to add an item to your Itinerary basket.
Plymouth is packed with family-friendly activities, attractions and experiences, with plenty to keep children of all ages entertained!
Enjoy an action-packed day out, discover something new, get creative or head outdoors and explore the city and its surrounding areas. Here are some ideas to help you plan your next family adventure...
Let their imaginations run wild
Plymouth has plenty of opportunities to get creative, discover something new and let imaginations take over.
Explore the galleries and collections at The Box, Art Fund Museum of the Year 2026, where children can discover more about Plymouth, its people, the natural world and beyond. With family activities and changing exhibitions throughout the year, there is always something new to discover.
For a different kind of experience, keep an eye on the programme at Market Hall, where immersive digital experiences and events bring stories and ideas to life inside its 360 spectacular dome. The current Our World with David Attenborough experience offers an incredible journey into the natural world, bringing the wonders of our planet to life through immersive visuals and sound.
Families can also enjoy performances, shows and family-friendly productions at Theatre Royal Plymouth, with a programme that changes throughout the year.
Make a splash
With Plymouth Sound on the doorstep, there are plenty of ways to make the most of being by the sea.
Plymouth Sound National Marine Park is a great place to start. Families can explore the waterfront, spot wildlife, discover beaches and coves, or try getting out on the water with a range of activities available around the Sound.
For families looking to try something new, there are opportunities to get involved in watersports, including kayaking, paddleboarding and sailing. You can also take to the water on a boat trip and see Plymouth from a completely different perspective with Plymouth Boat Trips.
If you'd rather keep your feet on dry land, head to one of Plymouth's beaches for a classic seaside day out. Pack a picnic, search for shells, explore the rock pools and enjoy some fresh sea air.
Get active
Sometimes the best family days out are the ones that leave everyone tired at the end of the day.
Plymouth has plenty of opportunities to get active, with activities to suit different ages and interests. Challenge the family to a round of golf at the caddy club, test your skills on the climbing wall at the Life Centre, race around a karting track or see who can get the highest score at Continue Arcades.
There are also plenty of opportunities to cycle, walk, run and explore Plymouth's parks and open spaces. Younger children can burn off some energy at the city’s many playgrounds, while the new play areas along Armada Way offer even more space to play and explore.
Meet some amazing animals
For animal lovers, Plymouth is home to some memorable experiences.
At the National Marine Aquarium, families can discover the fascinating world beneath the waves and come face-to-face with thousands of marine animals. Make sure you say hi to Friday the turtle whilst you are there!
Just outside the city, Dartmoor Zoo offers the chance to see an incredible variety of animals within its woodland setting. Families can also make the most of their visit with an annual pass, which gives free entry for the rest of the year after purchasing a qualifying ticket.
For younger children, Pennywell Farm offers a hands-on farm experience, with animals, activities and plenty of opportunities to get involved.
Discover Plymouth's story
Plymouth has a fascinating history, and exploring it together can be an adventure in its own right. Take a walk around the historic Barbican, discover the Mayflower Steps and explore the stories behind Plymouth's maritime past.
At the Mayflower Museum, families can learn more about the famous voyage of the Mayflower and the people connected to it.
You can also discover more about Plymouth's naval heritage, explore historic buildings or simply follow the city's waterfront and see how its relationship with the sea has shaped Plymouth over the centuries. For history-loving families, a visit to the Royal William Yard is a must. This historic former naval victualling yard is now home to restaurants, cafés and plenty of open space to explore, as well as a free self-guided trail that brings its fascinating history to life.
Enjoy the great outdoors
One of the best things about spending time in Plymouth as a family is how easy it is to get outside. Take a stroll along Plymouth Hoe and enjoy views across Plymouth Sound, explore the city's parks and green spaces, or set off on one of Plymouth's walking trails.
For something a little different, turn a walk into an adventure by creating your own treasure hunt, looking out for landmarks, spotting wildlife or seeing how many interesting things you can find along the way.
Plymouth is also surrounded by countryside, so it's easy to head beyond the city for a family walk. Dartmoor is just a short journey away, offering open moorland, rivers, woodland and plenty of space to explore. Here are five of our favourite walks to do!
Refuel after your adventure
After a busy day exploring, you'll need somewhere to recharge. Plymouth has plenty of family-friendly cafés, restaurants and pubs, with options across the city. You can enjoy a meal by the waterfront, stop for an ice cream during a day out or find somewhere relaxed for an early family dinner.
Explore our family-friendly places to eat in Plymouth to find somewhere to refuel.
Find family-friendly events in Plymouth
Alongside Plymouth's year-round attractions and activities, there are always new things happening across the city.
Family-friendly events, exhibitions, performances, festivals and activities take place throughout the year, giving you another reason to come back and discover something new.
Check out What's On in Plymouth page to see what's happening during your visit.
For further themed Plymouth inspiration, exclusive offers and things to do in the city, sign up to our free Visit Plymouth e-newsletter.
In partnership with GWR, Destination Plymouth’s lead travel partner
Comments
Nobody has commented on this post yet, why not send us your thoughts and be the first?
