If you’re spending summer in Torbay with kids, you’re in a great place. Between beaches, outdoor adventures, and family-friendly attractions, there’s more than enough to fill the holidays without hearing “I’m bored” every five minutes.

Here’s a practical guide to the best things to do in Torbay with kids this summer — from easy beach days to full-on adventure experiences.

Make It Memorable with an Outdoor Adventure Day

If you want to give your kids something they’ll talk about long after summer ends, an adventure day is hard to beat.

We might be biased but at Reach Outdoors we run guided activities designed specifically for young people and families.

Think:

• Coasteering along Torbay’s cliffs (climbing, jumping, swimming)
• Kayaking
• Paddleboarding

Everything is instructor-led and safety-focused, so kids (and their grown-ups!) can push themselves in a controlled environment: all of our sessions are "challenge by choice". 

Why it’s worth it:

• Builds confidence and resilience
• Gets them properly active outdoors
• Feels like a real “experience,” not just a day out

This is especially ideal for older kids and teens who want more than just a trip to the beach.

Don’t Underestimate a Classic Beach Day

Torbay’s beaches are some of the best in Devon, and they’re perfect for a simple, low-cost day out.

Top ideas:

• Sandcastle competitions at Paignton Beach
• Rock pooling at Broadsands
• Crabbing or exploring hidden coves
• Hire paddleboards or kayaks from Reach Outdoors at Goodrington

Add an ice cream stop or fish and chips, and you’ve got a full day sorted with minimal planning.

Outdoor Play and Free Activities

If you’re looking to keep costs down, there are plenty of free or low-cost options across Torbay.

Local play sessions and community activities often run throughout the summer, offering:

• Outdoor games
• Forest school-style sessions
• Creative play in open spaces

These are ideal for younger children who just want space to run, climb, and explore.

Have a Backup Plan for Rainy Days

Let’s be realistic — British summer isn’t always sunshine.

When the weather turns, don’t write off outdoor activities. You’re going to get wet if you go coasteering anyway so embrace the rain! If it’s too windy and there is too much surf, then some of the watersports activities might get cancelled. Then you might need to think about back up options:

• Soft play
• Swimming sessions and fun pools
• Indoor sports

Plan a Full Day Out in Nature

If you want something a bit more structured than the beach, head to one of the nearby outdoor parks.

You’ll typically find:

• Giant playgrounds and climbing structures
• Zip wires and obstacle courses
• Woodland trails and picnic spots

These are great for mixed-age families because there’s something for everyone — from toddlers to older kids who want more of a challenge.

Check What’s On Locally

During summer, Torbay usually hosts a range of family-friendly events and activities.

Keep an eye out for:

• Outdoor theatre performances
• Pop-up festivals and beach events
• Animal encounters and interactive shows

These change week to week, so it’s worth checking local listings while you’re here.

Look Out for Free Holiday Programmes

If you’re local (or staying longer), there are often free summer programmes for young people.

These can include:

• Sports and group activities
• Outdoor adventure sessions
• Creative workshops

Reach Outdoors runs a Kids Adventure Holiday Club: designed to ignite the spirit of adventure in young hearts aged 8 to 12 through a dynamic blend of land and water-based outdoor activities.

Quick Picks by Age

Younger kids (toddlers & preschool):

• Beach play and paddling
• Outdoor play sessions
• Soft play centres

Primary school age:

• Adventure parks and playgrounds
• Rock pooling and beach games
• Beginner watersports

Older kids & teens:

• Adventure days (coasteering, kayaking)
• Watersports and challenges
• Group holiday activities

Final Thoughts

Torbay is one of those places where you can keep things simple — beaches, parks, fresh air — or dial it up into something unforgettable.

If you’re choosing just one standout activity this summer, make it an outdoor adventure day with Reach Outdoors. It’s the kind of experience that turns a regular holiday into something your kids will genuinely remember.