The 10 best things to do in Cornwall with kids

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I’ve been hunting for the best things to do in Cornwall with kids. It’s a brilliant part of the UK for a family holiday so if you’re planning a staycation, or you’re a local looking for things to keep the little ones busy, then you’ve come to the right place. We had such a great staycation and I wish we’d been able to stay for longer and fit in even more fun! (Though it’s a great excuse to go back!) There are so many wonderful places for family days out in Cornwall. Make sure you check out my article: Family holidays in Cornwall – the 15 best places to stay with kids – and to help you to plan a fun-filled itinerary here are my top picks for the 10 best things to do in Cornwall with kids:

1. Step back in time at Tintagel Castle

On our family holiday to Cornwall, English Heritage site Tintagel Castle was the first place that we visited. The views online looked stunning and it didn’t disappoint when we arrived! Tintagel isn’t actually much of a castle nowadays, as it’s just the remains left now, but it’s definitely a magical place to visit. If you’re after stunning views across the Cornish coast, and a quirky family day out, then you’ll want to check it out with the kids. After you’ve walked down hill to the entrance, the first thing that you see is this amazing bridge which takes you to the island.

Once you’re across, you can wander the site through the 13th century ruins which legend says was the birthplace of King Arthur. As a family we adore a good view, and the Tintagel Castle site is just beautiful in all directions! Though it is important to mention that the walk is quite cobbled and steep, with some big drops, so this outing is definitely better suited to families with slightly older children. For more information, click here to check out my Tintagel Castle Review.

2. Go wild at Bude Monster Slip and Slide

Located just 4 minutes from Widemouth Bay, Bude, this 360-foot-long inflatable slide features a thrilling ramp and provides free super-fast bodyboards and inflatable rings. The Monster Slip and Slide is suitable for all ages, and children aged 4 and under slide for free. So, if you’re visiting Cornwall over the summer months, and looking for fun things to do with the kids, then it probably doesn’t get much more fun than this. We’ll definitely be having a go on our next trip to Cornwall!

3. Walk on water at St Michael’s Mount

St Michael’s Mount was at the top of my list of places to visit with the kids during our family getaway in Cornwall – a magical island accessed only by the water was always going to be a hit! I think that getting to and from the island was the most exciting part of the day for Finn and Lola if I’m totally honest! 😂 We paddled across from the beach and hopped onto a speedboat – they loved it. It was scorching on the day that we visited so we felt like we were exploring the Mediterranean rather than enjoying a UK staycation. Once we’d crossed the water, we climbed the cobbled steps to explore the castle.

The views across the ocean were stunning – the scenery is just beautiful. We really enjoyed our visit to St Michael’s Mount, helped enormously by the gorgeous sunshine that day. It’s a unique day out and the beach opposite is lovely too so, if you visit on a warm day, it’s a great spot for some family fun. The kids thought it was so cool to walk back across the causeway, though the water was so cold that our feet were numb by the time we reached the beach. 😆 For all the details, click here to check out my St Michael’s Mount Review.

4. Spend the day at Camel Creek Family Adventure Park

Camel Creek Adventure Park is one of Cornwall’s top family-friendly attractions, offering a fantastic mix of rides, animal encounters and indoor and outdoor play areas. Located near Wadebridge, this adventure park is perfect for kids up to the age of about 12 years old – with some smaller rollercoasters, water rides, slides, a 5D cinema, soft play and gentler attractions for younger children. In addition to the rides, Camel Creek is home to a variety of animals, and throughout the year they also host special seasonal events so have a look to see what’s on offer when you plan to visit.

5. Explore the wilderness at St Nectan’s Glen Waterfall

I’ve got to say, our morning at St Nectan’s Glen waterfall was absolutely fantastic, and I’m so pleased we went. We’re big nature lovers, so if you love exploring then you’ll definitely want to include this place in your family holiday itinerary. It has an interesting history too – and it’s only a 15 minute drive from Tintagel Castle if you’re in the area. It definitely has to be one of the best places to visit in Cornwall with the kids; the waterfall is stunning and it feels as if you’re in a magical hidden world.

