This weekend you're spoilt for choice, and even better - you need not spend a single penny to keep your little ones entertained, with four of this week's picks being completely free!
This Weekend's Pick
Fore Street Flea: 10th Anniversary
The Flea turns 10 this Sunday and it's taking over Fore Street for the afternoon. Expect 80-90 stalls of vintage finds, handmade crafts, art and street food, plus live music. It's free, it's relaxed, and it's the kind of mooch where kids can browse alongside you without needing a separate activity. Good street food options if you don't fancy cooking lunch.
| When | Sun 17 May, 12pm-4pm |
| Where | Fore Street, Exeter, EX4 3AN |
| Cost | Free |
More Good Stuff
Ada and the Code Crusaders
A family opera about Ada Lovelace and the dawn of computing, performed by English Touring Opera at Exeter Library. It's unusual, it's affordable, and it's only here this Sunday. Best for ages 7-11, though younger kids who are happy sitting still for an hour will manage. Worth booking ahead.
| When | Sun 17 May, 3pm |
| Where | Exeter Library, Castle Street, EX4 3PQ |
| Cost | Under 12s £5, over 12s £10 |
Bookworms Club at the Devon and Exeter Institution
A free taster session of the DEI's junior members' club, in one of Exeter's most beautiful buildings. Creative workshops inspired by the Institution's collections, inside a Grade II* Georgian library right by the Cathedral. Ages 5-8 only, and booking is required. If your kids like making things and you've never been inside the DEI, this is a good excuse for both of you.
| When | Sat 16 May, 10:30am-12pm |
| Where | 7 Cathedral Close, Exeter, EX1 1EZ |
| Cost | Free taster (junior membership £12/year after) |
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Worth the Drive
Sidmouth Sea Fest
Saturday is the free Community Day at Sidmouth's Marine and Green festival. Interactive marine workshops for kids, sustainable craft stalls, live music and choirs, all in Connaught Gardens overlooking the sea. Combine it with fish and chips on the prom and you've got a full Saturday sorted. About 25 minutes from Exeter.
| When | Sat 16 May, from 10am |
| Where | Connaught Gardens, Sidmouth, EX10 8RF (~25 min drive) |
| Cost | Free |
One (more!) free thing
Powderham Castle: Free Sundays for Kids
Under-16s go free on Sundays at Powderham, which is hard to argue with. There's an AR Pollination Trail running until 23 May where kids scan spots around the grounds to bring bees, butterflies and bugs to life on a phone or tablet. Plus the deer park, Little Lords and Ladies trail, play area and cafe. A proper afternoon out for the price of an adult ticket. Heads up: Powderham is closed on Saturdays during term time, so this is Sunday only.
| When | Sun 17 May only (closed Sat in term time), 10am-5pm |
| Where | Powderham Castle, Kenton, EX6 8JQ (~15 min drive) |
| Cost | Under 16s free on Sundays. Adults check website. |
That's your lot for this week. Hit reply if you end up at any of these, it comes straight to the inbox. Have a good one.
Details can change. Check each venue's website before setting off, especially for timed entry or one-off events.
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