The best things to do in Cornwall with kids

Cornwall is the perfect holiday destination for families with kids. Cornwall has a bit of everything, with its world-class beaches and spectacular coastlines, to its award-winning attractions.

To help you ensure that your whole family is entertained, we have listed the best attractions, outdoor adventures, and events that cater to children and parents alike that you can enjoy during a stay at our Cornwall holiday park.

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

• Eden Project
• National Maritime Museum
• St Michael’s Mount
• Newquay Zoo
• Lost Gardens of Heligan
• Bodmin Moor
• Blue Reef Aquarium
• The National Seal Sanctuary
• Pirate’s QUEST
• Kayak around Cornwall’s coast
• Go surfing
• Other things to do in Cornwall with the kids

Eden Project

A former disused China clay pit east of St Austell, The Eden Project has transformed into one of the country’s most popular attractions and most iconic sights.

The Eden Project has been dubbed the Eighth Wonder of the World, with its staggering biomes – the largest geodesic conservatories in the world – housing tropical gardens and environments.

Explore the world’s largest captive rainforest with magical waterfalls and dense jungles, sample some of the finest locally sourced food in the restaurants and cafes, walk around the quaint gardens and even try ice skating and zip lining.

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National Maritime Museum

A must-visit museum in Cornwall, the National Maritime Museum in Falmouth features 15 galleries spread across five floors, exploring the profound influence of the sea on history and culture.

The attraction brings the wonders of the sea to life, and the museum offers hands-on exhibits that turn maritime history into an adventure for all ages. Kids can climb aboard life rafts in the RNLI Rescue Zone, let their imaginations run wild in the Skull Island Pirate Play Zone, and explore marine life up close in the Tidal Zone.

Seasonal activities, such as shadow puppet shows, craft workshops, and themed trails, add extra excitement, while the major exhibition, SURF! celebrates Cornwall’s surfing heritage with interactive displays and creative fun.

St Michael’s Mount

One place that stands out as a landmark in Cornish mythology is St Michael’s Mount. Here you and your children can walk in the footsteps of giants.

The legend of Jake the Giant Killer is one of the most popular in Cornish folklore. Cormoran, the giant, terrorised the land as he stole cattle and made the Mount his home. Jack, from Marazion – the town that looks out at the Mount from the mainland – decided to rid the area of the beast.

On a moonlit night, he walked across the cobbled causeway and laid a trap. Luring out Cormoran with his horn, the giant ran out to grab Jack before falling into the trap. Follow Jack’s intrepid adventure and discover all that the Mount has to offer with your kids for a special day out.

The historic castle is also home to a medieval church and spectacular gardens. It’s truly a fascinating place for kids to visit and explore.

Newquay Zoo

Newquay Zoo spans 13 acres of lush sub-tropical gardens, allowing you to journey through the wildlife kingdom, from the African Savanna to the Tropical House, and bring you face-to-face with more than 130 species of rare and magnificent animals.

Since opening in 1969, it has grown from a small local attraction into one of Cornwall’s most popular destinations and a leading conservation charity.

Your kids will be able to witness African lions, red pandas, Hoffmann’s sloths and many more while knowing that you are helping to aid in the conservation of these animals.

The zoo also offers family-friendly features like play areas, animal experiences, and themed gardens, making it a perfect day out for all ages.

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Lost Gardens of Heligan

The Lost Gardens of Heligan, near Mevagissey in Cornwall, is one of Britain’s most enchanting estates and Europe’s largest garden restoration project. These gardens were abandoned after World War I, but were restored in the 1990s after decades of neglect.

Today, Heligan is a living museum of Victorian horticulture, featuring themed areas such as the Pleasure Grounds, the Italian Garden, and the famous Jungle, which is a sub-tropical paradise with giant tree ferns, bamboo tunnels, and the iconic Burmese Rope Bridge.

The Lost Gardens of Heligan is an adventure playground for kids, where they can roam through woodland trails, climb and slide in the play area, and walk across raised boardwalks and a rope bridge. You can also visit the farm at the Lost Garden of Heligan and meet rare breed farm animals, from Tamworth pigs to Ruby Red cows.

Bodmin Moor

If you and your kids love the great outdoors, then the 80-square-mile rugged granite upland of Bodmin Moor is a must-visit. Designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the dramatic tors, such as Brown Willy and Rough Tor, rise above sweeping moorland that is dotted with prehistoric monuments, stone circles, and medieval clapper bridges.

There are numerous easy trails to waterfalls, such as Golitha Falls, making it a great destination for wildlife spotting, with ponies and birds being a particular highlight.

