25+ Fun-Filled Activities, What’s on Across Devon, Attractions and Adventures for All Ages
Looking for the best family days out in Devon this Whitsun? Devon is set for a Mega May Half Term, packed with over 25+ fantastic activities, events, and experiences for families to enjoy. With everything from animal encounters and creative crafts to outdoor adventures and magical trails, there’s no shortage of things to do across the county this May half term.
Whether you’re planning a short break or day trip Devon attractions are pulling out all the stops to deliver fun, affordable and memorable experiences. From steam train rides and theme parks to nature reserves and heritage sites, there’s something to suit every interest and budget.
Anne Blackham, Marketing Manager for Devon’s Top Attractions, says: “Our member attractions are thrilled to be offering a super selection of days out this May half term. These award-winning attractions will be offering a fantastic array of top days out and experiences for every budget—find out what’s on and where across Devon!”
What’s On in South Devon
At Woodlands, the Gruffalo is coming to the Showtime Stage on 26th May! Say hello and snap a photo together. On 27th May Titan the Robot is back with a unique blend of comedy, street theatre and music. On 28th May get ready to meet the Parasaurolophus! Pose for a photo and watch as they perform tricks. On 29th May Ritchie Raptor is coming, he’s mischievous, highly intelligent and extremely vocal. All characters will make appearances at intervals throughout the day. Prepare for a full day adventure with rides, attractions, indoor soft play, and zoo farm.
Get ready for an unforgettable adventure at Canonteign Falls this May Half Term. Embark on a thrilling expedition through 90 acres of lush woodlands, lakes, and cascading waterfalls. Seek fern fairies and hunt for pre-historic dinosaurs. Plus, on May 27th you can enjoy a magical, one-of-a-kind Alpaca Experience where you can meet, hand-feed, and walk alongside these gentle animals. Create lasting memories with plenty of photo opportunities during a 45-minute session. Pre-booking essential.
Picnic at the Park is back at River Dart Country Park on Sunday 1st June. Enjoy a fun-filled day set against the backdrop of lush landscapes, this family-friendly event offers something for everyone. Expect a fantastic line-up boasting an array of unmissable family activities and displays. Get ready for a day of music, dancing, charity stalls, a fun dog show, and much more.
Have an exciting half-term adventure at Kents Cavern! Explore their prehistoric caves and discover the wonders of ancient history. Witness the essential survival skills of our ancestors in action, with Survival School. On Friday 30th May, fascinating demonstrations and talks on primitive skills give you a chance to experience the Stone Age outdoors and underground! Think you’ve got what it takes to survive the Stone Age? Come and find out!
With over 2,000 animals and countless amazing plants across 80 acres of beautiful, spacious grounds, you’re in for a fantastic day out at Paignton Zoo! Enjoy roaming, discovering, exploring and getting in touch with nature. As a registered charity they support projects in the UK and overseas that aim to help halt species decline. Come rain or shine, Paignton Zoo is a great place to visit for all the family, and you’ll need a full day to see it all!
Join Wallace and Gromit for the ultimate forest walkies at Haldon Forest Park. Take on dog-tastic challenges together on this interactive trail, solve crossword clues and have lots of fun with everyone’s favourite dog and owner duo for company. The Stick Man interactive family trail follows Stick Man on his journey as he tries to get back to the family tree. Enjoy the wonderful natural world as you complete lots of fun, stick-based activities, discover tree-mendous facts and learn about forest wildlife!
Join Becky Falls this May half-term for fun and games outside! Explore over 50 acres of woodland rich in wildlife. Say “hello” to the animals, from goats and ponies to meerkats and giant tortoises, along with the Animal Discovery Zone, where their more exotic animals live. There are hourly Keeper Talks with experienced keepers and you can even help feed the meerkats!
During May, dive into the captivating art of glassmaking at the House of Marbles Glass Workshops – a favourite for those seeking to craft something both beautiful and functional. Under the guidance of expert artisans choose from crafting in a Glass Trio Workshop, Glass Bird Workshop, Glass Heart Workshop and Glass Vessel Workshop. See details online.
