Primary Times - the definitive what’s on and where to go family guide of activities and events for children of primary school age. Things to do with your kids during the school holidays including arts and craft activities, music and theatre for children, parties, competitions, days out, and family attractions along with term time drama schools, dance classes, after school clubs and sports activities. Things to do at a place near you!
May Half Term and Spring Activities in Devon 2023
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There’s really no excuse for the kids to get bored this May, June and July as there’s a truly wonderful line up of events taking place week after week in Devon.
Fill those longer, warmer days with engaging hobbies, fun activities, healthy eating, holiday planning and exciting half-term events for all the family…
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Magical Unicorn Week Returns To Pennywell Farm 27 May- 4 June!
Get ready for a magical experience at Pennywell Farm! Their highly anticipated Magical Unicorn Week is returning, bigger and better it’s one not to miss! This event is perfect for unicorn-lovers and anyone who enjoys all things magical. From captivating animals and thrilling activities to mesmerizing shows and exhilarating farm rides, there's something for everyone. Join in with a new hands-on activity every half hour, such as pig racing, deer feeding, goat walking, and ferret racing. Named Devon's best family attraction, Pennywell Farm is home to over 150 friendly animals, including miniature pigs, ponies, and goats.
Book online at www.pennywellfarm.co.uk.
Exmouth Festival 2023
Exmouth Festival is a free community event full of vibrant performances and lots of opportunities to participate, with free workshops in art, science, sound and dance across the weekend.
The three main areas all have a different flavour. Manor Gardens is family-friendly with fun-filled music, theatre, craft and circus; The Strand features community choirs, drama and dance groups, Ceilidh, sea shanties and Morris dancing, while Sideshore offers a solar-powered stage, pop-up skate ramp, sound and art workshops. Add on an arts trail and an outdoor cinema and there’s something for everyone, making this festival an absolute must!
Find out more at www.exmouthfestival.co.uk
Jump into wildlife at The Donkey Sanctuary.jpg)
The Sanctuary is bursting with life now that spring has sprung, and the sun has awoken here in Sidmouth. The Spring Wildlife Hunt trail is the perfect excuse to get out with the family to explore the sanctuary and combine exercise and brainpower, just £5 per trail, including a treat on completion. Plus, with a new play park, daily talks, scenic walks, engaging exhibits, hedge maze and lots of friendly donkeys, there’s so much to explore! Open daily from 9am, general admission and parking are free. Dogs welcome on a lead.
Find out more at www.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk/sidmouth
Fun outdoors with the whole family when you visit Dartmoor’s famous Becky Falls.
Say “Hi” to the animals at Becky Falls, from goats, pigs and ponies to meerkats and giant tortoises. Not forgetting the Animal Discovery Zone for their more exotic residents. See the “What’s on Board” for hourly “Keeper Talks” - learn all about their animals from their experienced Keepers. You can even help them feed the meerkats at 1pm!
Not forgetting their choice of three colour coded circular walks and free nature challenge with a prize for every child!
Find out more at www.beckyfalls.com
Shear Soccer
Shear Soccer cater for all players regardless of skill level and ability. They strive to create a positive learning environment that is fun and friendly imposed by their experienced, knowledgable team of coaches. All of their coaches are DBS registered/First Aid & Child Safeguarding certified and UEFA/FA qualified.
Their main aim at Shear Soccer is to provide every single person who attends their sessions with a safe and happy environment in which to build self confidence, form friendships, improve performance and above all ENJOY THE WORLDS GREATEST GAME!
Find out more at www.shearsoccer.co.uk
Mid Devon Show – Saturday 22nd July
The 30th Mid Devon Show will be held on Saturday 22nd July. Advance tickets are now on sale and Children Under 15 gain free entry with a paying adult.
This Year’s show will be packed full of Entertainment from the Main Ring, Livestock Areas, Countryside Arena, Dog Ring and Music Fest there is something for everyone, making it one of Devon’s Best Days Out. The Main Ring headline act this year will be an ATV Stunt Show performing breath-taking jumps and stunts
This year the Music Stage as they are joined by TWO tribute acts. Firstly take a chance on us who are of course an ABBA tribute then the New Jersey Boys.
