15 Free Summer Activities for Families

We know the school holidays can be an expensive time, so we have put together our top 15 ideas for things to do in Exeter this summer, completely free! Whatever the weather (although we're hoping this wonderful Devon sunshine lasts the whole summer!), there is plenty going on to keep everyone entertained. Plus there are some great free family events in Exeter over the summer holidays.

1. Visit Exeter’s Royal Albert Memorial Museum and go on a voyage of discovery from pre-history to the present day through 16 galleries of displays. With free entry & summer holiday activities, workshops and drop-in sessions, there is something for all ages.

2. Visit the library... Exeter Central Library runs regular family activities for all ages and is easily accessible from the city centre.

3. Join the famous Red Coat Guides on a walking tour of Exeter, to discover more about the fascinating and turbulent history of the city. Tours run daily throughout the year, with a wide range to choose from. It is advisable to book in advance, tours last approx. 90 minutes.

4. ...Or if you prefer to do things at your own pace, follow one of Exeter’s self-guided heritage trails – kids can solve puzzles and quizzes along the way.

5. On warm days, pack your swimming stuff and head to Heavitree Park, which has paddling pools in which to play and cool down, or St Thomas Splash Pad, with water fountains, tipping buckets and cannons for plenty of water fun!

6. Visit the Custom House Visitor Centre on Exeter’s Quayside to learn more about the history of the Quayside through fascinating displays, exhibits and a short film - ‘Exeter, 2,000 years of history’.

7. Visit the bird hides at Bowling Green Marsh along the Exe Estuary Trail between Topsham and Darts Farm - perfect for a short, fairly flat scoot or cycle. Make your way to Darts Farm to pick up picnic bits and enjoy a play in their outdoor play area.

8. Film fans, head to the Bill Douglas Cinema Museum for interactive exhibits for children, or see a favourite film as part of the Odeon or Vue Kid’s Club – whilst not strictly free, tickets are still relatively cheap per person. There are kids screenings every Saturday and Sunday morning, plus every day during the school holidays.

9. Find space to run free! Head out of the city to Haldon Forest Park, where themed walking and cycling routes are well-signposted, or follow special trails aimed at families with small children. You will also find family-friendly marked trails at Stoke Woods, an old forest dating back to the Roman times on the edge of Exeter, or visit one of five Valley Parks in the city, all great for walking, kicking a football around or enjoying a family picnic.

10. Take a family bike ride following the route of the Exeter Canal... this flat, traffic-free route is great for families, plus you can stop off at the Double Locks pub for refreshments in the large, waterside beer garden with an outdoor play area!

11. Visit the Donkey Sanctuary near Sidmouth, to meet over 500 donkeys and enjoy interactive activities in the fantastic indoor visitor centre.

12. Visit St Nicholas Priory on a Sunday, 12 - 4pm to discover more about the Tudors, with regular free events which ring this historic building to life.

13. Head to the beach! Exeter is just a 20 minute journey by car, or a very scenic rail journey to the coastal resorts of Exmouth and Dawlish.

14. Follow the Paws Around Exeter Trail to discover 20 large colourfully decorated sculptures of dogs across the city! 

15. See the city come to life at a free event or shop at a local market! See the full list of free events in Exeter this summer here.

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