This small zoo is perfect if you're looking for family days out in Devon, particularly with young children. There is a mix of exotic birds and animals for you to meet, as well as a play area for youngsters who need to burn off some steam. At Axe Valley Wildlife Park there's the chance to buy feed when you purchase your tickets and feed the birds while at the park too. During this day out with kids in Devon, you can even book a special animal experience if you want to make your trip extra special.
- Where? – Kilmington
- How much? – Adults £12.95, children (age 3 to 15) £9, senior £11.95, family (2 adults, 2 children) £40, see website for other concessions
- Do I need to take a picnic? – Light lunches and snacks can be purchased at Ringo’s Rest, but there are several picnic tables too so you are welcome to bring along your own picnic.
- Similar to this – Pennywell Farm, Bearhouse Alpacas

The National Marine Aquarium
At The National Marine Aquarium, not only will you be helping a prolific conservation charity to maintain our oceans and their inhabitants, but there’s so much here for you and the kids to fall in love with during your family day out. Record-breaking tanks and mysterious animals from the deep offer an insight into marine life, with fascinating zones all housing an array of creatures and plenty of facts to learn about them on the way - it's no wonder it's one of the most popular places to take kids in Devon. Keep an eye on their events calendar too, as there are often special adventures tailored to children to make the experience extra memorable.
- Where? – Plymouth
- How much? – Adults between £19.50 - £23, children (3-15) between £9.75 - £11.50, seniors between £17.50 - £21, students between £14.50 - £18
- Do I need to take a picnic? – The fantastic Waves Café serves ethical and sustainable food, reflecting their charitable work and protection of local producers. There's also the Sea'cret Garden Snack Shack and picnic areas if you'd like to bring your own food.
- Similar to this –Ilfracombe Aquarium, Dartmoor Zoological Park
Theme parks in Devon

The Milky Way Adventure Park
At The Milky Way Adventure Park, rides include a thrilling rollercoaster and a relaxing railway, plus there's a 110,000-square foot indoor play area that offers drop slides, ball pits and climbing nets. You can expect live falconry displays, memorabilia exhibitions, dodgems, laser target shooting, and a special area for little ones up to 6 years. If you're looking for things to do in Devon for families with children of a range of ages, this is a good bet as there's something for everyone.
- Where? – Clovelly
- How much? – Standard entry fees: Adults and children over 4 years old £11.95, toddlers (1-3 years) £6.95, disabled/NHS guest/carer £9.95. Prices vary at peak times.
- Do I need to take a picnic? – There’s plenty of seating to take your own food to enjoy, plus three eateries on-site: The Star Light Restaurant, The Cosmic Cafe and Planet Play Cafe.
- Similar to this –The Big Sheep, Woodlands Family Theme Park
This fantastic South West attraction has made our top 10 things to do in Devon list, take a look to see where else you could visit with the kids.

Dinosaur World
This interactive indoor exhibition is small but mighty, packed out with interesting facts, fossils and full-size dinosaur replicas to keep the kids entertained for hours. Perfect for a rainy day, you’ll be away from the elements but surrounded by fun at Dinosaur World, with lots of photo opportunities alongside the scaled dinosaur models, and little activities dotted around so youngsters have a memorable and enjoyable day whilst learning about the prehistoric creatures.
- Where? – Torquay
- How much? – Adults and children over 3 £6.95, groups of 8 or more £5.95, disabled and carers £4.95, military/NHS £5.95
- Do I need to take a picnic? – Food is not allowed inside the exhibit, but you’ll be in the heart of fabulous Torquay, where there is a plethora of pubs, restaurants and high street chains to choose from.
- Similar to this –Living Coasts Torquay, Bygones Victorian Museum

Crealy Adventure Park
One of many fantastic things to do with kids in Devon, Crealy Adventure Park offers so many awesome rides and rollercoasters for you to enjoy at this family-friendly theme park, including The Twister, Tidal Wave Log Flume and Dolphin Drop, alongside soft play areas for under 5s.
- Where? – Exeter
- How much? – Over 92cm £15, price varies at different times of the year.
- Do I need to take a picnic? – There are plenty of foodie stops around the park including Blackbeard's Chicken Shack, Heritage Hot Dogs and Adventurers' Bar.
- Similar to this -The Ultimate Adventure Centre Bideford, Tree Surfers

Splashdown Quaywest Waterpark
Twist and tumble in the sunshine on one of the many super slides at Splashdown Quaywest Waterpark, with everything from high-speed drop thrills to rubber ring rapids for your family day out. The eight exhilarating flumes are sure to please older kids, teens and adults alike, whilst the Submarine Adventure is ideal for youngsters, with two smaller slides, jets and a ‘tiddler pool’ for those aged seven and under. It’s not all about the slides though; on site, you’ll also find a swimming pool at the heart of the park, and a fantastic arcade with games and machines to relive your childhood – and make new memories with the kids.
- Where? – Paignton
- How much? – Between £14.50 - £17 depending on entry time and length of session, spectators £7
- Do I need to take a picnic? – The park prohibits the taking of your own food onto the site, however, they do have a range of facilities from which to purchase food and drink.
- Similar to this –Waves Leisure Pool Torquay, North Devon Wake Park
Heritage attractions in Devon

