Cathedral city where the Exe meets the Devon countryside
Exeter is a proper Devon city. Not too big, not too small, with the river running through it and the countryside pressing in from all sides. The quayside has been nicely done up for walking and cycling, and the Exe Estuary trail runs all the way to the coast. Topsham, just downstream, has a village feel and is technically part of Exeter. St Thomas and Heavitree are the accessible family areas closer to the centre. It's a university city with good energy and a growing family scene.
The quayside is the go-to for a pushchair walk or a toddle along the canal path. The bike ride (or buggy push) to Topsham along the estuary is a favourite. Flat, scenic, and there's cake at the other end. The Royal Albert Memorial Museum in the centre is free and has a good handling collection for kids. Haldon Forest has trails and a Gruffalo trail that toddlers are mad about. Killerton (National Trust) has a massive garden and runs family events. Exeter's children's centres are decent, and there's an active baby-class scene across the city, particularly in St Thomas and Heavitree.
Places Families Go in Exeter
Exeter Quayside and Canal
Restored waterfront with a flat towpath, cafes, and bike hire. The route to Topsham along the estuary is one of the best pushchair walks in Devon.
Haldon Forest
Forestry England site above Exeter with cycling trails, walking paths, and a Gruffalo trail. Proper forest with muddy boots guaranteed.
Royal Albert Memorial Museum
Free museum in the city centre with world cultures, natural history, and a handling table for kids. Small enough to manage in an hour.
Killerton House and Gardens
National Trust estate north of Exeter with a massive garden, play areas, and seasonal family trails. The grounds are buggy-friendly.
Areas We'll Cover in Exeter
Exeter parents lean outdoorsy. The proximity to Dartmoor, the coast, and the estuary means fresh air is the default activity. It's a friendly city where the parent groups tend to spill over into genuine friendships. The pace of life is gentler than the big cities, and that suits family life.
Finding Children's Activities in Exeter
Parents in Exeter search for things like baby groups in Exeter, toddler classes Exeter, children's activities Exeter, things to do with kids at Exeter Quayside. Sproggo is being built to answer all of those searches. Free toddler groups, paid baby classes, weekend family days out, weekday sessions for maternity leave. It all goes on Sproggo, tailored to what your family actually wants.