Join South Devon Railway on 23rd – 26th May for their popular Spring Rails & Ales. Trains will be running all day with departures from Buckfastleigh and Totnes Riverside at frequent intervals. At Staverton, the beer festival will be in full swing, offering a great selection of different ales, craft beers and ciders to enjoy from Devon Diesel Society’s award-winning bar. Plus Murder Mystery evenings starting from 16th May. Go back in time to solve a mysterious murder which takes place during a train journey. See details online.
From 17th May to 1st June head for a spectacular, unicorn-themed event at Pennywell Farm. They’ll be offering a host of special unicorn-themed experiences to help unleash your inner unicorn. Meet Merlin, the resident unicorn for the week, take part in Unicorn Hobby Horse racing, and discover fascinating unicorn facts on the Unicorn Farm Trail. With hands-on activities every 30 minutes you’re in for a full day of fun!
This Whitsun break have at least one day at the beach. Blackpool Sands is the ideal family beach to relax, swim or sail. One of Devon’s most beautiful natural treasures, come and see for yourself. Hire a kayak from Sea Kayak Devon or have a go on a paddle board. Book a session in the amazing beach sauna on the sands for a real treat! It has the best view!
At The Box in Plymouth from 27th – 30th May you can enjoy some brilliant free family drop-in activities during the half term! Use clay to create sea creatures from the future, inspired by the work of artist Sonya Dyer. The sessions are particularly ideal for children aged 4 to 11 years old and their adult. If it’s busy why not head over to their ‘Explore More’ tables to enjoy some extra self-guided activities there? Free admission. No need to book. Session times each day are: 10.30am – 12.30pm & 1.30pm – 3.30pm.
Get ready to dive inside the UK’s National Aquarium this half term. Join the Ocean Discovery Rangers for shows, talks and answers to all fishy questions! The Aquarium is made up of 4 main zones, with lots of different exhibits and animals found in each. Moving from Plymouth Sound to British Coasts, Atlantic Ocean and finishing up in Blue Planet with the Biozone and the stunning Great Barrier Reef.
What’s On in Exeter and East Devon
Royal Albert Memorial Museum has some great half term workshops including Flappers and Fedoras on 27th May. Channel your inner gangster, sleuthing PI, or dashing adventurer and make your very own cardboard fedora. On 28th May, dance into the glamorous world of 1920’s era Art Deco to unleash your creativity and try your hand at creating your own outlandish design – then print it onto a tote bag to take home! Both workshops run from 10-30-3.30pm. Buy tickets in the shop. Plus on 29th May travel back in time and meet characters from the past as you walk around the museum.
Cruise along the oldest working shipping canal in Europe with Stuart Line Cruises! This trip will sail through 8 miles of manmade waterway and make use of two manually operated locks. Available on various dates – check the website for info. Plus on 31st May and 1st June simply the BEST view of the English Riviera Airshow! Set sail along South Devon’s dramatic coastline to the English Riviera Geopark to see a spectacular air show! This is an all-day cruise, departing Exmouth Marina and then dropping anchor in Torbay to watch the air show.
Claudine’s Big Engine Gala is on at Pecorama on 30th and 31st May. There’ll be an extra-special celebration: Claudine’s 20th Birthday! They’re marking the occasion with a Big Engine Gala, where all their magnificent Big Engines will be out on the tracks. Witness their power, beauty, and charm as they honour two decades of Claudine’s steam adventures. You can make memories with unique experiences for the whole family.
It’s Wacky Week at World of Country Life from 26th to 30th May so it’s time to go wild! Fun activities every day throughout half term! See what mischief Angus the Deer will get up to when he’s roaming around the park!
Get ready for a week packed with family adventures, unforgettable rides, and May Half Term magic at Crealy Theme Park & Resort. From thrilling roller coasters to fantastic live shows and family-friendly attractions and animals – there’s something for everyone to enjoy! 1 ticket, 2 days of fun with a FREE return visit. Visits between 24th May – 1st June can get a FREE return visit to the Park within 7 days!
