Family Days Out in Plymouth

A full day of adventures for kids of all ages - tested and approved by Plymouth families

FamilyAll AgesPushchair-Friendly

Plymouth is brilliant for kids - sharks, boats, lighthouses, beaches and enough ice cream to fuel it all. Here's a day that works for toddlers through to teenagers.

The Family Day Plan

9:30am

National Marine Aquarium. Beat the crowds at the UK's largest aquarium. Sharks, rays, a loggerhead turtle and Britain's deepest tank. Allow 2-3 hours - the talks and feeding times are worth planning around.

12:30pm

Picnic or harbourside lunch. Picnic on the Hoe lawns with views of the Sound, or family-friendly fish and chips on the Barbican.

1:30pm

Smeaton's Tower. Kids love climbing the ladders of the red-and-white lighthouse. Then let them loose at the Hoe playground and splash zone (summer).

3:00pm

Harbour boat trip. A one-hour cruise around the Sound and naval dockyard - spot warships, ferries and if you're lucky, seals.

4:30pm

Ice cream on the Barbican. The traditional finish. Watch the boats in Sutton Harbour while they demolish a 99.

Rainy Day Swaps

The Box - free, with interactive galleries, a mammoth, and the jaw-dropping figurehead hall
Soft play centres and the Plymouth Market food hall
The aquarium is fully indoors - save the boat trip for a better day

Good To Know

Aquarium tickets are cheaper booked online and usually convert to an annual pass
The Hoe to Barbican route is pushchair-friendly via the road route (the coast path has steps)
Baby change: aquarium, The Box, and major car parks

Keep the Kids Entertained

Family-friendly filters, events for kids and offers - all in the Discover Plymouth app.

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