50 things to do in Cornwall with kids. We love our Cornish adventures. There’s something about this beautiful county that conjures up timeless images of ice creams by the beach, rockpooling, running through wild gardens and the Cornish sun forever shining. There’s a timeless quality to Cornwall that calls us back time and time again. And we have a bucket list as long as our arms and legs of fun activities to enjoy there. So here are our 50 things to do for kids in Cornwall with lots of rainy day options too. If you’re looking for indoor activities Cornwall has plenty all listed below. How many of these things to do in Cornwall for kids have you done?
Print out our free printable at the bottom of the page to keep track of your own Cornish travels and all the things to do with kids in Cornwall that you want to tick off.
👩💻 About the author – Nichola is a family travel expert and has written for The Guardian, The Telegraph, Lonely Planet Magazine and Wanderlust, amongst many others. She’s spent over a decade travelling the world with her children, finding the best places for you to explore too.
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Table of Contents
1. National Maritime Museum Cornwall, Falmouth
This is such an inspiring place to take kids of all ages. With boats filling the main hall from Ben Ainslie’s gold-medal winning one from the 2012 Olympics to those that did so in the 1930s.
There are fascinating stories and artifacts everywhere.
The National Maritime Museum Cornwall also has other exhibitions on through the year. So it is jam-packed with interesting sights.
And you only need to visit once to get an annual membership.
Find out more here.
2. Take a trip to Land’s End
There’s something awe-inspiring about being at the very end of the British mainland. At Land’s End, a craggy coastline filled with legend and mystery.
The area is known for its wildlife and wonderful coastal scenery. But there are also events on here including a visitor’s centre.
Have your photo taken next to the famous Land’s End sign post (you can even have part of the signpost changed to have your family’s name there which is a great souvenir to take home).
This is also a lovely place to spot Cornish wildlife from including some of the country’s best sea birds.
3. Tate St Ives
Tate St Ives is a great day out in Cornwall and in the beautiful town of St Ives. So perfect to explore there while you’re visiting.
Jam packed with inspiring artwork they go out of their way to make it accessible to kids. With trails and activities throughout the gallery.
This is a great place to get children interested in and inspired by art.
Get your skip-the-line tickets here.
4. Lanhydrock- one of the best things to do in Cornwall with kids
There are a number of National Trust properties in Cornwall but our favourite has to be Lanhydrock. In fact, it’s our favourite National Trust houses anywhere.
Lanhydrock is the most evocative setting and with over 50 rooms open to the public it’s strangely bewitching.
You can walk through the children’s nursery, sit in the school room and wander through the servant’s kitchens. All of which feel as if the occupants have just briefly left the room.
We love it here and come back year after year.
Find out more about Lanhydrock here.
5. The Lost Gardens of Heligan – things to do in Cornwall for kids
If you want to get lost in a world of adventure and wildlife then the Lost Gardens of Heligan are for you.
Near St Austell lies this wonderful land to be discovered including the most beautiful sculptures, amazing rope bridges to cross and wildlife to spot (including some of Heligan’s resident animals).
This has to be one of the country’s best playgrounds with over 200 acres of gardens to explore.
Families are more than welcome here too with trails throughout the grounds and plenty of seasonal activities.
Scramble over amazingly long rope bridges or clamber over creative wooden forts.
This will be one garden the kids (or you) won’t want to leave.
Find out more here.
6. Cotehele
This is another great Cornish National Trust property.
This Medieval house tells the story of the Cotehele family who lived here for 600 years. And it has some fantastic grounds to run around as well as the house itself to explore.
Kids will love the mill which has baking demonstrations as well as showing how the mill works.
There are regular exhibitions on here and some brilliant trails which kids can follow (including a fun Bird Bingo game to enjoy).
As well as a restaurant and tea room making it a really full family day out.
Find out more here.
7. Charlestown for treasure hunting and spotting film locations
Charlestown is one of my favourite little Cornish fishing villages.
It’s somewhere I’ve been visiting for the last twenty five years and I love it as much for its sunny days watching the local children jumping off the harbour wall into the sea, as I do in the winter when the waves crash against the rocks.
It’s evocative and picturesque and it’s easy to see why Poldark filmed here.
Come for walks around the cove, skimming the beautifully flat stones and imagining shipwreckers of the past.
8. Pencarrow
This house sits at the foot of a valley between Bodmin and Wadebridge. It’s a family home that has been in the same family, the Molesworths, since the 1500s.
