Planning a family holiday with teenagers can feel like a bit of a balancing act. Too quiet and they’re bored. Too structured and they switch off. Too “young” and you’ll hear about it all day.

The good news? North Devon makes it easy.

From full-throttle water sports to lazy afternoons with loaded waffles, here’s a guide to the best things to do with teenagers in North Devon – organised by how much energy they’re actually willing to spend.

High Energy

For the days when they’re ready to go.

North Devon Wake Park

Wakeboarding, giant aqua park obstacles and wipeout-worthy inflatables – all on the water.

  • Cable wakeboarding with beginner-friendly instruction
  • Giant inflatable aqua park with slides, climbing walls and balance beams
  • High-energy and competitive – great for teens who like a challenge
  • Best for a full active day out

Coasteering 

One of the best ways to experience North Devon’s dramatic coastline – and a proper adrenaline hit.

  • Scramble across rocks, swim through sea caves and jump from cliff ledges
  • Led by experienced, qualified guides with all safety equipment provided
  • Croyde and the surrounding coast are prime spots
  • Brilliant for confident swimmers who want something unforgettable

Coasteering with Coastline Sports  

Coasteering with Coastline Sports

Surfing lessons

North Devon is surf country – and learning to ride a wave is one of those experiences teenagers actually want to repeat.

  • Beginner lessons available at Woolacombe Surf Centre, a Surfing England Centre of Excellence
  • Bodyboard, kayak and paddleboard hire also available
  • Woolacombe and Croyde are the go-to beaches
  • Feels independent and skills-based, not just a “family activity”

Hang gliding & paragliding

For teens who want genuine bragging rights, Fly Like A Bird offers tandem flights from Woolacombe Down with a qualified instructor.

  • All equipment provided including helmets and two-way radios
  • Full briefing and de-brief included
  • Optional video footage with GPS-logged flight map
  • One of the more unusual things to do in the area – and genuinely memorable

Quad biking & off-road adventures

Keypitts Off-Road Adventures runs quad biking and trail bike experiences across North Devon countryside.

  • Proper off-road terrain – not a gentle trundle
  • Good for older teens looking for something different from the beach
  • No surfboard or wetsuit required

Keypitts

Keypitts Off Road Adventures

Active But Chilled

For when they want to do something – just not go flat out.

Kayaking

A great way to explore the coast at a slower pace, without it feeling like a school trip.

  • Guided coastal kayaking trips exploring coves, sea caves and hidden beaches
  • Suitable for beginners with the right operator
  • Ilfracombe Harbour offers tours with dramatic sea cliff views
  • Pairs well with a coasteering session for a full water day

Horse riding

A different kind of adventure – and one that tends to surprise teenagers in the best way.

  • Beach rides, countryside treks and lessons at Woolacombe Riding Stables
  • British Horse Society approved; helmets and boots provided
  • Suitable for beginners through to experienced riders
  • About five minutes’ drive from Woolacombe

E-bikes & the Tarka Trail

Fresh air and freedom without the argument about walking too far.

  • Traffic-free cycling on one of Devon’s best-known routes
  • Riverside views and plenty of wildlife spots along the way
  • E-bikes available to hire locally – no need to bring your own
  • Good for mixed groups where fitness levels vary

Ilfracombe Sea Safari

High-speed RIB trips along the North Devon coastline – a completely different perspective on the coast.

  • Spot seals and coastal wildlife from the water
  • Dramatic sea cliff views you won’t get from the beach
  • Departs from Ilfracombe Harbour
  • Works well as a shorter activity to pair with a beach or town day

The Big Sheep

Lively, slightly chaotic and fun – ideal for teens who want something a bit different.

  • Live shows, sheep racing and thrill rides
  • Fast-paced with plenty going on throughout the day
  • Good food options on site
  • Near Bideford, about 20 minutes from Woolacombe

The Milky Way Adventure Park

A reliable all-weather option that covers a lot of ground in one day.

  • Rollercoasters, giant slides and dodgems
  • Laser challenge and arcade-style fun
  • Mix of indoor and outdoor spaces – good when the weather’s unpredictable
  • Teens can move between activities at their own pace

 

cosmic typhoon 2 

Milky Way Adventure Park

Air Extreme

North Devon’s trampoline park – good for burning off energy without needing a wetsuit.

  • Interconnected trampolines, foam pits and obstacle courses
  • Works for most ages and energy levels
  • Solid rainy day option
  • Based in Barnstaple

Toptracer driving range – The Combes Golf Park

Not your average golf suggestion – the Toptracer range turns it into something teens will actually enjoy.

  • Virtual challenges and target games with real-time tracking
  • Friendly competition between the whole group
  • Countryside views across North Devon
  • Low pressure, good for a couple of hours

 

Low effort

For the days when everyone just needs to decompress.

Neo Cinema, Woolacombe

Boutique cinema with plush seating, ambient lighting and a genuinely relaxed atmosphere.

  • New releases and cult classics on the programme
  • Fresh popcorn and drinks before you sit down
  • Good for a rainy afternoon or winding down after a big beach day
  • Feels a bit more special than a standard multiplex

Funder Island, Woolacombe

Free entry, a bit of friendly competition and food that teenagers actually want to eat.

  • 18-hole adventure golf on a pirate theme
  • Loaded waffles, sundaes, slushies and ice cream
  • Right in the village centre, easy to drop into before or after the beach
  • No planning required – just turn up

Ilfracombe skate park

A good option for teens who want to do their own thing for a couple of hours.

  • Popular with visiting families and local teens
  • Easy to combine with a wander around the harbour or a fish and chips stop
  • Lets them have a bit of independence while you get a proper break

Stoppers Roller Rink

A slightly retro option that works better than you’d expect.

  • Music, lights and a social atmosphere
  • Sessions feel more like an event than an activity
  • Good for evenings or days when the weather closes in

The PlayZone at North Devon Resort

Kids can play in the PlayZone at North Devon Resort even if they are not guests. Spend just £5 in the cafe, restaurant or bar and gain access to soft play for younger kids and the PlayZone for teens.

  • Nintendo Switches, PS5s, iPads and more
  • Table tennis, foosball and air hockey
  • A relaxed space where teens can hang out independently

North Devon Resort playzone 

Levelling Up at the PlayZone 

 
playzone 5 
North Devon Resort PlayZone

Looking for teen-friendly holiday accommodation in Devon?

 The Ideal Teen-Friendly Base

North Devon Resort offers the perfect basecamp for families with teenagers who need a mix of togetherness and independence.

Our 2 and 3-bedroom accommodation – including se view 3 bed hot tub residences – provide the essential space that hotel rooms lack, giving teens their own room to relax in and staying connected to their social circles via our free Wi-Fi. 

The heated pool is a great hangout spot for water fitness or fun, while the resort’s location puts the region’s best surfing beaches and coastal trails within easy reach. It’s a practical, relaxed holiday base that allows the whole family to explore the coast by day and unwind in a comfortable setting by night.

If you’re looking for a best-value family break then check out the current offer – up to 35% OFF until 30th June! Details here.

Family and dog 35% offer square 

Get up to 35% OFF accommodation until 30th June 2026!

 

Teen-friendly stays: