Things to do in Devon With Kids Right Now

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Now that England is opening up a little more, there are more options of things to do in Devon with kids. Whether you live within driving distance or are perhaps visiting the area whilst camping or even glamping in Devon, here you will find lots of current details on the following places. Including where to eat on site, toilet facilities, guidelines, what facilities are closed and other useful information.

• RHS Garden Rosemoor (Torrington)
• Dartmoor National Park (Newton Abbot)
• Haldon Forest Park (Exeter)
• National Marine Aquarium (Plymouth)
• Babbacombe Model Village (Torquay)
• Paignton Zoo Environmental Park (Paignton)
• The BIG Sheep (Bideford)
• The Milky Way Adventure Park (Bideford)
• Crealy Theme Park & Resort (Exeter)
• Pennywell Farm (Buckfastleigh)

For more details, go straight to your preferred attraction by selecting it from the contents table or scroll down.

Things to do in Devon with kids.

RHS Garden Rosemoor (Torrington)

From the website: Nestled in the Torridge Valley, Rosemoor is an enchanting place to visit in every season; cherry trees blossom in the spring, the iconic Hot Garden dazzles with vibrant colours in summer, while the woods blaze with autumn finery and the Winter Garden catches the eye later in the year.

Opening Date: now open from 10 AM to 4 PM daily

Where to eat: The Shepherd’s Rest is open daily from 10 AM – 3:30 PM – take-away only, contactless card payments only

Toilets: A limited number of people allowed entry to the toilets at any one time.

Accessibility:

• Full accessibility across the garden, Welcome building and Garden Centre
• Accessible toilets are available at the car park, Welcome building, Garden Room and Rosemoor House
• Manual push wheelchairs available to reserve
• Mobility vehicles available to book in advance online 
• Ample accessible parking

Other useful information:

• Children 4 and under – free admission
• Map is available on the website
• Only guide and registered support dogs are allowed on site

Guidelines:

• Strictly limited numbers of pre-booked tickets available for each day
• Separate entry and exit points to the gardens where possible
• Floor markings to indicate appropriate distances while queueing at the garden entrances
• Screens at the welcome desks and checkouts to protect staff and visitors
• Hand sanitiser available to staff and visitors at strategic points
• Card transactions only – no cash payments
• Areas within the gardens where it is difficult to maintain social distancing, such as glasshouses, alpine houses, bird hides and play areas, remain closed
• Shop and Plant Centre(open until 5 pm every day) – Maximum of two people per household allowed entry together. Restrictions on the number of customers allowed in at any one time.

Dartmoor National Park (Newton Abbot)

From the website: Dartmoor is famous for its wide-open spaces, the tors, Dartmoor Prison, Bronze Age archaeology, ponies, Sherlock Holmes, myths and legends and for having the world’s largest land slug!

Opening Date: now open (They can now take unlimited amounts of outdoor exercise, drive to other destinations – as long as existing rules on social distancing are followed)

Where to eat: On the open moorland there are no restrictions on where you can have a picnic.

Toilets:

• Dartmeet
• Meldon Reservoir
• Venford Reservoir (the accessible toilet and male toilets only – the female loos remained closed)
• Haytor (the accessible toilet only – the male and female ones remain closed)

Accessibility:

• Accessible toilets are available in Haytor and Venford Reservoir

Other useful information:

• National Park Authority car parks are open.
• Dartmoor welcomes responsible dog owners.

Guidelines:

• Our visitor centres remain closed.
• Limit contact with other people – think about when you come and avoid busy sites and peak times of day (between 1 and 3 pm)
• Follow social distancing rules. Keep away from other people (2 metres apart)
• Clean your hands regularly –  bring hand/sanitising gel with you (as there are no facilities available to wash hands) and use it after touching shared surfaces e.g. gates and stiles when walking on paths
• No barbecues or fires

Haldon Forest Park (Exeter)

From the website: 3,500 acres of woodland just 15 minutes from Exeter.  Whether you want a quiet gentle stroll or an exhilarating mountain biking experience, there’s something for you at Haldon Forest Park. With a range of walking and cycling trails to suit all abilities, as well as a pump loop, cycle skills area, orienteering courses and so much more just waiting to be discovered.

Opening Date: now open daily from 7 AM to 9 PM

Where to eat: 

• The Waves Café is operating a takeaway service on limited items.
• Picnic areas are available

Toilets: open, baby changing facilities available

Accessibility: 

• Disabled parking available
• For visitors with limited mobility, we have four off-road mobility scooters available for hire

Other useful information:

• You are welcome to walk your dog in the nation’s forests.
• Parking fees apply (members – free)

Guidelines:

• Card payments only until further notice.
• The following facilities are currently closed: Ranger’s Office, Segway, Go Ape, play areas
• We are working to re-open our remaining facilities safely.
• Toilets and food outlets may be reduced or closed.  There may be fewer pay machines and a queue to pay. Consider bringing your own hand sanitiser, food and refreshments.
• No BBQs or fires
• Trails may be different. Many forests have new, temporary signs to follow. Please keep an eye out for these – they are there to help keep you safe.
• We may have to close forests if they are too busy. We know this is frustrating but please be prepared to return home and visit another time.

