Woodlands Leisure Park

This is the largest family theme park in Devon. Rides and attractions, indoor and outdoor, complete with a zoo/farm and falconry displays.
Blackawton, Totnes, Devon TQ9 7DQ (30 minute drive)
Tel: 01803 712598, www.woodlandspark.com

Overbeck’s Subtropical Gardens

Palm trees, banana plants and citrus and olive trees make Overbeck’s Gardens a wonderland waiting to be explored. There’s also a interesting museum with lots of interesting artifacts on display. But children beware! There’s a ghost about, and his name is Fred – try and spot him in the secret room.
Sharpitor, Salcombe, Devon TQ8 8LW (15 minute walk / 2 minute drive)
Tel: 01548 842893

Cranch’s Sweetshop

Sweet tooths will love this old-fashioned sweet shop down Fore Street. It has everything from traditional Victorian oddities to retro sweets like rhubarb and custard and sugar mice.
78 Fore Street, Salcombe, Devon TQ8 8BY (30 minute walk / 5 minute drive)

National Marine Aquarium

Marvel at the ocean’s most beautiful creatures in one of Europe’s largest aquarium. Sharks, sea turtles, clown fish, octopuses and jellyfish all take up residence here, so there is plenty to see and lots to learn.
Rope Walk, Coxside, Plymouth PL4 0LF (50 minute drive)
Tel: 0844 8937938, www.national-aquarium.co.uk

Paignton Zoo

See them all – giraffes, lions, gorillas, cheetahs and crocodiles, plus cheeky meerkats, colourful snakes and amazing monkeys – there’s over two thousand creatures. There’s also indoor play areas, the Jungle Express train and six different habitats that mimic the animals’ natural environment.
Totnes Road, Paignton, Devon TQ4 7EU (50 minute drive)
Tel: 0844 4742222, www.paigntonzoo.org.uk

Pennywell Farm

A lovely farm where you can pet rabbits, guinea pigs, mice, chicks and ducklings, and see alpacas reindeer, cows, ducks and lambs.
Lower Dean, Buckfastleigh, Devon TQ11 0LT (45 minute drive)
Tel: 01364 642023, www.pennywellfarm.co.uk