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The Best Things To Do With Kids In Dartmouth This Summer

18th March 2025 Tom Johnson

Are you planning a family holiday in Dartmouth, Devon this summer? Looking for exciting things to do with kids?

With plenty of fun packed kids activities in South Devon, there’s something for every age group. All these amazing places are only a short commute from our Norton Park Chalets, making them easily accessible for families looking for a stress-free getaway.

Whether you’re visiting on holiday or live locally and looking for new activities to enjoy as a family, Dartmouth offers a mix of outdoor fun, historic sites, and engaging activities to create unforgettable memories.

Dartmouth town nearby river

What To Do In Dartmouth With Kids?

Below is our latest roundup of the best things to do in Dartmouth Devon this summer that guarantee family-friendly fun and adventure!

Walk on the wild side at Paignton Zoo

Take the kids on an exciting wildlife adventure at Paignton Zoo, home to over 2,000 animals including:

  • Majestic Lions
  • Ancient Giant Tortoises
  • Fascinating Armadillos
  • Playful Brown Spider Monkeys
  • Colourful Iguanas
  • And much more!

Whilst staying in North Park, Dartmouth, Paignton Zoo offers numerous fun family activities for any age, even for the dads! The zoo features a variety of attractions including:

  • Extensive Nature Trails
  • Beautiful Botanical Gardens
  • Over 5 different cafés and restaurants for refreshments
  • Various Play Areas to suit all needs
  • Outdoor adventures
  • Indoor jungle fun soft play for younger children
  • Specialised SEN Hangout play area

Paignton has plenty of attractions to keep your kids entertained throughout your stay.
Group of Giraffes

Step into history at Dartmouth Castle

Gorgeous views and over 600 years worth of history to discover make Dartmouth Castle the perfect day out for families with children. Spend the day touring around the castle and its grounds, including attractions such as:

  • The harbour chain
  • Wartime at Dartmouth
  • The gun tower
  • The passageways

Afterwards, the family can wander along the coast or enjoy a boat ride in Dartmouth Castle’s sparkling waters.

Cruise along the Dart on a family boat trip

No trip to Dartmouth is complete without a scenic boat tour! Dartmouth Steam Railway and River Boat Company offer 4 different excursions:

  • Round Robin – the most popular service, which includes riding the train, ferry, cruise and bus!
  • Steam and Cruise – a tour by train, ferry and cruise!
  • Lower Dart Cruise – sailing the lower part of the River Dart where you can see the estuary castles, Britannia Royal Naval College and Agatha Christie’s Greenway Estate
  • Dartmouth to Totnes Cruise – a relaxing tour of the unique and beautiful towns of Dartmouth and Totnes

Children on a boat

Thrills & laughter at Woodlands Family Theme park

Looking for children’s entertainment in Dartmouth? Woodlands Family Theme Park is the answer! Woodlands Family Theme Park has the largest indoor play centre in the South West, making it the perfect family day out on a wet day in Dartmouth.

Their renowned heart racing water coasters, Avalanche and Vertigo, are brilliant fun for young teenagers who love a thrill! There are various different places to purchase food and plenty of benches around the park to sit and enjoy.

Discover Dartmouth by Steam Railway

Explore Dartmouth and beyond with the Dartmouth Steam Railway. This classic train journey takes families through various locations in and around Dartmouth:

  • Torquay
  • Brixham
  • Kingswear
  • Dartmouth
  • Totnes
  • Paignton

It’s the perfect way to enjoy stunning countryside views while discovering family-friendly destinations in Devon.

Steam Engine

Make a splash at Splashdown Quaywest Waterpark

Make memories at Splashdown Quaywest Waterpark, one slide at a time!

Children in a swimming pool

Hands-on fun at Pennywell Farm

A multiple award-winning attraction, Pennywell Farm is perfect for those wanting to have a hands-on experience with over 150 animals! It is located just outside of Buckfastleigh in South Devon, just a short trip away!

They have three FREE farm rides available for all ages:

  • The Rainbow Railway
  • Tractor rides
  • Red Rocket

As well as outdoor play areas with mazes, agility courses, crazy golf and trampolines. What’s not to love?

Beachside Fun at Blackpool Sands

Blackpool Sands is a very popular location when it comes to relaxing on holiday in Dartmouth! The bay is award winning with two accolades namely ‘Blue Flag’ and ‘Seaside award’ for its beautifully clear water and large variety of ice cream stores, making it a great place to spend the day as a family – Source: Dartmouth Chronicle.

They have lots of watersports equipment available to hire and lifeguards on standby to ensure children’s safety. Our blog ‘4 Great Beaches In The Area For Your Dartmouth Holidays’ provides more details on the beaches surrounding Dartmouth.
Children walking on a beach

Book Your Norton Park Dartmouth Stay For An Ultimate Family Adventure!

Hopefully this blog has given you a better idea of what to expect from Norton Park Dartmouth in terms of nearby fun family days out in Dartmouth. With so many exciting days out with kids, your summer holiday in Devon is sure to be unforgettable!

Book your stay today in our newly renovated holiday chalets, available in time for summer – spots are filling up fast, so secure your family getaway today!

If you require more information about the park itself, or you’d like to learn more about Dartmouth, get in touch with our team today on 01803 900154 or email info@devondartmouthholidays.co.uk and we’d be happy to give you further advice.

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