When you think of Devon, it’s usually the coast and countryside which spring to mind – understandably so, but don’t overlook the county’s biggest city, as you’ll find a string of things to do in Plymouth with kids.
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Because while Exeter is the historic capital of Devon, Plymouth has some great family attractions, whether you’re visiting Devon on a rainy day with kids, looking to hit the beach, take a boat trip or get outdoors.
And there are some great free days out in Plymouth with kids too – I’ve rounded up my pick of the best, from the wonderful National Marine Aquarium and exhibitions of The Box to a historic lighthouse and state-of-the-art immersive fun.
National Marine Aquarium, Plymouth
The largest public aquarium in the UK, you don’t have to wait for a rainy day in Devon to visit the National Marine Aquarium, but as we discovered, it’s perfect when you need an indoor activity.
With quirky trivia about the sea creatures inside, a chance to look out into Plymouth Sound, 400 different species on display and lots of family-friendly activities, it’s also a great option if you’re visiting Devon with toddlers as well as older kids.
Tickets must be prebooked, with timed entry slots. The aquarium is open year-round.
Check out my 13 reasons to visit the National Marine Aquarium with kids
The Box, Plymouth
The arts and cultural hub of The Box has a mix of permanent galleries and temporary exhibitions – and even better, there’s no entry charge if you’re looking for free days out in Devon with kids.
The displays have links to Plymouth’s past – everything from a model woolly mammoth to the figureheads of ships, along with a whole host of information about the city’s seafaring past, including interactive screens and images showing some of the most famous journeys which started in Plymouth.
Kids can pick up free trails to follow as they explore, designed for all ages, with half a dozen different topics, or step in front of a green screen to try their hand as a TV presenter.
Open year-round. Click here for opening times and to book tickets. There is a charge for some temporary exhibitions.
For more free days out in Devon with kids, check out my top picks
The Mayflower Museum
Opened to celebrate the 400th anniversary of the Mayflower setting sail from Plymouth for the New World, the Mayflower Museum is a great way to introduce kids to this particular part of the city’s maritime history.
There’s a children’s trail through the museum, looking at everything from the Mayflower ship and its passengers (including child passengers), to life and culture of the Wampanoag Nation, the Native American tribal nation living in the part of Massachusetts where the Mayflower made landfall.
Set over three floors, there are also exhibits looking at the impact of English colonialism to get older kids thinking, plus a model of the Mayflower itself built in 1970 by apprentices at Devonport Royal Dockyard, on a 1:11 inch scale.
The Barbican, including the Barbican landing stage for ferries, and the Mayflower Steps Memorial are both right on the doorstep too, the start point for the Mayflower Trail.
Plymouth Hoe
You can find some of the city’s best views from Plymouth Hoe, the large green space overlooking Plymouth Sound (the city’s natural harbour, also known simply as The Sound).
The public park is the perfect spot to enjoy some downtime with the family and let little ones stretch their legs. You can take a walk along the promenade, hunt for the park’s many statues and monuments, enjoy a picnic in the sun, and explore the peaceful sensory garden, as well as following the Hoe Trail walk.
It’s here that Sir Francis Drake was playing bowls when news of the advancing Spanish Armada was received – confidently finishing his game before heading out to defeat the invading fleet. His statue stands just a few metres from the bowling green to this day.
As well as being a lovely space to relax and take in the scenic views, The Hoe is also home to many more of the best things to do in Plymouth with kids, such as Smeatons Tower, The Royal Citadel, and Tinside Lido (scroll down for more details).
Smeaton’s Tower
Smeaton’s Tower is a historic lighthouse that sits as the centrepiece of Plymouth Hoe, and it’s one of the city’s most iconic and recognisable landmarks.
The lighthouse was originally built on the Eddystone reef (around 12 miles off Plymouth’s coastline) in 1759. But when it was discovered that the rock it was standing on was beginning to erode, it was taken down and moved – stone by stone – to its current position.
The 72-foot-high tower is now open to the public, and you can climb the staircases to reach the historic lantern room, for more fabulous views over the city and its surroundings.
The stairs and ladders to reach the top of the tower are fairly steep, so it’s not the easiest option if you’re carrying a baby or toddler. But the stairs are certainly doable for little legs as Claire from Devon with Kids discovered.
The Royal Citadel
Located to the east of Hoe Park, The Royal Citadel is a large 350-year-old clifftop fortification that was originally built to defend the city from Dutch invasion.
Today, the imposing fortress is still used as a working military base, so you can only visit on a guided tour. Tours run a few times a week, so be sure to check dates and book in advance (and don’t be late!)
On the two-hour tour, young history buffs can learn all about the city’s military history from an engaging and knowledgeable local guide. As you wander through the baroque gates and along the ramparts, keep an eye out for the many cannon and enjoy the views over the harbour.
The tour may not capture the attention of younger guests and little ones who want to run around on their own (you need to stick with the group) but it’s definitely an interesting experience for older children and teens.
West Hoe Park
While you’re exploring The Hoe, don’t forget to take a slight detour to West Hoe Park, another of the best places to visit in Plymouth with kids.
The small park is jam-packed with exciting rides and attractions for the whole family to enjoy. You’ll find a large adventure playground, a family friendly mini golf course, a miniature train, trampolines, a bouncy castle, a merry-go-round, and more.
And when you get hungry, stop for an ice cream or indulgent loaded waffle from the Ocean City snack hut on the southern edge of the park.
If you’re looking for ideas of more Plymouth parks to visit with kids, find a complete list here, including Mount Wise Park, looking out across to Cornwall and down onto Royal William Yard and home to Mount Wise swimming pools, several summer outdoor pools including a kid’s pool
Tinside Lido
Dating back to 1935, this large outdoor swimming pool on Plymouth Hoe lets you take a step back in time and enjoy the quintessential British seaside experience of yesteryear.
