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Summer Activities for Children in Plymouth

 

The school summer holiday can sometimes be expensive, so in addition to all those wonderful days out at the local attractions, we’ve included some free ideas for those days in between…

 

 

12 free things to do this summer...

 

Go for a Walk

Devon is a true walker’s paradise! Your child is likely to take up a lifelong passion to this accessible activity if they are introduced to small segments of different walking routes and trails in the area during the summer.

The Coast Path Explorers is a new project aimed at getting families out exploring the South West Coast Path.

Families can follow a map and find the rubbings to discover the wildlife and tales of the path - see www.southwestcoastpath.org.uk - coast-path-explorers. Alternatively, you could take in one of the walks a little closer to home – see www.plymouthwalks.co.uk. Looking inland, there’s 368 square miles of Dartmoor to navigate, including many stunning forests and exquisite open moorland – see www.visitdartmoor.co.uk/visitor-info/child-friendly

 

Clean Up Devon this Summer

Plastic pollution is hot news at the moment. The huge public interest, helped by fabulous programmes like The Blue Planet, has resulted in a massive increase in volunteers cleaning up the beaches and countryside.

Do your bit for the planet and participate in one of many clean up events organised by Living Coasts (www.livingcoasts.org.uk -Coastal-clean-ups); Devon Wildlife Trust (www.devonwildlifetrust.org); National Trust (www.nationaltrust.org.uk/features/beach-cleans); Surfers Against Sewage (SAS) (www.sas.org.uk/our-work/beach-cleans).

If there's no beach clean happening near you then you can borrow your local Beach Clean Box and step up to organise your own - see www.sas.org.uk. At the end of the season there’s a Wembury Beachwatch event on 16 September, see www.mcsuk.org/beachwatch/beach/wembury/event/2018-09-16

 

Get up to Mischief in the Summer Reading Challenge

The Summer Reading Challenge encourages children aged 4 to 11 to read six library books during the long summer holiday.

This year’s theme is called Mischief Makers, inspired by the much-loved iconic children's title Beano, which celebrates its 80th anniversary. Most libraries in Plymouth will start the Challenge on Saturday 14 July. Seewww.readingagency.org.uk or www.plymouth.gov.uk/libraries

 

 

Get Fit for Free

Many schools are adopting the daily mile challenge, where children run or jog for 15 minutes per day, so keep up the motivation throughout the summer holiday and take in some of the most picturesque parts of your local area in the process.

If your child needs a goal, then they could participate in one of the Park Runs in and around Plymouth – there’s a timed run at Plymbridge Woods in Plymouth every Saturday at 9am; at Mount Edgcumbe Country Park in Torpoint every Saturday at 9am and at the Tamar Trails Centre at Gulworthy in Tavistock every Saturday at 9am. See www.parkrun.org.uk

 

Take Part in the Big Butterfly Count

July and August are good months to see butterflies.  It’s when they are busy feeding on nectar, mating and breeding. Many common butterfly species can be seen all over Devon.

Learn more about butterflies and take part in the Big Butterfly Count at Cotehele in Saltash from 14 July to 5 August – call 01579 351346; go on a Butterfly Walk on 21 July at Seaton Valley Country Park, near Torpoint – call 01503 265590; discover more about butterflies and moths on 4 August at Churchtown Farm Community Nature Reserve in Saltash – call 01752 843852. 

Read more at www.butterfly-conservation.org

 

Visit a Carnival, Regatta or Festival

By living in such a big tourist hotspot, we are blessed with an abundance of festivals, regattas, carnivals and village shows in the county, such as Plymouth Regatta from 13 to 15 July (http://yacht-regatta.ppsa.org.uk); Plymouth Seafood Festival on 15 and 16 September (www.visitplymouth.co.uk -plymouth-seafood-festival); and the quintessentially British Port of Dartmouth Royal Regatta from 30 August to 1 September (www.bythedart.co.uk).

 

 

Free Firework Displays

Attend one of the many summer regattas and festivals on the final day, as many finish with a free firework display and the free British Firework Championships over Plymouth Sound on 8 and 9 August, is sure to draw in the crowds. Visit www.britishfireworks.co.uk.

 

 

 

Rockpooling

Young children seem to be fascinated in creatures and bugs that are much smaller than them, and the slippery critters found in rockpools are a source of much excitement.

There are great rockpools to be found at: Wembury Beach, Hope Cove, Exmouth, Seaton, Livermead Sands, Broadsands, Sidmouth, Tunnels Beach (Ilfracombe), Westward Ho!, Barricane Beach, Widmouth Bay.