Find out more at www.middevonshow.co.uk
River Dart Country Park Celebrates 10 Years of Picnic at the Park!
Picnic at the Park (June 4th 2023)
Picnic at the Park, summer’s biggest family picnic is back for 2023! Celebrating 10 years of their popular annual event. Expect another fantastic line-up boasting an array of unmissable family activities and displays at River Dart Country Park, Ashburton, Devon! Get ready for a day of music, dancing, displays, a fun dog show, and much more!
Tickets available at www.riverdart.co.uk
Upcoming events at Bear Town
Toddler Tuesdays & Thursdays, Term Time 9:30am – 11:30am
Join Bear Town with your toddler (1-4 years) for a two-hour play session at Bear Town. These sessions are exclusively for children aged 4 and under to enjoy. Tickets are just £9.95 and include a complimentary regular hot drink for the grown-up and unlimited squash for the toddler. Additional Toddlers are just £7.95 and Additional Adults are £4.00 including a regular hot drink.
SEND session at Bear Town – Sunday 25th June 9:30am – 11:30am
This session has been specifically set up for SEND explorers. To achieve this, Bear Town have lowered their capacity which will reduce overall noise and the volume of people within these sessions. Siblings, up to the age of 7, are welcome they just ask that they are considerate to their SEND explorers.
Visit www.beartown.co.uk to book.
Upcoming events at The Bear Trail
May Half Term at The Bear Trail, Saturday 27th May – Sunday May – 4th June
The Bear Trail is open daily during half term for a mudtastic family day out. After completing the trail all children can collect a certificate from the the Bear Cave Café. Tickets just £9.95.
Summer Slime Madness - Saturday 1st & Sunday 2nd July
Join The Bear Trail for their first ever slime fest, no one is getting out clean!
Perfect for both big and little kids! Families will tackle this awesome family friendly muddy assault course, while dodging the “Slime” Crew that will be stationed around the trail
Visit www.thebeartrail.co.uk to find out more and to book.
All-weather fun at Occombe Farm
Make a date to visit Occombe Farm this May half term. They are an all-weather family destination. Their indoor and outdoor play spaces are unique and their animals can’t wait to meet you. There’s a Deli for pit stops and stock-ups. Enjoy leisurely breakfasts, lunches or simply tea and cake at Occombe Farm Café. A visit to Occombe is family fun that contributes towards caring for Torbay’s most beautiful green spaces; supporting local conservation charity, Torbay Coast & Countryside Trust. Find out more at www.occombe.co.uk #occombefarm
PADDINGTON TM: THE STORY OF A BEAR
Torre Abbey are showcasing the touring exhibition from the British Library, PaddingtonTM: The Story of a Bear.
A family-friendly exhibition celebrating everyone’s favourite bear. Join them at the abbey to explore Michael Bond’s creation of Paddington, in a fun, educational and interactive way, following a trail of marmalade to find out more about some of his adventures.
Now fans, both big and small, can discover more about Paddington’s adventures at Torre Abbey. The exhibition has activities for all ages to practice their hard stares, take their own self ‘pawtrait’ and follow the trail of marmalade left by Paddington, as well as a special printed guide for families. Featuring over 50 books, documents, film clips and original artworks, these unique displays explore Michael Bond’s creation of Paddington, from his arrival in the UK from Peru, to finding a new home, and his exciting adventures in London and beyond.
With a summer of family activities and events still to be announced, there will be plenty to keep little sticky paws busy.
Find out more at www.torre-abbey.org.uk
Enjoy a staycation at The Manor Resort
The Manor Resort offers breaks that are designed to provide a fun family holiday destination, without the luxury price tag. With our stunning location in the Devon countryside, they provide a variety of activities and facilities for all ages. From swimming pools and tennis courts to adventure golf and waterslides, there's something for everyone.
If you’re on a tight budget, you’ll be pleased to know that all their breaks are FULL BOARD, so include all meals during your stay, plus most of their activities are also included at no extra cost. Don't delay, book your next family adventure today!
Find out more at www.manorandasburyresorts.co.uk
This year, Paignton Zoo are celebrating their 100th anniversary, and they want you to get involved.