The house itself is great to explore (and there are lots of little toy mice to spot, making it a fun trail through the house). But on a sunny day in particular the gardens are absolutely beautiful and wonderful to run around and enjoy.
With an Iron Age hill fort, sunken Italian Garden with a quatrefoil fountain, ice house, palm house, ancient Cornish cross and a grotto, which is believed to have been a secret meeting place this is a great place to take in that beautiful Cornish air.
Find out more here.
9. Old Macdonald’s Farm, Porthcothan– things to do in Cornwall with kids
Old MacDonald’s Farm is a wonderful family attraction near Padstow. This family-run park is packed with things to do for little ones, combining friendly farm animals with plenty of fun activities. Children can get up close to goats, donkeys, rabbits, and more, with opportunities to feed and learn about them in a safe, welcoming setting.
Alongside the animals there’s crazy golf, a play barn, trampolines, and tractor rides that make it easy to spend a whole day here. Families will love the relaxed, personal feel – it never gets too crowded and everything is designed with younger children in mind.
There’s also a café serving hearty Cornish snacks, and a picnic area if you prefer to bring your own. Old MacDonald’s Farm is a cheerful and hands-on way for kids to enjoy Cornwall’s countryside while having loads of fun.
Find out more here.
10. Wheal Martyn – 50 things to do in Cornwall with kids
This is the UK’s only china clay museum and country park. And it’s a seriously fun day out for all the family.
There are over 26 acres of woodland walks, nature trails, Cornwall’s largest waterwheel, Victorian clay works and a brilliant children’s play area with mini tractors to ride, swings and rope bridges to cross.
They have seasonal activities and fun events for all the family to take part in.
You also get 12 months access with one ticket so this is a great option if you’re staying in the area for a while or likely to be returning to Cornwall.
Find out more here.
11. Eden Project
No Cornish bucket list would be complete without The Eden Project in it.
We love our trips to Eden, from our very first visit in the first year it opened to the various trips back over the years, watching it grow.
They have lots of seasonal activities, particularly around Halloween and Christmas. But the summer really is a wonderful time to stroll through the grounds and see everything in bloom.
The Eden Project holds a special place in our hearts and we love supporting it.
Read our review of the Eden Project for kids.
Get your skip-the-line tickets here.
12. Bodmin & Wenford Railway
We love an opportunity to climb on board a real steam train. And at Bodmin & Wenford’s you pay once and can travel all day.
This is a great chance to see some of the countryside from on board. And kids of all ages love the chance to step back in time.
Another great place in Cornwall to take your kids.
Find out more here.
13. Tintagel Castle
Explore the legend of King Arthur at the spectacular Tintagel Castle.
Kids will love running through the ruins and the tales brought to life by all the events taking place throughout the year.
This has to be one of our favourite castles in the UK, it’s just so evocative.
Find our more here.
14. Blue Reef Aquarium, Newquay
Perfect for a rainy day the Blue Reef aquarium can transport you from the Cornish waters to tropical ones in a couple of hours.
They have turtles, jellyfish and a fantastic underwater tunnel from where you can spot sharks amongst many other sea creatures.
This is a great rainy day activity in Cornwall to take your kids to, as well as a sunny one.
Find out more here.
Rainy day option
15. Telegraph Museum Porthcurno – things to do in Cornwall for kids
The Telegraph Museum in Porthcurno is somewhere to find out how Cornwall shaped the world in terms of communication.
From 1870 this location sent and delivered messages all over the world using underwater cables.
At the museum you can follow your own trail, perfect for kids and you can also find out about Morse Code.
Adventurous children will love to climb down into the tunnels from the Second World War.
Find out more here.
16. The Minack Theatre
This theatre in Porthcurno really is a very special place.
Sit and enjoy an open air performance, and there are plenty especially for children. Or have some cake in the cafe and enjoy the fantastic views.
This is a really special, one-off place in Cornwall to take your kids.
Find out more here.
17. Rockpooling around the Cornish coastline
Cornish beaches are beautiful and one of our favourite activities is to go rockpooling.
Kids can spend the longest time with a net and bucket searching for crabs and shrimp. And there’s something about Cornish beaches that are just unlike any others across the world.
We love them.
18. Cornish Seal Sanctuary
This is Europe’s leading seal rescue centre and is in Gweek, Helston.
You can discover more about the rescued seals and their stories. Also see behind the scenes at the seal hospital and visit the Cornish Coast Experience to find out more about what lives amongst the rocks in this wonderful county.
Find out more here.