The whole journey is just gorgeous – we enjoyed the walk through the woodland as much as seeing the waterfall itself. Our two little explorers are great walkers so they love adventures like this! The water is freezing but the stepping stones help, and it’s worth the cold feet to get a closer look. Make sure you add a visit to St Nectan’s Glen to your list of things to do in Cornwall with the kids. To find out more, click here to read my St Nectan’s Glen Waterfall Review.

6. Let off steam at Adrenalin Quarry

A trip to Adrenalin Quarry will definitely go down well with the kids – especially if you’re trying to amuse slightly older ones and teenagers. Located near Liskeard, this action-packed attraction offers an array of fun activities including a zipline that’ll send you soaring 50m above a deep water-filled quarry. And, for kids over the age of 6 years old, the Aquapark (a massive inflatable obstacle course on the lake) is likely to be a firm favourite if you’re looking for fun things to do in Cornwall with the kids over the summer months! With go-karting and a giant swing on offer too – you’ll definitely not be short of things to do at Adrenalin Quarry.

7. Hit the beaches at Polperro Village or Perranporth

Quite a few people told us that we absolutely had to visit Polperro – this picturesque fishing village is a quaint and adorable place to have a wander. The harbour is stunning and the beach, with its caves, is a fun place for the kids to explore. The Cornish beaches offer lots of free adventures – it’s a gorgeous part of the country so you can easily pack up a picnic and enjoy some family fun exploring the villages, or soak up some sun on the beaches without spending a penny. If you’re interested in the history of the village (Polperro is well known for it’s smuggling past) then you can visit the museum for just a few pounds – making visiting this part of Cornwall a cheap and cheerful (but very interesting!) day out.

Speaking of beaches, Perranporth Beach is one of Cornwall’s most stunning and family-friendly beaches, known for its golden sands, rolling dunes and fantastic surf. Stretching for nearly three miles along the north coast, it offers plenty of space for families to enjoy sandcastle-building, beach games and rock pooling at low tide. The natural sea pool, carved into the rocks, provides a safe and sheltered spot for swimming, while the waves make it a popular destination for bodyboarding and surfing enthusiasts. The beach is also home to the famous Watering Hole, the UK’s only beach bar, where you can relax with a drink or enjoy live music with spectacular sea views.

8. Take a ride on Helston Railway

Nestled in the heart of Cornwall’s countryside, Helston Railway offers a delightful day out that’s perfect for families looking to enjoy a nostalgic trip without breaking the bank. Run entirely by passionate volunteers, this heritage railway offers a charming step back in time with short steam or diesel train rides through beautiful rural scenery. There’s a small café too and kids will love watching the engines up close or exploring the quaint little stations. Parking is free and tickets are affordable, with under 5s travelling for free, so it’s a lovely way to spend a slow-paced afternoon soaking up a bit of history.

9. Wander the rainforest at The Eden Project

We decided that we definitely had to visit the Eden Project on our trip to Cornwall but I’m a bit conflicted about whether it’s worth the money. As you walk down towards the domes, it all looks very exciting and the rainforest dome is absolutely fantastic – the children enjoyed exploring and the scale of it was amazing! I definitely felt like Dora the Explorer in my khaki shorts but the rest of the site is a bit lacking (though they have since added a playground) so it’s expensive for a few hours of entertainment. But the kids can visit for free with a Blue Peter Badge, and there are other discounts too, so if you can access it a discounted rate then it’s definitely worth it for the rainforest dome. For all the details, and money saving tips, check out my article: Cornwall with Kids: Is the Eden project worth visiting? (Honest review!)

