FAMILY DAYS OUT IN DEVON THIS EASTER HOLIDAYS

Whether your little ones are budding thesps, artists in the making, or simply want to run around in the fresh air, there is an abundance of fun activities taking place over the Easter holidays. Here is a handful to inspire…

SPORT/ RUNNING AROUND 

There’s football fun to be had at the Exeter City Community Trust holiday clubs this Easter. The clubs, which are for girls and boys aged between five and 14, take place in Exeter, Exmouth, Sidmouth, Crediton and north Devon from 2 April. There are skill sessions, inflatable fun and tournaments planned throughout the holiday – and even appearances by Exeter City players! And for all those budding Lionesses out there, two girls’ only sessions are planned for Exeter on 4 and 5 April. 

Exeter City Community Trust is also planning a free para sports holiday club in the city on 5 April for youngsters aged from eight to 15. Expect skill sessions, matches and lots of fun with the inflatable pitch and target shot. 

The Bear Trail in Cullompton is home to the oh-so-muddy family assault course. Expect 30 obstacles and unlimited mud, followed by a sweet treat at the cafe. Over at the children’s role-play venue Bear Town, there will be two-hour play sessions which will see your little ones (1-7 year olds) hopping through the town helping to collect all the eggs during the Easter holidays. Once all the eggs have been found, each child can collect a special Easter gift. 

THEATRE & LIVE PERFORMANCE 

Head to Exeter Corn Exchange on 4 April (2pm and 6pm) for a performance of Roald Dahl’s classic tale, The Twits. Expect lots of action and silliness for young audiences to enjoy and join in with.

Over at Exeter Northcott Theatre, the timeless children’s classic Dear Zoo will return to the stage from 1- 2 April. This production will delight young and old as it unfolds with engaging puppets, music and lots of audience interaction. A perfect first theatre experience for little ones. For older children (7-11), Belongings is an inspiring and life-affirming story about young people in care. 

ART & CRAFT

RAMM on Queen Street is hosting lots of print-themed workshops (4, 9 and 11 April) through the Easter Holidays, inspired by some of the printing techniques on display in the 'Pressing Images: prints from Exeter's fine art collection' exhibition, plus making their one comic strip! Expect paint, stickers, jewels, rubber bands and more! £3.50 per child - you can buy your tickets in the RAMM shop. 

AND A WHOLE LOT OF EASTER EGG TRAILS 

Head north (of Devon that is) to RHS Rosemoor for their supersized family adventure (23 March - 14 April), where explorers of all ages can hunt down the larger-than-life eggs hidden throughout the garden.  Join in a special welly walk (enjoy the blossom and spring bulbs which’ll be out by then), and dive into craft workshops, meet the Easter bunny and even some real woolly friends during the Great Wool Weekend on Saturday 13 – Sunday 14 April.

National Trust homes are a great shout if you want to make a day of it. As well as enjoying the historic buildings, gardens - and not forgetting the onsite cafes and gorgeous gift shops - all the homes are open and running trails over the Easter period. You can stay local with a visit to Killerton, or head further afield to Arlington Court, near Barnstaple, or Baggy Point, near Croyde. Why not head to Saltram in Plymouth, where you can take part in a sack race, or Woolacombe where you can explore the sandy dunes and nature-inspired activities. For all National Trust trails, expect the Normal admission plus £3 per trail, which includes an Easter trail map and a chocolate egg, or a vegan ‘Free-From’ chocolate egg.

Bovey Tracey Gift shop House of Marbles is hosting a pirate-themed Easter egg hunt on Good Friday, Easter Saturday and Easter Monday. Stay for lunch at their onsite restaurant while you’re there and check out their Glassworks studios where they’ll be running Glass Egg Paperweight Making Sessions over the Easter weekend. 

The Donkey Sanctuary is in the heart of the East Devon countryside, near Sidmouth, and features miles of walkways, a natural play area, a maze, daily talks, engaging exhibits, and hundreds of resident donkeys to meet. They’ve got a new trail called Drizzle’s Green Guardians Trail which is running throughout the Easter holidays. This destination is a great choice for families; it remains a free family visitor attraction and is open 365 days a year. Parking is also free and dogs on leads are welcome.