of fun, themed activities to help bring stories to life and inspire creative play. For details see www.buckfast.org.uk

 

Fun and Fresh Air at Haldon Park 

Keep the kids entertained whatever the weather with fun in Haldon Forest Park near Exeter, less than 5 minutes from the A38. Enjoy easy parking, surfaced and waymarked trails, cosy cafes and picnic spots galore. Take advantage of the annual membership from as little as 62p per week for unlimited free parking, exclusive discounts for your family, and regular forest updates. Visit forestryengland.uk/membership for more information.

 

Autumn Adventures at The Donkey Sanctuary 

Summer may have come to an end but that doesn’t put a stop to family fun at The Donkey Sanctuary, where you can enjoy a game of guess the adoption donkey to win a prize. Use the clues to help you guess who is behind the stable doors, before following the trail to solve the mystery. Plus meet the friendly residents, learn the importance of the award-winning RHS Chelsea Flower Show garden, explore the exciting new indoor attractions, burn off steam in the maze and play area and join one of the tours, talks or demonstrations. For more, see www.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk/sidmouth

Children's Orchestra's Open Rehearsal: Saturday 28 September 

Does your child play an orchestral instrument? If so, then go along to Exeter Children's Orchestra's open rehearsal where your child can experience the thrill of playing with a full orchestra with children the same age (7 years plus). This free event takes place from 10am on Saturday 28 September at St. Leonard's Primary School, Exeter, EX2 4NQ. No auditions necessary! For full details, see www.exeterchildrensorchestra.co.uk

 

Dip ‘n’ Dine at Cofton Holidays

Soak away the day in the indoor pool at Ashburn Springs Spa and Leisure complex at Cofton Holidays, near Dawlish. Little ones will love the chance to splash around the fountains of the water play area while adults can benefit from the various massage jets around the pool. Once revitalised following your relaxing dip, treat yourself to a light bite or hearty meal at the adjacent Amelia’s Pantry. Better still visit on a Sunday and sample Cofton’s famous Carvery followed by a home-made dessert. Visit www.coftonholidays.co.uk or call 01626 890111 to find out more.

 

Scale the Walls this Autumn at Quay Climbing Centre 

The holidays may be over and the night’s drawing in but there’s still plenty to lift you off the ground at the Quay Climbing Centre this autumn. Great fun is promised in the heart of Exeter, whether you are looking for some weekend fun with the family or want to work off some steam at one of the after school clubs.

The Family Climbing Taster Sessions are great for friends and family. For over one hour you will learn the basic techniques required to enjoy plenty of climbing around the wall. Sessions are suitable for anyone aged 7+ and cost just £12.50 per person.

Alternatively, why not book a Clip ‘n Climb session? With over 26 of the most exciting climbing challenges you can imagine, there’s no chance for anyone to get bored. Call 01392 426850 or see www.quayclimbingcentre.co.uk

 

Sign Up Now For The Ride For Rowcroft South Devon Cycle Challenge

On Sunday 13 October, the Ride for Rowcroft cycle challenge will be returning to the picturesque surroundings of south Devon, with a 24km and 32km route, starting and finishing at Newton Abbot College. All riders, including young riders, are encouraged to collect sponsorship to help support the ongoing care Rowcroft Hospice provides for people living with life-limiting illnesses in south Devon. Ride for a loved one, ride for your local community and ride for Rowcroft. Visit www.rideforrowcroft.co.uk and sign up today!

Celebrate the Harvest in Honiton

Celebrate the harvest and apple season at Thelma Hulbert Gallery’s free event on Saturday 5 October. Press your own apples, learn natural craft skills, enjoy harvest-themed face painting and sample some tasty treats. Simply drop in anytime between 2pm and 5pm. Find Thelma Hulbert Gallery in Honiton. See www.thelmahulbert.com

 

Sign Up to the Saturday Arts Award Club

Youngsters aged 8 to 11 years can now sign up for a weekly Saturday morning club at Royal Albert Memorial Museum in Exeter. The club will run for six weeks from Saturday 28 September. During these morning sessions children can explore different art activities, meet real artists and make creations using the museum’s displays as inspiration. Over the six weeks the children will achieve an Explore Arts Award, a nationally recognised Entry Level (Entry 3) qualification in the Arts. For more information see www.rammuseum.org.uk

 

Step Back in Time at iBounce Exeter

Discover a world lost in time where fly in Exeter’s iPlay. This soft play features both a Jurassic and Ice age area. Can you avoid the sabre-tooth cat in the Ice Age? Or escape the lava flow in the Jurassic zone?

Visit iBounce! Exeter’s very own trampoline park and practice your bouncing skills, play dodgeball and cross the slackline – and more! See www.i-bounce.co.uk

 

Heart-warming Christmas tale for Crealy’s spectacular Christmas on Ice Show

The Crealy Christmas Spectacular returns this winter, from 30 November to 24 December, and it’s bigger and better than ever. Guests will be queuing up to see a brand new Christmas on Ice show featuring Crealy’s Buddy and Blossom bears and involving a colourful Christmas Eve journey around the globe. The show will take place in the new 750 seater, permanent Big Red Top.

If that’s not enough, Santa will take centre stage in his own magical performance Santa’s Magical Show Time where he will delight audiences at intervals throughout the day and Mary Christmas is returning to the park to her festive bakery. Santa’s Toy Factory will be up-and-running at the theme park where his dedicated team of toy making elves will help children choose something from a vast array of toys. Tickets are now available - book now to get the best times and dates, head to www.crealy.co.uk.

 

It’s Apple Season at Killerton

Autumn is apple season at Killerton when the orchards are bursting with fruit. You can join in the National Apple Day celebrations at Killerton at the Apple Festival on Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 October, where there will be live music, a hog roast, children’s activities and food, all with a great theme of apple folklore and legends. Visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/killertonapples