Primary Times - the definitive what’s on and where to go family guide of activities and events for children of primary school age. Things to do with your kids during the school holidays including arts and craft activities, music and theatre for children, parties, competitions, days out, and family attractions along with term time drama schools, dance classes, after school clubs and sports activities. Things to do at a place near you!
Family summer holiday activities in Devon/Plymouth -
With restrictions lifting further just in time for the summer holidays, it is an exciting time for families in Devon to explore and enjoy our amazing region. From trails to shows and fantastic experiences there are so many family activities for the summer holidays in 2021 that can you can take part in, some of which are free or discounted. We have put a list together below of things you can do so get out and enjoy.
1) Pirate fun and so much more at Crealy this summer
Crealy will be pleased to welcome you this summer for all their usual summer fun. You can enjoy their usual summer attractions including the Maximus Rollercoaster, Tidal Wave Log Flume, Aqua Blasters as well as taking a look at the brand new Jungle Journey, and see the animals in Animal Land and Meerkat Manor amongst many, many more indoor and outdoor activities.
New and exclusive for summer 2020 is ''Pirates - The Curse of Mermaid's Cove' - a brand new fast-paced family show with acrobatic gravity defying stunts and action every Monday to Saturday from 24th July to 4th September at intervals in the Crealy Arena and
Find out more at www.crealy.co.uk
2) Museum Inspired Activities at the RAMM (Royal Albert Memorial Museum) Exeter
The RAMM in Exeter has lined up a fantastic programme of activities for this summer holiday including Roman reenactments, the opportunity to meet an historical character, a weekly opportunity to take part in family-friendly outdoor activities including seaside games and nonsense as part of their August Thursday season of 'Sunshine Follies In the Garden' as well as different arts and craft activities inspired by the museum every week. Also, do not forget that the Museum is open as normal with no booking required and free entry (opportunities to donate available).
See our special summer feature on the RAMM here.
Find out more about RAMM at rammuseum.org.uk
The Summer Reading Challenge 2021 is finally here!
Keep your child inspired this summer with the Wild World Heroes. Join the heroes and their animal companions in celebrating nature and wildlife, reading books and collecting stickers to save the planet.
Children sign up for free at their local library and choose six (or more) books to read. Anything goes, from fiction to picture books to comics and more! It is FREE to join the library, where you can access not only physical books, but also the digital library of eBooks, audiobooks and eMagazines.
For information visit devon.libraries.org.uk or torbaylibraries.org.uk
If you live in the Plymouth City Council area find out more at plymouth.gov.uk/libraries
Explore Dartmoor National Park this Summer
Join Dartmoor National Park for fun activities at their award winning Visitor Centres during the school holidays, including lots of ‘otterly’ fab fun with their Moor Otter friends. The Moor Otters Arts Trail continues throughout the summer with businesses, community groups and in public areas across Dartmoor, in Plymouth and in gateway towns and villages.
Don’t forget to pick up your Time for Nature Challenge sheet and celebrate Dartmoor’s 70th year as a National Park with them.
Start your Dartmoor adventure at www.dartmoor.gov.uk
House of Marbles is open again!
House of Marbles in Bovey Tracey is back open and as always is a great free place to visit with unique museums, games garden, working glassworks & shop with many amazing marble runs too. The restaurant now has heated outside daytime dining, with children’s menus available. Well behaved dogs are welcome. They will also have a fun new addition to our team arriving very soon – a Where’s Wally themed Moor Otter! It will only be around for this Summer though…
Find out more at www.houseofmarbles.com
Go down a rabbit hole and through the looking glass and enjoy outdoor theatre at the RHS Garden Rosemoor this summer
Families will be transported to Alice’s Wonderland at RHS Garden Rosemoor from 24th July to 5th September. Inspired by Alice’s spirit of curiosity and a host of quirky characters from Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass, families can view the gardens through the eyes of Alice, encountering topsy-turvy installations along the way. A Mad Hatters Picnic will see families enjoying picnics at the height of summer.
A season of outdoor, immersive theatre is also planned with Boxtree Productions bringing their adaptation of Alice in Wonderland to the gardens on 24th July and other theatre companies performing Robin Hood on 10th July, Wonder With Grimm on 11th August and The Three Musketeers on 31st August. Theatre tickets will need to be booked via www.theploughartscentre.org.uk.
Bookable welly walks and bug hunts are also scheduled for across the summer holidays on selected dates
Find out more about RHS Garden Rosemoor and scheduled events at www.rhs.org.uk/rosemoor
Summer fun at Princesshay
Dive into Summer at Princesshay this July and August with a host of activities including street food market and free family-friendly treasure hunt.
The treasure hunt, which is available until 30th August, encourages visitors to solve the clues and enter the details online for children to receive a badge and certificate in the post. Those who complete the challenge will be entered into a prize draw to win one of 5 £50 Princesshay gift cards. If you are taking part don’t forget to use the hashtag #phaytreasure on social media.
