Teenagers can be the toughest crowd to please on a family holiday. They’ve outgrown paddling pools and pony rides, and are hunting for fun, adventure and a bit of cool.
The good news? South Devon is full of teen-friendly days out, from water sports and high ropes to waterparks and escape rooms.
Here’s our guide to teen-approved adventures in and around Dawlish Warren.
Waves, Wetsuits and Wild Coasts
Dawlish Warren’s Blue Flag beach is an easy win for teens. Pack a bodyboard, claim a spot on the sand and let them spend hours in the waves, with lifeguards on duty in season and cafes close by for snacks and hot chocolate.
For a change of scene, head to Exmouth for paddleboarding, kayaking or beginner-friendly windsurfing on the Exe Estuary. Local centres such as Exmouth Watersports and EDGE Watersports offer lessons and hire, so you can book a short taster or half-day on the water to suit your budget.
Thrill-seekers can level up with a guided coasteering session along the South Devon coast, scrambling over rocks, exploring sea caves and jumping into deep water with qualified instructors and full safety kit. Providers include Reach Outdoors and Rock Solid Coasteering.
Forest Adventures & Dartmoor Days
If you fancy a break from the beach, there are endless adventures on dry land too. Haldon Forest Park offers thrills aplenty with high ropes and ziplines at Go Ape, while waymarked walking and cycling trails give you a low-cost alternative.
Dartmoor National Park is within easy reach for open spaces, granite tors, wild ponies, and longer bike rides. If your teens are bored by the idea of long walks, pack a picnic, download a geocaching app and turn the landscape into a giant treasure hunt.
For more green escapes, Stover Country Park is ideal for quiet lakeside walks and nature-spotting, while Decoy Country Park mixes those calmer activities with a skate/BMX park. Teens seeking full-on action can head to Devon Activity Centre for instructor-led fun such as archery and quad biking.
Adventure Parks & Seafront Fun
For big-ticket days out, Splashdown Quaywest in Paignton is a hit with water-loving teens, with fast flumes, river rides and plenty of places to refuel. Crealy Theme Park & Resort and Woodlands Family Theme Park work well for mixed ages, combining rollercoasters, water rides and indoor play, though they tend to suit tweens and younger teens best.
Closer to home, Dawlish Warren’s seafront has go-karts, mini-golf and traditional arcades plus spots for ice creams and chips, so teens can enjoy a bit of independence while you relax nearby. Further afield, there are more arcades at Dawlish, while Teignmouth offers a classic pier, a long sandy beach and a lively seafront with cafes, arcades and water sports.
Rainy-Day Thrills
When the weather turns, swap the beach for an escape room. Excape in Exmouth, Locked in a Room and Escape Hunt in Exeter, and Devon Escape and Escape the Game in and around Newton Abbot offer 60-minute challenges that are ideal for puzzle-loving teens.
Indoor climbing and bouldering centres around Torbay and Exeter are another good bet, with supervised sessions and kit hire so you just turn up and climb. Trampoline parks, bowling alleys and small local museums across South Devon also make easy back-up plans when the good ole English weather takes a turn for the worse.
Make Welcome Family Your Teen HQ
Welcome Family Holiday Park makes a superb base for teen-friendly adventures in South Devon. Teens can swim and splash in the indoor pool, play in the amusement arcade, grab a kickabout or round of crazy golf, and join in with the evening entertainment.
The park’s location is a big bonus too, with Dawlish Warren beach, go-karts and amusements a short walk away, so older kids can enjoy a little more independence within agreed boundaries. Plus, every activity in this guide is within 30 miles of the park.
Check out our range of accommodation and book your teen-approved holiday in South Devon today.