Watermouth Castle
History, rides, attractions, gnomes; what’s not to love?! Take your kids back in time at Watermouth Castle, which offers education with a fun twist as tales of years gone by are depicted with props, memorabilia and displays, with lots of activities outdoors too - perfect for when the sun is shining. Tee off on the crazy golf course or let the little ones run wild in the playground at Adventure Land. There's a toboggan run, Water Wars experience, Gnome Land, underground dungeons, an array of rides, and the Water Show Extravaganza – it’s a truly wonderful day out! Family attractions in Devon don't get more eccentric than this!
- Where? – Watermouth
- How much? – Adults and children £15.50 each with wrist bands given upon entry, children under 92cm tall enter for free, seniors £11.50, disabled/special needs guest £7.50
- Do I need to take a picnic? – There are lovely picnic areas around the Castle, but if you’d rather buy something delicious on-site, head to The Courtyard Café or Merry-Go-Land Café. There's the chance to purchase homemade Watermouth Ice Cream and fudge there too.
- Similar to this – Dartmouth Castle, Diggerland

Hound Tor
Discover the remains of a settlement of 13th-century stone longhouses during a walk around this captivating area - Hound Tor must be one of the best places to visit for families who love the outdoors. Swallerton Gate car park has limited parking but there's a beautiful (if challenging) half-mile walk from this car park to Hound Tor. You can also go on a hunt for 'letterboxes' - little boxes containing stamps and notebooks to log your find which are hidden amongst the rocks - a lovely thing to do with kids in Devon that doesn't cost a penny!
- Where? – Dartmoor
- How much? – Free!
- Do I need to take a picnic? – Yes, bring along snacks and sugary drinks to keep you fueled while you roam the area and clamber over the medieval ruins.
- Similar to this – Dartmouth Castle, Dartington Hall

Knightshayes
Inside, Knightshayes is truly beautiful, just the place for the grown-ups to wander around, however, the outdoors is where this estate comes to life for children. There's a formal woodland, kitchen garden to explore and miles of parkland, where you can follow woodland walks and have fun in the wild play area that was made from fallen trees after a huge storm in 1987. Dogs are welcome in the grounds too so you can bring the whole family!
- Where? – Tiverton
- How much? – Standard prices for non-National Trust members (minus gift aid): Adult £9, child £4.50, family £22.50, 1 adult and 3 children £13.50
- Do I need to take a picnic? – A cafe serves hot and cold food serving produce grown in the on-site kitchen garden, while there's a tea room to stop by too.
- Similar to this – Ashclyst Forest, Haldon Forest Park
See our guide to Devon's National Trust properties for more top National Trust places to visit.
Indoor attractions in Devon

Air Extreme
Air Extreme Indoor Trampoline Park has a range of eight jump activities for you to bounce your way through, and by booking the Extreme Jump Session you can try them all in one adrenaline-filled trip - one of the best places to visit for families who love an activity-filled day out. Get competitive on the Battle Beam, attempt to walk up The Wall, or score points with Hole in the Wall.
- Where? – Barnstaple
- How much? – Prices per person/activity vary, please see website for details.
- Do I need to take a picnic? – Head to The Hangout Cafe which serves hot and cold food, hot drinks and even has Slush Puppies for when the kids are ready to cool down.
- Similar to this – Clip 'n' Climb, Tree Surfers
If you're looking for more ways to burn off the kids' energy, take a look at our favourite activities in Devon.

Kents Cavern
Go underground to escape wet weather at this ancient Stone Age site where you can go caving, visit the exhibition and children can have a go at Cavog's Riddle Quest for a fun-filled family day out. Book in for a tour of the impressive cave system and, if the weather clears up, you could enjoy a coastal walk while at Kents Cavern too.
- Where? – Torquay
- How much? – Adults £13, children £12
- Do I need to take a picnic? – The Firestone Kitchen serves up local Devon food and has delightful views of the surrounding valley.
- Similar to this – RAM Museum, Museum of Barnstaple and North Devon

Babbacombe Model Village
Discover a whole miniature world at Babbacombe Model Village including a mini Stonehedge, cityscape and a celebratory mansion where you may be able to spot some famous faces. Besides these fun finds, you can also enjoy the award-winning gardens, 4-D theatre and evening illuminations.
- Where? – Babbacombe
- How much? – Winter prices from £12.90 for adults, £10.50 for children 3 - 14, £11.90 for seniors. Prices on the door and at other times of year vary.
- Do I need to take a picnic? – Gulliver's Coffee Shop serves light lunches and coffee, but if you'd prefer something more substantial there are plenty of other eateries throughout Babbacombe for you to head to.
- Similar to this – House of Marbles, Torquay Museum
Be prepared for every eventuality and, if the weather takes a turn during your trip, read through our guide to fun things to do on a rainy day in Devon.
Family-friendly Devon
There really is so much to do in Devon with the whole family, no matter what the weather. Enjoy a family day out on a budget, treat the kids to a trip to the zoo, or just grab a blanket and a picnic then head to the beach. Find even more inspiration for days out in our guide to things to do in Devon. However you choose to spend your days, you can rest assured that at the end of every adventurous outing, you’ll have one of our beautiful family-friendly holiday cottages to return home to.
Family cottages in Devon