Thursday, 16 May 2013

May Half Term Ideas in Devon

With May half term fast approaching I thought I'd write a post with some ideas of what to do with the little ones. As ever I am always on the look out to save money therefore I have tried to find events that are either free or very low cost.

Why not start your week surrounded by Pirates at the first ever Pirate Day in Teignmouth on Saturday 25th.  
The event starts at 11 am and goes through to 4 pm. There will be Shanty singer, treasure hunts, nail art, Pirate tattoos, demonstrations, amongst many other things. Also we will have Pudsey himself there and Captain Jack Sparrow lookalike Jacko Sparro.

Pirate Day - Teignmouth 

For Sunday 26th if you are already a member of the National Trust then why not head over to Greenway House in Brixham for their Fairy Day:Fairy Magnolia and the Magic Pirates. Join the fairies to search for the presents and watch out for pirates on the way. If you aren't already a member then it will cost you the normal admission price which is £9.00 for adults and £5.00 for children. 

If you're not a National Trust member then why not take the kiddies to Dartmeet on Dartmoor for free where they can get some fresh air and paddle in the river. You can buy some little fishing nets from the shop at very low cost and see if they can catch anything. You can take a picnic or eat in the restaurant that's there.  



On the way home why not stop off at Pixieland and take your picture with some elves and faries (also free)...





I have two options for Monday 27th. For a free entry day head over to Berry Head Fundraiser - 10 - 4pm. A special day for the whole family to celebrate the incredible heritage of Berry Head National Nature Reserve. Step back in time to when Napoleonic soldiers marched the headland and join Brixham Heritage Museum on a Napoleonic boot camp. 
Take part in bushcraft activities with the rangers, help the friends of Berry Head cover a giant guillemot with coins and enjoy a BBQ and live music at the Guardhouse cafe from 12pm.  Berry Head is free to enter but we will be encouraging donations on the day.

If you don't mind spending money then the other option is to Meet The Animals at Occombe Farm. Get close up to our animals and help the rangers feed and care for our animals. Feed the chickens, ducks and alpacas and help our rangers lead our friendly goats on a walk around the orchard. Create your own farmyard mobile to take home. Parents will need to accompany children on this session. Wear suitable outdoor clothing and welly boots.  £5 per child.

Meet the Farm Animals


 For Tuesday 28th why not head over to Paignton Seashore Centre for a Rockpool Safari. Go and join the Marine Rangers in exploring the incredible marine life that lives in Torbay's rock pools that have been created in the Geoparks 400 miliion year old rocks! Discover shining snakelocks anemones, daring devil crabs and beautiful starfish. It costs just £3.50 per child; no booking required. 2pm - 4pm. Suitable for all ages. 

Rockpool Safari

For a cheaper option have a Day At The Races at Kingsteington, Hackney Marshes. Using hazel from Hackney, make yourself a hobby horse then put it through its paces on a course around the South Meadow! Rosettes for all. Only 50p for children and  adults are free. 2pm-4pm. All ages. 01626 215742 

 A Day at the Races


 If your kiddies enjoy hands on activities then try the Family Firecraft Day at Occombe Farm on Wednesday 29th. Try your hand at building a fire under the expert guidance of the rangers. Have some campfire popcorn and toasted marshmallows. It cost £5 per child and £3 per adult, suitable for all ages. From 10.30am - 1pm.

Family Firecraft
 

 On Thursday 30th take part in a Pirate Treasure Hunt across the grounds at Seale Hayne, Newton Abbot. It's for children aged 5-11 and it costs just £2 per child including a prize and as a bonus adults get 10% off at the Bistro. The hunt is on 10am - 4pm daily from the 27th - 31st May so if you can't make it on the Thursday then there are other days to chose from.

Dame Hannahs Arts

Or why not try your hand at making a dream catcher in the Dream Catcher Workshop at Decoy Country Park. No need to book from 2pm to 4.30pm. For ages 7 to 11. Why not have a play on the park while you're there and don't forget your swimmers for the water area.



For the last day Friday 31st head over to Escot for a kids go FREE day! They have storytelling by the fire, toasted marshmallows, Camp Wild games, pond-dipping and bushcraft fun! A little taste of a Camp Wild summer- for free! As well as being able to use all of the other facilities at Escot including an indoor soft play barn, a maze and the scary death slide. Adults cost £8.50 each.

 
 For other events on in May check out my Events/What's On page.

1 comment:

  1. Reminds me of child hood family holidays.I'll have to take a train trip down to Devon during the Summer holidays.

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