43 things to do in Cornwall with kids

I’ve lost track of how many times I’ve been to Cornwall – first as a child on family holidays with my own parents, then with friends and now back again with my own daughter to rediscover all the best things to do in Cornwall with kids.

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And no matter what time of year I’ve been, or who I’ve been with, I’ve always had a fabulous time. The only drawback (for me in London) is that it’s such a long drive – but the fact I keep returning just goes to show how tempting it is.

It’s famously family-friendly, with so many places to visit in Cornwall, from rainy days out, to free attractions and more family-friendly sites and activities – here are my top 43 things to do in Cornwall with kids to start you off.

Check out my complete guide to Cornwall with kids for more inspiration, as well as my downloadable ebook version of the guide

Cornwall with kids: Attractions with animals

Blue Reef Aquarium, Newquay

Sharks, turtles and a giant Pacific octopus are a few of the creatures you’ll find in 40 different habitats, with talks and feeding at this lovely beachfront aquarium – one of my favourite things to do in Newquay.

Check out my review of our visit with a toddler

You can wander through the ocean tunnel, spotting loggerhead turtles and reef sharks, as well as seeing some of the other unusual inhabitants, including pufferfish.

Set right on the seafront, it’s perfect if you want to team the beach with the chance to see beneath the waves – or if you find yourself looking for something to do on a rainy day in Cornwall.

Newquay Zoo

This award-winning zoo is home to hundreds of the world’s rarest and most exciting creatures, from creepy crawlies to big cats, as well as activity trails and a children’s play area.

You could see armadillos to zebra, as well as discovering the gardens – including the lovely Secret Garden – before being transported to the tropics and the south-east Asian jungle as you explore the different habitats.

It’s small enough not to be too overwhelming if you’re visiting Cornwall with a toddler, although at 13 acres, there’s still plenty to keep everyone entertained on a day out.

Paradise Park and JungleBarn, Hayle

The wildlife sanctuary is a bird lover’s paradise, with over 130 species ranging from local Cornish choughs to flamingos and toucans, plus red pandas and farm animals – don’t miss the penguin feeding too.

As well as wandering around to check out the animals, you can also hop onto the Jungle Express Train, which takes you on a small route around the grounds and some of the garden.

There’s also an indoor play area, including a toddler zone soft play and jungle theme – tickets include an option just to check out Paradise Park, or for a ticket which covers Junglebarn play and the animals, which is recommended for busy times.

Flicka Foundation Donkey Sanctuary

If your kids love animals, they’ll be in heaven at Flicka Foundation Donkey Sanctuary just outside Falmouth, home to more than 100 rescued donkeys (and a few ponies).

It’s free to enter and look around, although donations are welcome to help look after the donkeys – plus there’s a very tempting cafe to visit as well.

During the summer, they’ll be out in the paddocks with paths to take you past, while during the winter months you can visit them in their barn. The sanctuary isn’t open every day, so do check before you visit.

Cornish Seal Sanctuary, Gweek, Helston

Meet seals and sea lions at the sanctuary and rescue centre, as well as otters, penguins, sheep, ponies and goats at one of the quirkiest Cornwall attractions you’ll find.

As well as an interactive rockpool, there are talks and feeding times which take place throughout the day (so you can finally find out the difference between a seal and a sea lion) plus a quiz trail and pirate play area for kids.

The centre rehabilitates over 70 grey seal pups every season, as well as being home to others which need special care. It’s even dog-friendly if you’re travelling to Cornwall with the furry members of the family (as long as they’re kept on a lead).

Cornwall with kids: Theme parks & places to play

Camel Creek

Camel Creek is a great option if you’re looking for a theme park in Cornwall with a bit of everything – indoor and outdoor play, animals, a 5D theatre, various rides…

With gentle rides for little ones, including a carousel, plus more adventurous rollercoasters for slightly bigger thrill-seekers, it’s ideal if you’ve got children of different ages.

There’s soft play and the animal zones to explore too, so it’s another great option if there are showers forecast. Open year-round, there are special themed seasonal events too if you’re visiting around Halloween or Christmas. Prebooking tickets is recommended.

Camel Creek has replaced Crealy’s Adventure Park which used to be on this site. Cornwall’s other theme park, Flambards, closed in November 2024, while Dairyland Farm Park has also closed

Roarsome Play, Redruth

One of the largest indoor play areas is found just outside Redruth, with several different levels to let kids from age 0-11 have fun.

