What do you do when you’ve got a bored family to entertain during the half term and the weather is utterly uninspiring? We know it can be difficult to come up with ideas which is why we’ve picked out some of our favourite all-weather activities and attractions from around the county.
Kent’s Cavern
Ilsham Road, Torquay, TQ1 2JF
www.kents-cavern.co.uk
What better way to get out of the rain than to head underground! Discover this impressive 400 million year old Stone Age cave as you descend back in time through a labyrinth of tunnels and spectacular rock formations. Experience a cavern blackout, see signs of ancient humans living in the caves and learn the history of how the caves were formed. It also boasts being the warmest cave in Britain at 14C, so it’s a surprisingly good way to get out of the cold too! 11th to 19th February is Stone Age Half Term with lots of family activities including an Ice Age Animal Hunt and a chance for kids to take part in their own excavation of fossils!
Honiton Pottery and Milkshake Bar
30 High Street, Honiton, EX14 1PU
www.honitonpottery.co.uk
If you’ve exhausted all of the indoor play areas and your kids are looking for something a bit different then why not try making or painting your own pot at Honiton Pottery? They provide everything you need to get started including aprons for the inevitable splats of clay when getting to work on the potter’s wheel. If you’re looking to avoid the mess then simply choose to just paint and personalise some ready-made pots and ceramics, including mugs, photo frames plates and more. A tasty selection of over 45 different milkshakes, smoothies and food options from the retro diner style milkshake bar will keep the tummies happy while you wait for your creations to be glazed and fired ready to take home.
South Devon Railway
The Station, Dartbridge Road, Buckfastleigh, TQ11 0DZ
www.southdevonrailway.co.uk
All aboard! A trip on the south west’s longest established steam railway is shed loads of fun for both old and young. Enjoy a round trip between Buckfastleigh and Totnes taking in beautiful countryside, wildlife and close-up views of the river Dart. Kids will love the sights and sounds of the steam billowing from the engine and the chance to have a look back in time.
Raceworld
Greendale Business Park, Woodbury Salterton, Exeter, EX5 1EW
www.raceworld-karting.co.uk
Banish the boredom of being stuck indoors with a bit of adrenaline-fuelled competition at Raceworld’s indoor karting track. There are arrive & drive sessions running regularly for any number of drivers to join in with. Simply turn up, get kitted up and after a safety briefing you’ll be out on the track in no time. Sessions start at £12 per driver but if you keep an eye out for their weekly madness nights you can be karting from just £10 per driver! Drivers must be aged 12+ and over 1.55m tall. With no gears the karts are child-friendly – it really is a case of get in and go!
Make a splash!
If the heavens have opened and the rain is looking like it’s not going to go away then sometimes it’s best to just accept that you’re going to get wet – so why not get wetter? Grab your raincoats and your wellies and go on a splashy adventure! Rockpooling is great fun in the rain and all you need is a fishing net and bucket. Get their onesies and some hot chocolate ready for when you return for a cosy chillout session to recover.
The un-usual suspects
Kids Cinema – There’s lots of deals on during half-term for kids and families. Scott cinemas in Exmouth, Sidmouth and Newton Abbot offer Saturday morning family viewings for just £2 a ticket for both adults & children!
Fun splashes – What’s better than swimming in the rain? Most swimming pools run fun splash sessions during the half-term period with floats and inflatables which kids love plus it improves their water skills and gives them exercise!
Keep active – there are loads of sport and activity sessions running at most local sports halls. Why not try something new? The Wall in the Hall at Tiverton will be offering climbing wall taster sessions for a vertical challenge!
Museums – There’s usually a jam-packed programme of events at all of the local museums and entry is free of charge. Head to RAMM Exeter for Ancient Egypt activities including how to write in hieroglyphics!
