Things to do with kids in Exeter

Exeter parents lean outdoorsy, and the city backs that up. Haldon Forest has trails including a Gruffalo trail that toddlers are mad about. The Exe Estuary trail runs from the quayside all the way to the coast, and the stretch to Topsham is one of the best family bike rides in Devon. The Royal Albert Memorial Museum in the centre is free and has a handling collection that works well for curious kids. St Thomas and Heavitree both have an active baby-class scene with groups running through the week. Killerton, the National Trust estate just north of the city, runs family events throughout the year and has buggy-friendly grounds. Exeter's children's centres are decent and there's a growing independent class scene. The proximity to Dartmoor and the coast means fresh air is the default activity. Filter by age and day on Sproggo to see what's running near you.

Exeter's children's centres run free sessions across the city. Libraries run free rhyme time. The Royal Albert Memorial Museum in the city centre is completely free and has a handling table where kids can touch things, which is a nice change from the usual 'don't touch' museum experience. The quayside and canal towpath are free for walks, and the route along the estuary to Topsham is flat and scenic. Community centres and churches in St Thomas, Heavitree, and Topsham host regular free groups. Haldon Forest is free to walk around, though there's a parking charge. Northernhay Gardens in the centre is the oldest public park in England and a quick green break between errands. Killerton's grounds are free for National Trust members and worth the trip. Exeter has a lot of free outdoor space within easy reach, thanks to the river, the estuary, and the Devon countryside on all sides.

The quayside and canal path are the go-to for a pushchair walk. The bike ride or buggy push along the estuary to Topsham is a favourite. It's flat, scenic, and there's cake at the other end. Haldon Forest sits above the city and has proper trails including a Gruffalo trail that toddlers are absolutely mad about. Expect muddy boots. Killerton is a National Trust estate just north of Exeter with a massive garden, play areas, and seasonal family trails. The grounds are buggy-friendly and it's a solid half-day out. Northernhay Gardens in the centre is the oldest public park in England and works as a quick green break. Ludwell Valley Park has nature walks and a community garden. It's less well known but worth finding. Exeter's big advantage is the countryside pressing in from all sides. You're never more than a few minutes from proper green space, river walks, or forest trails.

Sproggo covers all of Exeter including Topsham, Heavitree, St Thomas, Pinhoe, Alphington, and Countess Wear. We also list activities in the wider Devon area. Topsham is technically part of Exeter but has a village feel with its own shops and cafes. It's a lovely spot and the bike ride along the estuary is one of the best family outings in Devon. Heavitree and St Thomas are the accessible family areas closer to the centre, both with active baby-class scenes and their own community groups. Pinhoe sits on the edge of the city with newer housing. Alphington is to the south and Countess Wear is near the canal. We include everything from forest school at Haldon to baby groups in church halls to family events at Killerton. Exeter is a university city with good energy and a growing family scene. The parent groups here tend to spill over into genuine friendships, which makes settling in easier.

Use the search and filter tools on Sproggo to narrow down by your area, your child's age, activity type, and day of the week. You can also search by postcode to find what's closest. Exeter has a strong outdoorsy culture, so you'll find forest school and outdoor play groups alongside the usual indoor classes. For babies, filter for 0-1 and you'll see baby massage, sensory sessions, and stay and play groups in St Thomas, Heavitree, and Topsham. Toddlers get more variety with swimming, music, soft play, and nature-based activities. If you're new to Exeter, start with a drop-in session at your nearest children's centre to meet other parents. The parent community here is friendly and welcoming to newcomers. Exeter is compact enough that activities across town are usually a short drive or cycle away.

The route from Exeter quayside to Topsham along the Exe Estuary is one of the best family rides in Devon. It's flat, scenic, and about three miles each way. You can do it with a pushchair, a bike trailer, or a toddler on a balance bike. The path is tarmacked and well maintained, so it works year-round. There are cafes at both ends, and Topsham itself has a lovely village feel with independent shops worth a wander. The estuary views along the way are genuinely beautiful. You'll see wading birds, boats, and the occasional seal if you're lucky. Kids love spotting the birds and watching the boats. It's the kind of outing that becomes a weekly routine for Exeter families rather than a special occasion. You can hire bikes at the quayside if you don't have your own. Go on a weekday morning for quieter paths. It's one of Exeter's best family features.