Share:

Summer activities for children in Plymouth

Updated: 1/7/2015

10 Things to do before Summer’s Up

Before you know it, September will be here and the children will be returning to school. So, in the meantime, how do you intend to spend your summer holiday? Primary Times has created a checklist of 10 Things to Do Before Summer’s Up to make sure you don’t miss out on anything!

1. Explore a country park

Children really love the freedom that nature brings, so try to schedule some time to visit the countryside or a country park. Make the visit as exciting and interesting as possible by organising a nature treasure hunt where you create a worksheet with pictures of different animals, bugs and plants for the children to discover on their explorations. For more ideas take a look at the Countryside Learning website - www.countrysidelearning.org

Alternatively, take advantage of the free activities that many local authorities host in recreation grounds during the summer months such as family fetes, live music and even big lunches! Notably, Love Parks Week takes place between 27 July and 4 August. To find out more go to www.loveparksweek.org.uk

2. Go out and get active

Many sports clubs and leisure centres offer a huge range of children's activities at affordable prices.  Complete training packages can bring youngsters up to speed on their favourite sport. Why not treat your child to a day at a summer club at the sports centre while you indulge in a much-deserved day to yourself? 
 

3. Pitch up!
Enjoy an enlightening night lying under the stars and sample the pleasures of living al fresco.   Camping out is a fantastic adventure for any child with the added bonus that it doesn’t come with a weighty price tag.  Pitch up in the back garden or local campsite, and with your children, master the skills required to put up a tent!  And why not live the outdoor experience to the full by firing up the BBQ and tucking into flame grilled chicken or burgers, before an intrepid expedition at dusk by torchlight?  On your return you could warm marshmallows by the fire before snuggling in to your sleeping bags under the stars, searching the sky for constellations and listening to all the unfamiliar night time sounds. 
 

4. Blossom in the garden

Gardens explode with vibrant colours and textures, fragrant smells and buzz with life in the summer months making it a wonderful time for children to acquire basic horticultural skills. Children will love the chance to get muddy, remove worms, inspect tiny bugs and explore this tiny piece of wilderness. You can boost interest by devoting a patch of the garden, back yard or window box just for the children. For ideas and inspiration check out the following websites: www.bbc.co.uk/gardening/gardening_with_children; www.gardeningwithchildren.co.uk and www.rhs.org.uk/children

5.  Embark on the Summer Reading Challenge

A spine-tingling adventure awaits children who decide to take part in the 2013 Summer Reading Challenge. This year’s theme is ‘Creepy House’ which ties into the publishing trends for books that thrill without being too scary. Young book-loving adventurers are encouraged to explore the Creepy House, simply by reading six books from the library. To find out more go to www.summerreadingchallenge.org.uk

6. Enjoy days out at local attractions

Those six weeks can crawl idly by, so a welcome treat to a local attraction, zoo, fun park, planetarium or fairytale castle will inject a spark of excitement for all the family. Meeting other parents will allow you to enjoy some adult conversation and swap holiday stories, content in the knowledge that the children are having a great time close by.

7. Wise up on local history
They’re free, educational and entertaining.  Yes, local museums offer visitors much more than prehistoric artefacts behind glass.  Interactive displays captivate children so that they learn without realising it!  During the summer holidays, for a nominal fee, many a museum runs workshops especially for children.   Local museums are red hot favourite places to visit for culture vultures. Try visiting www.24hourmuseum.org.uk the UK's official guide to over 3000 museums and heritage attractions. 
 

8.  Make a splash

Learning to swim is an important part of a child’s development, and most parents will find structured swimming lessons at local swimming pools, private swimming schools and local clubs. Many local pools run intensive summer courses designed to fast track swimming performance. Ask at your local pool or check out the ASA website - www.theasa.org - for details.

Knowing how to swim will suddenly open up a wealth of new possibilities, allowing a child the chance to test out a variety of other water-based activities such as diving, sailing, visiting water parks, surfing, snorkelling, kayaking and canoeing. And the thrill and excitement of a water attraction or activity will always score highly as a fun way to spend time.  Alternatively, if your child would prefer to spend time by the water rather than being in it, there are many free fishing courses suitable for the under 12s.

 
9.  Make and bake at home

When the sun is not baking outside, let your children bake inside instead!  Yes, they’ll relish licking the bowl clean and getting their hands covered in gooey cake mix.  If you don't fancy sharing your pristinely clean kitchen for the day, then rummage around for the glue, glitter and gum paper and encourage your children to enjoy a messy day creating some artistic masterpiece instead.
 

