The best Devon family activities for the summer

1. Hit the beach
 

We can't talk about things to do in Devon for families without mentioning our majestic beaches. 

See, Devon is part of the South West Peninsula: that long, undulating swatch of land that looks a little like Britain's left foot. We're surrounded by sea to the north and south, so you get two coastlines for the price of one. Nice. 
 
And the beaches really are majestic. Some are sandy. A few are shingly. Almost all of them are clean, picturesque and perfect for a family day trip. Just avoid the most popular surfing beaches if you're planning a paddle. 
 

2. Cuddle some cute animals

Got a cranky toddler on your hands? Show them a llama. Or a lamb. Or anything cute, furry and four-legged. It's an instant cure for the holiday grumps. 
 
Of course, it's best not to bother your local field. Instead, head to one of Devon's many farm attractions or animal sanctuaries. You'll enjoy all the perks of a day outdoors with some huggable creatures thrown in for good measure. 
 
If you're staying with us in Sidmouth and are looking for heartwarming things to do in Devon for families, try the World of Country Life. It's only a half-hour drive away and is home to lambs, bunnies, goats and more. Kids can even try feeding the lambs. Aww. 
 

3. Definitely don't cuddle some bears
 

Goats and bunnies are all well and good. But if your kids are a little older, they'll probably want to see animals with a little more bite. 
 
Not a problem. Hop in the car and head to Wildwood: a wildlife attraction set in 45 lush acres of parkland near the town of Ottery St Mary. 
 
Wildwood is a treasure trove of native species. That includes cuddly stuff like red squirrels and otters (otters!), as well as wolves, wild boars and even a pair of brown bears. It's easily one of the best things to do in Devon for families who want to explore the wilder side of Britain. 

 
4. Ride a miniature choo-choo
 

If there's one thing children love more than animals, it's trains – especially the ones that puff, chuff and go 'psssstkch'. The older and noisier, the better. 
 
So, why not treat them to a ride on a pint-sized steam locomotive? Kids will love it. Big kids might enjoy it even more. 
 
The Beer Heights Light Railway is among the best of its kind. Perched above the picturesque village of Beer, it trundles for one happy mile and delivers dynamic views over the beautiful Lyme Bay. 
 
Hunting for budget-friendly things to do in Devon for families? Your ticket also grants you access to a model railway exhibition, an outdoor play area and some gorgeous gardens. Now that's value.

 
5. Visit a miniature village

Let's stick with the miniature theme for a moment. See, Devon doesn't just do tiny trains – it's also home to one of the finest model villages in the country. 

 And we mean a real model village – with petite, hand-crafted homes, shops and people. There's even a fire-breathing model dragon roosting on the local model castle. Rawr! 
 
If that sounds like your cup of tea, head to Babbacombe Model Village near Torquay. If you can visit after dark between July and September, even better. The village's mesmerising evening illuminations make it one of the most magical things to do in Devon for families at night. 

 
6. Get out there and explore nature

Outdoorsy folk love Devon – and for good reason. Our county is home to two expansive National Parks, several country parks and more hidden rural hideaways than you could count. 
 
So, why not plot a course for the countryside and start exploring? You'll never be short of things to do in Devon for families if you've got some walking boots and a nose for adventure. 
 
The East Devon National Landscape is a good place to start. Here, you'll find more than 100 square miles of beauty, fun and family-friendly activities – including short walking trails that are ideal for little feet. 

More things to do in Devon for families
 

Ticked all these activities off your list? Don't worry – we've got plenty of ideas where these came from. Here are four more ways to have fun. 
 
Get crafty: fancy trying your hand at pottery? Or painting? Or whittling? Sign up for one of Devon's many regular craft workshops and take home a memento to keep forever. 

Visit a theme park: forget big-name parks like Alton Towers and Chessington. Devon's own Crealy Theme Park is just as fun and a whole lot more affordable. 

Explore a museum: if you're looking for things to do in Devon for families that combine learning and play, head to Sidmouth Museum and try its popular quiz trail and photo hunt. 
Step back in time: well, not literally. But with its life-size Victorian street and period-perfect décor, Bygones in Torquay feels like bona fide time travel. 
 

Need a place to stay?

Whether you're a Devon native or a first-time visitor, we hope you've found some activities that tickle your family fancy. 

 One thing's for sure: there are so many things to do in Devon for families that you couldn't possibly try them all in one day. Or even one week, for that matter. 
 
But that's OK. Stay with us at Hotel Riviera and you'll be a stone's throw from some of Devon's best family attractions. That includes Sidmouth's lovely shingle beach, which is just 20 metres from our door. 
 
And after a busy day of adventuring, you'll return to the warmest welcome on this side of the River Sid. Our Deluxe Double rooms are ideal for families and come with cosy bedding, complimentary toiletries and plenty of space to stretch out. 
 
Sidmouth is special in its own right – but that's a topic for another day. In the meantime, have fun planning your family escape. You've earned it!