This summer, Active Devon is shining a spotlight on fun, inclusive activities happening across the county – helping children and young people of all abilities get active, try something new, and feel part of their community.
Through the Active Champs programme, Active Devon is working with physical activity and leisure providers across Devon to better understand the barriers faced by children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). They are supporting providers to make practical changes that create welcoming, inclusive environments where every young person can feel confident, connected, and able to take part.
This work forms part of Devon Children’s Services’ development of Universal and Universal+ Short Breaks.
So why not take a look at the free Devon Connect hub and discover the wide range of inclusive sessions, activities and opportunities available in your local area this summer?
From swimming and sports to outdoor adventures, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Cara Baer, Programme Lead at Active Devon, said:
“Since launching Active Champs earlier this year, we’ve been teaming up with amazing partners across Devon to open up more fun, inclusive ways for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities to get active. We’re so excited to share these opportunities this summer – helping every child feel welcome, supported and inspired to join in, get moving and have fun.
“Keep checking Devon Connect for even more great local opportunities as they are added and join us in celebrating how Devon is becoming more active and inclusive for all.”
What’s on offer
Here’s a taster of some of the inclusive activities available this summer. All activities are open to children and young people from across the Devon area, but we’ve listed some based on the part of Devon they are in. If you need to know more about any activities, please contact the provider.
Across Devon
SEND Family Fun Day
Come along for a fun-filled day designed for families with children with SEND! Enjoy a range of activities including archery, rocket launching, bushcraft, crafts, planting, and cricket – plus more to be confirmed.
📅 Date: Saturday 11 July
🕙 Time: 10am to 12.30pm, or 12.30pm to 3pm
📌Location: Dartmoor Activity Centre
Full details and booking information
SEND Basecamp Days at Pixies Holt
Activities will be tailored to suit the needs of the children. Possible options include: Archery, Bushcraft (including den building and building campfire with treats), Moorland exploration, Orienteering, Weaselling. Children must be physically mobile and comfortable being in small groups.
📅 Dates: various, to suit different age groups
🕙 Time: 10am to 3.30pm
📌Location: Pixies Holt Outdoor Learning Centre
Full details and booking information
Devon Cricket Foundation
The Devon Cricket Foundation along with the Lord’s Taverners run weekly Super 1s sessions in Exeter and Barnstaple, as well as other parts of the county, for children and young adults with disabilities to take part in cricket for free.
Full details of days and times in Exeter, Barnstaple and more.
Outdoor Explorer Club, Libraries Unlimited
The Outdoor Explorer Club is a free set of resources for children, young people, and families who are interested in getting outdoors and into nature. It has been designed alongside young people with neurodivergent conditions, special education needs and disabilities.
Find out more, and where your nearest library is, on Libraries Unlimited.
North and Mid Devon
SMART Action Project
SMART Action Project have a range of inclusive sessions happening over the summer! Including SEND swim sessions, family swim sessions, and Summer Family Adventures.
📅 Dates: various over summer
📌Location: South Molton
SMART Action Project SEND sessions
Atlantic Racquet Centre
Atlantic Racquet Centre is a community racquet and fitness centre where everyone can exercise, socialise and learn together. They are a charity that promotes a fun, family focused, and inclusive ethos, and they are committed to improving the health and wellbeing of all local people through their wide-ranging programme of activities and events.
📅 Date: Saturday 11 July
🕙 Time: 10.00am to 12.30pm, or 12.30pm to 15.00pm
📌Location: Bideford
Learn more about the Atlantic Racquet Centre.
South and West Devon
South Devon Tennis Centre
Everyone is welcome at their friendly tennis centre in Ivybridge, South Devon. New members are very welcome from beginner to team player with coaching and playing sessions suitable for all players.
Activities throughout the summer.
📌Location: Ivybridge
Find out more about the South Devon Tennis Centre.
Tavistock Meadows Junior Parkrun
Tavistock Meadows junior parkrun is a fun, free event organised by volunteers for the benefit of everyone. Taking place every Sunday, the junior parkrun is open and inclusive from 4-14 year olds and the length is 2k.
📅 Date: Sundays
🕙 Time: 9am
📌Location: Tavistock
Find out more at their page on the Parkrun charities website. You can also look for other junior park runs in Devon.
Exeter and East Devon
Flyerz Hockey
Flyerz Hockey is an inclusive and exciting hockey programme for children with disabilities, designed to give every player the opportunity to enjoy hockey in a fun, safe, and supportive environment.
📅 Date: Mondays
🕙 Time: 6pm to 7pm
📌Location: Exeter
Find out more about Flyerz Hockey.
Sensory Badminton
Sensory Badminton provides the opportunity for disabled children and young adults, from 5 to 18, with complex needs to take part in badminton based activities in a completely accessible, meaningful and engaging way.
📅 Date: alternative Sundays
🕙 Time: 10am to 11am
📌Location: Exmouth
Find out more about Sensory Badminton.
LED Leisure
LED Community Leisure operates a range of community-focused leisure facilities across East Devon, providing health and wellbeing solutions through fitness, sports, and community programmes with a commitment to inclusivity and accessibility.
Check what is on offer for children and young people on the LED website.
You can explore more activities on the Devon Connect hub and Devon’s Holiday Activity and Food (HAF) scheme for summer 2026.
You can also follow our Devon SEND Local Offer Facebook page, where we’ll share more activities as they are added, and also activities by other providers across the county.