There’s 11,000 square feet of soft play to enjoy at Roarsome Play (previously Roar Jungle Play) as well as a cafe, plus there’s no time limit once you’re inside.

Pirate’s Quest Adventure Golf, Newquay

Journey back 300 years to the Golden Age of piracy, in the home of smugglers and buccaneers (and mermaids) with a family friendly adventure golf course with a twist.

At Pirate’s Quest Adventure Golf you’ll find 12 holes winding through the streets of 18th century Cornwall, as well as a chance to explore caves, discover local legends, search for a mermaid and pose in the stocks (as well as trying for a yo ho hole in one!)

The swashbuckling course is indoors too, in case you’re looking for things to do in Newquay in the rain.

While the previous interactive tour isn’t operating any more, kids still get treasure maps to search for pirate booty, plus a chance to learn more about Cornwall’s myths and legends.

For more ideas on what to do in Cornwall in the rain with kids, check out these suggestions to avoid the worst of the weather

Raze the Roof, Penryn

If your kids want to burn off some energy after sightseeing, Raze the Roof soft play in Penryn is only a 10-minute drive from Falmouth.

And as well as the usual soft play treats, this huge play area has a climbing wall, ball cannons, astro glide and a mega play frame, plus a separate safe space for the littest ones.

There’s a Virtual Reality Arena and Laser Tag as well for older kids too, perfect for a rainy day in Cornwall with kids.

Cornwall with kids: Family-friendly attractions

The Eden Project, St Austell

This astonishing global garden, tucked inside futuristic domed biomes, is home to the world’s largest indoor rainforest as well as interactive exhibits, a sensory garden and plants from around the globe.

It’s perfect for families too: as well as transporting yourself to the Mediterranean and into the rainforest, there are spaces to play, areas to get hands on and artworks to intrigue along the way.

Visit during school holidays and you’ll often find special exhibitions and extra activities at the Eden Project too.

See my review of a day out at the Eden Project with a preschooler.

Bodmin Jail, Bodmin

If your kids enjoy all things spooky, this 18th century jail is reputedly one of the most haunted places in Britain – so better for older kids, who love their rainy days spiced up with a little shiver of fright than for younger children (it’s not buggy-friendly either).

Recently renovated with new attractions coming, there are six levels to explore, from the dank cells and harsh punishments, as well as the execution pit and special exhibitions. Less gruesomely, the jail has also kept the Domesday Book and Crown Jewels safe.

Book tickets to Bodmin Jail and the Dark Walk with free cancellation here

Cornwall with kids: Castles, historic houses and heritage sites

Pendennis Castle, Falmouth

One of the mightiest fortresses built by Henry VIII to defend against invasion, Pendennis Castle looms on the headland just outside Falmouth.

You can explore the castle keep at the English Heritage site, as well as gazing out at the views from the top of the Tudor keep, trying family activities and exploring the old buildings, including exhibitions from the Victorian and First World War eras.

There’s also soft play and a ferry over to the nearby castle at St Mawes, if one isn’t enough!

Plan your visit for the right day and you can even see guns being fired, including Tudor replicas as well as Edwardian and Second World War models which would have been used to protect the coast.

Tintagel Castle, Tintagel

Dramatic and rugged, the clifftop ruins come with legends galore, particularly the tale that it’s the birthplace of King Arthur – and you’ll find Merlin’s Cave nearby.

Best with older children who can manage the vertiginous steps, Tintagel Castle is one of the most memorable castle sites in Cornwall – even crossing the bridge is magical, while there’s a sculpture of the Once and Future King on the cliffs.

If you’re worried that ruins aren’t going to capture your kids’ attention, there’s also an exhibition to bring the castle to life, tracing its history, the key figures who’ve been linked with it, and how its legends have inspired them.

St Michael’s Mount

A visit to St Michael’s Mount is like stepping into another world, where you can walk medieval paths, explore the castle and discover the village and harbour, including guided tours to learn more about life on this little island.

As you wander around the village, imagine what life is like for the 30 islanders who still call it home – the tours also share more of its history as well as stories about the families who live on the Mount. At some points of the year, you can explore a little for free, but otherwise it’s paid.

At low tide you can stroll across the causeway to reach the island (following in the footsteps of giants, so legend says) or hop on a boat to speed over from Marazion, also home to one of the loveliest beaches in Cornwall.

