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!
Summer activities for children in Devon
Long sunny days, light evenings and six whole weeks of play – what’s not to love about the summer? Here’s just a few suggestions to help make your summer supersonic!
Don't forget to check out our frequently updated online listings page
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Soak up the sun at The Donkey Sanctuary this summer.
Can you guess which adoption donkeys are hiding behind the stable doors? Put your knowledge to the test with the newest summer trail at The Donkey Sanctuary. A 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
Join in a FREE summer of fun at the library!
There’s loads going on at the library this summer, for all the family – a packed programme of events and activities including arts and crafts, coding, lego, music and much more.
Join the Summer Reading Challenge, a FREE reading challenge for children aged 5+. Read six books to get your medal, plus entry into a free prize draw!
To find your local library and see what’s on, visit devonlibraries.org.uk or torbaylibraries.org.uk
Message from South West Norse
“At South West Norse we provide a wide range of total facilities management and multidisciplinary property consultancy services to education clients within the South West. By 
listening to our customer and working collaboratively, we provide a tailored service built specifically to their individual requirements – not a one size fits all approach. This enables us to deliver a good quality service as well as value for money for our customer ensuring a high level of satisfaction. We are ideally placed to deliver first-class services that customers value and trust time and time again. Find us on social media.”
www.norsegroup.co.uk/careers" target="_blank">Find out more at www.norsegroup.co.uk/careers
Totnes Show, where Town meets Country, providing a great family day out..jpg)
Visit Totnes Show on 30th July for for a varied, fun event featuring cattle, sheep, horses, alpacas, rare breeds and shearing competitions as well as a friendly family dog show, vintage cars & tractors, combined with attractions such as a lively music stage, food village with demonstration kitchen, horticulture, craft marquee, trade stands and a lifestyle pavilion.
Visitors can also enjoy an all day main ring entertainment and attractions, include sheepdog trials, a Pony Club Musical ride the hilarious terrier racing (open to all breeds) Grand Parade of Livestock and more. See the tractor pulling and Andrei Burton’s cycle shows.
Discounted tickets are available in advance via www.totnesshow.com and check the website for up-to-date details and a free park and ride will also be accessible on the day.
Special 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. 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 – Tuesday 22nd August 3:00pm – 5:00pm
This session has been specifically set up for SEND explorers. To achieve this, they 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 it is just asked that they are considerate to the SEND explorers.
Visit www.beartown.co.uk to book.
Visit Cockington Court this summer
Cockington Court Centre of Creativity is both a FREE visitor attraction and an innovation centre to cultivate art, culture and local talent. Located in the picturesque village of Cockington in Torquay, Cockington Court is an historic manor house and home to around 20 craft studios, an art gallery and on-site café.
A brilliant day out for the whole family. Visitors can observe talented craft makers at work as well as enjoy the surrounding dog-friendly gardens set within a 450-acre country park.
With so much on offer and an exciting calendar of events, including outdoor theatre shows, sculpture trails and exhibitions, you’ll want to visit again and again.
Find out www.cockingtoncourt.org
Summer Holidays at The Bear Trail, Saturday 22nd July – Sunday 3rd September
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 and family tickets from £37.95.
Visit www.thebeartrail.co.uk to find out more and to book.
The summer holidays at China Fleet Country Club, Saltash
Nerf War Wednesdays - Get ready for an adrenaline-pumping, action-packed Nerf war battle. Join us as they transform our ordinary space into a thrilling battleground filled with foam-dart mayhem. The perfect summer holiday activity!
Inflatable Mondays- Worried about what to do with your kids this summer? Then worry no more, encourage them to move about and get active whilst having loads of fun at the same time!
Available to book online via the China Fleet website: www.china-fleet.co.uk
Mare and Foal Sanctuary Open Days at Coombe Park Education and Equestrian Centre, Totnes, TQ9 6LW.
Have you have ever wondered what goes on in an equine rescue sanctuary? Or perhaps you are keen to meet horses and ponies and learn about their incredible lives? Look no further than The Mare and Foal Sanctuary's upcoming open days. Jam-packed with inspiring demonstrations, fun activities and refreshments, it’s a perfect trip out for the whole family.
Free admission but booking is essential. Tickets will be available until the afternoon of each event.
Find out more at www.mareandfoal.org/events.
Fun for the whole family at Bow Garden & Aquatic Centre
Bow Garden & Aquatic Centre have lots to keep the kids entertained this Summer holiday, so make a day of it!
Bow’s fully stocked garden centre includes children's gardening equipment to entice the kids outside this Summer. Bow also have a lovely cafe where you can enjoy a delicious home-made lunch on their tranquil sun decking, overlooking their Koi pond…. Bow even have free indoor and outdoor play areas, so you can have some me-time whilst the kids play. Not to mention you can feed Bow’s giant koi in their outside pond and inside enjoy fascinating Tropical and Marine aquariums with colourful fish to view too. Bow also has a great range of Summer games and toys in stock such as LEGO, Hot Wheels and paddling pools, so it’s well worth a visit.