10. Sample some local culture
Let your child sample some culture at a local art gallery or watch a musical together.  In the summer, many theatres run performances outdoors using as a backdrop the natural setting of a park or historic building.  Alternatively, you may wish to grab a bag of popcorn, use your children as an excuse and snuggle down into a comfy seat at the cinema. Let’s admit it – we adults love to lose ourselves in the latest blockbuster too! 
 
Enjoy a packed calendar of events at Devon’s Crealy

The summer is even more exciting at Devon’s Crealy Great Adventure Park with its packed calendar of fantastic events as well as plenty of rides and attractions to keep the whole family entertained whatever the weather!

Boasting over 100 acres of fun and attractions, the multi award winning adventure park provides the perfect day out for the whole family featuring over 60 rides and attractions including the newest additions, The Safari Express and Jungle Wars. Guests to Devon’s Crealy can enjoy thrills and spills galore on Maximus the Roller Coaster, the Flying Dutchman Swinging Galleon and many more. Cool down on the Vortex Water Coaster, the Tidal Wave Log Flume and in the Soak Zone on a hot summer’s day. With the friendliest animals in the Animal Kingdom and 75,000 sq ft of undercover play and outdoor adventure areas, there is something for everyone.

Throughout the summer holiday Crealy will welcome a different children’s TV character every Monday to meet and greet their fans including Rastamouse, Octonauts, Mike the Knight and Peppa Pig. Plus, there are mini shows with Fireman Sam and Bob the Builder. Visit www.crealy.co.uk to book your advance tickets online and receive up to 20% off. Validate your tickets on your first visit and enjoy 7 days of fun for the price of 1.

Explore Plymouth’s trails with Plymouth Bike Hire

Over the last few years British Cycling has been riding the crest of a wave with outstanding achievements from Bradley Wiggins, Chris Froome and Mark Cavendish in the Tour de France, not to mention enormous success in the velodrome at last year’s Olympics.  Cycling is incredibly appealing as it is accessible to all and it is a social sport that can be enjoyed by all members of the family. 

Local families are especially blessed as fortunately, there is mile upon mile of cycle trails to explore in and around Plymouth and its surrounding area.  Often, the only hurdle to overcome is using a bike that has been well maintained and is roadworthy. This is where Plymouth Bike Hire, a small local company can help.  They provide budding cyclists bike and accessory hire, and The Bike Bus from Plymouth which offers a gateway to an even wider variety of trails. For more details go to www.plymouthbikehire.co.uk or call 07577 279928

It’s time to get active with Adventure Okehampton

Ideally nestled on the edge of Dartmoor, Adventure Okehampton is incredibly well positioned to profit from the best of its surrounding environment and all the adventure that this wild landscape provokes.

Adventure Okehampton is all-inclusive activity centre offering families a number of appealing activity sessions that accommodate all budgets.  Day Adventure options are ideal for local children aged between 8 and 16 years and happen on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.  If your child is new to adventurous pursuits there are taster sessions in four different adventures available each day such as gorge scrambling, archery, bush craft, weaselling, water sports, rock climbing, high ropes and mountain boarding. If a day of adventure isn’t long enough there are also well priced Family Adventure Holidays on offer. Adventure Okehampton has a special offer exclusively for Primary Times readers – book the Stay for the Day option and enjoy free lunch worth £5. Just mention code PT01 when booking. Also, Tesco Club Card vouchers are accepted for 3, 4 and 7 night holiday families – this could save up to 25% off the holiday costs.  For more details call the Activity Office on 01837 53916 or go to www.adventureokehampton.com

Visit a UNESCO World Heritage Site on your doorstep!

In 2006 select mining landscapes across Cornwall and west Devon were inscribed as an UNESCO World Heritage Site, placing Cornwall and West Devon mining heritage on a par with international treasures like Machu Picchu, the Taj Mahal and the Great Wall of China. The site itself comprises 10 landscape areas from the west of Cornwall to west Devon, which together best represent the international significance of historic deep-lode metal mining.

Within the World Heritage Site there are many exciting family-friendly attractions across Cornwall and west Devon which together enable the visitor to experience the full breadth of the Cornish Mining story. To discover more you can download the app – ‘Cousin Jack’ and you will find a list of attractions, things to do, audio trails to follow and games to play. For more information take a look at the following websites - www.heartlandscornwall.com, www.carnglaze.com, www.nationaltrust.org.uk/east-pool-mine or www.cornish-mining.org.uk; or call 01872 322724 or 01872 492724.

