Things to Do in Devon This Summer 2026 – 36 Family Days Out and Events to Enjoy!

Discover the best family attractions, activities and summer holiday fun across Devon!

Get ready for a summer packed with adventure, excitement and unforgettable family memories as Devon’s Top Attractions launch a sensational programme of events and activities right across the county. From thrilling rides, live shows and animal encounters to outdoor adventures, beaches, festivals, theatre, crafts and hands-on experiences, there’s something happening every day of the summer holidays. Whether you’re holidaying in Devon or enjoying a staycation close to home, families are spoilt for choice with some of the best days out in Devon, offering fun for every age, interest and budget from North Devon to South Devon and everywhere in between.

Families can make their money go further this summer thanks to the Government’s British Summer Savings initiative. Participating attractions are offering discounted admission and savings on children’s meals. Offers are available at participating attractions only and run until 1 September.

What’s On in South Devon

Woodlands Family Theme Park has Titan the Robot visiting the Park on 4, 11, 18 & 25 August. Get ready for an unforgettable day of futuristic fun. Blending comedy, street theatre, music and incredible special effects, Titan delivers a unique interactive show that has wowed audiences around the world. Plus save up to 30% booking main season tickets online.

Head to Haldon Forest Park on 14 August and meet the witch from Room on the Broom! Follow the Room on the Broom trail, pick up an activity pack from the Info Pod, plus storytelling, colouring and crafts, traffic cone witch hat hoopla. The witch will be appearing at various times during the day.

The House of Marbles has some great art & craft sessions for children including a brass rubbing trail. Glass trio-workshop will be available during August where you can create unique glass pieces of a glass bird, vessel & bauble. Plus glass bird workshop too. From 1 July to 1 December House of Marbles host a stunning mosaic art exhibition in collaboration with the South West Mosaic Arts – see their vibrant collection of work when you visit.

Set within a spectacular ancient valley, Dartmoor’s famous Becky Falls has over 50 acres of woodland and streams to explore, rich in wildlife. With three different trails to enjoy, not forgetting their small zoo and exotics house. Plus Keeper Talks and children’s nature trail, where every child wins a prize. Treat yourself in the licensed woodland café and gift shop. Dogs are welcome.

There’s summer holiday fun at Canonteign Falls until 6 September. Discover one of England’s highest single-drop waterfalls, the spectacular Lady Exmouth Falls. Escape the heat and wander through beautiful woodland trails. Children can take part in the Find the Hedgehogs Trail searching for hidden hedgehogs around the estate. Plus Alpaca Days on 5 & 13 August and Have-a-go Archery on select dates.

Visit Blackpool Sands for the ultimate beach destination. Dive into excitement with paddleboard or kayak rentals, perfect for exploring the beautiful shoreline. Unwind in their exclusive sauna, nestled on the stunning beachfront, browse in the beach shop and savour the taste of delicious food in the café whilst taking in the views.

At Babbacombe Model Village don’t miss their exciting Fangs N Feathers reptile handling sessions on select dates over the summer holidays. Get up close and personal to some incredible creatures including tortoises, lizards, geckos, snakes and more. Plus, experience thousands of miniature lights along with special fire and lighting effects in their evening illuminations at various dates in the summer.

At Kents Cavern on select dates in July and August grab your popcorn and head underground to the most atmospheric pop-up cinema around! See some classic films including Zootopia, Wicked, Jurassic Park, Minecraft, Pulp Fiction and more. Make your evening even better with their pizza & pint deal.

Experience Victorian Life at Bygones in Torquay. See, smell and hear the bustle of 100 years of history, pure nostalgia for ALL the family. Attractions include the hustle and bustle of Victorian Life, railway fans will love the 27-ton steam train, as well as the captivating 28 foot model railway. The Wartime Britain exhibition pays respect to both World Wars and shop through the decades from the 40s to the 60s.

Paignton Zoo is home to over 2,000 animals and countless amazing plants across 80 acres of beautiful, spacious grounds, you’re in for an inspirational day out at Paignton Zoo! The zoo is one of the South West’s most exciting visitor attractions and is a must-see over the holidays. It’s a place to roam, discover, learn and get in touch with nature.

South Devon Railway has Murder Mystery Experiences on 17 & 24 July. A murder story set in the 1920s and aboard a train! Plus enjoy Sunday Lunch aboard or Ploughman’s Lunch served in the vintage setting of their 1950s Restaurant Car. Try a delicious afternoon tea as you steam through the Devon countryside Details and booking online.