Lanhydrock, Bodmin

One of several National Trust properties in Cornwall, Lanhydrock is a great option for a rainy day with kids – as well as the usual expansive grounds and outdoors activities (including an adventure playground), there are children’s trails to explore inside the house as well.

Designed to let you experience Victorian life, from the servants’ quarters and kitchens to the more luxurious rooms the family lived in, you can even take a peek inside the nurseries.

Cotehele, near Saltash

This Tudor manor house is another great option for day out in Cornwall with kids – there’s a free children’s trail to follow through the rooms, with stickers to collect along the way, and various activities taking place throughout the year.

You could make postcards, inspired by the medieval manor’s gardens and wartime history, before finding out more about nature and wildlife in the Discover Centre.

Or wander to the Mill (spot the pisky doors on the way), where the waterwheel may be turning – watch flour being milled on Thursdays and Sundays.

Tintagel Old Post Office, Tintagel

First built over 600 years ago, the original farmhouse has been expanded and changed over the centuries as family after family lived inside its walls.

Finally transformed into the village’s letter-receiving office, you can explore the five rooms as well as try traditional crafts or follow the history trail as you explore.

Trerice, near Newquay

This 16th century manor is a great place to explore on a rainy day, with traditional games to play in the house’s great chamber and mice to spot around the house.

There’s also the chance to try your hand at brass rubbings of the family which once lived at Trerice and dressing up in Tudor costumes.

Ourdoors, you could try playing the traditional Cornish game of kayles, or exploring the knot garden.

Cornwall mining heritage

Geevor Tin Mine, near Penzance

One of the largest preserved mine sites in the country, it’s the perfect place to understand Cornwall’s mining history including an 18th century underground tour and the chance to pan for minerals.

Along the way, there are interactive exhibits in the museum as well as the chance to see areas preserved when the mine was closed, plus extra family activities during the year.

Any Poldark fans will recognise Wheal Leisure if they do venture out for a short walk along the cliffs – plus there’s also a VR tour to give extra access to parts of the mine workings, and to make the experience more accessible.

If you want to discover more of Cornwall’s industrial and mining history, Wheal Martyn Clay Works at St Austell is another alternative, with family-friendly interactive exhibits at the UK’s only china clay mining museum

Tin Mining at Cornwall Gold, Redruth

There are a couple of fun ways to get hands on at Cornwall Gold – including a chance to pan for gold yourself.

There’s dressing up for little ones, who can transform themselves into a tin miller or bal maiden, as part of the Tolgus Mill interactive exhibition, plus you can see how rock was smashed into pieces before the tin ore was removed.

With original artefacts, you can learn more about the people who worked in the mines, as well as some of the other machines used to separate the valuable metal out from the rock to be sold. Both activities are completely free (plus other paid options, including painting pottery)

Sadly Heartlands, another great free rainy day attraction in Cornwall, has now closed – for more free things to do in Cornwall with kids, check out my top picks

Carnglaze Cavern, St Neot

Head underground to avoid the weather on a tour of a former slate mine between Liskeard and Bodmin – you can discover how the miners worked, finishing at the Underground lake, as well as seeing some of the minerals mined and quarried in the area.

Exploring around 60m below ground, it’s always 10C, so pack a jumper if you’re visiting on a warm summer’s day – or enjoy the warmth on chillier ones! There’s also a woodland walk with a children’s trail.

See the mines at Botallack

Before tourism, Cornwall’s wealth came from mining, and the coast and countryside is still littered with the remains of these mines.

And while you can’t go down into Botallack mine unlike those at Geevor nearby, it’s a great place to learn a little more about this side of Cornish history as well as enjoying the dramatic clifftop scenery.

The mine’s tunnels extend half a mile under the sea, and it’s thought that around 20,000 tonnes of copper were mined, along with tin and (unexpectedly) arsenic.

Today, you can still see the Crownds engine house, which pumped water out of the shafts, and which has been used for filming of the TV series Poldark. The old mine office has more information and houses the visitor centre and cafe.

Cornwall with kids: Museums & art galleries

National Maritime Museum Cornwall, Falmouth

Voted one of the country’s most family-friendly museums, the fantastic National Maritime Museum traces the history of the island and its boating heroes across 15 galleries.