Get active this summer at South West Lakes

If you enjoy getting outdoors and active on the water then look no further than South West Lakes Trust this summer. Their 5 Outdoor and Active Centres, located across Cornwall, Devon and West Somerset, offer hire and launch facilities providing the perfect opportunity for people of all ages and abilities to explore the lakes by sailing boat, rowing boat, windsurf or kayak.

Whether you want to hire a craft for an hour, half a day or even for a whole day South West Lakes Trust can cater to your needs from only £10. Pedalos are also available to hire at Tamar Lakes near Bude. If that wasn’t enough already, kids can also celebrate their birthdays in style at these activity centres.

Camping is also available so why not extend your stay at the lakes? The unique benefit of the sites is the location next to the lakes where there are activities for all the family. For more information call 01566 771930 or email info@swlakestrust.org.uk

Three great attractions equal one amazing day

For a brilliant day out that’s perfect for kids the ‘3 Great Attractions, 1 Amazing Day at Buckfastleigh and Totnes’ is hugely appealing to families who are looking for a fun filled day at a great price. 3 Great Attractions, 1 Amazing Day draws three fabulous attractions into one. The attractions include Dartmoor Otters and Buckfast Butterflies, Totnes Rare Breeds Farm and the steam trains of the South Devon Railway. Visitors will be able to see otters from around the world, stunning tropical butterflies, enjoy a great trip behind a steam engine and stroke the owls, feed the red squirrels and meet the hedgehogs. To find out more call 0843 357 1420 or go to www.threeandone.co.uk

Action Packed Summer Camp Week at Dinnaton Swimming Club

Do you want your child to learn to swim, improve his or her technique, or maybe try synchronised swimming? If so, you may be interested in Dinnaton Swimming Club’s action packed week of intensive swimming classes during the club’s Summer Camp Week from 11 to 16 August. Based at McCaulay’s Fitness and Golf Centre in Ivybridge, Dinnaton Swimming Club has grown over the past 25 years to become one of the top swimming clubs in the county, regularly achieving successes in local, regional and national competitions. From beginners’ lessons, through to Masters sessions for adults, the family orientated club provides the ideal opportunity for families to learn to swim, take on competitive swimming or train for other multi-discipline sports. McCaulay’s is also offering free taster sessions of golf and gym.  For further information about the Summer Camp Week or about joining the club, email one2one@dinnatonswimming.co.uk or info@dinnatonswimming.co.uk

Plymouth Arts Centre goes tribal this summer

Children aged 8-13 years are invited to transform the studio of Plymouth Arts Centre into a sculptural jungle this summer. Working with two experienced sculptors, this immersive art experience, running from 27-31 August from 10am to 3pm will include making prints, sound, light projections, a mask, headdresses and eight foot high totems.  Booking is not essential but it is advisable as places are limited.  Costs are just £5 per person per day. For more details call 01752 206114 or book online at www.plymouthartscentre.org.

Let your child score a hat-trick at Goals Soccer Centre, Plymouth

Goals Soccer Centre runs Soccer Academy activities after school and at weekends, as well as during all major school holidays. It has recently introduced a unique Football Grading Assessment Scheme developed for a coaching programme that provides a skill-based assessment of the children’s progress across a wide range of techniques. All activities are organised by qualified fully CRB checked FA Coaches who place the emphasis on fun and skill development in a safe environment. Only Goals Soccer Centre features the very latest rubber-crumb artificial grass on all its pitches, the same as that used by the top European clubs! It also offers a “Big Match” party package featuring a range of options to choose from, including 2 hours of fun packed football, birthday party food, a birthday card and souvenir team photograph, plus so much more. For details of all activities go to www.goalsfootball.co.uk or call 01752 562266.

Whoopee! Summer things to do

The holidays have now arrived and whatever the weather there is always something for the kids at Whoopee!  This popular shop at 74 Royal Parade has traditional outdoor activities including skipping ropes, hula hoops, ball sports and Yo-Yos. For shared activity, there are sets for cricket, golf, Swingball or a Nerf gun shoot out.  There are skateboards, skates and scooters for speeding around on and if your child needs to cool down afterwards Whoopee! can also help with water balloons, paddling pools and water guns. Arts and crafts are great indoor activities, involving children in hours of quiet creative play - try Sequin Art, Top Model activities or Play-Doh.  Construction blocks continue to be a number one seller with summer releases due from Lego, Character Build and Sluban. Traditional board games like Scrabble, Ludo and Snakes and Ladders are just the ticket for group or family play, as are jigsaw puzzles that are sure to keep everyone occupied whilst improving coordination. For individual play and development try brain teasing puzzles like the Rubik’s cube or one of the many IQ puzzles.  You will always find the latest and greatest at Whoopee! at 74 Royal Parade, Plymouth. For more details ring 01752 225030.

