The school holidays are almost upon us and the sun is shining. If you’re looking for things to do with the kids this summer in East Devon then you’ve come to the right place.
Whether you’re planning to visit East Devon over the summer months or live locally, there are a host of activities to choose from to make your stay a memorable one.
There are a mixture of free and paid-for options and include things to do outdoors and indoors if the weather isn’t so great. Here’s a selection of what’s going on in East Devon this summer. Please check with the organiser before you travel to avoid disappointment.
Kids’ Summer activities in East Devon
1. Wild East Devon Summer Holiday Club: Seaton Wetlands
2. Donkey Guardian quiz: The Donkey Sanctuary
3. Superhero School: Bear Town
4. Cruises with Stuart Line Cruises
5. Seaton Tramway
6. Lego activities: Royal Albert Memorial Museum (RAMM)
1. Wild East Devon Summer Holiday Club: Seaton Wetlands
Enjoy a week of nature-inspired activities with education ranger Penny. Children can explore the wetlands and learn about its wildlife, make crafts using small tools and natural materials and cook over a campfire.
Activities include stream dipping, mini beast hunting, den building, wildlife-themed games, and chilling out in a hammock.
Ideal for 7-11 year olds who enjoy natural crafts, learning about wildlife, or outdoor games. Each day will be different as they explore the beautiful East Devon countryside.
The club runs from 1 August to 5 August and on 15 August to 19 August from 10am to 4pm daily. It costs £35 per day with a 15% discount if you book for all five days of one week. Book your child’s place by calling 01395 517557 or going to the Wild East Devon events website
You can take part in many nature-based activities at the Wild East Devon Summer Holiday Club
2. Donkey Guardian quiz: The Donkey Sanctuary: 1 July – 30 September
Donkey Guardians play a valuable role in The Donkey Sanctuary’s work. They provide dedicated care to donkeys and help to free up vital space on farms for donkeys who need specialist care.
But there are some important things all Guardians must have before they can give donkeys a new home. Follow the trail around the sanctuary to find the quiz boards and see if you can answer questions about what is required to rehome donkeys and keep them happy and healthy. Hand your completed quiz sheet to the donkey expert to earn your reward.
Trail quiz sheets cost £5 per trail and can be picked up at The Shed.
Afterward, head to the new play area or enjoy some food and drink in The Kitchen.
No booking is required. More information on The Donkey Sanctuary website
3. Superhero School: Bear Town: 21 August
You can come dressed as your favourite Superhero when you attend Superhero School at Bear Town. Meet Batman and Wonder Woman and learn all the best superhero moves before undertaking a special mission within Bear Town.
Children receive a graduation certificate and special gift once they’ve completed their Superhero School Diploma. There’ll be lots of photo opportunities with the superheroes before sitting down to a feast with all other aspiring superheroes.
Choose from one of three, two-hour sessions: 9.30am; 12.15pm; 3.00pm. For children aged 1-7 years old.
Head over to the Bear Town website for more information and booking.
Enroll in Superhero School on 21 August
4. Summer Cruises: Stuart Line Cruises
Stuart Line Cruises offers a variety of different cruises throughout the summer months.
The River Exe Cruise sails from Exmouth with live commentary on the history of the Exe and visiting wildlife. It’s the feeding ground for several seals so you may be lucky to see some while travelling past. This cruise, lasting 60-90 minutes, sails in calm and sheltered waters so is ideal for a family trip.
The one-hour Mini Coastal Cruise provides a perfect introduction to the Devon coastline. Depending on the tide and weather you can see either the South Devon coast or the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site.
The two to three-hour Jurassic Coast Cruise sails along the oldest section of the Jurassic Coast and you can learn about the changing history and appearance of the area on the way. There are also two round-robin boat and train trips, one departing from Exmouth, the other from Topsham. The trips allow you to enjoy a cruise along the River Exe and explore the town on the same day. And don’t forget day trips to Sidmouth, Torquay, or Brigham.
For more details and how to book head to the Stuart Line Cruises website.
Boarding the Space Tram is one of the many special trips departing from Seaton Tramway this summer
5. Seaton Tramway
Seaton Tramway is hosting a number of different children’s activities over the summer months, with departures at different times and days during July and August.
The Quiet Tram: is aimed at adults and children with additional needs who find noise and crowds challenging. The ride to Colyton departs after hours with reduced lighting and minimal announcements. These rides are supported by members of the autism-aware learning and activity team who can provide help where needed.
Running on 14 July, 16 August, and 15 September and booking is essential as spaces are limited.
The Dinosaur Tram Adventure: returns this year for an adventure-filled tram ride with music, stories, fossil dig, and a dinosaur activity area at Colyton Station. You can help Professor Percival the Palaeontologist uncovers secrets and fulfill a mission to make contact with some forgotten species.
The first departure is on 24 July. See the Seaton Tramway website for more dates and bookings.
The Space Tram: join other Space Cadets on the Space Tram Shuttle and relocate and reconnect a missing satellite. Your Captain will guide you on this mission where you’ll learn about space and engineering. Solve puzzles, complete tasks, and help your Captain reconnect the Terrestrial Relocation and Mission Satellite.
The first departure is on 25 July. See the Seaton Tramway website for more dates and bookings.
The Pirate Tram: join the Seaton Pearl as it sets sail on a voyage following the Axe Estuary. There’ll be the chance to find some booty at Colyton station with Captain Nick at your side.
The first departure is on 27 July. See the Seaton Tramway website for more dates and bookings.
6. Lego activities: Royal Albert Memorial Museum (RAMM)
If you love making things out of LEGO then head over to Exeter’s Royal Albert Memorial Museum. It’s hosting a number of different activities and sessions including robot wars, eco-motor madness, and drawing machines throughout the summer months. See the Royal Albert Memorial Museum website for more information.
We’ve plenty of inspiration for other things to do in East Devon on our website. Head over to our Eat page for ideas on where to have breakfast, lunch, or dinner, and check out our Visit page for places to explore.
