Top Family Days Out in South Devon This May Half Term

Looking for ways to keep the kids entertained this May Half Term? South Devon is packed with family-friendly adventures, exciting attractions, outdoor activities and rainy-day fun to help you make the most of the school holidays.

Whether you’re planning action-packed days out, animal encounters, creative workshops or relaxing seaside escapes, there’s something for toddlers, teens and everyone in between across South Devon this Whitsun break.

From adventure parks and zoos to steam trains, caves and countryside trails, here are some of the top family days out happening in South Devon this May Half Term.

Outdoor Adventures and Family Fun

Nature lovers and adventure seekers will find plenty to enjoy at Canonteign Falls, where families can explore waterfalls, woodland trails and 90 acres of beautiful countryside. During half term, visitors can also enjoy archery sessions, alpaca experiences and a family animal trail, plus every ticket includes a free return visit!

Celebrations are also underway at River Dart Country Park, which is marking its 50th birthday with a special Picnic at the Park event on 31 May. Expect live music, family entertainment, games and birthday surprises in one of South Devon’s best-loved outdoor adventure destinations.

Meanwhile, Haldon Forest Park is bringing Julia Donaldson’s much-loved Room on the Broom story to life with an interactive woodland trail. Families can help Witch find her missing items while enjoying hands-on activities and forest fun along the way.

Animal Encounters and Wildlife Experiences

A visit to Paignton Zoo is always a favourite for families. Home to more than 2,000 animals across 80 acres, it’s the perfect place to spend a full day exploring, learning and connecting with nature.

Over at Pennywell Farm, the Magical Unicorn Festival promises plenty of excitement for younger visitors. Families can meet Merlin the unicorn, enjoy hobby horse racing, bottle-feed baby goats and take part in classic Pennywell activities including pig racing and farm rides.

At Becky Falls, this year’s half-term activities focus on British butterflies, with craft workshops, outdoor games and tips on creating wildlife-friendly gardens at home.

Families can also enjoy peaceful countryside walks and wildlife-themed activities at The Donkey Sanctuary. This half term, children can follow the Wondrous Wildlife Trail while learning about the important conservation work taking place across the sanctuary grounds.

At World of Country Life, half-term fun includes insect-themed trails, bug crafts and “Meet the Minibeasts” sessions, alongside the attraction’s much-loved farm animals, indoor play and vintage vehicle collection.

Creative Workshops and Rainy-Day Ideas

For creative indoor fun, House of Marbles is hosting hands-on clay modelling and sand art workshops ideal for primary school-aged children.

Underground movie nights also return to Kents Cavern this half term, with its popular Cave Cinema experience screening family favourites and cult classics inside the prehistoric cave system.

There’s also a packed programme of family activities at Buckfast Abbey throughout the holidays, including circus skills workshops, LEGO fun days, pottery painting, craft sessions and a two-day food festival celebrating local artisan producers.

Steam Trains, Seaside Days and Unique Experiences

For a classic Devon day out, families can hop aboard South Devon Railway and enjoy a scenic heritage railway journey through the beautiful South Devon countryside. Special half-term experiences include a traditional Pullman Cream Tea aboard vintage carriages.

Another memorable way to explore the coast is with Stuart Line Cruises, offering relaxing boat trips along the historic Exeter Canal and scenic South Devon coastline. Families can even enjoy a special cruise to view the English Riviera Airshow from the water.

At Seaton Tramway, younger visitors can join Captain Nick aboard the Seaton Pearl for a swashbuckling pirate adventure along the Axe Estuary, while dinosaur lovers won’t want to miss the Dinosaur Safari Tram experience later in the week.

If the sunshine appears, few places beat a day at Blackpool Sands. Families can swim, paddleboard, kayak or simply relax on one of Devon’s most picturesque beaches. There’s even a beach sauna offering spectacular coastal views.

For thrill-seekers, Woodlands Family Theme Park is bringing even more excitement this half term with the arrival of Titan the Robot alongside rides, indoor play areas and zoo attractions.

Plan Your Perfect South Devon Half Term

Whether you’re searching for outdoor adventures, animal encounters, creative activities or all-weather attractions, South Devon offers endless ways to make family memories this May Half Term.

With so many fantastic events and attractions taking place across the region, it’s the perfect time to discover somewhere new, revisit a family favourite and enjoy everything South Devon has to offer this spring.