Devon teenager Billy Grant chooses nine great places for youngsters to enjoy themselves over the summer holidays:
Based in Plymouth, Adrenalin is an extreme sports centre packed inside the iconic ship building at Derriford. There are multiple activities open to youngsters all from £10 including: Ninja Fitness, Ninja Academy and the Adrenalin Experience. Trampolines, giant airbags and large obstacles make for an exciting day and there is even a café producing fresh food to entertain parents. The park is open seven days a week and no matter what the weather provides a fun place for kids from 5+.
Air Extreme is a new trampoline park which is located in Barnstaple. The large building holds Olympic standard trampolines as well as a dodge ball court, tumble tracks and a giant airbag. The park allows kids from just 18 months to have a fun day out and the upper floor gives parents a place to relax and watch. Hour jump sessions are just £10 and the website allows for hassle-free booking before arrival.
For the last 28 years, Crealy has been a major attraction for families and teenagers. For just £20 you get entry into the park all day and you can roam between roller coasters, ball pits and the petting zoo. There is something for all the family here and almost weekly there are special one-off events such as Pop in the Park or the High Dive Show.
Just outside Bideford is the Ultimate Adventure Centre, home to mountain boarding, a Total Wipe Out- themed assault course and multiple high ropes courses. Each activity lasts about two hours and creates many funny memories amongst the family. Why not go for an hour’s mountain boarding: perfect for teenagers with a growing need for speed or a trip coasteering for thrill seekers.
The South West has some of the country’s best coasts for surfing so why not get out and enjoy the waves. The surf school runs programmes for all ages and abilities and provide all the equipment you will need. The centre is less than 50 metres from the beach and well-experienced coaches will make sure you get the best experience. The groups are often small which allows for a better teaching process.
Based in South Molton, Rock and Rapid is an outdoor centre specialising in bouldering and indoors climbing. The centre also has team building puzzles outside and access to sea based activities such as canoeing and abseiling. Bouldering starts from just £5 and there are courses for both beginner and experienced climbers. As well as this, youth clubs are ran throughout the year for different ages to develop skills.
Learning to wake-board can be a great day out for kids and the park runs specific sessions for beginners to allow them to learn the basics. The prices range from £18-£40 and this all depends on the level of coaching you wish to receive. All of the equipment, briefing and support needed will be given to you by fully qualified instructors and once you’ve learnt the basics you can head to ramps and rails to practise your newly-found skill. The Wake Park is outside of Bideford and situated next door to the Milky Way Adventure Park.
The Milky Way is known for having something for everyone and the list of available activities you can do here is endless. The day out can include everything from bumper cars to golf to roller coasters. The facility is large and does not feel crowded when busy, making for an easy day out. One price of £14.45 covers everything and allows you to go on rides as many times as you please which means kids can roam and take part in all the available activities.
Kids aged 10-16 can spend all day climbing between trees and flying zip-wires for just £25 at Go Ape! in Exeter. Haldon forest is home to these aerial courses and since 2000 has been creating a fun way to get kids active and out enjoying the wildlife around us. Teenagers over 16 are allowed to head off alone and explore but children under 16 do need to be supervised.
