20 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 time and wish we’d stayed for longer – though it’s a great excuse to go back! Make sure you check out my article on the 15 Best Holiday Parks in Cornwall for Families – and to help you to plan a fun-filled itinerary here are my top 20 picks for the best days out with the kids.

What are the best things to do in Cornwall with kids?

1. Step back in time at Tintagel Castle

On our family holiday, Tintagel Castle was the first place that we visited. Perched dramatically on the cliffs, it’s steeped in the legend of King Arthur. Cross the spectacular footbridge before exploring the castle ruins and taking in some of the best coastal views in Cornwall – it’s absolutely gorgeous! Note: The walk is cobbled and steep, with some big drops, so this outing is better suited to families with slightly older children. Check out my Tintagel Castle Review for more info. Frugal Mum Tip: Visit for free with an English Heritage Membership.

2. Ride one of Cornwall’s Heritage Railways

If your children love trains, Cornwall has several fantastic railway experiences to choose from. Step aboard a steam train at the Bodmin & Wenford Railway, enjoy scenic countryside views on the Helston Railway, or head to Lappa Valley where adventure play areas, mini golf, soft play and boating make it a brilliant day out. Each attraction offers something a little bit different. Frugal Mum Tip: Look for family saver tickets to cut costs, and under 5’s travel free on Helston Railway.

3. Take a wildlife boat trip

Several coastal towns, including Penzance, Padstow and Falmouth, offer wildlife boat trips where you may spot seals and dolphins – you can even hop on an Orca Sea Safari! Each company and location offers a unique experience. There are plenty of boat trips to choose from on both GetYourGuide and ‘Love to Visit’ to suit a wide range of budgets – this is definitely on my ‘to do’ list for our next trip to Cornwall!

4. Spend the day at Camel Creek 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. Look out for special seasonal events throughout the year.

5. Wander the rainforest at The Eden Project

We definitely had to visit the Eden Project during our trip to Cornwall but honestly I’m a bit conflicted about whether it’s worth the money. The rainforest dome is absolutely fantastic – the kids loved exploring and the scale of it was amazing! I 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. Frugal Mum Tip: Kids can visit for free with a Blue Peter Badge – and there are other discounts too – if you can access it a cheaper rate then it’s definitely worth a visit. Check out my Eden Project Review for more info and money saving tips.

6. Let off steam at Adrenalin Quarry

A trip to Adrenalin Quarry will definitely go down well if you’re trying to amuse slightly older kids or 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. Plus, the aquapark 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. Spend some time at the beach

Cornwall has plenty of fantastic beaches for families. Perranporth Beach is perfect for sandcastles and paddling, Fistral Beach is ideal if you want to watch the surfers, while Porthcurno Beach is famous for its turquoise water and stunning scenery. If you’re staying near Falmouth, Gyllyngvase Beach is another excellent family-friendly choice with calm waters and great facilities. And, Kynance Cove is perfect for rock pooling! Frugal Mum Tip: Bring your own beach games, nets, buckets and spades to keep things budget-friendly.

8. Visit Newquay Zoo

Home to over 130 different species, Newquay Zoo is one of the best places to visit in Cornwall if the kids love animals. The zoo is easy to walk around without feeling overwhelming, and you’ll find everything from lions and penguins, to red pandas and meerkats. There are play areas for the kids, and plenty of feeding talks, so pack up a picnic for a fun day out.

9. Explore the wilderness at St Nectan’s Glen

Our morning at St Nectan’s Glen Waterfall was absolutely fantastic – if you love nature and exploring then you’ll definitely want to include it in your family holiday itinerary. It has an interesting history and it’s only a 15 minute drive from Tintagel Castle. Undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in Cornwall with kids, the gorgeous journey through the woods is as magical as the waterfall at the end – my St Nectan’s Glen Guide has more info.

10. Go wild at Bude Monster Slip and Slide

Bude Monster Slip and Slide is located just 4 minutes from Widemouth Bay. This 360-foot-long inflatable slide features a thrilling ramp and provides free super-fast bodyboards and inflatable rings. It’s suitable for children of all ages so, if you’re looking for things to do in Cornwall with the kids over the summer, it doesn’t get much more fun than this! Frugal Mum Tip: Children aged 4 and under slide for free.