The friendly team at Bow Garden Centre look forward to welcoming you soon.
Find Bow Garden centre ½ way between Okehampton & Crediton at EX17 6LA. And visit their website at www.bowgardencentre.co.uk
Summer at Seaton Tramway is a thrilling adventure for families!
Hop aboard the Space Tram and embark on an intergalactic journey to discover planets and stars. Experience the enchantment of the Fairy Tale Tram, where beloved characters come to life through captivating stories and interactive games. But beware! The Dino Tram takes you back in time to encounter mighty dinosaurs, perfect for little palaeontologists. And for aspiring swashbucklers, the Pirate Tram sets sail on a treasure hunt filled with excitement and hidden surprises. Get ready for a summer full of magical, prehistoric, and swashbuckling fun at Seaton Tramway!
Find out more at www.tram.co.uk
Summer Fun for the Whole Family at Otter Garden Centres!
Looking for an exciting and engaging summer activity for the whole family? Look no further than Otter Garden Centres!
Take a stroll through the store and discover home décor, gardening essentials, toys, clothes, and unique gifts. But that's not all - their coffee shop is the perfect spot to relax and indulge in delicious treats while the kids have a blast with fun activities.
This summer, they’re hosting a Bug's Life selfie competition! Strike a pose at their selfie points and have a chance to win fantastic prizes. Explore your garden and learn fascinating facts about bugs along the way.
Join Otter Garden Centres for an unforgettable summer filled with family fun and adventure!
Find out more at www.ottergardencentres.com
Great value days out by bus!
The Stagecoach bus network connects you to incredible days out across Devon. From beaches to attractions, whatever you’re in the mood for go by bus! Or give one of their open top bus experiences a try, it’s a great day out for the whole family!
Plus it’s a great time to travel by bus with all single fares now just £2 or less.
To plan your next day out simply download the Stagecoach Bus app, the handy journey planner will let you know which route you’ll need to catch and how much it’ll cost.
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. Visit the abbey to explore Michael Bond’s creation of Paddington, in a fun, educational and interactive way.
Now fans, both big and small, can discover more about Paddington’s adventure at Torre Abbey. Follow his trail of marmalade splats to explore his tales of muddles and mishaps from his arrival in London, to home life with the Browns. With a summer of family activities such as their marmalade garden trail or their Teddy Bear’s Picnics events there will be plenty to keep little sticky paws busy.
So, don your hat and duffle coat, grab your suitcase and join in for a marmalade sandwich-fuelled trip down memory lane. And most importantly: “Please look after this bear. Thank You!”
Find out more at www.torre-abbey.org.uk
Dive into summer fun at the University of Exeter Sport's outdoor pool!
Offering a perfect escape for everyone, the University of Exeter Sport’s outdoor pool is now available for Private Hire, providing an exclusive setting for parties or events. Whether you're a serious swimmer or just looking to cool off, their casual swim sessions cater to all abilities. Plus, we have dedicated family swim sessions where you can enjoy quality time with loved ones. With its inviting waters and peaceful surroundings, our outdoor pool is the ultimate destination for aquatic enjoyment. For more information and the full timetable, please head to https://sport.exeter.ac.uk/facilities/swimmingpools/.
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Go & play! Occombe Farm are an all-weather family destination. Their play spaces are unique. Kids can enjoy the freedom of outdoor play; indoors. Run, jump and climb on outdoor play too. Meet their animals, learn about them and watch them play. Follow the animal paddocks trail to see donkeys, goats, sheep, Shetland ponies and more. There’s Occombe Farm Cafe and Occombe Farm Deli (shop & Café) for pit stops and stock-ups. 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
Summer at House of Marbles
Discover a world of Summer fun at House of Marbles! Get ready for excitement within the Games Garden with GIANT Chess, Jericho, Bowling and Dominoes. They're just like their regular games but super-sized for extra fun!
While you're there, why not enjoy a tasty breakfast, lunch, or afternoon tea at their restaurant? Book your table now at www.houseofmarbles.com/visit. Let the Summer adventures begin!
Message at Orway Porch Farm
"Here at Orway Porch Farm we are delighted to have diversified and bring events such as the Maize Maze and our Pumpkin patch open to the public.
We are a family farm and cannot wait to open the doors this summer for our Sheep Maize Maze and once again our huge variety of pumpkins in the autumn
Please look up our website and give us a follow @orwayporchfarm to keep updated with our plans, we hope to see you through soon."