In 1923, Herbert Whitley opened the gate to Paignton Zoo for the first time. One-hundred years later, they are celebrating their centenary with special events, including history tours, a big birthday weekend in July and a festive light trail.
Paignton Zoo has changed a lot over the past century, but their educational mission has remained at the heart of what they do. This year they are honouring this heritage with a momentous ‘Schools Go Free’ offer.
The Zoo are taking the opportunity to look forward to the next 100 years, and later this year will be revealing plans for an exciting new exhibit.
2023 is definitely a year for the history books for Paignton Zoo! If you’d like to be part of it, you can find out more on their website and social media.
Visit the website at www.paigntonzoo.org.uk
JUMP FOR JOY AT iBOUNCE EXETER
iBounce Exeter is far more than just a TRAMPOLINE PARK! Jump off the tower onto a GIANT AIRBAG, test your reactions with our LIGHT CHASER GAMES, practice taking penalties in their FOOTBALL ZONE, become DODGEBALL champion, perfect your tricks in the STUNT ZONE and leap into our soft FOAM PIT.
Great fun for all the family, with an onsite cafe for those parents who prefer to relax and spectate. Not forgetting iPLAY - a DINOSAUR themed SOFT PLAY great for the little ones, located in the same building. HAPPY BOUNCING!
Find out more at www.i-bounce.co.uk
Families can get moving with Volt MX
Based in the heart of Devon near Totnes, Volt MX offer everyone from the ages 3+ the opportunity to ride electric motorbikes on a purpose-built indoor track and teach very beginners right up to the more experienced of riders.
Sessions come with kit and bikes included for a 2 hour session and they also offer group bookings and birthday parties as well as gift cards and memberships.
Visit their website for more information at www.voltmx.co.uk
Hospiscare Open Gardens 2023
From May to September, gardeners across Devon are welcoming members of the community to enjoy their beautiful green spaces in return for a donation, raising funds that enable Hospiscare to continue providing specialist end-of-life care across the heart of Devon.
With over 40 gardens opening their gates this year and plenty of new additions, including sprawling estates, community gardens, charming cottage gardens, and even a honey farm - little ones are sure to love exploring, and with the potential to indulge in tea and cake, there really is something for everyone to enjoy!
To discover more, please visit hospiscare.co.uk/support-our-work/fundraise/open-gardens-2023.
Seaton Tramway
Seaton Tramway is an exciting attraction located in the beautiful coastal town of Seaton, Devon. It offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience a scenic ride on historic trams, which run through the picturesque Axe Valley. The trams are beautifully restored, and visitors can enjoy the stunning views of the estuary, countryside, and coastline from the open-sided carriages. There are also interactive events that operate throughout the school holidays. Seaton Tramway is a perfect destination for families, offering a fun and educational day out for all ages.
Find out more at www.Tram.co.uk
Pecorama
Pecorama is one of Devon’s leading tourist attractions – set high on the hillside above the picturesque fishing village of Beer. Visitors can expect a great day out for all the family, enjoying award-winning gardens, stunning sea views, home-made food and a selection of refreshments from our kiosks and, of course, rides on Britain’s finest 7.25 inch railway, where a fleet of steam locomotives pull passenger-carrying trains on a mile long route through the grounds, over bridges, through steep-sided cuttings and a long, dark tunnel! There are also large outside play areas, a lovely wildway walk with stunning views, a wild pond, bug hotel and zip wire.
Find out more at www.pecorama.co.uk
HANDi Paediatric app: advice for common childhood conditions
The HANDi Paediatric app gives up-to-date advice about common childhood illnesses and how to treat them. Developed by NHS organisations in Devon, the app is available to download for free onto any smartphone or tablet.
It has been developed by paediatric consultants and provides access to home care plans, as well as GP and hospital clinical guidelines, for the most common childhood health care conditions such as:
- Diarrhoea and vomiting
- ‘Chesty baby’ illnesses, such as bronchiolitis, asthma and croup
- ‘Chesty child’ illnesses, such as wheezing and asthma
- High temperature
- Abdominal pain
- Common newborn problems