If your kids are raving about raptors, sending you on the hunt for dinosaurs in Devon, we’ve got just the thing for you. Any family with a dino-mad little one is well aware of just how far any dinosaur-themed activity can go in winning prehistoric parenting points. So, we’ve compiled a list of dinosaur days out in Devon so you can plan a roar-some day out that they’ll love.
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1. Jurassic Discovery in Seaton
Jurassic Discovery is one of the newest dinosaur days out in Devon with a dinosaur-inspired indoor soft play for your younger reptile enthusiast to enjoy, as well as their state-of-the-art interactive exhibition: Last Day of the Dinosaurs.
You can even hop on the Seaton Tramway to give your pre-historic adventure an extra dose of fun.
Plan your day depending on how much time you want to spend there. You can buy tickets for both parts, or enjoy the three storey soft play or exhibition separately. Either way, you’ll be in for a dino-mite day!
Find out more about visiting Jurassic Discovery.
2. Dinosaur World in Torquay
Torquay is home to another dinosaur fanatic’s paradise. Torquay’s very own Dinosaur World is an indoor exhibition which is home to life-sized and scaled-size dinosaurs, fossils and plenty of activities to keep everyone occupied.
Put your T-rex, velociraptor and diplodocus knowledge to the test with their fun Explorer Quiz. And, if that’s not enough to keep the little adventurers happy, having the chance to sit on a life size dinosaur is sure to sell it to them!
Find out more about visiting Torquay Dinosaur World.
Add to your day out by checking out our list of fun things to do in Torquay.
3. Find fossils on a beach
One of our favourite and most simple dinosaur days out in Devon is to plan a fossil hunt.
Devon’s famous Jurassic Coastline, running from Exmouth to Studland, has long been known for its huge variety of fossils.
If you visit Hooken Beach or Littlecombe Shoot, you’re likely to find fossils such as ammonites and brachiopods.
If you’re unsure on where to start when it comes to fossil hunting, do a little research for top tips and how-tos.
4. Combe Martin Wildlife and Dinosaur Park
For a day out that will satiate not only your dinosaur-mad kiddies, but also the animal lovers of your family – a visit to Combe Martin Wildlife and Dino Park is just the ticket.
With life-size animatronic dinosaurs, as well as sea creatures, lions and penguins to name a few, there’s plenty to explore.
Once you’ve covered all creatures great and small, stop by the miniature railway, dino-themed soft play centre and the Tomb of the Pharaohs.
Find out more about visiting Combe Martin Wildlife and Dinosaur Park.
Got a while to explore? Here’s some more days out in the area.
5. Woodlands Family Theme Park in Dartmouth
Dartmouth is home to the South West’s largest theme park and, luckily for dino fans, Woodlands Family Theme Park has its own dinosaur attraction.
The Dino Trek transports you back in time. As you journey through the forest passage you’ll come across plenty of dinosaur favourites, ready to roar as you pass by.
When you’ve finished with your Jurassic expedition, check out the rest of the theme park – with its farm animals, Ninja Zone, indoor Arctic Zone and many, many more attractions, your kids of all ages will be spoilt for choice.
Find out more about Woodlands Family Theme Park.
Why not stay a while and explore the rest of what Dartmouth has to offer families.
6. Jurassic Adventure Golf in Teignmouth
Jurassic Adventure Golf beside The Den Adventure Playground on Teignmouth seafront is a 12-hole dino extravaganza.
Play a round among life-like dinos and grab a treat from the snack kiosk.
Find out more about this pre-historic golf experience.
7. Exmouth dinosaur trail
Heading back to the Jurassic Coast, besides its brilliant fossil hunting spots, you can also experience Exmouth’s educational dinosaur trail.
Pick up a trail pack for £1 from Exmouth Tourist Information Centre on The Strand (EX8 1AL) and seek out life-sized dinosaur figures and information plaques to teach you all about the history of the Jurassic Coast and the raptors that once lived here.
There are 15 brass rubbings to be found and an Exmouth dinosaur souvenir trail badge to be collected at the end. Finish up with a play at the free adventure playground at Queens Drive Space.
Find out more about the dinosaur trail.
Make a day of it and check out these other family-friendly activities in Exmouth.
8. RAMM in Exeter
Exeter’s Royal Albert Memorial Museum is home to ample discovery opportunities for every kind of historical interest including dinosaur enthusiasts.
Featuring collections from various eras across the globe, you can learn tons of cool stuff during your visit. If like us you’re on the search for dinosaurs in Devon, there’s a whole host of dino paraphernalia in RAMM’s Natural Discovery section.
With the fossil collection sitting amongst Ice Age creatures like cave bears, hyaenas, elephants, bison, and hippos – you can entertain the kids with more than just dinosaurs during your visit.
And the even more roar some news is that RAMM is free to visit.
Find out more about what’s on at RAMM.
Find more things to do in Exeter with Kids.
9. The Box in Plymouth
The Box is a free, interactive arts and heritage centre where you can uncover more than 10,000 fossils in the museum’s huge collection.
While you’re there, stop by to say ‘hello’ to Mildred the Mammoth, one of The Box’s famous residents. Plus, on Fridays, the museum hosts regular story time sessions to take your littlest ones on an adventure through the ages.
Find out more about what’s on at The Box.
Check out some of the other family attractions in Plymouth.
10. The Jolly Roger in Bovey Tracey
If you find yourself in Bovey Tracey, make a beeline for The Jolly Roger. This hidden gem is crammed to the rafters with lifesize 3D models, including dinosaur models, animal figurines, race cars and many, many more.
Astonishingly, the showrooms are completely free of charge too. With plenty of dinosaur items in the shops, like posters and figurines, bring along some pocket money in case anything takes your fancy.
Find out more about what you can see at The Jolly Roger.
11. Canonteign Falls in Dartmoor
Last but by no means least on our dinosaur days out in Devon is Canonteign Falls.
If you’re looking to lace up your boots and get out in nature, this family-friendly outdoor attraction is for you. Don’t worry, this is a walk that your kids will actually want to go on!
Between the floating fairies, assault course and games of ‘who can spot the most wooden figures’ on the trail, you’ll also meet the local dinosaur, Terence!
Find out more about days out at Canonteign Falls.
Love waterfall walks? Here’s some more to try in Devon.
Fortunately for any parents with a dino-mad little one, your search for dinosaurs in Devon won’t disappoint.
With Devon’s Jurassic history, the area is steeped in opportunities to get to see the old-age creatures up close – which, if your kids are anything like ours, it’s surely a good thing because this is one fad that isn’t going anywhere, anytime soon.
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