 

 

 

Kite Flying

Take a look at www.nationalkitemonth.org/how-to-fly-a-kite for top tips on kite-flying including a reminder of the all-important safety advice such as flying kites away from roads, and overhead wires.

 

 

 

Love Parks Weeks – 13 July to 22 July

The aim of Love Parks Week is to raise awareness of the importance of parks and green spaces throughout the year. Local parks are great communal places to meet other mums and dads who have children at the same school as yours, making it easier to maintain contact over the school summer holiday. So, love your local park and celebrate what it has to offer. The official dates this year are from 13 July to 22 July. Visit http://www.keepbritaintidy.org/get-involved/support-our-campaigns/love-parks-week

 

 

National Fishing Month – 27 July to 2 September

Many people get hooked on fishing as it offers an idyllic escape route away from the daily grind to a mini waterside haven of tranquillity. For a child, the excitement of the first catch can leave a lasting impression, laying the foundations of what could be a lifelong passion.

During National Fishing Month, from 27 July to 2 September, there will be plenty of opportunities for children to experience the joys of fishing. Visit www.nationalfishingmonth.com

 

 

National Play Day – Wednesday 1 August

Many local authorities host free fun activities in recreation grounds throughout the summer. From family fetes to live music in the park – these events provoke a lively atmosphere and offer a real taste of community spirit. For younger primary school children, look out for one of the National Play Days that are usually held in local parks on the first Wednesday in August – this year it takes place on Wednesday 1 August. Visit www.playday.org.uk

 

Take a look at some of the great events and activities taking place in and around Plymouth this summer...

 

 

City Cirque Xtreme is coming to Crealy Adventure Park 

Direct from the streets of New York, City Cirque Xtreme is coming to Crealy Adventure Park and Resort in Devon this summer! Indulge the adrenaline junkie in you, when you see this action-packed, adrenaline-fuelled stunt show every Monday - Saturday during the summer holiday, from 21 July to 2 September.

With so much to see and do, it is easy to discover your WOW this summer at Crealy. With over 60 rides and attractions, you’ll be able to enjoy everything on offer. Take a spin on The Twister rollercoaster, sail the seven seas on the Jolly Roger, or cool down on one of the water rides such as the Tidal Wave or Vortex.

For younger guests, The Junior Driving School, Honey Swing, and Shark Bay roller coaster offer exciting thrills, alternatively, the 75,000-sq. ft. of indoor soft play and Animal Barn are perfect for when the weather takes a turn! Book online in advance and save pounds - visit www.crealy.co.uk

 

Sport for All with Argyle Community Trust

Argyle Community Trust are hosting sporting opportunities every single day throughout the summer holiday, from £10 a day (10am-3pm). Children of all abilities are welcome to attend and can try out a variety of different sports including football, handball, dodgeball and athletics. For information and bookings visit https://argylecommunitytrust.co.uk/courses. For more information contact Stew Walbridge on stewart.walbridge@pafc.co.uk or on 07871 316594.

 

 

iBounce Trampoline Parks - The Ultimate Bouncing Experience!

iBounce Trampoline Parks feature exciting wall-to-wall trampolines, a giant airbag and an on-site dodgeball court! The Parks are brilliant destinations for birthday parties, with several fantastic party packages to choose from, including Parent and Toddler parties for the under 5s. For those who would prefer to relax, iBounce has a cafe area where you can sit back with a hot drink and enjoy great view of the parks.
Each indoor park is hugely accessible and open all year round: bounce in Exeter, Newton Abbot and Cornwall. See www.i-bounce.co.uk

 

Unicorns, Pirates and Little Ponies at the Miniature Pony Centre 

Summer 2018 will be amazing at the home of Dartmoor’s Unicorn – the Miniature Pony Centre. Meet the 4 cherished foals, battle it out in the Pirates and Cowboys day, watch incredible falconry displays and laugh at the children’s entertainer. Create memories at the Unicorn Day as you meet White Lightning in all his glory and go along for the My Little Pony themed day too. These events, along with all the usual activities and animals make The Miniature Pony Centre a fabulous place to go this summer. See www.miniatureponycentre.com

 

 

Summer of SEA-lebrites at the National Marine Aquarium

This summer holiday the National Marine Aquarium will be celebrating with a special ‘SEA-lebrities’ summer theme. It’ll be a jam-packed six weeks! Each week a different sea animal will be celebrated, with a showcase of what makes them incredible and vital to the marine world.