National Marine Aquarium (Plymouth)

From the website: Welcome to the National Marine Aquarium, located in Britain’s Ocean City – Plymouth. Not only are we the largest Aquarium in the UK, but we are proud to also be the home of the Ocean Conservation Trust, a charity dedicated to connecting people with the Ocean. We are home to over 4,000 animals and groundbreaking Ocean conservation work.

Opening Date: 6th July (10 AM – 5 PM, last entry 4 PM)

Where to eat: 

• Our Garden Kiosk will be open for drinks and light meals
• Eating inside the Aquarium will not be possible during our first phase of opening
• You are welcome to bring your own packed lunch to eat in our garden

Toilets: All of our toilet facilities will be open (staff will be managing toilet facilities to control numbers of people in and out)

Accessibility: 

• There are a number of disabled parking bays on site, as well as drop-off points for minibuses and coaches
• We also have a limited number of wheelchairs available on site, free of charge and on a first-come, first-served basis
• Full disabled toilet facilities available
• Carers for the disabled are admitted free of charge (1 per person)

Other useful information:

• Guide dogs are welcome

Guidelines:

• We will be employing a one-way system, including in our Ocean Waves gift shop
• Visitors will have designated three-hour time slots in which to enter the aquarium
• Tickets are only available to purchase in advance online to limit capacity and ensure at least one metre distance between visitors.
• The aquarium’s Ocean Discovery Rangers will be positioned around the aquarium, helping to ensure everyone maintains a suitable distance from one another
• The Loola Land Soft play, however, will remain closed, in order to safely uphold social distancing measures and limit people’s contact with hard surfaces.
• Our Ocean Gift shop will be open at the end of the Aquarium (one-way, exit is available to restart an Aquarium journey if desired)
• Based on the current government guidance and advice, customers may choose to wear face coverings however; this is not a requirement.  Our Front of House team will be wearing visors. 
• The NMA is now a cashless site.
• Due to social distancing requirements we cannot currently provide talks which encourage gatherings of visitors in one area.

Babbacombe Model Village (Torquay)

From the website: Babbacombe Model Village is one of Torquay’s top attractions, set in 4.5 acres. Adults love the humorous representation of British life over the last six decades and the award-winning gardens. Children love all the miniature characters and enjoy following the spotter sheet to see what they can find (pick up your free spotter on arrival).

Opening Date: 4th July (10.00 AM to last entry 4.30 PM)

Where to eat: Our coffee shop (open 10 AM to 5 PM) will be serving takeaway drinks, sandwiches and snacks. There will be no indoor seating, but tables available on the large terrace

Toilets: open to visitors – we have some next to the takeaway coffee shop and some in the middle of the gardens.

Accessibility: 

• For Motorised Vehicles/Mobility Scooters – Due to the steep pathways there could be traction issues and a skidding risk (especially in wet weather), so good tyres and brakes are essential. 
• For Manual Wheelchairs – Access is possible and many visitors do manage it with adequate assistance, but it is difficult and does depend on the strength and ability of the person helping.
• Accessible toilets are available at the top of the gardens 

Other useful information:

• The car park adjacent to the Model Village is a council-owned and operated pay and display car, card payments can be made at one of the machines (though we’d recommend having a few coins in case)
• Assistance dogs are welcome throughout the park.
• Dogs are welcome throughout the gardens, indoor displays and the gift shop –  but are not allowed in the 4D Theatre or the Tearoom. 

Guidelines:

• The Model Village is an outdoor attraction, operating a one-way route through the village with distancing markers on the floor throughout the gardens. 
• For extra comfort & enjoyment, we suggest keeping two-floor markers apart.
• There are some indoor/undercover areas, but due to limited indoor cover, we recommend coming prepared for any rain showers.
• Visitors are requested not to pass others, but wait for step-aside areas. You can go around as many times as you like.
• Payments on site will be by debit/credit card only.
• Our optional 4D theatre experience, small indoor mini-golf and our evening illuminations will not be available for the time being as they are not operable with social distancing measures.

Paignton Zoo Environmental Park (Paignton)

From the website: Paignton Zoo is not just one of the UK’s top zoos and a great day out; we are also a conservation and education charity and part of a group of zoos and charities, recently re-named Wild Planet Trust.