South Devon Railway by Jack Boskett

Buckfast Abbey have their 3-day fun-filled summer fair from 6-8 August. Browse a variety of local artisan crafts, unique products and thoughtful gifts in a lively, welcoming atmosphere. With delicious food & drink and family-friendly activities come and explore the incredible local creatively.

River Dart Country Park is celebrating 50 years of unforgettable family fun. There’s fantastic play equipment all around the site and playground areas, with swings, slides, and lookout towers. Plus activity, agility, eco and bike trails! Let the children cool off in the water at the Pirate Ship. Additional cost activities include the High Ropes course, Canoe & Kayak hire and Bike Park. Stay longer by booking into their award-winning campsite.

Bubble & Bop at Pennywell Farm until 2 September. There’ll be bubbly fun on top of all your favourite farmyard activities. Bop ‘til you drop with music in the orchard, meet Pippa Pig the Pennywell mascot, collect event stickers, enter the Bubble & Bop giveaway & enjoy photo ops and plenty of bubbles!

Get ready to dive inside the UK’s National Marine Aquarium this summer. Join the Ocean Discovery Rangers for shows, talks and answering all fishy facts! The Aquarium is made up of 4 main zones, with lots of different exhibits and animals found in each. Plus boat trips, snorkel safaris and rockpool safaris with the Ocean Conservation Trust on various dates throughout the summer. See website for details.

This summer at The Box, Plymouth you can get creative and express yourselves at their family-friendly drop-ins. Ideal for children 4-11 years & their adults. The Summer of Expression is about Dartmoor, giant bugs, gelli-plate printing and lighthouses. See dates online. Free, suggested donation £3.

What’s On in Exeter and East Devon

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.

Join RAMM this summer for free family friendly craft activities and object handling around the city. RAMM will be visiting various Exeter festivals, fetes and community events. Free family activities are inspired by the spectacular world of colour linking to their Colour exhibition. Make your own spinner yoyo to take home and experiment with different colour combinations.

At Crealy Theme Park this summer brave the south west’s first inverted ride, Rotor, and face the fall of the south west’s tallest drop tower, Pirate’s Plummet. Explore over 60 rides and attractions from rollercoasters to water slides and indoor adventure play. You can even enjoy animal encounters along the way! Step into the magic of the Sooty Show who is taking to the stage live every day throughout the holidays.

The Adventure begins at the World of Country Life this summer. Fun daily activities all summer long, whatever the weather. Walk a goat, ride the deer train safari and hand feed the red deer and llama, bottle feed calves and lambs, small animal handling, ferret racing total wipeout and the Hawkridge bird of prey flying displays. Plus, lots of indoor play too!

There’s a Summer of Play at Killerton, National Trust from 18 July to 6 September. Pokemon are jumping into the great outdoors. With 7 play areas across the site, you can discover an all new Pokemon zone. Get stuck into Pokemon Trading Card Game, flex your skills and collect Mega Evolution stickers! Plus there’s a season fete with play zones from a classic coconut shy to frisbee golf, live performance stage & nature area.

Summer of Play at Killerton

Come along to Dunkeswell Raceway over the summer and have a go on their outdoor karting track where adrenaline awaits. Or book in to Combat Lab: the ultimate laser tag experience for action packed adventure and great fun to go along with friends.

At the Donkey Sanctuary in Sidmouth follow the Curious Coastal Quest as you help to find lost pieces of the coast. Hidden around the sanctuary are 8 Jurassic Coast boards – when you’ve found all the lost items at each location collect your prize. Meet the donkeys, listen to the talks, see engaging exhibits and enjoy refreshments in their award-winning restaurant.

Seaton Tramway on 25 July they’ll be hosting the Natural Seaton Festival 2026 around the town celebrating all things nature. Plus hop onboard the Pirate Tram on 18 & 25 August. Ye old “Seaton Pearl” sets sail on her voyage following the Axe Estuary to find some “booty” at Colyton Station. On 21 August adventure through the worlds of super stories and tall tales, onboard ‘The Story Tram’.

Don’t forget neighbouring attraction Jurassic Discovery for more dinosaur antics and make the fun last all day!

Visit Bicton Park Botanical Gardens on 25 July and enjoy a lively celebration of traditional English dance as the Raddon Hill Clog Dancers perform. There’ll be multiple displays throughout the day so you can soak up the atmosphere as you enjoy their energetic performances. Plus, on 13 August join them for an unforgettable night of Queen by the Bohemians & Local band K2 with their spectacular picnic concert.