Fun Play - come rain or shine at Drake’s Den

Come rain or shine, Drake’s Den in Estover near the Wrigley’s Roundabout is a wonderful place to take the children this summer. This spacious, vividly coloured, indoor soft play adventure centre is a perfect spot to entertain the children, especially when they have plenty of pent up energy!  Drake’s Den is also wonderful as a party venue featuring 3 high tech, up-to-date party rooms.  The large party room caters for up to 25 children and is complete with disco lights and a music system, whilst the slightly more sedate Pink Princess Room is decorated in lots of pink voile and sparkly glitter balls. The last party room has a special space theme. All parties last for a minimum of 2 hours and include unlimited squash and party food buffet. For more details go to www.drakesden.co.uk or call 01752 794444.

Summer club fun at Mount House School

Children aged 3 to 9 years can join in the summer club fun in the beautiful school grounds of Mount House School.  Fun indoor and outdoor activities include Wild Art using natural materials collected around the school grounds, feeding the animals on the school farm, welly throwing, potion making, navigating the Pixie trail, fairy egg collecting, camouflage hide ’n’ seek, groovy gardening, musical teepees, stone sculpture making, making a den, stream dipping and fun racing such as egg and spoon, sack racing and summer fun relays.  Club members can join for a half day, full day or the week. For more information email michellepo@mounthouse.com or go to www.mounthouse.devon.sch.uk or call 01822 612244.

Score at Argyle Community Trust’s road shows this summer

Argyle Community Trust will be holding numerous exciting soccer road shows throughout Devon and Cornwall over the busy summer holidays and is pleased to announce it will be visiting old venues as well as brand new venues. These popular soccer road shows are age and football specific and place the emphasis on fun, enjoyment and development. Sessions include skills, techniques, competitions and small sided games, with the chance for children to win Argyle gifts in a presentation that rounds off the day. Courses are available for boys and girls aged between 5 and 14 of all abilities. For more information contact the Community office on 01752 562561 ext 162, or alternatively visit www.argylecommunitytrust.co.uk

Step out with Hartley House Dance Club this summer

Hartley House Dance Club’s summer dance workshops are being held in July and August for children aged 4 to 8 years old. Each day will include Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Street Dance, Hula Hooping and Zumbatomic.  After the summer, the September term will include new classes in ballet, tap, jazz and musical theatre for children aged 4 to 9 years old.  In addition, there is a new Mummy and Baby Movement class and new adult classes in Ballet and Tap. For details on Summer Dance Day Workshops and all other classes call Linda 01752 252127 or visit www.hartleyhousedance.co.uk

It’s all about having fun at Jump!

At Jump, children are free to be children, and have the space and equipment to do what comes naturally; that is to play. Its Plymouth centre is unique and features different themed play-frames, inflatables, party rooms, toddler zones and a café. At Jump, children are free to be as energetic and active as they wish. In this safe but exciting environment, they develop physical and social skills, co-ordination and balance and at the same time their imaginations run wild. For more details call 01752 782415 or go to www.123jump.co.uk/parties

Peppa Pig and Scooby Doo visit Bodmin and Wenford

There’s plenty to delight the children at Bodmin and Wenford Railway this summer as two very special guests will be making appearances. From 26 to 28 July, the enormously popular and very cute Peppa Pig will be visiting and appearing at various intervals throughout the day. In addition to this children’s favourite character, there will be brake van rides, pulled by one of the smallest engines Alfred or Judy (which were the inspiration for Rev W Awdry to create the characters Bill and Ben in the original Thomas the Tank Engine books), a children's entertainer and a miniature railway on the platform giving rides. The following month, on 25 - 26 August, super sleuth Scooby Doo will be making his first visit to the Bodmin and Wenford Railway and will appear at various intervals throughout the day. For more details go to www.bodminrailway.co.uk or call 01208 73555.

The Cornish Maize Maze reveals crazy farm inventions

Farmer Jones is causing a fluster on the farm this summer. His crazy farm inventions have been revealed … but which ones are real and which are just plain bonkers?

Choose the best inventions to create your very own farm and lead the way to the future.

