When it comes to family activities, Cornwall is an absolute treasure trove of places to go and things to do. Alongside the action-packed attractions, kids will love exploring the many award-winning beaches and learning about Cornwall’s rich history and legendary heritage.
The Best Family-Friendly Attractions in Cornwall
Here are some of our favourite places to visit with children when holidaying in Cornwall. We’ve picked out just a handful here, but the beauty of Cornwall is that you’re never too far from fun and adventure!
- Eden Project
- Hangloose Adventure
- National Maritime Museum
- Dairyland Farm Park
- Wild Futures’ Monkey Sanctuary
- Flambards Theme Park
- Lost Gardens of Heligan
- Lappa Valley Steam Railway
- Trerice
- St Michael’s Mount
1. The Eden Project, near St Austell
With its giant bubble-like biomes, The Eden Project is an iconic Cornish attraction that’s a great day out for all ages. With various themed zones and outdoor gardens filled with wondrous plants and educational resources, there’s plenty to explore. There is also a natural adventure play area bursting with different areas for hours of sensory and imaginative play.
The Eden Project by James T M Towill / CC BY-SA 2.0
2. Hangloose Adventure, near St Austell
Also housed on the vast Eden Project site is Hangloose Adventure, which offers a range of adrenaline-filled activities that provide thrill after thrill. Ideal for slightly older kids, here you can test your head for heights with the Skywire zip wire, giant swing, aerial obstacle course and more. Enjoy fantastic views from above all while experiencing an unbeatable rush!
Hangloose Adventure, Eden Project by Ian Capper / CC BY-SA 2.0
3. National Maritime Museum Cornwall, Falmouth
Learn all about Cornwall’s ties to the sea at this fantastic interactive and family-friendly museum. Located on Falmouth’s harbour, this is a great activity if you’re out and about in the town and looking for something to do. Discover a range of intriguing exhibits, including insight into pirates and treasure. Younger kids will love the Skull Island soft play area where they can imagine themselves as mischievous pirates sailing the seas.
National Maritime Museum Cornwall – Monsters of the Deep exhibition by Mgiganteus1 / CC BY-SA 4.0
4. Dairyland Farm Park, Newquay
Children will have an absolute blast at Dairyland Farm Park. The adventure park has various indoor and outdoor activities, ensuring there’s never a dull moment. Animal lovers will have a great time meeting the farm’s residents, including ponies, cows, sheep, pigs, llamas, rabbits and guinea pigs. Along with the farmyard, there’s plenty of fun to be had at the indoor play zone, trampolines, tractor rides and more.
5. Wild Futures’ Monkey Sanctuary, Looe
Another one for animal enthusiasts, the Monkey Sanctuary cares for a range of rescued monkeys, providing visitors with the opportunity to learn more about them and how they’re cared for. There are around 40 individuals at the sanctuary, each with distinct personalities that you’ll get to see. Residents include marmosets, long-tailed macaques, capuchin, barbary and woolly monkeys. Along with the monkey enclosures, little ones can have fun exploring the wild play area and wildlife gardens.
A woolly monkey at the Monkey Sanctuary, near Looe, in Cornwall by Nilfanion / CC BY-SA 3.0
6. Flambards Theme Park, Helston
This theme park is packed with exciting things to do for all the family. Family-friendly attractions and rides include the log flume, dodgems, drop tower, carousel and more. If you’re visiting with younger kids, head to Ferdi’s Funland for fun rides better suited to little ones, including an indoor soft play area. Other intriguing indoor attractions include model Victorian and WW2 streets and scenes, allowing you to step back in time.
Helston: Flambards by Lewis Clarke / CC BY-SA 2.0
7. Lost Gardens of Heligan, near St Austell
For a fulfilling day out appreciating nature, the Lost Gardens of Heligan are ideal. With 200 acres of gardens, grounds and a jungle, there are lots of unique plants and stunning scenes to enjoy that you won’t get anywhere else in the UK. Explore the iconic jungle rope bridge, woodland sculptures and Helgian Play Meadow (Cornwall’s largest outdoor playground) for a memorable day out.
The Lost Gardens of Heligan Rope Bridge by Mr Eugene Birchall / CC BY-SA 2.0
8. Lappa Valley Steam Railway, near Newquay
There’s something particularly charming about old steam trains, and the Lappa Valley Steam Railway just outside of Newquay offers an especially good day out for families. Enjoy a picturesque train journey through quintessential Cornish countryside before arriving in a world of fun and adventure. Along with the main railway, there are two miniature train rides that kids will love, as well as the Engine Shed indoor soft play, adventure golf, the boating lake, various outdoor play parks and plenty of space to roam.
A miniature train at Lappa Valley Steam Railway by Rod Allday / CC BY-SA 2.0
9. Trerice, near Newquay
Travel back in time to this Elizabethan manor house and garden managed by the National Trust. Curious kids will love learning about the house’s history and collections, getting a feel of what it would’ve been like to live in Tudor times. There are various Tudor games to have a go at as well as costumes to try on for a fantastically immersive way to learn about the past. You can also try one of the Tudors’ favourite pastimes: archery – the perfect way to test your aim and start up a bit of friendly competition (in a safe environment).
The East Front of Trerice Manor by Rod Allday / CC BY-SA 2.0
10. St Michael’s Mount, Marazion
Perched on a rocky island out from Marazion in South Cornwall is the iconic castle of St Michael’s Mount. The historic buildings and grounds here have a fairytale-like quality, making it an ideal place for adventure and exploration. The castle is full of little slices of history from over the centuries. The sub-tropical gardens are also a delight and provide loads of fun as you explore the unlikely plants. Depending on the tide, you can either walk across the famous cobbled causeway or take the island boat.
St Michael’s Mount by Werner Wilmes / CC BY-SA 2.0
Whatever you want to get up to, there are so many places in Cornwall that’ll make for a memorable family day out!
Still looking for somewhere to stay on your Cornish adventure? Our luxury family holiday park in Cornwall provides the ideal base and place to relax after a day of excitement and exploration.
For even more inspiration on what to do, check out our top places to visit in Cornwall for free, all within close proximity of us at The Valley.