Find out more at www.princesshay.co.uk
Pennywell
Pennywell is Devon's Award-Winning Farm Attraction and is home to over 150 animals. There’s something for everyone, from pig racing to tractor rides! Get up close and personal with our friendly animals as you experience hand-feeding our cheeky goats, cuddling our miniature pigs, wandering in our miniature pony & donkey paddocks and so much more... Join in with a new hands-on activity every half hour! Activities such as Pig Racing, Deer Feeding, Egg Collecting, Ferret Racing & Pig Feeding are all part of the daily farmyard fun at Pennywell!
Book Tickets at www.pennywellfarm.co.uk
A Sizzling Summer of Family Fun at Woodlands Family Theme Park, Devon!
Join us for a sizzling summer of entertainment! Titan Tuesdays, Fizz Pop Science Fridays and Dino days are back! PLUS ‘new for 2021’ character appearances from Paddington, Peter Rabbit, Peppa Pig, Hey Duggee and Paw Patrol’s Marshall. Not forgetting the rides & attractions throughout the park including the Zoo-Farm and Falconry Centre. Book your tickets online and in advance to receive up to 30% off.
Please visit www.woodlandspark.com for full details and why not stay and play at Woodlands Caravan & Camping visit www.woodlandsgrove.com for more details
Paignton Zoo
The Zoo are currently limiting the number of visitors that will be in the zoo each day which means that all visitors, including Annual Pass or pre-paid ticket holders will now need to book online and at the time of writing, tickets and time slots are available until 5th September.
Find out more and book at www.paigntonzoo.org.uk
10) Seaton Tramway
There are so many opportunities to have family fun at Seaton Tramway this summer with themed tram rides and activities themed around dinosaurs, fairies, pirates and storytelling on selected dates.
Visit the website to find out dates for each event at www.tram.co.uk/events
11) Check out our summer theatre guide here
11) Pecorama
Explore Beer Heights Light Railway and stunning gardens with summer views as well as fantastic play areas, a zip wire and food and refreshment opportunities. Pecorama is open even Tuesday to Saturday plus Bank Holiday weekends. Please book your tickets online before you travel.
Find out more at www.pecorama.co.uk
12) Get creative at Something Lovely Pottery
All ages and abilities can enjoy pottery painting at Libra Court, Sidmouth with a vast array of items that can be painted and decorated to your own design.
Find out more at www.somethinglovelypottery.co.uk
13) South Devon Tennis Centre
Gem of an Activity Centre
The South Devon Tennis Centre is a little known gem of an activity centre tucked away from tourist hot spots. A place where the whole family can play tennis and have fun.
In a beautiful spot next to the River Erm, the Centre offers free parking, a café and both indoor and outdoor tennis courts.
There is always loads of tennis activities for the whole family and you do not need to be a member. Families can book online, pay and play or sign up to a course.
For more information visit: www.southdevontenniscentre.co.uk
14) River Dart Country Park
Outdoor family fun in Devon this summer at River Dart Country Park with a multitude of attractions including an adventure playground, agility trail, bike trail, mini zip wire, secret valley and much, much more.
You can also book to stay on their campsite for a longer experience.
Find out more at www.riverdart.co.uk
15) Summer of Fun at Affinity Devon
Enjoy FREE family activities throughout the school holidays at Affinity Devon in Bideford. All events will be taking place outdoors in the Ampitheatre and are free but with the option to donate towards their Charity of the Year 'Chemo Hero'.. Events include Captain Coconut's bubble & Icky Sticky Shows, Face Painting, LEGO themed Mini Golf, facepainting and more.
Find out more at the Affinity Devon website.
World of Country Life
With an eclectic mix of museums, animals, play areas and entertainment, both outdoors and under cover, World of Country Life is a great day out for all the family this summer. Take part in the daily activities and visit the museum of farming, extensive vehicle collection and play areas with a wide variety of animals to interact with.
Find out more and book at www.worldofcountrylife.co.uk
17) The Bear Trail
The Bear Trail is a family-friendly mud run obstacle set on a 10 acre site. Scramble over the bear nets, zoom down the zip wire and tumble through the tunnels as many times as you like. YOu can also enjoy wood-fired pizzas and treats at the Bear Cave Cafe or bring your own picnic and enjoy their outdoor or indoor picnic areas. Check out our latest edition for a free ice cream offer.
Find out more at www.thebeartrail.co.uk
18) Bear Town - Learn Through Play
Located between Exeter and Cullompton, Bear Town provides an immersive indoor role play experience that supports the Early Years Foundation Stage. to enable children up to the age of 7 to learn through play. Activities have been carefully created to help develop both gross and fine motor skills in children whilst they also have fun.
Find out more at www.beartown.co.uk
Riverside Leisure Centre
The Honiton Pottery Workshop
The Miniature Pony Centre
Clay Art
The Hatchling
RAMM
Seaton Jurassic
Plymouth Life Centre
The Coinless Cavern Arcade
China Fleet Country Club