The Cornish Maize Maze and Fun Farm again opens its gates for the new season on 20 July and will amaze visitors with its 3 miles of paths including two lookout towers and has this year moved to a new field which will ensure the maze grows to a towering height of 8 feet!

As well as this massive maze visitors can leap on bouncy castles and trampolines, climb to the top of a huge bale tower, sway on swings, play giant Jenga, dig in the massive sandpit and meet plenty of farm and rare breed animals. Farmer Jones is even able to take families on a tractor and trailer ride.

The Maze and Fun Farm are open every day from 20 July until 8 September from 10.30am-5pm and every weekend in September. For a really scary experience the maze is open on Saturday 31 August and Saturday 7 September for torch light fun from 7pm-11pm. The question is - do you dare enter The Maze in the dark? With so much to see and discover you'll certainly have an unforgettable day. For more information and up to date special events visit www.cornishmaze.co.uk

Watch your child develop with a fun messy activity!

See Creative Caterpillars at this year’s Yealmpton Show on 31 July and join in with some giant roller painting, fun-filled craft activities and much more.  Aside from the show, Creative Caterpillars also run weekly, term-time, creative art classes for babies and children under 5 in Plymouth, Plympton, Yealmpton, Ivybridge, Down Thomas and Wembury.  The hour-long classes involve plenty of fun, messy play such as painting and modelling, as well as other craft activities and cost just £4.85. These playful classes are wonderful at developing a child’s senses as they are able to discover and explore the environment surrounding them.  Naturally this inspires a child to use his or her imagination and creative thinking skills. Over time this combination of skills helps to develop movement, co-ordination and control.

In addition, Creative Caterpillars also host birthday parties, where the birthday child will benefit from a fun and creative birthday experience tailored to his or her interests. For more details call Kara Ord on 01752 862227 or email: contact@creativecaterpillars.co.uk or go to www.creativecaterpillars.co.uk

A fun, filled summer line-up at Flambards

Whatever the weather, a terrific place to be this July and August, has to be Flambards Park, Museum and Gardens. For the youngest members of the family there will be meet and greet sessions with some children’s TV favourites in the Kingsford Venue. On Tuesday 6 August, Katsuma from the Moshi Monsters will be greeting all of his fans and on Tuesday 13 August, Peppa Pig will make a number of guest appearances throughout the day. On Wednesday 28 August it will be the turn of Mike the Knight to pop in.

On Wednesdays 14, 21 and 28 August, it’s firework spectacular time with explosive displays lighting the Helston sky from 9.15pm. The park will be open late on these evenings with last admission at 7pm and a reduced priced admission from 5.30pm at just £7.95 per person. 

Other VIP guests will include the world’s largest - and arguably most popular - robot entertainer, Titan, who will be serenading and amusing the crowds with his own brand of cyber songs and jokes on certain days from 24 July to 26 August.

This summer there are so many money saving special offers including free entry for children when accompanied by an adult paying full single standard admission on Gus Honeybun’s birthday on 27 July and Ferdi’s birthday on Saturday 31 August. To check out all of the events visit www.flambards.co.uk

Never mind the weather - just get wetter at Splashdown Quaywest Waterpark!

The summer’s here and the Splashdown Quaywest waterpark will be open every day with its twisting tyre rides, the near vertical Devils’ Drop and all the other thrills and spills along the way.  Make a real day of it and stay around until The View at Goodrington restaurant and beach bar opens from 6pm until late; last food orders are at 9.30pm.  Families will find an all you can eat pizza, pasta and salad buffet, plus a main and kids’ menu too.  Also this summer, a brand new, fabulous event is being launched at Splashdown Quaywest for the under 18s (12+). SplashMania is a water park dance party featuring a top Devon DJ. Funky Friday evening SplashMania dance parties run every Friday from 6pm to 9pm. Tickets are available at www.splashdowntickets.com and cost £10 each or £50 for the whole season of 10 nights (and includes a regular discount to the waterpark during the season).  Group discounts are also available. For more details go to www.splashdownwaterparks.co.uk or call 01803 555550.

Good old-fashioned family fun at one of Devon’s best-kept secrets

Set in 20 acres of beautiful Dartmoor parkland, the Miniature Pony Centre is home to famous miniature ponies and donkeys that foal throughout the spring and early summer, as well as plenty of other friendly animals. There are many fun, free and hands-on activities available, including family entertainers during the school holidays – do check the website for details – whilst all budding horse riders, aged 3 to 10, should head to the riding arena for a pony ride.  In addition there are many exciting play areas for children of all ages, free spotter guides and a wealth of wildlife to discover. The Miniature Pony Centre is easy to find on the main B3212 road, just 2 miles west of Moretonhampstead (TQ13 8RG).  Call for 01647 432400 or go to www.miniatureponycentre.com for details.

