Devon is full of family friendly attractions. Here are our top ten. Note: A handy Google map showing all the locations is at the bottom of this article.
Paignton Zoo
Zoos are always family crowd pleasers, especially when they are as good as Paignton Zoo which has an abundance of animals from cheetahs to meerkats, from crocodiles to monkeys. To extend the fun, Paignton Zoo also has an indoor play area as well as an outdoor one for sunny days.
Paignton Zoo Environmental Park, Totnes Road, Paignton, Devon TQ4 7EU
Telephone: 01803 697500
Website: www.paigntonzoo.org.uk
Milky Way Adventure Park
Milky Way Adventure Park is perfect for those with kids under 12. There is a whole range of space themed activities on offer, which keep children entertained but educates them at the same time. Soft Play (with areas suitable for different ages) and roller coasters are big draws here, but there are also some wonderful live shows to see.
The Milky Way Adventure Park, Higher Clovelly, Bideford, North Devon, EX39 5RY
Telephone: 01237 431255
Website: www.themilkyway.co.uk
National Marine Aquarium
There are so many fantastic specimens to see at National Marine Aquarium that even the most difficult to entertain of children and the moodiest of teenagers will be kept amused. The aquarium splits its space into six zones, but they also set up specialised activities that are suitable for a variety of ages.
National Marine Aquarium, Rope Walk, Coxside, Plymouth, Devon, PL4 0LF
Telephone: 0844 8937938
Website: www.national-aquarium.co.uk
Dartmoor Zoological Park
Dartmoor Zoo is simply fantastic. It’s a wonderful treat for kids to be taken on safari in their very own country and they are able to see lions and wolves, amongst 200 other different animals. There are informative but fun talks that will teach your kids whilst keeping them entertained. It’s a must do.
Dartmoor Zoological Park, Sparkwell, Plymouth, Devon, PL7 5DG
Telephone: 01752 837645
Website: www.dartmoorzoo.org.uk
Crealy Adventure Park and Resort
Another destination perfect for those with children under the age of 12, Crealy Adventure Park is well set up to entertain those with families that have several ages to cater to. With 60 rides and attractions, including a huge soft play area, Crealy is a one stop shop for a day out.
Crealy Adventure Park & Resort, Sidmouth Road, Clyst St Mary, Exeter, Devon, EX5 1DR
Telephone: 01395 233200
Website: www.crealy.co.uk
Saltram House and Gardens
There is something for everyone at Saltram House and Gardens within its huge grounds which rings in at over 500 acres. The house itself has a fascinating history which has a whole host of artefacts on display to educate and entertain. The gardens outside are perfect for kids to expend energy in with croquet and other games on offer.
Saltram House and Gardens, Plympton, Plymouth, Devon, PL7 1UH
Telephone: 01752 333500
Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/saltram
Dingles Fairground Heritage Centre
This fairground heritage center has so much to offer in terms of exhibits of vintage engineering and old school rides. With more buttons to press than a child will ever have seen before, families with any age children will enjoy a visit here.
The Fairground Heritage Centre, Milford, Lifton, Devon, PL16 0AT
Telephone: 01566 783425
Website: www.fairground-heritage.org.uk
Pennywell Farm
Pennywell Farm is popular for good reason. It has won countless awards owing to its plethora of activities to help kids burn off all that boundless energy. The animals here are also a huge draw, especially the famed Pennywell Miniature Pigs. Children can feed many of them too as well as have a quick cuddle.
Pennywell Farm, Buckfastleigh, Devon, TQ11 0LT
Telephone: 01364 642023
Website: www.pennywellfarm.co.uk
Combe Martin Wildlife & Dinosaur Park
The wildlife here at this animal park is second to none. Plus, the animatronics on display in the dinosaur area are excellent and will fool even the most eagle eyed of customers. The express train through Dinosaur Valley is a must do.
Combe Martin Wildlife and Dinosaur Park, Higher Leigh, Combe Martin, North Devon, EX34 0NG
Telephone: 01271 882486
Website: cmwdp.co.uk
The Big Sheep
The Big Sheep offers entertainment in any weather. Suitable for families with kids under 12, there are roller coasters for bigger children and lamb feeding for the little ones. Plus with nine daily shows, everyone will be entertained all day.
The Big Sheep, Abbotsham, Bideford, North Devon, EX39 5AP
Telephone: 01237 472366
Website: www.thebigsheep.co.uk
Our map of the Top 10 Family Friendly Attractions in Devon