Looking to keep the kids entertained in Barnstaple? There are endless activities for you and the children to get involved in no matter the age of your kids. Finding the right day out is easy, with various free and paid activity ideas to choose from. Explore our recommendations below for great days out on Your Devon Escape.
BEACH DAY OUT
A day at the beach is the perfect activity for those looking to keep the kids entertained in Barnstaple. Whilst the town itself is not coastal, there are various beaches a short journey away. With many accessible by public transport, there isn’t a need to drive if you don’t want to. Pack your swim stuff and head to the beach! With the North Devon coast being ideal for surfing, be sure to bring your board or hire one to check it out. Many of the beaches offer hire and lessons if you have never tried the sport before and fancy learning! Be sure to check out the beautiful beaches of this coastline on Your Devon Escape.
Exmoor Zoo is constantly changing with new animals and exhibits so, even if you’ve been before, your next trip will be different. The zoo has always specialised in smaller animals, providing natural living spaces for many creatures no longer seen in city zoos; however, they still have bigger animals to admire. They offer daily and monthly activities such as talks, animal encounters, and events. These are always shown on their website, so be sure to check what is on for your visit! Tickets can be bought online or on the day of visit.
JUNGLAROO INDOOR SOFT PLAY CENTRE
Junglaroo Indoor Soft Play Centre is for children aged up to twelve-years-old. There are different play areas for all ages. There are multiple levels of adventure including ball ponds, cargo nets, and more. It is the perfect place to keep all ages entertained on Your Devon Escape. There is a café for the adults to sit and watch the children play. They recommend booking during busy periods to avoid disappointment.
Let’s Go is an excellent entertainment complex with a bowling alley, karaoke, snooker, and darts. It is the perfect place for a rainy-day activity or evening entertainment. With arcade games and a pool area, you can spend hours in here keeping the kids entertained. Book in advance by enquiring on their website, if there is a big group of you, or simply just turn up. It is a great place if you are looking to keep the kids entertained in Barnstaple.
Nestled in the heart of Nort Devon, Marwood Hill Gardens are a hidden gem. Home to four National Plant Heritage collections, these private valley gardens span over 20-acres, and showcase three stunning lakes, rare trees & shrubs, and colourful surprises throughout each season. Not only are the gardens a haven for wildlife, but they are also the perfect environment to explore, get back in touch with nature, and be inspired. Pack a picnic and enjoy a day of inspiration and relaxation for the whole family.
MUSEUM OF BARNSTAPLE AND NORTH DEVON
The Museum of Barnstaple and North Devon has collections and displays that cover the natural and human history of North Devon. Highlights include the Tarka Gallery, the Story of North Devon and the Regimental Collection of the Royal Devon Yeomanry. The museum includes a gift shop, tearooms, and tourist information. The museum always has a selection of temporary exhibitions, so be sure to check out those too when visiting. The museum is free entry to all. To find out more head to their website.
Looking to keep the kids entertained in Barnstaple? Rock Park offers a skate park and adventure play area with swings, slides, a sandpit, and several cool climbing frames. There is also a sports ground, tennis courts and a bowling green available with a bit of advance arrangement. If this is your thing, get in touch and we can help you to organise! There is a kiosk serving refreshments next to the children’s play area if you get a craving for ice cream on a warm afternoon. It is the perfect ‘free day out’ activity. Pack a picnic and sit back and relax while the children tire themselves out.
Survival Combat Games is the biggest laser and airsoft site in the South West. Laser Games is suitable for all ages 7+ and is the perfect adrenaline-fuelled afternoon activity. With realistic sounding Hi-tech guns firing a harmless infra-red beam, unlimited Ammo, lives and respawn, it is an active and adventurous activity to get involved in. Or for ages 13+, have a go at Airsoft. With various playing areas to choose from, there is plenty to explore in combat. If you have your own gun, make sure to book the ‘without gun’ package, or if you need to hire a gun or protection, they have everything you need at the facility. Be sure to book in advance to give it a go on Your Devon Escape.
The leisure centre offers something for all ages and interests. With a learner pool and swimming pool for different sessions and lane swimming, be sure to check the timetable when planning your visit. The centre is also home to Bumpers Indoor Soft Play Area, a small adventure facility great for keeping children between the ages of two and five entertained. There is also a martial arts facility and sports courts for squash and badminton, all providing a wide scope of options to keep the kids entertained in Barnstaple.
For more ideas for what to do on Your Devon Escape, why not check out our journal for recommendations. Or make us all jealous on Your Devon Escape by sharing your adventures with #yourdevonescape or tag us on Facebook @YourDevonEscape, on Instagram @your_devon_escape or TikTok @yourdevonescapeltd.