See the friendly, but sometimes naughty, animals at Totnes Rare Breeds Farm

A visit to Totnes Rare Breeds Farm will not cost the earth and as there is so much to see and do, it will excite and interest all members of the family. There is a wide variety of friendly, yet sometimes a little bit naughty, animals to feed, fuss and learn about. Interactive activities include naming animal tracks, bird spotting and using the quirky question and answer boards. There are steam trains to watch, beautiful countryside to admire and a well loved Garden Café to relax in. Both the café and farm are totally wheelchair and buggy friendly. For further details contact 01803 840387 or visit www.totnesrarebreeds.co.uk  

Get Active on Dartmoor

Visit the Active Summer exhibition at the National Park Visitor Centre in Princetown until 25 September and be inspired to try a variety of activities that the whole family can enjoy, or learn how to do them through an outdoor activity provider. Special activity days, including a climbing wall, will also be held on Saturday 3 August and Sunday 1 September between 11am – 3pm. You may also get the chance to meet Dartmoor’s own Olympian and Team GB Pistol Shooter, Georgina (Gorgs) Geikie – and hold her Olympic torch. Make a note in your diary for Friday 20 September 2013 as the Tour of Britain will be streaming across Dartmoor – go and cheer on the cyclists and watch the exciting hill climb finish at Haytor.  For more details go to www.dartmoor-npa.gov.uk

There’s an adventure around every corner at River Dart Adventures 

River Dart Adventures offers marvellous value for money and its 90 acres of award winning parkland is sure to keep the entire family entertained. There’s a pirate ship with its own lake and beach, slippery snake slides and toddlers play, a low ropes course and a wooden play fort plus - all included in the entrance price.  In addition Dare Devil activities offer courageous youngsters plenty of adrenaline fuelled fun with zip wires over the lake, water zorbs, an indoor climbing wall and a high ropes course that crosses the river.  These daring activities are instructor lead and there is an additional cost.  To punctuate a day full of adventure, the Old Sawmill café bar offers families a chance to recharge with an excellent menu and a renowned Sunday Carvery.  Families can even stay at the onsite campsite and enjoy River Dart Adventures for the duration of their stay which is included in the pitch price, offering once again excellent value for money.  For more information visit www.riverdart.co.uk  

Powderham Castle opens all week through the summer!

This summer Powderham has a fantastic line up of themes to entertain the kids; starting with Pirates and Mermaids and ending with madness in Wonderland and a little bit of Sci-Fi and aliens along the way. Jonty Depp and Pocketwatch Theatre will be bringing Capt Jack Sparrow and the Mad Hatter amongst many others to the Castle. The extra entertainment is included in each child's admission - simply pick up your session ticket on arrival. 

Powderham is now open on Saturdays throughout the holiday and will be offering visitors a close encounter with Dartmoor Reptiles - one for the brave-hearted! And as it's the summer season there will be daily bird of prey displays each afternoon too.

The nature trails and treasure trail are very rewarding and the Walled Garden Play Area and Pets corner is a must! Castle tours are very entertaining, but if you just fancy a peek inside now's your chance as each afternoon from 3.45 to 5.30 you can wander freely. For details go to www.powderham.co.uk

Brave explorers wanted at Torquay’s Dinosaur World

Don’t forget to visit Torquay’s Dinosaur World this summer to see the terrifying T Rex, the titanic triceratops and the scary Jurassic Park scene.  Brave explorers can dig for incredible fossils in the excavation sites, get creative in the craft room, take part in the new Explorer Quiz to win a Dinosaur Expert Certificate, and even sit on the deadly deinonychus!  This summer there is more to do, more to see and more to touch at Torquay’s’ Dinosaur World - so don’t miss out.  Visitors who purchase a Paleo Pass will be able to visit again and again all summer for only £1 per person each time.  Visit www.torquaysdinosaurworld.co.uk or call 01803 298779.

An ultimate adventure where children and adults can drive real diggers!

