Keeping your children entertained during the school holidays can often be a challenge but with so many great attractions, days out and beautiful places to enjoy in our local area, the hardest part about it may well be deciding where to go! Here is a list of our top picks of family-friendly days out that will ensure the February half-term is an enjoyable and memorable one for all involved and allows you some quality time together.
Crealy Adventure Park
If your children are spending too much time looking at the screen and you are in search of way to draw them outdoors, Crealy Adventure Park has the answer! Voted as the number one theme park in Devon, there are as many as 60 attractions and rides suitable for a range of ages and sizes, so the whole family get to enjoy this venture. Whether there are thrill-seekers amongst the group who want to experience dizzying heights and top speeds on roller coasters and twisters or you have those amongst the group who prefer something a little gentler such as sea cups, treasure hunting or a soft play area, there is something for all.
If the exhilarating rides haven’t worn everybody out, head over to the animal area, where you can go on a discovery of creatures from all over the world. The furry residents include ponies, goats, pigs and donkeys to the more exotic crocodiles, wallabies, tortoises, meerkats and many more.
Bicton Park and Botanical Gardens
Children are encouraged to run, jump, swing, slide and, most importantly, play at Bicton Gardens. With both an indoor and outdoor play area, a visit is sure to delight come rain or shine. The indoor under-fives area has climbing frames, slides and a ball pool to entertain your little ones. While the larger, outdoor play park inspires imaginations with tunnels, zip slides, climbing areas and miniature cottages.
Families also have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the surrounding wildlife and scenery, with the Nuthatch Nature Trail. As you are led through the towering trees and quiet parts of the garden, you will come across the abundance of wildlife that call this stunning park their home.
World of Country Life
A combination of a large museum which ranges from historic motoring and farming equipment to a Victorian village, indoor and outdoor play areas and a host of interesting animals means the World of Country Life has all the elements required for a great family day out! Nature is at the heart of this attraction and the theme shines through as you explore each area. The petting centre allows visitors, both young and old, to get close to some of the adorable animals to cuddle them and feed them. The deer train safari also gives families the opportunity to meet some of the residents, as the carriage tours around the park past the friendly red deer and llama, who are happy to enjoy their feed straight from your hands.
Leisure Centre
February can often mean that the weather is unpredictable and although the attractions previously mentioned have plenty of indoor activities to keep you busy, it’s always good to have a back-up plan! Not only are there a range of health benefits of swimming but it is also great fun for all the family. Developing confidence in the water, exercising and giving you the opportunity to bond while enjoying an activity together are just some of them.
Alternatively, put your balance and strength skills to the test during a climb on one of the Exmouth Leisure Centre climbing walls. Each session lasts for an hour and climbers can choose from 11 different walls, some of which reach as high as six metres.
What attractions will you be visiting near our independent prep school? Devon has an abundance of great family-friendly days out that can be enjoyed, let us know your favourites via our social media channels.
