Keeping the kids entertained throughout the year can be a truly heroic task… So, to help all you parents out there in the South West, here is a list of the best things to do with kids in Devon.

We know that children love an adventure, whether it is indoors or outdoors they are always striving for fun with the family – so that is why our list is varied, from theme parks to beaches to stunning walks and everything in between. Rest assured there are plenty of incredible things to do in Devon as a family.

And, as we love getting out and about, these listings will mainly focus on being active!

Our top things to do with the kids in Devon

Number 1 – Buckfast Butterflies and Otter Sanctuary

Where is it ? Station House, Dart Bridge Rd, Buckfastleigh, Devon TQ11 0DZ

Website: ottersandbutterflies.co.uk/

Otters and butterflies. Not the most obvious of mixes of species, but the variety on offer here makes for an interesting and, in the case of the butterflies, pretty day out.

Learn about the animals through interactive experiences, walk through rainforests and also see a number of other animals like terrapins, lizards and other bugs.

Worried about price? We consider jumping on a return to Totnes with the railway and you might just get it free.

Number 2 – Paignton Zoo Environmental Park

Where is it?  Totnes Road, Paignton, Devon TQ4 7EU

Website? paigntonzoo.org.uk

What is your favourite animal? And your family’s?

The chances are you’ll find them at Paignton Zoo. The environmental park has thousands of species and mammals to see and learn about. We particularly love the feeding times, so make sure you check the listings when you get there!

We also recommend the walk on the nature trail as well as all of the learning opportunities dotted around the place.

Here is a booking online in advance brings you and your family the best prices!

Number 3 – Dartmouth Castle

Where is it? Castle Road, Dartmouth, Devon TQ6 0JN

Website? english-heritage.org.uk/dartmouth-castle/

Discover more than 600 years of history at Dartmouth Castle… and if that doesn’t impress you and your little ones then make sure you take in the gun tower!

We also love getting lost while exploring the dark and narrow passageways and when you want to get out into nature take a coastal walk and enjoy the views.

Members are allowed free entry, with visitors paying a set price – check the website as it is subject to change.

Number 4 – Haldon Forest Park

Where is it? Bullers Hill, Kennford, Exeter, Devon EX6 7XR

Website? forestryengland.uk/haldon-forest-park

There is so much adventure to be had at Haldon Forest! Last time we counted there were four walking trails, a number if cycling trails, the adrenaline filled Go Ape and even Segway options…

This place really is an adventure that you can keep revisiting and coming back to – something which makes a difference when considering the top things to do with the kids in Devon.

Haldon is free to enter but the extras like Go Ape or renting bikes will cost you. Parking is available with a small fee.

Number 5 – Becky Falls Ancient Woodland

Where is it? Manaton, Newton Abbot, Devon TQ13 9UG

Website? beckyfalls.com/

We adore exploring magical woodlands with the kids as there is plenty to find and plenty to see. Becky Falls is a particularly special waterfall that you can find near Newton Abbot in Devon. Plus there is a little zoo here too.

A great chance to explore the wilds of Dartmoor and Devon.

The zoo will charge!

Number 6 – Dragon Archery

Where is it? Brandis Corner, Holsworthy, Devon EX22 7YQ

Website? dragonarchery.co.uk/

Yes, you read that correctly. And you can probably vividly picture the enjoyment on your children’s faces!

Slaying dragons features pretty highly in any fantasy lovers fantasies and this wonderful archery centre gives you the chance to do just that…

Become a knight of the realm and slay dragons and other well themed targets. There is something for all the family here.

Make sure you make your booking in advance.

Number 7 – Battlefield Live Torbay

Where is it? Dartmouth Road, Brixham, Torbay, Devon TQ5 0JT

Website? battlefieldlivetorbay.com/

Grab a gun, enter the battlefield and shoot your way to victory in this family friendly adventure. Make your way through the game, trying to stay alive and avoid being caught out by your foes. A lot of fun!

You’ll need a minimum number of players to play. That is 10 but you can always join other teams there too! Prices are split depending on how many games you want to play, with special deals including a round of golf and footgolf as well!

Number 8 – Rock and Rapid Adventure Centre

Where is it? Hacche Mill, South Molton, Devon EX36 3NA

Website? rockandrapidadventures.co.uk/

We love seeking out adventure and doing something different. That’s why this place is our heaven!

Choose from coasteering, kayaking, rock climbing (basically any adrenaline filled activity!) and get stuck in as a family conquering fears, conquering heights and putting smiles on faces. Any of these activities are sure to be top of the list of things to do with the kids in Devon.

Prices depend on what activity is chosen and the length of time preferred.

Number 9 – Seaton Jurassic

Where is it?  The Underfleet, Seaton, Devon EX12 2WD

Website: seatonjurassic.org/

Dinosaurs. Everyone loves them. And this is a wonderful place to take you on a journey through over 4.6 billion years of Seaton’s history! You’ll uncover fossils and learn a bunch about the creatures that roamed the planet before us – really is a lot of fun.

Tickets are available online, or on the day, with optional gift aid being added. We would recommend booking ahead!

Number 10 – Beer Quarry Caves

Where is it? Quarry Lane, Beer, Seaton, Devon EX12 3AT

Website? beerquarrycaves.co.uk/

We love exploring caves and the ones in the beautiful Beer are a joy to behold. Uncover this impressive man-made complex of underground caverns on a guided tour with plenty of information for the whole family.

The most interesting thing is that children will see how the workers would use these tunnels to quarry and deliver the huge blocks of stone for building and such like. Will inspire a few minds!

Entry is set depending on age, with warm clothing recommended. Do check the website before going though, as it is not open all year round – but when it is… it is one of the best things to do with the kids in Devon.

And just one more thing… you could just head to the Beach!

Some of the most beautiful beaches in the UK just happen to be on your doorstep in the South West. Why not pack your beach towels and head down to some of the awesome beaches. It always makes for a wonderful family day out.

Our favourites include… Bigbury on Sea Beach, Dawlish Warren Beach (with the arcade/fair games too), Westward Ho! Beach, Bantham Beach, Saunton Sands and Woolacombe Sands. Spoilt for choice.

Need More things to do with the kids in Devon?

Check out our Day Out Builder…

Obviously there are hundreds of other things to do in Devon – just check out our day out builder to see what other activities you can do as a family are just around the corner.