Diggerland prides itself on having something for all ages and with 18 rides and drives there really is something for everyone. Experience the thrills of spinning round at rapid speeds on the Spindizzy ride, operating a Giant Digger, driving a real car, racing around in Go-Karts, seeing picturesque views 50ft in the air on Sky Shuttle and much more. On top of all this, Diggerland Devon also has an indoor play area and a gift shop stacked with digger-tastic toys and souvenirs. Diggerland in Devon is located at Verbeer Manor in Cullompton and is open every weekend, bank holiday and 7 days a week in July and August. Join the Diggerland mascots Duggy and Dotty and the Diggerland team for a digger filled summer adventure you won’t forget.  For more details go to www.diggerland.com

‘Plundering Pirates’ descend on Torquay Museum

Come face-to-face with bloodthirsty pirates and their arch-enemies, the Royal Navy Marines of the late 18th century, at Torquay Museum’s blockbuster summer exhibition, Plundering Pirates – Film, Fact and Fiction. Visitors can learn about life as a pirate, and the gruesome punishments meted out to them if they were caught. They can see Captain Jack Sparrow’s costume from The Pirates of the Caribbean film, and puppets from Aardman Animations’ brilliant movie, The Pirates! In an Adventure with Scientists! They can then come face-to-face with the cannons, cutlasses, muskets and treasure that were central to the world of the pirates, handle pirate weapons and wear pirate costumes. This enthralling family-friendly exhibition runs until 7th September 2013. For more details go to www.torquaymuseum.org or call 01803 293975.

Sizzling summer fun at Pennywell Farm

Six sizzling weeks of summer holidays are ahead and there’s no better way to spend one of them than a visit to Pennywell Farm. With a full day of hands on animal action, a different activity, show or display every half hour, hundreds of friendly animals and four free rides, you won’t waste a single minute.

Bottle feed the hungry lambs and goat kids, race the ferrets, pamper the ponies, meet the hedgehogs, explore the ponds and enjoy fantastic entertainers every day during the Devon school holidays. You can even cuddle one of the world famous Pennywell Miniature piglets and meet the new family of friendly reindeer. The Pennywell Pig Racing is always a giggle, with miniature pigs showing that what they lack in size they make up for in speed and determination. Join the ‘Ham Stakes’ every day at 2.30pm. There are acres of indoor space to play in but if summer doesn’t quite sizzle and it rains during your visit, Pennywell will give you a ticket for a free return visit.  Pennywell is just off the A38 near Buckfastleigh, just 12 miles from Torbay. Open daily 10am – 5pm, 7 days a week. For further information contact 01364 642023 or visit www.pennywellfarm.co.uk

Explore the Tamar Trails this summer

Youngsters will love exploring the woods this summer at the Tamar Trails Centre which will feature a number of children’s activities such as den building, scavenger hunts, nature exploration and bug hunting. The activities will run every Wednesday throughout the school holiday and are ideal for children aged 3 to 10 years old.

There are 25kms of beautiful woodland trails stretching around the Tamar Valley open to everyone all year round. The Trails Centre is the activities hub where visitors will find plenty of parking plus a great café that is open every day for hot lunches, homemade cakes and lots of snacks. For more details go to www.tamartrails.co.uk or www.treesurfers.co.uk

Safe, quality water sports instruction at Decoy Lake

The Devon Windsurf and Canoe Centre, based at Decoy Lake in the beautiful Decoy country park in Newton Abbot, has been providing safe, quality water sports instruction for the last 17 years. Children as young as 3 (wearing life jackets) can go out onto the water accompanied by mum or dad on 2 and 3 seater canoes. Older children and adults can venture onto the lake on single or double kayaks, stand up paddleboards and windsurfers. Tuition or hire is available every day until the end of September. Throughout the summer holiday The Devon Windsurf and Canoe Centre will be running a junior water sports club for children aged 7 - 12 which will have a BBQ every club night and will offer the chance to win a new wetsuit at the end of the season. Popular water sports parties are also available. For more information visit www.devonwindsurf.co.uk or phone Simon on 07971 051509.

Get 20% off nonstop fun at Woodlands

How can you entertain various members of your family when they all want to do something different? Well the varied play zones at Woodlands can provide the answer as each zone has attractions, rides and indoor play for every age group. There is an extensive Zoo-Farm, new Fantasi Forest, TV Character Days, white knuckle rides like the high flying Swing Ship and pulse pounding Avalanche, watercoasters that electrify and then there are gentle rides for little ones too. The fantastic Dinosaur Farm Ride allows children to drive man-sized tractors past the massive T Rex and cute baby dinosaurs, plus this summer the one and only Peppa Pig will be returning to Woodlands on 23 August and will be appearing at various intervals throughout the day.