It is 1645. Armies are marching through Devon. Parliament’s roundheads are chasing the King’s cavaliers and you need to make a decision. Who will you support? Follow the trail to the royalist outpost at Columbjohn. Spot clues along the way and carry out a mission to help your side. On weekdays meet an archaeologist who will help you unearth the secrets of a hidden house with a big story to tell. The trail starts from the front of Killerton House and is just under 2km each way.
Devon Railway Centre offers a fun-filled, unique railway experience. Enjoy unlimited rides on two different railways, explore the huge model railway exhibition and delight in their Edwardian model village. Younger visitors can also enjoy the Play Shed themed soft play and all the family can enjoy a round of crazy golf alongside Buffers café. Plus, Dad’s go free on Father’s Day on 15th June with a full paying child.
Follow the Nature Trail around the Donkey Sanctuary to discover what animals (besides donkeys) you could find living in the various habitats around the sanctuary. Once you have spotted them all, head to the Gift Shop to claim your prize. This entertaining activity combines family fun, exercise and brainpower and is just £5 per trail, including a prize on completion. On until 2nd June.
On 25th May join the Dinosaur Tram Adventure at Seaton Tramway! Families are sure to enjoy this adventure-filled tram ride with music, stories, fossil dig, and a dinosaur activity area at Colyton Station! Help the Palaeontologists uncover the secrets of a land that time forgot and fulfil a mission to make contact with some forgotten species. The adventure will begin at Seaton where a specially decorated enclosed tram will take you to the Dinosaur Activity Area at Colyton Station where there will be a Dinosaur Dig, Fossil Excavation site.
Bicton Park Botanical Gardens has something for all ages and encourages families to connect through nature and play. Enjoy the Indoor and Outdoor Play Area, Woodland Railway, Farmland, Countryside Museum, Historic Glasshouses, Nature Trails, Restaurant, Garden Centre and Giftshop. Plus celebrate Father’s Day with a trip down memory lane at the Steam and Vintage Weekend on 14th & 15th June. It’s a perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and smells of a bygone era as you explore a wide array of vintage treasures.
What’s on in North Devon
The Seaweed Festival is back at Clovelly on 27th May to promote seaweed for its immense health and nutritional benefits. In a multitude of colours, textures, shapes and sizes, it is tasty, full of minerals, fibre without calories and is the best salt substitute. Along the Quay, there are a surprising amount of dishes and the stalls will be selling a range of seaweed products. It is a very informative event, with suitable activities for all to enjoy, including live music and street entertainments throughout the day.
At The Big Sheep, you’re guaranteed fantastic family fun! Their multi-award-winning Theme Park can be the highlight of your holiday or day out! This May Half Term you can witness adorable lambs being born, feed and connect with baby goats, sheep, piglets, chicks, calves, donkeys, alpacas and more. Enjoy hilarious live shows, thrilling rides, and let the little ones explore Ewetopia Soft Play. It’s a day of laughter, learning, and farmyard fun for the whole family!
Let the games begin – get ready for a week of family fun, laughter and friendly competition this May half term at RHS Garden Rosemoor. The Great Garden Game-a-thon offers contestants of all ages exhilarating games and family-friendly activities in these stunning gardens. There’s giant gaming adventure with a range of super-sized family games or try your hand at croquet on the lawns or embark on a quest to escape the lawn maze in the Arboretum. Head indoors to discover a wide array of board games for all ages.
There’s so much to do for the whole family on a visit to the Milky Way Adventure Park. Ride the Cosmic Typhoon roller coaster, have fun on the Gravity Rider donut slide and challenge the family in the Ninja Stars games arena. Pilot a Cyber Scooter and shoot lasers on Ziggy’s Blast Quest, giggle on the Droid Destroyer Dodgems. Leap around on the Jumping Jupiters, explore the maze and kick back on the Milky Way Railway. A full day of fun and entertainment.
Buzz over to Quince Honey Farm for a great day out for all the family. From guided tours, soft play and beautiful gardens through to exclusive beekeeping experiences and creative workshops, there’s plenty to keep everyone happy!
Don’t miss out on the top May half term events in Devon – plan your fun-filled week now, find more events
