The 5 best things to do in North Devon with kids

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Welcome to my guide on the 5 best things to do in North Devon with kids – we had a fabulous stay there in the summer! Whether you’ve got toddlers in tow or teens in search of thrills, there’s something for every family in this gorgeous part of the country, and plenty of places to enjoy the beaches and countryside for freebie days out too. So pop these spots onto your North Devon family holiday itinerary – as these are 5 of the best things to do with the kids if you’re looking for some fun days out:

1. Make a splash at North Devon Wake Park

For active families, the North Devon Wake Park is an absolute must. With an inflatable aqua park full of bouncy obstacles and a cable wakeboarding system for older kids and teens, it’s a brilliant way to burn off energy. The site is beautifully set by a lake, and while prices vary depending on activities, it’s a great value day out considering the excitement on offer. Life jackets are included, and there’s plenty of outdoor seating for parents to watch with a coffee in hand. For younger kids, there’s even a mini inflatable course so they can join in too. Find more info here: North Devon Wake Park with kids – our aqua park review!

2. Let off steam at The Milky Way Adventure Park

The Milky Way Adventure Park is one of those rare theme parks that caters brilliantly to both sunny and rainy days – a true lifesaver in unpredictable British weather. It has a fantastic balance of outdoor rides like roller coasters, adventure golf, bouncy pillows and a mini-train ride, alongside indoor soft play zones (with a Ninja course and drop slides for the older ones), dodgems, target shooting and other activities. We had a fantastic day at The Milky Way when we were visiting North Devon, and were so surprised at how well they’d catered for older kids – there are loads of things to do and something for everyone. Check out my review of The Milky Way Adventure Park for more info.

3. Enjoy the animals at The Big Sheep Farm and Theme Park

A firm family favourite, The Big Sheep Farm and Theme Park blends farmyard fun with kid-friendly roller coasters and live shows – all wrapped up in a hilariously quirky package. From sheep racing and lamb feeding, to soft play zones and outdoor rides, this place is tailor-made for younger children, and their indoor playground is a lifesaver on a rainy day. If you’re visiting North Devon with little ones, The Big Sheep is definitely one of the best places to check out with kids under 10 – there’s so much to do! Alternatively, if the kids are into dinosaurs, Combe Martin Wildlife and Dinosaur Park offers a blend of animals alongside a step back into the Jurassic Period!

4. Spend the day on one of North Devon’s stunning beaches

Devon is blessed with some of the most beautiful and family-friendly beaches in the UK offering golden sands, rock pools and stunning coastal walks, so you can enjoy days out with the kids on the coast without spending a penny. For a classic bucket-and-spade day out, Woolacombe Beach in North Devon is hard to beat – it’s vast, clean and has gentle waves perfect for paddling or bodyboarding. Many of Devon’s beaches are lifeguarded in the summer and have nearby cafes or kiosks, making them perfect for stress-free seaside adventures with the kids.

5. Ride the rails at Lynton & Lynmouth Cliff Railway

Hop aboard the UK’s only fully water-powered funicular railway and experience the magic of the Lynton & Lynmouth Cliff Railway. This charming Victorian invention carries passengers up and down the steep cliff face between two picturesque villages. At just around £3 per ticket, it’s a budget-friendly treat that feels like stepping back in time. We rode to the top and then had a lovely walk around the village (and grabbed an ice-cream!) before walking the pathway back down the hill. Another option, which will probably appeal more to families with younger children, is to opt for the steam train instead. You can ride along the coastline on the The Lynton and Barnstaple Railway in a Victorian train carriage, so that offers another option for a fun family day out in North Devon.

Where are the best places to stay in North Devon with kids?

There are some fantastic holiday parks in North Devon with loads of great family-friendly facilities and things for the kids to do. Here are a few of my top picks, but for even more options and all the details check out my article: The 5 best holiday parks in North Devon for families.

Parkdean Resorts: Bideford Bay Holiday Park: Just a short drive from some of the most beautiful beaches in the area, and lots of top family attractions, the park has both indoor and outdoor heated pools. It boasts over 30 activities too, including: adventure golf, battle blasters, kids’ clubs, aqua fun, arts & crafts, sports, a waterslide and activities for the grown-ups.

Woolacombe Bay Holiday Parks: Enjoy three parks for the price of one – with indoor and outdoor pools, waterslides, loads of kids’ activities, segways, a surf simulator, evening entertainment and beautiful beaches nearby there’s lots on offer to keep the whole family busy whichever site you choose.

Golden Coast Holiday Park: Just two miles from the gorgeous beach, this park boasts outdoor and indoor swimming pools with slides and splash zones, adventure playgrounds and a soft play area. There are tons of activities on offer for kids of all ages too including: mini golf, ten-pin bowling, sports courts, high ropes, diggerland, ride-ons, a surf simulator and a climbing wall!

Is North Devon worth a visit?

Absolutely – North Devon is well worth a visit, especially for families seeking a memorable holiday without overspending. The county offers a diverse mix of stunning outdoor adventures, with beaches and beautiful countryside galore – perfect for free days out enjoying what nature has to offer. Plus, there are loads of family-friendly attractions too if you’d like to enjoy some fun days out the kids – North Devon has something for everyone. If you want to expand your search even further, South Devon has some fabulous holiday parks and days out on offer as well. For all the details, check out these articles: Family holidays in Devon – the 12 best places to stay with kids! and The 10 best things to do in Devon with kids. Happy holidays! 😊