The perfect place to understand the role the sea plays in life in Cornwall (especially when the weather is too bad to actually be out on the waves), you’ll hear tales of the sea and seafarers through the centuries, as well as temporary exhibitions, ranging from the Vikings to Titanic.

There are also storytelling sessions for kids, interactive exhibits and the chance to head into the basement Tidal Zone to look out into the waters of the harbour during your visit.

Check out my review of our day at the National Maritime Museum with a toddler.

PK Porthcurno: Museum of Global Communications (Porthcurno Telegraph Museum) near Penzance

Once Britain’s communications centre, with telegraph cables stretching under the sea to the cities of the Empire, the little Cornish village of Porthcurno was once home to the world’s largest telegraph station.

And while technology has moved on, the fascinating stories at the museum are still worth discovering, from the spot where underwater cables came ashore to Second World War tunnels, used for secret wartime communications, as well as exhibitions on the way we communicate today.

There are activities, hands-on exhibits and dressing up among other options to entertain kids, as well as regular family-friendly exhibitions.

Tate St Ives, St Ives

The Cornwall branch of the Tate gallery is right on the beach (in case you need to flee from sudden rainstorms in St Ives) and has a varied collection of modern art and temporary exhibitions – pick up activity packs from reception, follow the family trails and there are even suggested games to play as you explore.

If you’re visiting with a baby or toddlers, there are changing facilities and a parent and baby room for breastfeeding on level 3 (although you’re welcome to breastfeed anywhere in the gallery).

Unlike some of the other Tate galleries, there is a charge for adults to enter, so it’s not one of the places to visit in Cornwall for free, but kids don’t need to pay.

Falmouth Art Gallery

The gallery has previously won an award for its family-friendliness, and there are regular sessions for kids on Saturdays plus Little Fingers sessions for pre-schoolers on selected dates – quite apart from the surprisingly varied art collection in this small museum.

There’s also no entry charge, if you’re looking for free things to do in Cornwall in the rain.

Royal Cornwall Museum, Truro

The oldest and largest museum in Cornwall, the Royal Cornwall Museum is the county’s oldest and largest museum, set up to showcase Cornish heritage and culture from the ancient past to the present.

Expanding since then to include art and exhibits from around the world, including an Egyptian mummy, there are also art displays, regular temporary exhibitions, plus family-friendly events including some aimed at pre-schoolers.

It’s also free for children under 18, so ideal if you’re looking for days out in Cornwall on a budget.

For more ideas of free days out in Cornwall with kids, these ideas won’t cost you a penny.

Museum of Cornish Life, Helston

A great option for a free day out in Cornwall with kids if it’s raining, the Museum of Cornish Life is a fun way to learn more about the county’s history.

You’ll find all kinds of objects on display to illustrate different sides of Cornish culture, as well as a big social history collection, displays on inventor Henry Trengrouse, not to mention everything from farming to toys to gardening to musical instruments.

There are activity sheets and dressing up for families as well as occasional activity trails.

The Shipwreck Museum, Charlestown

Edit: The museum’s collection has now been sold, but may be put on display at other museums in Cornwall

Take a step back into Cornwall’s past and the days of treasure and wreckers at the Shipwreck Museum in Charlestown.

You’ll find over 8,000 artefacts from more than 150 separate ships, including items from the Mary Rose and the Titanic. There are regular special events throughout school holidays as well.

Museum of Witchcraft and Magic, Boscastle

The world’s oldest and largest collection of witchcraft and magic, this isn’t one for easily scared toddlers – but with around 3,000 exhibits, there’s plenty to fascinate older children who want to discover more about the history of magic.

Most visits last for less than an hour, so don’t plan to spend all day, but the museum is one of the most unusual places to shelter on a rainy day in Cornwall.

Cornwall with kids: Getting outside

Hit the beach

You can’t go to Cornwall and not go to the beach. Well, you can but you shouldn’t. I love the wilder north coast but there are beautiful stretches of sand along the south as well, whether you’re making sandcastles and paddling with toddlers or bringing your own surfboards and heading into the waves.

Whichever coast you’re staying on, you’ll be close to a great family-friendly beach in Cornwall, but I’ve picked out a few of the best.

In North Cornwall, head to the wide open sands of Crantock Beach, backed by dunes, and previously voted Britain’s best beach.