19. Trerice
We have a real soft spot for this National Trust House near Newquay. Here you can get to try out Tudor games such as ‘kayling’ in the gardens, try on Tudor armour and explore this beautiful house.
One of our first trips to Cornwall with our oldest when he was a baby was to Trerice. It’s a great place to return to.
Find out more here.
20. St Michael’s Mount – 50 things to do in Cornwall with kids
Kids will delight in crossing the causeway either on foot or by boat as the tide comes in. And once on the National Trust-run St Michael’s Mount there’s so much to see.
Run around the castle and find about the history of the island through villagers’ own stories.
St Michael’s Mount is a really evocative place to visit and a great place in Cornwall to take your kids.
Find out more here.
21. The National Lobster Hatchery
This marine conservation and education charity, while helping save the lobsters, is also a great day out.
You can see the young lobsters who are getting ready to be released alongside some of the giant lobsters that live here full-time.
You can also sign up for special meet the experts experiences.
A really fun, different trip out.
Find out more here.
22. Jamaica Inn
I grew up listening to Jamaica Inn by Daphne Du Maurier on cassette during car journeys. Although it’s more than a little touristy I love taking my children to the actual place where it’s set.
Jamaica Inn stands out on the moors and as well as going inside and imagining horse hooves clattering their way to the front door on the cobblestones at the front we love trips out around the moorland here. It feels perfectly bleak and full of tales of smugglers long gone.
23. Ferdi’s Indoor Play – one of the top things to do in Cornwall with kids
Ferdi’s Indoor Play in Newquay is a brilliant spot for children to let off steam, especially on those inevitable rainy Cornish days.
Bright, colourful, and designed with fun in mind, this large indoor soft play centre has everything from climbing frames and slides to tunnels and ball pits.
It’s safe, clean, and welcoming, making it ideal for toddlers right through to older kids who love a challenge. Parents will appreciate the on-site café, which serves good coffee, light meals, and snacks – perfect for grabbing a breather while the children burn off their energy.
There’s also free Wi-Fi and comfortable seating, so adults can relax while keeping an eye on the play zones. Ferdi’s is an easy, stress-free option that guarantees smiles and plenty of tired legs by the end of the visit. Whether you’re local or visiting on holiday, it’s a fantastic family-friendly activity in Newquay.
Find out more here.
24. Lappa Valley Steam Railway
Steam railways are just so timeless so it is perfect that there are a couple of them in Cornwall.
Lappa Valley’s steam Railway has lots of fun with a play fort, pirate ship and crazy golf. As well as a trip on the railway itself.
Another great day out in Cornwall to take your kids to.
Find out more here.
25. Newquay Zoo – things to do in Cornwall for kids
There are over a thousand animals in Newquay’s Zoo. Which is also a leading conservation charity.
There are keeper talks throughout the day and you can watch animals being fed at set times too.
Find out more here.
26. Geevor Tin Mine
Tin mining is such an intrinsic part of Cornwall’s history. To see it first-hand is to understand a little more about this county.
At Geevor Tin Mine, one of the last mines to work in the area, you can go deep underground. Into this 18th century mine and also get interactive in the museum.
Kids will love the chance to pan for their own gold and gems.
Find out more here.
27. Kayak around Frenchman’s Creek
There’s something about seeing this part of the Cornwall from the water. And Frenchman’s Creek in particular is a wonderful area to explore by boat.
We took Kayaks out with Koru Kayaking who were brilliant. Pointing out wildlife we came across and making it a really fun adventure for our kids.
Find out more here.
28. Healeys Cornish Cyder Farm- things to do in Cornwall with kids
I know, it doesn’t sound particularly family-friendly but Healeys really is.
There are farm animals to visit, fun tractor rides to be had and cream teas for everyone (with lashing of Cornish cream).
Of course for the grown ups there are also tastings, a chance to find out how the cider is made and lots of opportunities to take home your own barrel of the golden stuff too.
What’s not to love?
Find out more here.
29. The Royal Cornwall Museum
This museum in Truro is a great place to spend some time. Particularly since kids go free and adult tickets last for a whole year.
There is plenty here to keep both children and adults entertained. And they have some brilliant exhibitions that regularly change.
So lots to return for too.
Find out more here.
30. Pirate Quest – 50 things to do in Cornwall with kids
Based in Newquay this is perfect for taking a swashbuckling voyage through Cornwall’s pirate past.
This is a really interactive experience which will take you right into the heart of this bloodthirsty part of the region’s history. And kids and adults alike will love it.