11. Try crabbing at one of Cornwall’s harbours

Crabbing is a classic Cornwall family activity that’s simple, affordable and always a hit with children. All you need is a crabbing line, a bucket and a little bait before heading to one of Cornwall’s many harbours. Padstow, Looe and Mevagissey are all popular spots – we spent a lovely afternoon in Looe. Frugal Mum Tip: You can usually pick up a crabbing kit from local shops for just a few pounds.

12. Catch a show at the Minack Theatre

Even if you don’t watch a performance, visiting the beautiful open-air Minack Theatre is well worth it. Built into the cliffs above Porthcurno Beach, it’s unlike anywhere else in the UK and the views are breathtaking. Frugal Mum Tip: Plan your visit around a family-friendly show to make things more fun for the kids!

13. Step back in time at Polperro Village

The picturesque fishing village of Polperro is an 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 – just bring a picnic. Polperro is well-known for it’s smuggling past so pop to the museum (it’s just a few pounds) to learn about the history of the village for an interesting, but cheap and cheerful, day out.

14. Support 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. 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. Frugal Mum Tip: If the kids have Blue Peter Badges they can visit for free!

15. Walk on water at St Michael’s Mount

St Michael’s Mount was at the top of my list of things to do with the kids in Cornwall – who doesn’t love a magical island adventure?! Getting to and from the island was the most exciting part of the day for Finn and Lola as they loved the speedboat ride! We climbed the cobbled steps to explore the castle and the views across the ocean were stunning. The kids thought it was really cool to walk back across the causeway, though the water was so cold that our feet went numb! 😂 The beach opposite is perfect for family fun too! For all the details, check out my St Michael’s Mount Review.

16. Get lost at The Lost Gardens of Heligan

These beautiful gardens are much more than flower beds. Kids will love exploring the jungle paths, rope bridge, giant sculptures and woodland trails at The Lost Gardens of Heligan while adults can enjoy one of Cornwall’s most impressive gardens. Frugal Mum Tip: Under 5s enter for free and there are discounted rates for families on Universal Credit.

17. Take a family surfing lesson

Cornwall is considered the surfing capital of the UK, with plenty of surf schools offering fun lessons for children and families. Even complete beginners can give it a try – with lessons available in places like Newquay and Bude. GetYourGuide offer surfing lessons for kids or private family lessons if you all fancy having a go!

18. Go underwater at Blue Reef Aquarium

Located on Newquay seafront, Blue Reef Aquarium lets you walk through an underwater tunnel surrounded by sharks, rays and colourful tropical fish. If the weather lets you down, or you’re planning to visit Cornwall outside of the summer season, keep this one up your sleeve for a rainy day kids’ activity.

19. Visit Paradise Park and JungleBarn

Paradise Park Wildlife Sanctuary combines colourful parrots, penguins, red pandas and other animals with one of Cornwall’s biggest indoor play centres. It’s an excellent choice if you’re looking for somewhere that works whatever the weather and it’s one of the most fun things to do in Cornwall with younger kids! Frugal Mum Tip: Get discounted tickets for Paradise Park via ‘Love to Visit’.

20. Hangloose on England’s fastest zipline

If you’re looking for a bit more excitement during your Eden Project visit then check out the Hangloose Adventure. It 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 and prices start from around £20.

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. Head to my article on the 15 Best Holiday Parks in Cornwall for Families for more information, and lots of great options, but here are 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 20 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 – it’s absolutely worth a visit! There are so many fabulous days out on offer and it’s such a beautiful part of the UK – we had a fantastic time exploring and will definitely be back. You can find a base for your holiday here: 15 Best Holiday Parks in Cornwall for Families.

We try to travel on a budget so, if you’re looking to explore the UK and Europe with kids in an affordable way, have a browse around the blog for tips, guides and reviews. You can follow our travels on Facebook, Instagram and Tiktok. Have a great time! 😍