Activities include joining the red carpet, voting on species in a series of head to heads, heading to the sealife selfie stations, meeting the Papara-sea and getting involved in some media myth-busting! See www.national-aquarium.co.uk

 

Visit the Jurassic Jumble at Smeaton Farm 

The Cornish Maize Maze and Fun Farm opens its gates for the new season on Saturday 21 July with an all new theme – the Jurassic Jumble. The stunning maze with its 3 miles of paths and two look-out towers will provide hours of entertainment for visitors young and old.

After cracking The Maze, visitors can bounce on trampolines, swing on swings, climb to the top of a huge bale tower, play giant games, dig in the massive sandpit and meet lots of farm and rare breed animals. The maze and fun farm will be open daily, from Saturday 21 July until Sunday 2 September. Don’t miss Circus Pazaz on Friday 24 August and the special torchlight events on Saturday 1 and 8 September. Visit www.cornishmaze.co.uk

 

 

Camel Creek’s Cool Summer

Camel Creek Adventure Park near Wadebridge has a cool summer planned; packed with excitement, colour and thrills! Whether it’s making a splash in Water Wars or getting soaked in Downpour Derby, Camel Creek is perfect for summer adventures.

Children’s favourites Peppa Pig and PAW Patrol will be joining in the fun too and will appear at regular intervals on the following dates: Peppa Pig and George on the 7 and 28 August; Chase and Skye on 31 July and 21 August, and Marshall and Rubble on the 14 August. This summer will also see a splash of colour as Camel Creek prepare to hold their annual Colour Run on Saturday 15 September, this year supporting Penhaligon’s Friends who support bereaved children, parents and carers. See www.camelcreek.co.uk.

 

Visit Wild Futures’ Monkey Sanctuary and Support a Charity 

Nestled into the side of the south Cornish coast between Looe and Seaton, Wild Futures’ Monkey Sanctuary cares for a range of different species of rescued monkeys. Visitors can gain an intimate insight to a working sanctuary and a chance to meet some of its amazing monkey residents and wildlife inhabitants. Visit www.monkeysanctuary.org for prices and opening times.

 

 

Get active at Jump this summer

Plymouth Jump is a fantastic indoor soft play-area with an enormous inflatable, Soft Play area, ball pits, football pitch and a zone just for toddlers. Jump also has a café, party rooms and daily fun activities. Jump’s themed parties are fantastic, action-packed, and fun. Each is an adventure in its own right - a special experience that the birthday child, and his or her guests, will always remember. Parties start from £10 per person. See www.123jump.co.uk

 

Challenging Climbing Fun for Families

Clip ‘n Climb Plymouth is offering healthy and challenging climbing fun for the whole family. There are designated sessions for toddlers, specially discounted sessions for military and students every Wednesday and public sessions every day. Clip ‘n Climb is open every day throughout the school holiday. Advanced booking is recommended. Now available at a 20% discount when booking in advance online – see www.clipnclimbplymouth.co.uk for more information.

 

Be dazzled by the British Firework Championships

Be dazzled by spectacular pyrotechnics when the British Firework Championships return to Plymouth on Wednesday 8 and Thursday 9 August. Six top firework companies will battle it out over two nights, each putting on an awe-inspiring ten-minute display that will illuminate Plymouth Sound.

Enjoy the thrill of the funfair on Plymouth Hoe, or simply sit back and soak up the atmosphere – it’s an unmissable event and completely free to enjoy! Find out more at www.visitplymouth.co.uk

 

Clayart: Open Every Day Over the Summer

Clayart is a charming pottery painting studio located on the historic Barbican, Plymouth. It’s a friendly hub for you and your children to explore and unlock your creativity. There’s a massive range of quality products on offer, designed to help you unleash your arty side. Create a gift with a personal touch or a keepsake that lasts forever.

There are special group rates for clubs and schools and the birthday parties for children of all ages are hugely popular and offer something a bit different and creative. Plus, as an added bonus: mention this article and get 10%off! Find Clayart at 57 Southside Street, The Barbican, PL1 2LA. Call 01752 665565 or see www.clayart.co.uk

 

Marvellous marmosets at Dartmoor Zoo 

Meet the newest resident at Dartmoor Zoo, Marvin the marmoset. The six-year-old male - who was named by the Zoo’s Facebook fans - has joined female, Marmalade, in the marmoset enclosure. The pair are already great friends and can be seen frolicking together, entertaining visitors with their playful antics.