Find out more at www.orwayporchfarm.com
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Kids get active with 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, knowledgeable team of coaches. All of their coaches are DBS registered/First Aid & Child Safeguarding certified and UEFA/FA qualified.
They have an exciting summer ahead delivering their HAF (Holiday Activity Food) project with a real variety of activities and entertainment for children across different venues in South Devon.
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
Aardman’s ‘Lloyd of the Flies’ goes on a Grand Bug & Pest Hotel Hunt at RHS Rosemoor : Saturday 22 July – Sunday 3 September
Lloyd and his friends have gone to stay in a luxury bug hotel in North Devon but have got lost on the way. Children can seek these characters throughout Rosemoor’s garden as they make their way towards The Grand Bug & Pest Hotel, and use a special AR app to ‘shrink’ down to fly size and see the world through insect eyes, on a trail which is suitable for all ages. Other family fun on offer includes outdoor theatre performances, a snail race, model-making workshops and animal encounters with Exmoor Zoo.
For more details visit rhs.org.uk/gardens/rosemoor/whats-on/summer-holidays
Summer at Exeter Phoenix
There's nothing more exciting than knowing there's a sizzling Summer ahead - and so much to see and do!
From art you can play with to walking alongside giants in the park, you'll be sure to find magic and wonder within their walls, and out of doors, too!
Feeling creative? Your young ones can make film and theatre with with week-long workshops from Four of Swords and Paddleboat, from ages 7 and up. Their most popular art workshops are also back, so pick up a paintbrush or embrace your inner sculptor - grownups can join in, too!
Don't forget they have a cafe open daily, too, for an all-important juice stop!
Keep an eye on what's coming up for children and young people at: exeterphoenix.org.uk/genre/young-people/
Get creative with Paint Pots of Devon
Paint Pots of Devon is a pottery painting cafe in Crediton High Street. Their mission is to encourage all people young and old to embrace their creativity and create beautiful keepsakes. There is no studio charge, and all our prices include the cost of glazing and firing. They offer over 300 different pottery shapes to choose from.
They also offer baby handprints/ footprints onto pottery with personalisation and artwork free of charge. Their family business offers a warm friendly atmosphere with prices start at only £3.50.
Find out more at www.paintpotsdevon.co.uk
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Wildwood Devon's Summer Bonanza
Join in this holiday for Wildwood’s Summer Bonanza, from 22 July – 3 September. Wildwood Devon is Devon’s best British wildlife park, featuring animals past and present from across the UK including bears, wolves, red squirrels and lynx. They’ve got all the ingredients to make a memorable day for your family. Drop in on their animal talks, experience water-fights in their world-class maze, set your adrenaline pumping on their tree-top drop slide, let your little ones loose in their indoor soft play zone and experience medieval life in their authentic Saxon village.
Visit devon.wildwoodtrust.org for more info.
Budleigh Salterton Literary Festival: 20th to 24th September
Brilliant bookish fun will be on offer for youngsters at this year’s Budleigh Salterton Literary Festival. Taking place from September 20-24 the festival will once again be staging fun interactive activities and events for children and families.
Tickets are sure to sell quickly for iconic illustrator Axel Scheffler - he of Gruffalo fame - who will be wowing audiences as he draws and shares some of his favourite stories. Join in celebrations of 30 years of Horrible Histories with lots of activities in the Mini Marquee - all set around the themes of the best-selling books.
Other authors include authors Kristina Stephenson and Madeleine Finlay, and Springwatch’s Megan McCubbin, as well as music workshops, a comic art class from Kev F, stories from Martin Maudsley and a chance to watch Horrible Histories Illustrator Martin Brown in action.
Find out more and book at www.budlitfest.org.uk
Kernow Health
Kernow Health Community Interest Company is pleased to announce that it has been successful in a bid to deliver the school age immunisation service in Devon from 1 August. The service will be renamed the Cornwall and Devon School Age Immunisation Service to reflect both counties.
Devon’s team of immunisation nurses will continue working in schools, this means children will see familiar faces when their vaccines are due.
There may be some changes families will notice, for example the way they obtain your consent to vaccinate your child.
Information about this is available on their website www.kernowhealthcic.org.uk/school-immunisations
Open Your Heart, Change a Life: Become a Foster Carer Today!
Fostering Foundation are seeking compassionate individuals or families to become foster carers.
As a foster carer, you have the power to offer stability, love, and support during a challenging time. Whether you have experience or are new to fostering, your commitment and willingness to learn are what truly matter.
Their dedicated support team will be with you every step of the way, providing guidance, training, and 24/7 assistance.
Join their compassionate community of foster carers today. Together, you can create a brighter tomorrow for children in need. Take the first step and contact them now.
Become a foster carer—because every child deserves love, care, and a chance to thrive.
Find out more at www.fosteringfoundation.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