| As one of the UK's most popular family holiday | | | | 4) National Marine Aquarium, Plymouth |
| destinations, Devon provides many family | | | | The National Marine Aquarium is built on several |
| attractions. Some are farm based, some are | | | | floors, and you start at the top, where there is a |
| adventure based, some are quirky, and some are | | | | children's soft play area and cafe (be warned - if |
| huge attractions that cater to all age groups. As a | | | | you've paid to get in, you might want to whizz |
| Devon native, I've visited many, and these are | | | | through that part and leave it till after-wards!) |
| my favourite family attractions for visiting with | | | | The top floor is aimed more at older children, but |
| toddlers. | | | | the next one down has a tank for coastal animals |
| 1) Living Coasts, Torquay | | | | and plants along one side of a room, at just at |
| This coastal zoo's small size makes it well suited | | | | the right level for toddlers to look into, with a |
| for a half day visit, and ideal for a toddler's | | | | rock pool area in the middle. You'll need to lift up |
| attention span, as well as older children. Designed | | | | toddlers to look in the tanks along the next |
| for sea birds and coastal wildlife, it has penguins, | | | | corridor, but around the corner there is a huge |
| which are always popular! | | | | two storey room with a fish tank taking up the |
| 2) Haldon Forest Park, Kennford (south west of | | | | whole wall, and model whales overhead. |
| Exeter) | | | | Corridors from this room lead to the shark |
| Haldon Forest Park has a family play trail with a | | | | exhibit, the coral reefs exhibit, and of course the |
| playground (best for slightly older children) at the | | | | lift, which has buttons to push and a |
| beginning, little wooden buildings, playgrounds and | | | | colour-changing waterfall - probably at least as |
| sculptures dotted around in the middle, and giant | | | | interesting to toddlers as the fish themselves! |
| wooden musical instruments for the children to | | | | 5) Beer Pecorama |
| play with at the other end. | | | | Beer Pecorama has rides on little trains - need I |
| The trail itself is quite long, making 2 - 3 hours' | | | | say more! Toddlers will have fun exploring all the |
| walk with small children, so bring outdoor clothes, | | | | hidden pathways, and you'll find it also has some |
| plenty of supplies and a sturdy pushchair if you're | | | | very pleasant walled garden areas, outdoor |
| planning to walk the whole way round. | | | | playgrounds, an indoor area with model trains, and |
| 3) World of Country Life, Exmouth | | | | a stage area for children's entertainment. |
| World of Country Life is big enough for a whole | | | | Given the many excellent family attractions |
| day out, and has many indoor and outdoor play | | | | provided in Devon, I know this list is nowhere |
| areas suitable for toddlers, including outdoor | | | | near complete, but I hope it might be a good |
| playgrounds and play houses, and indoor soft play | | | | starting point for those with very young children. |
| areas for different age groups, with ball pits and | | | | Devon can be a great family holiday destination |
| ride on toys for the little ones. They also have | | | | for all ages, so if you're planning a family holiday in |
| areas with farm animals and pets, and a mini train | | | | Devon, I hope you and your toddlers have lots of |
| ride to feed llamas. | | | | fun there! |