If you’re looking for a bit more excitement during your Eden Project visit then you might also want to check out the Hangloose Adventure for an adrenaline rush. This outdoor activity hub offers a range of thrilling experiences including the SkyWire – England’s longest and fastest zipline – where you can soar 660 metres at speeds up to 60mph over the iconic Eden biomes. Other attractions include the Gravity giant swing, SkyTrek aerial trekking course, a giant air bag jump and climbing walls for the kids. You don’t need an Eden Project admission ticket to participate in the Hangloose activities, and prices start from around £15.

10. Enjoy the marine animals at the Cornish Seal Sanctuary

The Cornish Seal Sanctuary in Gweek is a heartwarming and educational attraction dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating injured or orphaned seals from around the UK coastline. Operated by the SEA LIFE Trust, the sanctuary provides a safe haven for grey and common seals, as well as other marine animals including penguins, sea lions and otters. With interactive talks, feeding sessions and stunning views over the Helford Estuary, the sanctuary offers a fun yet meaningful experience for families and animal lovers. It’s a fantastic place to support marine conservation while getting up close to these adorable sea creatures – and if the kids have Blue Peter Badges they can visit for free!

Where are the best places to stay in Cornwall with kids?

You’re spoilt for choice on where to stay as Cornwall is definitely home to some of the best UK holiday parks to visit with kids! I’ve been looking for great kids’ activities, beach locations, swimming pools, waterslides and even luxury extras like hot tubs – as well as some quieter locations for a more relaxed holiday too. Head to my article: Family holidays in Cornwall – the 15 best places to stay with kids for more information on what’s on offer at these sites, and lots of great holiday park options, but here’s a quick glimpse at a few of my top picks:

Parkdean Resorts: Newquay Holiday Park: Perfect for action-packed family holidays with three outdoor heated pools, a 200ft waterslide and a splash play zone for the younger kids. On-site activities include: high ropes, soft play, kids’ clubs, hoverboards, laser tag, arts & crafts, bungee trampolines and the Bear Grylls Survival Academy.

Haven: Perran Sands Holiday Park: The park provides stunning views and direct access to one of Cornwall’s most popular beaches. Families can enjoy the indoor and outdoor swimming pools, waterslides, adventure golf, sports, junior segways, crafts, pedal go-karts and more! The kids can even take surfing lessons at the on-site surf school if they fancy it.

Away Resorts: Retallack Resort: One of the best parks in Cornwall for action-packed family holidays with teens and older kids. This site has its own waterpark with an inflatable obstacle course, a FlowRider for surfing, bike hire, wakeboarding and an adventure playground. Plus, the site has a spa and hot tub accommodation options if you fancy a little bit of luxury!

Haven: Riviere Sands Holiday Park: Located near the golden sands of St Ives Bay, the park features direct beach access, fabulous indoor and outdoor swimming pools, waterslides and activities like archery, pedal go-karts, crazy golf and sports. There’s also a surf school nearby if the kids fancy trying to ride the waves.

Parkdean Resorts: Lizard Point Holiday Park: This site boasts 40 activities – so it’s impossible to get bored! Hire some pedal-karts or bikes, or make the most of the indoor and outdoor swimming pools which offer loads of activities including aqua jets, kayaks and an inflatable obstacle course. Outside you’ll find bungee trampolines, adventure golf, high ropes, sports, battle blasters and the Bear Grylls Survival Academy.

John Fowler: Trelawne Manor Holiday Park: A quieter site than lots of the others but with a fantastic outdoor swimming pool and flume. It’s just a short drive from the quaint fishing town of Looe and we had a great budget-friendly stay here when we visited Cornwall – check out my review for more info.

Is Cornwall worth a visit?

I hope that my list of the top 10 things to do in Cornwall with the kids has been helpful. If you’re still wondering whether to head to Cornwall for a family holiday then I have to say a huge YES – book that trip – Cornwall is absolutely worth a visit! We had a really great time exploring, and wish we’d stayed for longer – there are still so many other places that we’d have loved to have seen, so I don’t doubt that we’ll venture back for round two at some point. Leave me a comment if you have any recommendations for other places that we should visit with the kids on our next trip to Cornwall! Have a lovely time. 😍