Opening Dates: 6th July-Annual Pass holders, 8th July-Public (10 AM to 6 PM daily)

Where to eat: 

• Island Restaurant (take-away only, open daily from 10 AM until half an hour before the zoo closes)
• Other food outlets will be open around the zoo (Hangout Pizzeria-summer months and weekends, Lakeside, Baboon Rock-summer months, Great Griller Burger Shack). Floor markings will be in place to manage queueing.

Toilets: Open – the toilets will be closed to guests every hour for a thorough clean of the touchpoints 

Accessibility: 

• The zoo is considered reasonably wheelchair and pushchair friendly.
• You can still hire a mobility scooter or wheelchair once you have secured an arrival time slot. 
• With each guest with a disability ticket, we offer free entry for the accompanying carer or helper if required.
• Disabled toilet facilities are provided in the main entrance, Island Restaurant, Jungle Fun play centre, Avian Breeding Centre and by Crocodile Swamp at the top of the zoo.

Other useful information:

• Zoo map is available on the website
• We have 29 parking spaces within the free car park dedicated to visitors with a disabled parking permit
• We welcome assistance dogs

Guidelines:

• We will be limiting the number of guests per day
• Entry will be permitted in half-hour slots through the day (this refers to your arrival time, not the length of your visit)
• We have moved the drop-off and pick-up point. It will now be by the main gates as you enter the Turn Circle
• Card payments are preferred
• Floor markings around the site including in the Main Entrance building, Island Restaurant and shop
• Hand sanitiser points around the zoo 
• Suggested one-way routes and lane markings around the site
• All indoor exhibits remain closed
• Indoor and outdoor play areas remain closed 
• No feeding times or keeper talks to prevent the gathering of crowds
• The Jungle Express Railway remains closed 
• No face painting 

The BIG Sheep (Bideford)

From the website: At The BIG Sheep Theme Park in North Devon you will find a full day’s worth of entertainment for all ages! Whatever the weather we guarantee fun for all the family. Our Indoor Playground and soft play area Ewetopia is a great way to spend a morning during rainy weather. Our rides, farm animals and great eateries will ensure your day is filled with lots of family-themed fun. Why not feed the sheep, ride Rampage Roller Coaster (April – October) or take a go on our Eweston Train Ride around Swan Lake, for little ones our Piggy Ride-A-Long and Vintage Carousel are great rides for little ones without their parents!

Opening Date: 4th July (10 AM until 6 PM)

Where to eat: 

• Food will be available from our two kiosks on-site
• You are welcome to bring your own food to eat in our field, marked out with new safe social spaces for you and your family to enjoy

Toilets: We are operating a new policy whereby only two people, or one group, is allowed into our toilet blocks at any one time.

Accessibility: 

• We have a car park with 6 accessible parking spaces.
• The accessible toilet is within 30m of Reception.
• We provide wheelchairs upon request.
• We can provide a charging facility for mobility scooters and battery-powered wheelchairs.

Other useful information:

• Park map is available on the website
• Free parking

Guidelines:

• Reduced capacity on-site, managed by a pre-booking system to control the number of visitors
• Additional handwashing facilities around the park
• New one-way systems
• You’ll notice our new door pulls which mean you don’t need to touch handles – simply use your foot to open the door instead, using the pull situated at the bottom of all our doors.
• Use of contactless systems at all payment points.
• Opening of additional outdoor areas to enable you to enjoy the park while keeping safe and ensuring social distancing.
• Hygiene screens will be present at many of our contact points in order to keep you and our staff safe.
• It is with regret that Ewetopia must remain closed until further notice in order to ensure the safety of all adults and children on site.
• Our rides are also closed for the time being until we are confident that we can operate them safely and hygienically. 

The Milky Way Adventure Park (Bideford)

From the website: If you’re looking for SAFE family attractions and things to do in North Devon or North Cornwall, The Milky Way Adventure Park is a great choice! Ride the Cosmic Typhoon roller coaster, have fun on the gravity rider donut slide, explore the maze and experience fantastic outdoor displays from the North Devon Bird of Prey Centre.

Pilot a Cyber Scooter and shoot lasers on Ziggy’s Blast Quest, giggle on the Droid Destroyer Dodgems, leap around with the family on the Jumping Jupiters and kick back on the Milky Way Railway – there’s something here for everyone!

Opening Date: Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th of July- with further dates to be announced soon

Where to eat: 

• Planet Play Café (takeaway, order at the counter or via the new mobile app)
• Tables for those wishing to bring picnics will be available outside

Toilets: 

• 11 ‘family’ toilet rooms across the site (each with changing table)
• Added some Portaloos outside the main entrance

Accessibility: 

• We are pleased to offer entry at our VIP rate for disabled guests and their carers at this time – one discounted carer per disabled guest. 
• We have one mobility scooter and a number of wheelchairs which are available free of charge to our guests on a first-come-first-served basis. 