Stuart Line Cruises has a busy timetable over the summer holidays with Jurassic Coast cruises, River Exe cruises, day trips to Torquay or Brixham, cream tea cruises, evening cruises and more. Plus enjoy a Fish & Fizz evening cruise on 21 August and on 29 August have a grand day trip to the heart of Dartmouth Regatta.

Our flagship “Pride of Exmouth” exploring the sea stacks of the UNESCO Jurassic Coast.

If you’re looking for an action-packed family day out this summer then head to Diggerland. Located in Cullompton, just a few minutes’ drive from the M5 the site has lots of rides and drives which will keep you entertained all day. Rides include Spindizzy, Mini-Tractors, Groundshuttle and Dig-a-Round, as well as Go-Karts and Dodgems plus much more!

What’s On in North Devon

Visit the Milky Way Adventure Park for a multi award-winning family day out! All the rides are open including the Cosmic Typhoon, Ziggy’s Blast Quest, Gravity Rider and Cosmic Caterpillar. Enjoy adventure play areas, dodgems, mini-golf, Jumping Jupiters and the Birds of Prey outdoor show. With many more activities on offer you’re guaranteed a fantastic day of fun.

Enjoy outdoor adventure this summer at RHS Rosemoor. Follow the immersive wildlife trail featuring intricately hand-crafted brick creations and hands-on building activities in collaboration with Iconic Bricks. Find 10 wildlife superheroes and learn about the unique abilities and behaviours that help species survive and thrive. Also, families can enjoy LEGO workshops and build nature-themed creations such as bug hotels.

Enjoy 4 Open Air Theatre shows at Clovelly – see website for dates. On 27 July the Woolsery Agricultural Show is back, on 2 August there’s family fun, games, music and lifeboat operational displays in aid of the RNLI at the Lifeboat Day. On 22 August enjoy the Gig Regatta that celebrates Devon’s best teams going head-to-head. On 30 August enjoy the Lobster & Crab Feast with live folk music, cookery demos & craft stalls.

Celebrate Woolly’s birthday with his big birthday bash at The Big Sheep on 18 & 19 July with big summer savings. Plus there’s their Country Music Festival on 1 August 4-10pm and August Bank Holiday Summer Music Festival on 28 & 29 August. Open every day over the holidays where you can meet animals in the animal barn, enjoy hilarious live shows and thrilling rides and explore the massive indoor Play Zone.

Make a bee-line for Quince Honey Farm this summer and enjoy all-weather family fun, including honey tasting, candle rolling, nectar gardens & bee talk, seed planting, indoor and outdoor play, plus live Beekeeping Demos! The activity programme runs from 10am and you can quite easily spend the whole day exploring the site. Plus on 15 August there’s a fun and friendly Flower Resin workshop to create your own Light Catcher! See details online.

Visit the home of British Crystal at Dartington Crystal in Torrington. Over the 6 weeks enjoy 6 fantastic offers – one each week and endless family fun! There’s half price glass painting, 10% off the Teddy Factory, Buy One Get One Free paint your own suncatchers, half price handcasting, half price Teddy Outfit and Buy One Get One Free Glass Painting in the last week.

Enjoy Watermouth Castle in a more relaxed setting with their Twilight Evenings on select dates in July and August. From 5pm, visitors can enjoy access to the park grounds, including rides, attractions, and adventure play areas. £10 per person from 5pm. Plus on selected Thursdays from 23 July through August, Sunset Sessions – FREE informal evening events with music, local food vendors, and a laid-back atmosphere as the sun sets over the coast.

A day trip to Lundy Island makes for an unforgettable experience. Board the MS Oldenburg from Bideford or Ilfracombe for the 2-hour sail. Because of its isolation the habitat for wildlife is often compared to that of Galapagos set against a backdrop of stunning natural rugged beauty, making it a walker’s paradise. There’s 4,000 years of human history that comes to life through the 42 scheduled monuments and its clutch of listed buildings. See the website for details of sailing dates and times.

Anne Blackham, Marketing Manager for Devon’s Top Attractions, said: “This is shaping up to be one of our most exciting summers yet, with an incredible choice of family days out and experiences taking place right across Devon. From thrilling adventures and outdoor activities to beautiful gardens, heritage attractions and fantastic events, there’s something for everyone. Many attractions are also taking part in the British Summer Savings initiative, giving families the chance to enjoy even more great days out for less this summer. Wherever you are in Devon, there are amazing experiences waiting to be discovered.”

To find more information and ideas for a day out check out the Devon’s Top Attractions website and their What’s on pages here www.devonstopattractions.co.uk/events/summer Website- www.devonstopattractions.co.uk