The Zoo hopes that their love affair continues to blossom and will lead to a new breeding programme. Visit Marvin and Marmalade, from 10am - 6pm, seven days a week, at Dartmoor Zoo. See www.dartmoorzoo.org.uk

 

 

Elvira’s Café – Catering for all Tastes 

Situated by the slip-way off the Cremyll Ferry, Elvira’s Café is the perfect location for a bite to eat and a walk either at Mount Edgcombe or Devil’s Point. With a varied menu from homemade meals and snacks to its famous cooked breakfasts, Elvira’s Café caters for all tastes at very reasonable prices.

A visit wouldn’t be complete without trying one of the homemade cakes, coupled with a cup of freshly ground coffee. All food can be taken away. Open 7 days a week, find Elvira’s Café at 7 Admiral's Hard, Plymouth PL1 3RJ. Call 01752 661015.

 

Fun at Adrenalin Quarry: Water Park, Gravity Park and Race Track

Adrenalin Quarry is a great venue for kids of all ages. Children can go wild on the giant inflatables in the huge Aquapark; those aged 7 years+ can race karts on the 800m all-weather track at Kartworld, plus there are twin seat electric bikes for parents and little kids. Jump off a cliff on the UK’s maddest Zip Wire, whilst brave youngsters can ride the Giant Swing 150ft over the quarry lake.

Go to the breathtakingly beautiful Adrenalin Quarry – it is free to enter, so visitors are able to stay and play all day. Go swimming, have a picnic on the lawn, sunbathe and watch the world go by for nothing or enjoy the pay as you go rides. Book rides online at www.adrenalinquarry.co.uk. Find Adrenalin Quarry on the A38 near Liskeard, PL14 3PJ.

 

The Ultimate Sleepover Experience with Top Tip Tents

Tip Top Tents offer the ultimate themed sleepover experience for boys and girls. There are fun themes available such as: unicorn, boy and girl emoji’s, rainbow, football and army.

The tents are not just for birthdays as they can be used for any occasion, end of term parties, family sleepovers and as novel accommodation for visitors.

Each Tip Top Tent is unique. Call Laura on 07919 096057 or check out www.facebook.com/LaurasTipTopTents

 

 

Kids get Active at Fit For Sport 

From multi-sports to messy arts and crafts, from outdoor adventures to weekly themed activities, join Fit For Sport for lots of active fun at your local camp all summer long! Fit For Sport camps offer such a vast range of exciting activities, helping children to become healthy and active.

Children leave the camps feeling happy, confident and eager to return the following day. The camps teach children the importance of teamwork, they develop new skills and make new friends for life. However, most importantly of all, Fit For Sport want every child to enjoy the feeling of being active which is key to setting them on the road to a healthy active lifestyle. See www.fitforsport.co.uk

 

Summer on the Slopes

Plymouth Ski and Snowboard Centre’s summer holiday camps for kids involve 8 hours of nothing but fun! Youngsters will be able to enjoy fun times on the Viper Drop, snow tubing and tobogganing, and learn to ski or snowboard in a group activity. Children aged 4 to 7 years will need to be accompanied by an adult. Each session includes unlimited squash and a hot kids meal provided. Drop off is from 8:30am until 4pm. For details call 01752 600220 or see www.jnlplymouth.co.uk

 

 

Special Summer Events at Jamaica Inn on Bodmin Moor

There's something to appeal to all appetites at Jamaica Inn this summer, with special food and drink days and fun activities for the children.

A series of special food and drink event days will be taking place starting with a Chocolate and Fudge Day on Saturday 28 July, a Bread Tasting Day on Saturdays 4 and 18 August, a Sausage and Cider Day on Saturday 11 August, a Wine and Cheese Day on Sunday 19 August and a Trewithen Dairy Day on Monday 27 August. Plus, there are plenty of fun events lined up for the children too.

Mark’s Ark Wildlife Encounters will be visiting on Fridays 3 and 24 August with his array of creepy critters, birds and mini beasts. Whilst on Saturday 11 August, Screech Owl Sanctuary will be visiting with its wonderful owls. Plus, don’t forget a tasty traditional carvery lunch will be served up every Sunday from 12pm to 3pm. Visit www.jamaicainn.co.uk or call 01566 86250

 

Doodle @ Hannah’s 

This summer enter a world of woodland creatures, pirates, music, nature, sports and mindfulness with Squircle Arts as they transform the Gallery into a giant colouring book for you to explore and create at Hannahs, Seale-Hayne, until 2 September. Discover your inner artist and let your imagination go wild.