Find out more here.
31. Cornish Birds of Prey
This is a wonderful place for children to learn about these gorgeous creatures.
It has the largest collection of bids of prey in Cornwall and some great kids play areas.
With experience days, nature walks and flying displays it’s a fun trip out.
Find out more here.
32. Pendennis Castle
We love this Tudor Cornish castle. Standing high over Falmouth and filled with dark brooding.
It’s a great place to run around the grounds and see the secret alleyways and cannons pointing out to sea, protecting this rocky bit of land.
Find out more here.
33. Whale watching from Falmouth
There are a number of boats operating out of Falmouth. It’s the perfect opportunity to see some of the wonderful wildlife around.
Check the guidelines as some are for children over six and others over 10. But they are a great chance to see whales, dolphins and basking sharks amongst others.
Find whale watching trips from Falmouth here.
34. Trebah Gardens
This is one of our favourite gardens in Cornwall. And a lovely trip out for all members of the family.
There is a wonderful playground and beautiful gardens that wind their way down to the sweetest little beach with crystal clear water. Perfect for paddling and a spot of ice cream eating.
You can read our review of Trebah gardens here.
Find out more here.
35. Porfell Wildlife Park & Sanctuary – things to do in Cornwall for kids
Porfell is Cornwall’s largest exotic animal sanctuary and makes for a wonderful family day out. The park rescues and cares for animals from around the world, many of which have been given a safe forever home after being abandoned or mistreated. Children will love seeing lemurs, meerkats, zebras, and monkeys, alongside traditional farm animals. There’s also the Maasai Village, which offers a fascinating glimpse into African culture, adding an educational twist to the visit.
It’s very much a hands-on, relaxed place to explore, with opportunities for younger children to get close to animals in the petting areas. The park is also quieter and less commercial than some of Cornwall’s larger attractions, giving families the space to wander at their own pace. It’s a perfect mix of fun, conservation, and learning, all set in the beautiful Cornish countryside.
Find out more here.
36. The Museum of Witchcraft and Magic
This is probably somewhere best suited to older children and teenagers and is absolutely fascinating.
Set in the lovely village of Boscastle this museum contains the world’s largest collection of items relating to witchcraft and the occult.
It’s a bit graphic in places but an intriguing look into this often dark period of history.
Find out more here.
37. Camel Creek Adventure Park
This park near Wadebridge is fun for kids of all ages.
They have visiting exhibitions from characters such as Peppa Pig and Teenage Ninja. And it has everything from thrill rides to hundreds of animals.
There are over 35 acres of outside play areas and also 40,000 square feet of indoor play if the weather should turn.
Find out more here.
38. Screech Owl & Wildlife Park- things to do in Cornwall with kids
This contains the largest collection of owls in the southwest.
Visit this wildlife park on Goss Moor for fun talks, animal encounters, flying displays and feeding sessions.
As well as owls there are ponies, raccoons and alpacas amongst others.
Find out more here.
39. Tanglewood Wild Gardens
This is a wonderful place to get back to nature.
Definitely different to the usual manicured, more formal gardens. This is somewhere to really get back to basics, look around for the wild life that lives naturally here and sit and enjoy a picnic and family time.
Find out more here.
40. Tregothnan – 50 things to do in Cornwall with kids
Anywhere that makes British tea has to be a special place.
You can book experiences at Tregothnan where you can find out more about the tea growing, or you can just visit the pretty wonderful cafe. And kids will love to pick up their own tea plants here to grow the leaves in the garden at home.
Find out more here.
41. Bodmin Jail
Bodmin Jail is one of Cornwall’s most atmospheric and fascinating attractions, offering a mix of history, drama, and just the right amount of spookiness to keep kids entertained. Originally built in the 18th century, the jail housed some of Cornwall’s most notorious criminals and has been carefully restored to bring its stories vividly to life. Families can explore the chilling cells, hear about real-life prisoners, and discover what daily life was like behind bars.
The attraction is very interactive, with immersive exhibitions that use light, sound, and storytelling to really capture the imagination. There’s also a fascinating section on crime and punishment through the ages, which older children will find particularly eye-opening. If your little ones are into gruesome tales and ghostly goings-on, the jail has a definite spine-tingling edge! Bodmin Jail perfectly balances education with entertainment, making it a brilliant stop on any Cornish adventure with kids.
Find out more here.
42. Bude Sea Pool
This is a great introduction for kids to (almost) wild swimming.
