Best Dartmoor Kids Things To Do, Dartmoor, Dartmoor National Park

Major Dartmoor kids' attractions

The Miniature Pony Centre. If you have young children then The Miniature Pony Centre is essential Dartmoor visiting. The miniature ponies are astonishingly cute. Enjoy pony rides, farm animals, indoor and outdoor play areas and the wonderful heavy horses. Just up the road from Moretonhampstead.

Pennywell Farm. Once you've finished with the miniature ponies, meet the world famous Pennywell Miniature Pigs. Another top place for young kids. Near Buckfastleigh and the south east border of Dartmoor.

River Dart Country Park. Country and outdoor adventure park near Ashburton in the east section of the National Park. One of Dartmoor's most popular family attractions.

Dartmoor Zoo just beyond the south border of the National Park near Plymouth and the South Devon coast. Great family day out.

Becky Falls Ancient Woodland Park. Super woodland park with stunning waterfalls near the pretty moorland village of Manaton in the east section of Dartmoor.

Canonteign Falls. Highest man-made waterfall in the UK. Stunning views and setting on the east border of the National Park.

South Devon Railway. Runs between Buckfastleigh and Totnes. Major Devon attraction.

Dartmoor Otters and Buckfast Butterflies. Located by the South Devon Railway in Buckfastleigh. Visit Dartmoor Otters and Buckfast Butterflies in Buckfastleigh and then take the railway to Totnes Rare Breeds Farm at the other end by Totnes.

House of Marbles and Teign Valley Glass. Watch glass blowers at work. Shops, craft, a museum and cafe/restaurant. Cool place on the outskirts of Bovey Tracey in the east section of Dartmoor.

Walking

Haytor Rocks to Hound Tor Circular Walk. Haytor Rocks and Hound Tor are Dartmoor's most famous tors. This circular walk takes in both rocky outcrops in the east section of the National Park.

Buckland Beacon Walk. A gentle walk to one of Dartmoor's best views and quirkiest attractions. Again, in the east of Dartmoor.

For more, read our Best Dartmoor Walks listing.

Cycling

Granite Way. Brilliant off-road cycling trail running between Okehampton and Lydford on the north west and west side of Dartmoor. You pass over the stunning Meldon Viaduct with views up to the highest ground in Dartmoor and southern England. Bike hire available along route.

Drake's Trail. Longer family cycling trail running between Tavistock and Plymouth on the west and south west side of the National Park. Bike hire available along route.

Granite and Gears Princetown Railway Cycling Routes. Superb cycling route following the old railway trackbed from Princetown down to Burrator Reservoir. Bike hire available in Princetown.

Haldon Forest Park Cycling. Multiple trails in this forest to the north east of Dartmoor.

Tamar Trails Cycling. Multiple trails in an internationally important mining landscape to the west of the National Park.

For more, read our Dartmoor Cycling listing.

Paddling/wild swimming

Spitchwick (Deeper Marsh/Spitchwick Common). Really popular spot for picnics and wild swimming on the River Dart by the Dart Gorge. Plenty of parking at New Bridge and by Spitchwick but gets crowded in holidays.

Bellever Forest. Another very popular picnic spot near Postbridge in the heart of Dartmoor National Park. The river here is great for paddling in summer when the water levels are low.

Cadover Bridge. When the sun's out, large numbers of people head to the River Plym by Cadover Bridge in the south west section of Dartmoor.

Swimming

Chagford Swimming Pool (Outdoor). If you don't fancy wild swimming, try one of Dartmoor's outdoor swimming pools. Chagford is a favourite.

Moretonhampstead Swimming Pool (Outdoor). Alternatively, try the pool at Moretonhampstead instead.

Horse Riding

For more information, read our Dartmoor Horse Riding listing.

Climbing/bouldering

For bouldering, try Hound Tor (East Dartmoor) and Bonehill Rocks.

For safe, indoor climbing try Dart Rock Climbing Centre, River Dart Adventures Climbing Centre and The Quay Climbing Centre (Exeter).

Canoeing

Tamar Trails Canoe Tamar. Great family experience beyond the west border of the National Park.

Other suppliers include Spirit of Adventure, Adventure Okehampton and Outdoor + Active (South West Lakes Trust).