The moor also provides safe, open spaces for walking and picnicking, while nearby attractions, such as Siblyback Lake, offer watersports and cycle paths.

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Blue Reef Aquarium

Discover the wonders of life beneath the waves while staying dry at the Blue Reef Aquarium. Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and perched on Towan Beach in Newquay, the aquarium leads you on a visually spectacular underwater safari.

Over 40 displays cover the waters around Cornwall’s coast and more tropical climates, offering encounters with numerous marine species from the tranquil seahorse to the fierce piranha. Venture through a 250,000-litre ocean tank with the underwater tunnel, which presents a 180-degree view of the exhibit, or visit the Blue Reef Nursery and see baby marine animals develop.

The National Seal Sanctuary

Seals are one of the finest sights around our seas and coasts. With numerous populations of grey seals in the wild, you won’t be hard pressed to see them in Cornwall, but if you want to get up close to them, pay a visit to the National Seal Sanctuary.

With a picturesque backdrop of the Helford River, the 40-acre sanctuary is a dedicated site for the rehabilitation of seals and other marine mammals. You and your kids can enjoy the playful nature of the otters and penguins, while meeting the seal and sea lion population and learning about their rescues and stories.

Pirate’s QUEST

Immerse yourself in a swashbuckling, walk-through experience that takes you back through the history of Cornwall’s smuggling past and infamous pirates at Pirate’s Quest. You and your crewmates will discover the fascinating legends of the Cornish coast, with stories of mermaids, Bolster the giant and their pirates.

Combining brilliant theatrical performances, special effects, 360-degree sets, all in an authentic and engaging setting, set sail for Pirate’s Quest in Newquay for a totally unique day out.

Kayak around Cornwall’s coast

With over 290 miles of coastline and an extensive range of waterways, one of the best ways to discover Cornwall is by kayak. Encounter Cornwall gives you the tools to do just that, as you kayak and paddleboard your way down the Fowey Estuary.

David Johns from Encounter Cornwall, who offer kayak and paddleboard tours down the Fowey Estuary, spoke to us about the trips and the beautiful location:

“The kayak trips are an ideal introduction to Fowey’s sheltered tidal waters, and are suitable for both families and those new to kayaking. We also hire to experienced paddlers. Explore its creeks and backwaters on the high tide – or on the low tide, venture down to view its wildlife and historic waterfronts. On both trips you will be paddling through an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and a Marine Conservation Area teeming with wildlife that includes kingfishers, herons, egrets, cormorants, various waders and if you’re lucky a seal or dolphin.”

Go surfing

When visiting Cornwall, you have to try your hand at surfing. It is a must-try activity for anyone visiting the area, as thousands from around the UK and indeed the globe flock to its shores for some of the best waves in the country.

Kingsurf Surf School is fortunate to have Mawgan Porth on its doorstep. Peter Abell from Kingsurf was happy to tell us why you need to learn with them and why surfing is the ultimate activity for kids in Cornwall:

“Kingsurf Surf School was one of the first surf schools to operate in the Newquay area and is now celebrating its 14th successful year as a B.S.A Surfing GB-approved surf school.

“We are passionate about our sport and love to see more and more people enjoying it. We are a surf school for all levels of ability, from complete beginners to advanced surf coaching. Whatever level you may be, we guarantee you will leave full of enthusiasm and fresh knowledge. We are extremely lucky to have Mawgan Porth as a location for our surf school, as it is one of the few beaches in Newquay that receives surf all year round!”

The pristine beach and superb surf at Mawgan Porth, the smaller brother of well-known Fistral beach, make it one of the best places to learn in the county.

“At Kingsurf Surf School, we pride ourselves on our high standard of customer service and personal care. Whether you are here for a day’s fun or a major change in lifestyle, you can be confident of being extremely well looked after by our approachable and friendly staff.”

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Other attractions to visit in Cornwall with the kids

• Paradise Park Wildlife Sanctuary
• Screech Owl Sanctuary
• Healeys Cornish Cyder Farm 
• Camel Creek 
• Lappa Valley 
• Rent a bike with Camel Trail Cycle Hire and ride along the iconic Camel Trail

The top things to do in Cornwall with kids

There are endless things to do in Cornwall. Whether you’re an adult looking for a quiet break in the county, or a young family hoping to keep the kids interested. You are never going to be short of things to do, places to go and things to try on your holiday to Cornwall.

Regarded as one of the best caravan sites in Looe, Cornwall, you can book to stay with us and visit some of these amazing attractions.