The pool has been open since the 1930s and is available for townspeople as well as visitors to the area. And it’s a great opportunity for families to get into the sea water to swim safely.
Find out more here.
43. Paradise Park
With over 650 birds and animals Paradise Park is a destination in itself.
You can see penguins and otters being fed, watch the free flying bird show or have fun in the numerous indoor and outdoor play areas.
Find out more here.
44. Glendurgan
This is a wonderful National Trust Garden. But what makes it really special is the brilliant maze (first planted in 1833) at the centre and the Giant’s Stride fun rope swing.
The gardens, near Falmouth, are a great, outdoors day out. There’s a lovely beach at the bottom too.
Find out more here.
45. Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens – things to do in Cornwall for kids
This is a relatively new attraction in Cornwall which combines gardens with contemporary art installations.
There’s a really good cafe. And it’s an interesting place to get kids thinking about modern art sculptures in an engaging way.
Find out more here.
46. The Hidden Valley Discovery Park
Near Launceston this park is a nice mix of experiences.
From a fun maze to a train ride on the Porterswick Junction Light Railway. We love the look of the Sherlock Holmes Trail where you have to decode clues around the grounds.
Find out more here.
47. Padstow for pasties
You can’t take a trip to Cornwall without having a pasty. They are something we always make time for, at least once over a weekend away.
Our favourite pasty shop, having tried a few, is Chough‘s in Padstow. Visiting this lovely bakery gives a great opportunity for a wander round this beautiful Cornish fishing town.
While you’re there you should try the fudge in Joly’s too.
48. St Mawes Castle
This is one of the best-preserved of Henry VIII’s coastal artillery fortresses. And it’s also the most elaborately decorated.
It’s a great place to stare out to sea from and imagine the fear that would have been felt for a potential threat about to arrive from Catholic France or Spain.
Full of history and a great location, this is somewhere kids will love to explore.
Find out more here.
49. The Monkey Sanctuary
This sanctuary based at Looe is home to 36 rescued monkeys. Each very much a character.
There are play areas, bat zones and activity rooms but the stars of the show are most definitely the monkeys. Visiting them is not only a fun day out but also one that you know is doing good and supporting these creatures that haven’t had the best start in life.
Find out more here.
50. King Arthur’s Great Halls – 50 things to do in Cornwall with kids
This is a magical place in Tintagel to bring the legend of King Arthur alive.
The stained glass windows are breathtakingly beautiful and kids will love the opportunity to sit on the throne.
Find out more here.
We hope this has given you lots of inspiration for things to do in Cornwall with kids and also check out our post on the best places to stay in Cornwall with children here.
Check out our free printable
Print out our free printable here to keep track of your own Cornish travels. Click the image below to open the printable in a new window.
Frequently asked questions about things to do in Cornwall with kids
What can I do in Cornwall with kids that is free?
There are a number of things you can do in Cornwall with kids that are free. Or low cost. From our list above our favourites are:
- Go rockpooling
- Visit Lands End
- Walk around Jamaica Inn
- Visit Tregothnan Tea plantation
- Swim in Bude Sea Pool
- Have pasties in Padstow
What is there to do on a rainy day in Cornwall with kids?
There are lots of things to do on a rainy day in Cornwall with kids. Do check out our full list for all our ideas, but some. ofour favourites are:
- Lanhydrock
- Tate St Ives
- The Shipwreck Treasure Museum
- The National Maritime Museum
- Blue Reef Aquarium
- Camel Creek Adventure Park
- Bodmin Jail
- King Arthurs Great Hall
See our complete guide to the UK for kids for more information.
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What an incredible list! I too remember Jamaica Inn from my childhood. We haven’t been to Cornwall yet with the kids – perhaps it’s time, over the next 12 months.
Ah definitely time Nell! 🙂 It’s such a great place for kids, the beaches are beautiful and the moor really evocative. We love our trips there, my favourite are winter trips when it’s much quieter but it’s great in every season! Thank you! 🙂
Fantastic list! We had one of our best ever family holidays in Cornwall – so many great days-out, family-friendly restaurants, and simply spending time on the coast, pottering about in rockpools, those amazing views (Minack Theatre!) create some very special memories.
Thank you! And I agree, I adore Cornwall…I’m planning our next trip there at the moment, I can’t wait to get back there!
We went there last summer and it’s almost unbelievable how many great things there are to do in one county! Now I’ve seen your list (not sure why I didn’t spot it earlier) we’re going to have to go back again……