Thanks to its beautiful Art Deco style and sweeping views across the harbour, the historic Lido was voted one of the top 10 outdoor pools in all of Europe. Which really isn’t much of a surprise once you see it.
Kids of all ages will love splashing around in the huge saltwater pool and getting soaked by the central fountain. There’s also a large sundeck for parents to keep an eye on their kids while soaking up the sun and enjoying the beautiful views over the water.
Tinside Lido is open during the summer months, usually from May. Prebooking strongly advised and essential during busy periods.
Market Hall
Opened in 2021, Plymouth’s Market Hall is a state-of-the-art digital innovation and learning space. It’s home to the largest immersive dome in Europe and the second largest in the world.
The 15-metre-tall dome contains a 210-degree screen that promises an amazing full-scale virtual reality experience without needing a headset.
One of the best Plymouth attractions for families, there are plenty of shows and experiences perfect for children of all ages. Recent family shows include ‘Outer Space: Aliens and Guardians’, ‘Dinosaurs: A Story of Survival’, and ‘Legend of the Enchanted Reef’.
Each of the shows lasts between 30 and 45 minutes, which is great for shorter attention spans too. Children’s tickets can be purchased for as little as £1.50, while adult tickets cost between £3.50-£5.50, making it one of the city’s most affordable family experiences as well.
Take a boat trip
Experience Plymouth from a different perspective on a fun sightseeing cruise of the large harbour and beautiful Devon coastline.
Plymouth Boat Trips runs a family-friendly one-hour scenic harbour cruise, which takes you past Plymouth Hoe and Drake’s Island, before pulling into Devonport Royal Dockyard, the largest naval base in western Europe, where you may be lucky enough to spot warships and nuclear submarines.
The company also runs special themed cruises for families and kids throughout the year, such as the Family Summer Sundowner, the Children’s Pirate Disco Cruise, and themed Halloween and Christmas Cruises. Keep an eye out for special events during your visit.
Or hop onto the Barbican, Royal William Yard & Mount Edgcumbe ferry service, which links the three sites, letting you cruise from Plymouth to Cornwall, where you can explore Mount Edgcumbe House and country park before sailing back across the Sound to Plymouth again.
Royal William Yard
As well as being able to pick up a ferry, there’s plenty to tempt you to Royal William Yard with kids. Once a victualling yard for the Royal Navy, where ships would take on supplies, now it’s home to restaurants, a cinema, a start point for boat trips and somewhere to get creative.
Families can take a stroll along the Geo Trail, winding around Royal William Yard and along the South West Coast Path to uncover 380 million years of geological history.
Then head to Ocean Studios for children’s mini-maker sessions, as well as a chance to see exhibitions of work by local artists, or craft sessions at Hub Box.
Or rent paddleboards to get out onto the water under your own power, or have a swim in the tidal pool at Firestone Bay, with a sloped entry that’s great if you’re visiting with younger swimmers or little ones who want to paddle.
Visit Drake’s Island
Take a ferry from the Barbican landing stage over Plymouth Sound to explore Drake’s Island – named for Sir Francis Drake, who was governor of the island in the 16th century, it gradually lost its old name of St Nicholas’s Island.
Tucked away in the waters of the Sound between Devon and Cornwall, there’s a chance to spot seals napping on the rocks nearby before taking a two-hour tour to explore further.
The tour is a great introduction to the history of the island, which was used as a prison in the 17th century, and later as an observatory. Spot the four giant cannon as you wander the old paths and through tunnels.
You’ll even get to find out the answer to whether the island is officially part of Cornwall or Devon…
Take a trip to the beach
With its fantastic coastal location on the Devon and Cornwall border, Plymouth is just a short distance from several lovely sandy beaches.
Just a 15-20 minute drive from the city centre, Bovisand Beach is one of the best family-friendly beaches close to Plymouth.
Sheltered by the surrounding cliffs, the secluded bay hides a large sandy beach with clear waters and tide pools that are perfect for paddling with younger children. There are also plenty of amenities near the beach, including a car park (which costs £5 a day), a cafe, and public toilets.
If you’re visiting the city in summer, or enjoying some unexpected sunshine, a trip to Bovisand Beach makes for a great family day out in Plymouth. It’s worth knowing that no dogs are allowed on the sands between May 1 and September 30.
If you have some extra time and want to explore more, head a little further south to check out Wembury Bay and its many rock pools – one of the best beaches in Devon with kids.
Jennycliff Beach is slightly closer, although this little cove has a pebble beach rather than sand, and has its own rock pools to explore.
Set within the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and on the South West Coast Path, there’s free car parking and dogs are allowed year-round. There is a steep path down if you’re planning a trip to Plymouth with toddlers though.
Saltram House
Around 20 minutes from Plymouth city centre, this elegant Georgian house was owned by the Parker family from 1712 for almost 250 years, and you can still see much of the original collection at Saltram House.
Kids are likely to be more interested in the fact there are regular new trails, plus opportunities to dress up and try activities inside, with extra seasonal events aimed at families.
Open most of the year, but there are reduced hours during the winter months and the house is closed completely during part of the winter. Click here for opening times and tickets.
Clip’n’Climb Plymouth
Located just to the north of the city centre, Clip ‘n Climb is the UK’s largest indoor climbing centre and a great place to spend a rainy day in Plymouth with kids.
The exciting adventure park has a huge selection of climbing walls suitable for children 4 years and above, as well as lots of other fun obstacles and challenges.
There’s also a soft play area for kids under 4 if you’re visiting Plymouth with toddlers, so the climbing centre is a fun day out for the whole family, from tots to teens.
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National Marine Aquarium copyright MummyTravels, all other images courtesy of Depositphotos