Both Fistral Beach and Polzeath Beach are great for surfers, including young beginners, but there’s plenty to keep families happy even if you’re not picking up a board.

Or enjoy a whopping three miles of sand at Perranporth beach, or your pick of seven different coves at The Seven Bays, linked by coastal paths so it’s possible to fit in a couple of beaches into a single day.

If you’re staying around St Ives, there’s a choice of gorgeous beaches in and around the town – Porthmeor beach is one of my favourites but there’s Porthminster and Porthgwidden and nearby Carbis Bay as well.

Porthcurno beach is easily one of the most unusual with the Minack Theatre perched high above it and some glorious turquoise water.

Or Whitesands Bay, not far from Sennen Cove, the most westerly point in England, has some wonderful white sands (as the name suggests!) with more of those incredible turquoise waters.

Praa Sands is another good option if you’re mixing attractions and seaside, not far from Penzance, St Michael’s Mount, and the Lizard Peninsula, with 1.5 miles of beach and water that’s shallow enough even for little ones.

For a bit more adventure by the sea, Kernow Coasteering has beginner sessions, which are perfect for younger kids and families (as well as standard sessions if you’ve got teens who are coasteering fans) at Praa Sands

On the south coast, Kynance Cove has been voted the best in the world, famous for its rock stacks, wildlife and caves as well as the chance to paddle.

Falmouth has its own choice of beaches too. Gyllyngvase (aka Gylly) Beach is just 10 minutes from the town centre, with rock pools as well as watersports and plenty of space to make sandcastles.

Or if you’re staying around Looe, East Looe beach has more calm, shallow water for younger kids as well as rockpools too.

But that’s only a taste of some of the best, with around 400 beaches in Cornwall to try.

Check out my top picks of the best family-friendly beaches in Cornwall

Land’s End

There’s far more than just the famous sign at Land’s End, with a string of other attractions to discover once you’ve wandered the clifftop paths and looking out to the sea, plus getting your photo taken at the iconic signpost. 

Smaller kids will love The Grand Experience from Aardman Animations, following on from successful the Shaun the Sheep Experience, including experimenting in Wallace and Gromit’s inventing workshop and meeting the characters.

There’s also a 4D cinema, interactive walk-through experience Arthur’s Quest, and an exhibition on people who’ve walked from here to John O’Groats.

If you’re inspired, you’ve also got miles of dramatic coast to wander around, as well as easy family-friendly walks on the South West Coast Path, while the Cornish Way cycle trail also starts from Land’s End with a traffic-free section.

Walk the coast

The South West Coast Path stretches for 300 miles around this part of the UK – more than enough to find a few good places to visit in Cornwall, from dramatic cliffs to traditional fishing villages and wandering past some more of those wonderful beaches.

If you’re not sure where to start, the website lets you refine your search by difficulty and theme, as well as location, so if you’re looking for an easy, family walking route, it’ll show you the best places to amble.

How about a beach walk at Crantock, a walk to Pendennis Castle or even heading from Penzance to Marazion, not to mention lots of options that are less than a mile long.

You can also walk from Sennen Cove to Lands End (or from the village of Sennen itself) to see the views here – although it’s worth knowing you have to pay to have a photo taken with the famous signpost. Lizard Point is the most southerly point of mainland Britain (though Lands End is furthest from John O’Groats) and there’s a great trail around the cliffs here too.

The Lost Gardens of Heligan, St Austell

The Lost Gardens of Heligan have a story as fascinating as their evocative name – hidden until 30 years ago, they’ve since been restored to their full glory including walks and magical gardens for kids.

Look out for The Jungle and some of the sculptures, including the Giant’s Head (which my daughter declared was a buried troll head) and Mud Maid, but with 200 acres to explore, there’s masses to keep kids entertained.

Save some time to visit the Rare Breeds Farm and the Lost Adventures play area, plus there are special seasonal events throughout the year too.

The Minack Theatre, Penzance

You can also explore one of the most unusual spots in the UK at the Minack Theatre.

This dramatic theatre is built on the side of the cliff, with wonderful views out to the waves – you can book to visit during the day, but there are also performances including storytelling sessions aimed at families.

Porthcurno Beach has some great views looking back up to the theatre too, one of my favourite beaches in Cornwall with kids, so it’s easy to combine sightseeing with sunbathing.