Rainy days are no obstacle at Woodlands as there are unbelievable indoor Fun Factories to explore. Discover 5 floors packed with climbing, swinging and sliding action, then take off on four great rides including the chilling drop of the 40ft Trauma Tower. The two indoor soft play centres are packed with interactive and challenging activities and the Master Blaster enables young guests to blast balls at buddies in the two Alien Planet Arenas.

The massive Zoo-Farm features cuddly coatis, comical meerkats, amazing birds, and exotic animals such as reptiles, spiders and insects. After a tour of the Zoo-Farm head over to the fascinating Falconry Centre to watch the owls gliding and hawks diving in the brilliant Flying Displays. Remember: Simply buy online to receive a fantastic 20% off a day of nonstop fun which includes all the attractions, fun factories and awesome rides. For more details go to www.woodlandspark.com or call 01803 712598.

Free introduction to fishing days with The Environment Agency

After the resounding success of last year’s events the Environment Agency will once again run some family introduction to coarse fishing days so the whole family can learn about fishing. During the summer holidays there will be three coarse fishing events taking place: on Friday 9 August at Bude Canal Angling Associations Lake,

Whalesborough Lake, Near Bude; on Friday 16 August at Roche Angling Club Lake, Near St Blazey and on Friday 23 August at Three Milestone Angling Club Lakes, Threemilestone. All events are free and there is no need to buy a rod licence.

So why not try fishing? It’s a hobby that’s good for you and your family, and you’ll soon realise why it’s the most popular outdoor sport in the country. You do not require a rod licence for any of the events organised by the Agency although a licence is normally required if you are over twelve years old, and you are fishing for freshwater fish (Salmon, Trout, and coarse fish). A full year’s adult trout and coarse licence costs £27.00, but you can also buy a single day’s licence for only £3.75. Under 16s get a full year for only £5.00. You can buy a rod licence by following the link - www.postoffice.co.uk/rod-fishing-licence or by ringing 0844 800 5386.

To reserve a place on one of the free family fishing days it is important that you book a place in advance. Call 01208 265012 for booking forms, or download one from the website - www.environment-agency.gov.uk

Living Coasts to celebrate its tenth birthday

Living Coasts, Torquay’s coastal zoo and aquarium marks its first decade in July, and plans include diving displays, a special cake and a VIP party for children born on the same day. The zoo, a registered charity, opened to the public on 14th July 2003, with an official ceremony performed by the Princess Royal following in September.

Celebrations during the weekend of Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 July will include freedivers in the seal tank at 11.30am and 2.30pm on the Saturday whilst an historic hard-hat diver will demonstrate his skills on Sunday. There will be an open invitation to a special party for any child who is ten years old on the same day as the zoo – 14^th July. Children will simply need to show their birth certificates or a passport in order to join the fun. For more information go to www.livingcoasts.org.uk or ring 0844 474 3366.

Croca-diddly at Paignton Zoo!

Three baby crocodiles have made their public debut at Paignton Zoo Environmental Park. But visitors need to be sharp-eyed, as the youngsters are less than one foot long.  The African dwarf crocodiles are around 6 months old and are about 11 inches or 28 centimetres long and weigh no more than 170 grams each. Mike Bungard, Curator of Lower Vertebrates and Invertebrates at Paignton Zoo, said: “They may be small but they still come with a nasty bite. They have a mouthful of pointy, pin-sharp teeth, as young crocs tend to eat a lot of insects”. The baby crocs, which came from Bristol Zoo, are in the Zoo’s Reptile Tropics exhibit. Very little is known about the ecology and natural history of dwarf crocodiles. They rarely exceed two metres in length and in the wild they eat mainly invertebrates such as gastropods and crabs as well as frogs and fish. For more information go to www.paigntonzoo.org.uk or ring 0844 474 2222.

A summer of fun, games and monkeying around at Drake Circus

There’s a summer of fun, games and monkeying around to look forward to at Drake Circus. From 29 July to 1 September a special garden area in the lower mall near Primark will be devoted to fun activities, including giant games to enjoy every day, arts and crafts every Friday and Saturday, and visits from the Monkey Sanctuary with a Funky Monkey Treasure Hunt every Wednesday. You could win the chance to be a zoo keeper for the day, plus other fantastic prizes, and discount vouchers for entry to the Monkey Sanctuary will also be available. All these summer activities at Drake Circus are free of charge and if you want to join in the fun, more information is available at www.drakecircus.com.