One child wants to spend all day building sandcastles. Another is desperate to try surfing. Meanwhile, the teenager has declared that everything is boring before you’ve even left the house. Sound familiar?

Family holidays are rarely about keeping one person happy – they’re about finding places where everyone, from toddlers to teenagers (and parents too), can enjoy spending time together. Thankfully, North Devon is packed with attractions that do exactly that.

Here’s our guide to making the most of your summer stay, whatever stage your family is at.

For families who love the beach

One of the joys of North Devon is that our coastline offers something for everyone. While younger children are perfectly content with a bucket, spade and a stretch of golden sand, older siblings can swap sandcastles for surfboards or paddleboards.

Woolacombe, Croyde and Saunton Sands are all fantastic choices for a family day out, with plenty of space to spread out, cafés nearby and opportunities for everyone to enjoy the water in their own way. Even if your family can’t agree on much else, a beach day usually keeps everyone smiling.

For children who never seem to run out of energy

If your family prefers action-packed days, North Devon has plenty of attractions where younger and older children can play side by side.

At places like The Milky Way Adventure Park or The Big Sheep, you’ll find rides, indoor play, live entertainment and activities designed for a wide range of ages. That means your youngest can explore safely while older children and teenagers still have plenty to keep them occupied – making it much easier to spend the day together rather than splitting up.

For families who love animals

There’s something magical about getting up close to wildlife, no matter how old you are.

A visit to Exmoor Zoo or Combe Martin Wildlife & Dinosaur Park offers plenty to discover, whether your little ones are excited to spot their favourite animals or your older children are curious to learn more about conservation and the natural world. It’s the kind of day out that sparks conversation long after you’ve left.

For teenagers who need a little more adventure

Keeping teenagers entertained can sometimes feel like the biggest holiday challenge, but North Devon makes it surprisingly easy.

Surf lessons, coasteering, paddleboarding and scenic coastal walks all offer a little more excitement, while charming towns like Ilfracombe and Appledore provide independent shops, cafés and ice cream stops for a slower afternoon. Giving older children a little freedom to explore often turns an ordinary day into one they’ll actually remember.

For more ideas, read our guide on North Devon for teenagers

For families who just want to slow down

Not every holiday memory has to come from a ticketed attraction.

Some of the best days in North Devon are the simplest ones: packing a picnic and heading to Exmoor National Park, hunting for rock pools along the coast, or finishing the day with fish and chips while watching the sun set over the beach.

Those quieter moments are often the ones everyone talks about long after the holiday has ended.

Make North Devon Resort your base this summer

However your family likes to spend the school holidays, North Devon Resort puts you within easy reach of beaches, attractions, countryside and coastal adventures.

After a day spent exploring, you can head back, relax and do it all again tomorrow.

Book direct with North Devon Resort and you’ll always receive 10% off your stay.