Other useful information:

• You will be asked to read and agree to our code of conduct for dogs when you arrive at the entrance. Exceptions will be made for service dogs.
• Park map is available on the website.

Guidelines:

• Please book online for everyone in your party before travelling to the park – extras cannot be added at the gate.
• Only accepting contactless payments on the park at this time.
• Please leave space between cars when parking and don’t leave your car until your scheduled arrival time.
• Guests over 6 years should bring a suitable face covering with them – they will be compulsory on some rides.
• At this stage we anticipate being able to offer the following attractions: Cosmic Typhoon, Cosmic Caterpillar, Gravity Rider, Train, Blast Quest, Dodgems – single riders only (young child sessions under consideration at this time), Bouncing Pillows – timed family sessions, Outdoor Bird of Prey Displays, Mini Golf, Maze, Sci-fi collection.
• We will be operating a keep left system in many parts of the park, as well as one way systems in a couple of areas to avoid any congestion.
• We will, of course, be setting up queueing systems and asking people to follow social distancing guidelines.
• We will be asking guests to undertake a non-invasive temperature check on arrival at the park – anyone with a high temperature will not be allowed to enter. 

Crealy Theme Park & Resort (Exeter)

From the website: Crealy Theme Park & Resort is an award-winning family attraction located just minutes from junction 30 of the M5 near Exeter. The theme park has over 60 rides and attractions set in over 100 acres of glorious Devon countryside. There are over 100 animals, 30 outdoor attractions and a variety of other activities to choose from. With heart-stopping rides for thrill seekers to soft-play and animal petting for younger guests, Crealy is the South West’s number one family day out.

Opening Date: 6th July

Where to eat: Food & drink outlets will be open – grab & go, contactless card payment only

Toilets: toilet facilities are open (guests will be required to wear a face mask or face covering)

Accessibility: 

• We do have a limited amount of wheelchairs onsite that can be hired out daily with a £20 refundable deposit.

Other useful information:

• We have a zoo licence that restricts dogs being allowed onsite.
• We do have limited (self-service) kennel space available; these are available for a £20 deposit.

Guidelines:

• We will be operating at a reduced capacity
• We will not be allowing anyone into the park without a pre-booked ticket
• Guests and employees will be required to undergo non-invasive temperature checks as a condition of entry to the park 
• All employees will be provided with PPE and while the park has face coverings available to guests, it is encouraged to use your own where possible
• Additional hand sanitising stations have also been installed across the resort for guests to use
• All of Crealy’s indoor attractions will remain closed until further notice
• All outdoor rides & attractions will have strict social distancing measures in place, both on the ride and in queue lines

Pennywell Farm (Buckfastleigh)

From the website: Situated a mile from the town of Buckfastleigh in South Devon, Pennywell Farm is a multi-award winning farm park; the biggest in the South West. All the farm buildings, animal enclosures, activities, shows and displays are all on a level site. The average length of stay is approx. 5 hours.

Opening Date: 4th July

Where to eat: 

• Coffee Cabin and Noah’s Barn – offering a selection of hot drinks, cold drinks and cakes and snacks available for take-away. Cutlery and condiments will be provided on request. 
• Picnic areas – Our outside and undercover picnic areas have been reconfigured

Toilets:

• Public toilets and changing facilities are available, with social distance markers

Accessibility: 

• 10% discount on the admission price for both disabled visitors and their carers
• 5 clearly marked Blue Badge parking spaces, directly outside of the main reception area
• There is an accessible toilet next to the main barn on the farm.

Other useful information:

• FREE onsite parking
• Assistance dogs are welcome. We have kennels for all other dogs which are available free of charge.

Guidelines:

• ALL visitors, including season ticket holders, will need to book their tickets online in advance. 
• Numbers on-site are strictly limited and we have split the day into morning and afternoon time slots
• Contactless payments only – Across the whole site, we will be cashless.
• Face masks & Sanitiser- Please feel free to bring a suitable face mask or covering should you require one as well as your own hand sanitiser.
• New signs – Pay attention to the new signs and floor markings around the farm which have important safety messages and instructions.
• Temperature checks – Non-invasive infrared temperature checks will be a condition of entry
• Hygiene screens – New Hygiene screens have been installed
• Social distancing markers – You will see clear markers and signs within queues to allow for social distancing
• Activities and animal experiences – Many of our activities and animal experiences will not be available.
• Our rides – There will be three FREE farm rides (Rainbow Railway, the Big Tractor Trailer, the Red Rocket) available for you to enjoy.
• Handwashing – We have 46 places to wash your hands on-site, most of which are on sensors so there is no need to touch the taps. 

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