South Devon is a brilliant choice for a family holiday, with sandy beaches, gorgeous countryside and a wealth of family-friendly attractions.
From zoos and aquariums to theme parks and high-energy outdoor activities, here’s your guide to the best things to do in South Devon with kids of all ages.
Things to Do in South Devon for Babies and Toddlers
When travelling with babies or toddlers, it pays to stay close to the beach. A simple bucket-and-spade beach day gives little ones endless entertainment – and you a chance to sit down! South Devon is bursting with options, from the Blue Flag beach at Dawlish Warren to Broadsands, Goodrington North and Paignton Sands near Paignton, plus Blackpool Sands near Dartmouth, often ranked among the UK’s best.
Away from the beach, South Devon has plenty of hands-on animal attractions. Pennywell Farm and Totnes Rare Breeds Farm are ideal for animal-mad toddlers who want to pet, feed and cuddle a variety of creatures, while Dartmoor Otters and Buckfast Butterflies adds a dose of wide-eyed wonder.
On wet days, soft play centres can save the holiday. Tumbling Teds Playhouse in Newton Abbot, Wonderland Play in Newton Abbot and Exeter, and Play Cafe in Torquay all offer baby- and toddler-friendly indoor fun.
Things to Do in South Devon for Children and Tweens
For primary-age children and tweens, the options in South Devon seem endless. Paignton Zoo offers a full day of animal adventures, with 80 acres of enclosures, nature trails, and indoor and outdoor play areas. The National Marine Aquarium at Plymouth is home to more than 5,000 marine creatures, from sharks to rays, and makes an easy all-weather day out.
Thrill-seekers will love Woodlands Family Theme Park near Dartmouth and Crealy Theme Park and Resort, which mix rollercoasters and water rides with huge indoor play barns. In summer, Splashdown Quaywest in Paignton – the UK’s largest outdoor waterpark – is a big hit with confident swimmers. For lower-cost adventures, River Dart Country Park and Haldon Forest Park both offer walking and cycling routes, adventure play and interactive family trails.
If your crew enjoys a bit of history, Powderham Castle near Exeter combines castle tours with adventure play areas, a pets’ corner and seasonal family events. Train-mad kids will love the Dartmouth Steam Railway, which runs between Paignton and Kingswear with the option to add a river boat trip. Along the English Riviera, Bygones Museum, Babbacombe Model Village, Kents Cavern and Greenway (Agatha Christie’s former home) offer a mix of vintage streets, mini worlds, prehistoric caves and riverside gardens to explore.
Things to Do in South Devon for Teenagers
Many of South Devon’s big-name attractions – from Paignton Zoo and the National Marine Aquarium to Woodlands, Crealy and Splashdown – are equally appealing to teens. Especially if you steer them towards the more adventurous rides and slides. But there are plenty of ways to dial things up a notch for older kids who want more independence and excitement.
Active teens will be thrilled by South Devon’s water sports. Along the coast, you’ll find surf and bodyboard lessons, paddleboarding, coasteering and sea-kayaking sessions, where they can learn new skills under qualified instruction. The calm beaches around the English Riviera are especially popular. Inland, Go Ape Haldon delivers thrills aplenty with tree-top crossings and zip wires, while the Devon Activity Centre has everything from quad biking and karting to archery and paintball. Â
Heritage trips and historic houses can also work well for teens, particularly if you build in some free time to explore independently, within agreed boundaries. Natural landscapes like the Dartmoor National Park offers hikes, wildlife and river swimming and make an atmospheric backdrop for family geocaching adventures.
Family Adventures for All Ages at Welcome Family
When you’re planning family adventures in South Devon, choosing the right base makes everything easier. Welcome Family in Dawlish Warren offers a range of accommodation to suit different budgets, plus plenty of on-park fun, from indoor pools and crazy golf to talent contests and evening entertainment.
Our location puts a lot within easy reach. Dawlish Warren’s Blue Flag beach and nature reserve are a short, level walk away, and many of the attractions mentioned in this guide can be reached by car or public transport for fun day trips.
FAQs: Things to Do in South Devon with Kids
What are the best things to do in South Devon with kids?
Some of the most popular family activities include visiting Paignton Zoo, exploring the National Marine Aquarium, enjoying rides at Woodlands Family Theme Park, and spending time on South Devon’s sandy beaches like Dawlish Warren and Blackpool Sands.
Is South Devon good for toddlers?
Yes, South Devon is ideal for toddlers. There are safe, sandy beaches, animal farms like Pennywell Farm, and plenty of soft play centres for rainy days, making it easy to keep little ones entertained.
What can teenagers do in South Devon?
Teenagers can enjoy a range of activities, including water sports like surfing and paddleboarding, adventure parks such as Go Ape Haldon, and outdoor exploring in Dartmoor National Park.
Are there free things to do in South Devon with kids?
Yes, there are plenty of low-cost and free options, including beach days, countryside walks, and visits to places like Haldon Forest Park, which offers family trails and play areas.
Where is the best place to stay in South Devon for families?
Dawlish Warren is a great base for families, offering easy access to beaches, nature reserves, and nearby attractions. Staying somewhere like Welcome Family makes it easy to explore South Devon while enjoying on-site entertainment for all ages.