Easter is approaching at crazy speed this year, and I am looking at ways to get the wild ones outdoors and exploring (and using up some of their relentless energy ideally).
We will be making a bee-line for the beach wherever we can (I am a big fan of lets see less rain and more sunshine now please), but sprinkled amongst beach-going and probably some chocolate-scoffing, here are some of the best Easter activities and days out in and around Exeter this year. I have a 12 year old and a 6 year old, so I have tried to include a mixture of ideas, so that there is something for everyone. Enjoy!
- Heron Farm
30 minutes from Exeter, Heron Farm is a favourite of ours for good coffee, a lovely breakfast/brunch menu and great homemade cake. It also has a nice play park and outdoor areas to explore. Their Easter Trail is a fun way for little ones to get outdoors, and it means you can grab a good coffee on the go. Win win.
- Greendale
Greendale hosts lovely events during the school holidays, and makes for a great place to meet up with friends or family. Their Easter Trail runs from 28th March to 12th April, with a sweet treat at the end. It gets mega busy here so would defintiely recommend booking a table if you are heading for food and drink.
- The Donkey Sanctuary
The Donkey Sanctuary is a firm favourite for our family; lovely outdoor space to wander, gorgeous views, adorable donkeys, play areas and free to enter! The cafe is good too, and this Easter they have a trail for little ones to complete – £5 with an easter treat upon completion. The trails are always a good way to see the sanctuary.
- The National Trust
The National Trust always has lovely themed trails during the school holidays. It is a great way of getting out for a good walk and some fresh air, with an activity to keep the kids engaged (and not moaning!!) This Easter there are trails at:
- Killerton House – £3 per trail (also available as a dog friendly trail) including a map and a chocolate egg
- Knightshayes House – £3 per trail which includes a trail sheet, bunny ears and a chocolate egg. There are 10 nature inspired activities to enjoy in the gardens.
- Saltram – £3 per trail. Interactive games and activities around the garden. Includes map and chocolate egg.
- Castle Drogo – £3 per trail. Nature inspired activities. Map, bunny ears and chocolate egg included.
- Strawberry Fields – Lifton
The “Big Spring Trail” sounds like lots of fun at Strawberry Fields this Easter. Scan QR codes for trail hints, play games and solve puzzles. Wear your boots and waterproofs for outdoor fun, where you can meet the farm animals and play in the barn. We really love it here; they have nailed it when it comes to fun family themed events. Good food, staff are always lovely and the theming is always brilliant.
- Ullacombe Farm Shop
Running from 29th March to 14th April, Ullacombe have a lovely easter trail for £2.50 including a sweet treat. Collect from the cafe/shop and head off on an adventure!
- Pennywell Farm
You cannot beat Pennywell Farm for a good old fashioned famikly day out. We LOVE it, and they always do their themed events so well. Their Easter Extravaganza is great fun and the little ones will love it. Check out their website for further updates on what will be included.
- Crealy Theme Park
Crealy has a pirate themed Easter egg hunt to enjoy this year, with a free chocolate egg for every child under 14 years of age. It is a great full day out and works well for different ages, as there is something for everyone (even if it is a bit overwhelming for Mum and Dad!!!)
- Woodlands
Woodlands is another full day of family fun, with loads on offer for different ages. This year they also have a special ‘Easter Bunny Grotto’ from 29th – 31st March. Tickets must be pre-booked here.
- Exeter Museum
The RAMM makes for a good indoor alternative if the weather is not kind this Easter. In addition to the regular displays (and those infamous pull along cases) there are a range of workshops available for families and children from ‘dot printing’ to ‘comic strips. More details can be found here.
- River Dart Country Park
River Dart is a great day out for little adventurers (big and small!) with lots to keep them entertained. You can also camp here, and kids camp for free over the Easter break. There are also additional activities you can book for older kids such as biking, climbing and kayaking.
- Dartmoor Zoo
Dartmoor Zoo is a lovely place to visit with children; we love the big cats, and how close you feel to the animals on display here. There are daily talks, and the zoo has loads of outdoor space for the kids to run wild. They also do “Mums go free” on Mothers Day and “Dads go free” on Fathers day. Good to know…
- Bear Trail and Bear Town
The Bear Trail opens from 29th March and is such a fun day out (just be prepared for all the mud). The kids love it, it is laugh our loud fun and everyone can get involved.
For younger children, Bear Town is amazing, and my youngest adores it. In addition to the regular two hour play there is a special Easter event from 29th Mar – 14th Apr with hidden eggs for the children to find, and an Easter treat for all.
- RHS Rosemoor
RHS Rosemoor is a beautiful place to visit at any time of the year, and it is great with children. The play parks are lovely and there is so much space to explore nature. We love it. They have some great events this Easter including a ‘giant easter egg hunt’. with chocolate prizes, a ‘welly walk’ on 8th April and ‘Meet the Easter Bunny’ 29th Mar – 1st Apr.
- Wildwood at Escot
Wildwood is a lovely place to spend time with children; mine love the laid back nature of it. Set in 45 acres of stunning parkland and woodland, Wildwood is a great day out, offering wildlife, a magnificent maze, indoor soft play, outdoor adventure play and an authentic Saxon Village.
- Local Easter events – There are lots of local events happening in and around Exeter – some local to us that I know will make for a lovely outing are:
The Broadclyst Easter Trail – £2 per sheet to include small chocolate treat (collect sheets from village shop). There is a lovely park in the village.
Bradninch are also running a trail – £1 per sheet collect from the Spar shop.
Happy Easter adventuring everyone, Emma and the Wild Ones x