Colour-in existing drawings or create your own doodles, creatures and characters and add your self-portrait to the community wall of frames. There will be character discovery trails, doodle games, outdoor doodle jam events and a range of workshops. Suitable for all ages. For more information visit www.discoverhannahs.org/whats-on

 

 

 

 

Calling all Coast Path Explorers! 

During the summer months, families will have the opportunity to explore the Coast Path around the beautiful village of Wembury by following the ‘Coast Path Explorers’ Rubbings Trail. On this adventure you’ll get to collect rubbings and find out about wildlife as well as tales of the local area. This is a great activity to do with children. Find more information at www.southwestcoastpath.org.uk/explorers

 

 

A Summer of Fun at Pennywell Farm

Slap on the sunscreen, pack your rucksack and head out to Pennywell Farm for a full day of farmtastic fun! You can cuddle a piglet, race a ferret, pamper a pint-sized pony, take a dip in the Pennywell ponds or take in a round of crazy golf – it’s all included in one admission price.

Additional entertainment comes from a team of top class entertainers in the Big Show every day at 1pm and 3pm. Just off the A38 between Exeter and Plymouth, it’s so easy to find Pennywell Farm.

Further information is on the website: www.pennywellfarm.co.uk

 

 

Summer of Fun at River Dart Country Park

Enjoy the summer months at River Dart Country Park, a fine outdoor activity attraction. Discover the park’s natural environment and try the brand-new Nature Quest. Test your balance on the Agility Trail, reach new heights in the treetop Tower and try and reach the top of the Climbing Pods. Set within the Dartmoor landscape and just a mile off the A38 in Ashburton. Visit www.riverdart.co.uk or call 01364 652511 for details.

 

 

 

Fun Family Activities with RSPB South West 

Enjoy fun family activities this summer in the wildlife garden and Lookout Hide at RSPB Bowling Green nature reserve, near Exeter. Entertaining events will include nature crafts, scavenger hunts, bug safaris, birdwatching for children, and story time.

For event information, dates and bookings see: www.rspb.org.uk/bowlinggreenmarsh or call 01392 833311. The Lookout Hide is also open for informal visits. Relax with the reserve’s wildlife from the comfort of a sofa whilst enjoying refreshments.

 

 

 

 

 

Take a Luxury Holiday Close to Home 

Looking for an unforgettable holiday in Devon? Then why not stay at Crealy Adventure Park and Resort? On offer is award-winning accommodation including luxury lodges (complete with your very own hot tub), glamorous themed glamping tents, pre-pitched tourers and family friendly camping and caravanning pitches.

Crealy Resort is the perfect destination for the ultimate Devon family holiday. With Crealy Adventure Park right next door you won’t be lost for things to do either. Whilst the kids run around and play, you’ll be able to enjoy the luxury of a fantastic resort. With a whole host of events taking place in 2018 too, a break at Crealy is not one to be missed. Visit www.crealy.co.uk or call 01395 233200 to book your stay today.

 

 

A Summer Like No Other at Woodlands Family Theme Park

This summer, Woodlands will be full of fantastic activities, with interactive shows from FizzPop Science, including incredible Slime Making. Supastarz will be entertaining families with its weekly shows from 30 July, plus Titan the Robot is back on the 14 August. Brand new for 2018 - meet Roary and the baby Velociraptor, the interactive dinosaurs – if you’re brave enough you can have a selfie taken with them. Book your tickets online and receive up to a 30% discount. Visit www.woodlandspark.com for full details.

 

 

Summer Survival Tips…
 

1. Keep Calm! You don’t need to fill every minute of every day with exciting adventures. It will only exhaust you, and anyway children don't need that much stimulation. Besides, if you work or are tied to other commitments, remember it's quality time that counts.
 

2. Be Flexible. Find out what childcare options are available in your area. Although some parents share childcare with friends, relatives and each other, others balance it with children's clubs. A variety of options will make childcare more satisfactory for everybody.
 

3. Let your children get bored. Seriously! It may be a challenge, ignoring the whining, but, in time, imaginations dream up ideas. Children need unplanned chill-out time just as much as we do. 
 

4. Just relax and remember it's your holiday, too. Give yourself a break. Don't feel guilty if you pack the kids off for the day, or get a sitter-in for a night out. You need and deserve time to rest up and unwind.
 

5. Re-establish their normal school routine in good time. Although summer holidays are all about late nights and long days, children will need to re-adjust as the holiday comes to an end. That way, bedtimes won't be such a struggle when they do go back to school.