From steam trains and castle ruins to aquariums and wildlife parks, family days out in Devon are pleasingly varied and easy to mix with a coastal or countryside stay. The best choices are simple to manage, generous in atmosphere and flexible enough for different ages, energy levels and weather.
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Animal attractions
For younger children, Paignton Zoo is one of the most dependable outings in Devon. It suits families who want a full day without complicated planning, with wide paths for buggies, indoor sections for short wet spells and plenty to keep children moving between enclosures. Nearby, the Living Coasts site may be gone, but the county still offers strong alternatives in Exmoor Zoo and Dartmoor Zoo for older children who can happily walk a little more. These are worth prioritising when animals are the main event rather than an extra hour on a beach day.
“In Devon, family days drift from harbour bustle to steam-era calm in a single afternoon.”
Heritage railways
Steam railways are hard to beat for mixed-age groups, especially when grandparents are joining. The South Devon Railway, running between Buckfastleigh and Totnes Riverside, is an easy choice for a gentler day with low walking effort and a clear structure. Children get the excitement of the journey; adults get river views and a sense of old Devon moving at a calmer pace. The Dartmouth Steam Railway is another strong option, especially if combined with time in Dartmouth, where the harbour has a constant rhythm of ferries, day boats and families stopping for ice cream.
Indoor options and rainy-day ideas
When the weather turns, The Milky Way Adventure Park in North Devon is useful for younger children thanks to its indoor play and all-weather flexibility. For a calmer rainy-day outing, the National Marine Aquarium in Plymouth works well for school-age children and grandparents alike. It is easy to navigate, absorbingly paced and particularly helpful on those changeable coastal days when the morning starts bright and the sea air turns sharp by lunchtime.
“Here, sea air, castle heights and old rail lines give family outings their own rhythm.”
Outdoor adventure
Crealy Theme Park near Exeter suits children with energy to spare and families happy to make a full day of it. Expect rides, outdoor play and a busier rhythm than a railway or zoo. For something more open-ended, Castle Drogo gives a different kind of family day out in Devon: dramatic views, manageable walks and a house interesting enough for adults without losing younger visitors entirely. Older children often enjoy the sense of height and scale, while toddlers are better served by the grounds than the interiors.
By area and age
South Devon is the easiest all-rounder for classic outings, with zoos, steam trains and harbour towns close together. North Devon is especially good for adventure parks and longer, wilder-feeling drives. Around Exeter and mid Devon, families have the simplest access and shorter transfer times.
For under-fives, choose one main attraction and keep the rest of the day loose. For primary-age children, railways, aquariums and adventure parks usually give the best balance. For mixed generations, a steam railway or castle with room to roam tends to be the least stressful option of all.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best family days out in Devon for younger children?
Paignton Zoo is a reliable choice for younger children, with buggy-friendly paths, plenty of space and enough variety for a full day out. The Milky Way Adventure Park is also useful, especially if you want indoor play as a backup. For under-fives, it often works best to choose one main attraction and keep the rest of the day flexible.
Which Devon attractions work well in wet or changeable weather?
The National Marine Aquarium in Plymouth is a strong option for a calmer indoor outing, particularly with school-age children or grandparents. The Milky Way Adventure Park is handy for younger families because it offers all-weather flexibility. Larger attractions with some indoor areas, such as Paignton Zoo, can also still work if showers are brief rather than persistent.
Are steam railways in Devon good for mixed-age family groups?
Yes, steam railways are often one of the easiest choices when children, parents and grandparents are all going together. The South Devon Railway is especially straightforward, with low walking effort and a clear shape to the day. The Dartmouth Steam Railway also works well if you want to combine the journey with time by the harbour.
Where in Devon is best for classic family attractions?
South Devon is often the easiest all-round base if you want several familiar family attractions within easy reach. It combines zoos, heritage railways and harbour towns, so you can mix busier days with gentler ones. Around Exeter and mid Devon, access is usually simpler too, which can help if you want shorter drives between outings.
What family attractions in Devon suit older children best?
Older children often do well at Dartmoor Zoo or Exmoor Zoo, where they are usually happier to walk a little more and spend longer focusing on the animals. Crealy Theme Park near Exeter is another strong option for high-energy days. Castle Drogo can also appeal, particularly for children who enjoy dramatic settings, views and a bit of independence outdoors.
Is Devon a good place for low-stress days out with grandparents?
Yes, provided you choose attractions with a gentler pace. Steam railways are particularly good because they involve little walking and feel structured without being rushed. The National Marine Aquarium is another easy option for a slower day. If you want something outdoors, Castle Drogo can work well if your group is happy with manageable walks rather than a packed itinerary.
Should we book Devon family attractions in advance?
It is often sensible to book ahead for popular attractions, especially in school holidays, on bank holiday weekends or if you are travelling to a specific railway service. Booking in advance can also make planning easier on changeable days when families tend to switch to indoor options. It is worth checking each venue’s latest admission and schedule details before setting off.
How can we plan a family day out in Devon without overfilling the day?
A simple plan usually works best: choose one main attraction, allow time for food and breaks, and treat anything else as optional. Younger children generally cope better with a loose schedule, while older children may manage a fuller day. In areas such as South Devon, it is easy to pair a railway or zoo with a short stop in a harbour town if energy allows.