The Bodmin & Wenford Railway, Bodmin

Chuffing along a 13-mile route in a steam train is always a winner for train-obsessed little ones (and bigger ones), and sheltered in the carriages, it’s also a good option to explore the countryside when it’s raining in Cornwall.

As well as special themed events during school holidays, such as Halloween and Santa trains, you can also have cream teas aboard. Dogs are welcome too.

Lappa Valley Steam Railway, St Newlyn East

Toddlers and preschoolers in particular will love getting to go on the small railway that’s run through the conservation area at Lappa Valley Steam Railway, although there’s more to discover here than trains alone.

There are nature trails and children’s rides, a toddler path maze plus indoor play carriages and a woodland railway. Or you can even have a go at crazy golf while you’re visiting so it’s a fun day out in Cornwall for the whole family.

The Camel Trail

An 18-mile cycle and walking trail linking Padstow, Wadebridge and Bodmin, this follows an old railway track alongside the river Camel – it’s easy to explore smaller sections of the Camel Trail too if you don’t fancy the complete trail.

The five-mile stretch from Wadebridge to Padstow is a perfect easy introduction to the Camel trail for younger kids to try, and the disused railway line means there are no unexpected hills to tackle.

With plenty of chances to stop for a rest in the villages along the route, it’s a lovely day out on bikes or if you’re looking for family-friendly walks in Cornwall.

Lanhydrock cycle trails

The trails around the National Trust property of Lanhydrock are free (if you bring your own bikes) with different difficulty levels, including ones suitable for trailers and tagalongs.

The green trail is easiest for younger kids, only a mile and a half long and suitable for trailers and tagalongs – perfect if you just want a half hour cycle before hitting the adventure playground.

There are also four different blue trails (moderate difficulty) for a bit more of a test, while older kids and teens will love the red trail and the skills area, to boost your confidence and practise some of the trickier off-road trail skills you’ll need.

Cardinham Woods

Home to the Forestry Commission’s family-friendly activities, such some of the activity trails inspired by Julia Donaldsonbooks, there are also four walking trails to explore at Cardinham Woods along with three cycle trails.

If you’re visiting Cornwall with a baby or toddler, one of the walking trails is buggy friendly, plus there’s a play area and cafe.

There is a charge for parking unless you’re a discovery pass holder, at £4 for two hours or £7 for the whole day (paybyphone is available if you didn’t bring coins). Great if you’re looking for cheap days out in Cornwall.

Bodmin Moor

The wildest part of Cornwall, Bodmin Moor is a fascinating place to roam, with Bronze Age and Neolithic cairns and stone circles and its own store of ghost tales and legends, as well as once being a haunt of smugglers.

For a less spooky option, you can go geocaching on the moor as well as following part of the Copper Trail, a 60-mile walking route.

Look out for the granite rock formations including the Cheesewring, climb some of the tors (hills topped with rocks) and for kids who love tales of King Arthur, don’t miss a visit to Dozmary Pool where the Lady of the Lake supposedly gave Excalibur to Merlin.

If you do want to find out more about Cornwall’s smuggling history, including how Bodmin Moor was at the heart of it, head to Jamaica Inn which has a small smuggling museum inside – only a few pounds per person, so it’s a fun option with older kids (or fans of Daphne Du Maurier’s novel Jamaica Inn).

As a fun bonus, you can also visit the village of Minions while you’re at Bodmin Moor – not named for the little yellow characters from Despicable Me, but the village has definitely embraced them!

Golitha Falls

The Golitha Falls Nature Reserve is another magical spot that’s part of Bodmin Moor, with footpaths leading through the valley along the riverside.

One trail is buggy-friendly, but older kids will love stepping stones and clambering over tree trunks on the way to the falls. Don’t forget to watch out for the piskies which live there…

There’s free parking and you’ll often find a trailer selling BBQ food, although if you do bring your own provisions, it’s another one to add to the list of completely free days out in Cornwall.

Surfing

The county is famed for its surfing (and beaches) but it’s definitely not just for adults. Surf schools like Harlyn Surf School has lessons from age five, while Discovery Surf School and St Ives Surf School have various child and family options.

And don’t miss the chocolate tart at Porthmeor Beach Cafe if you’ve been battling the waves in St Ives!

Or if you don’t fancy braving the sea, head to Retallack near Padstow, which has Cornwall’s only FlowRider – perfect waves, whatever the weather, which are ideal for younger surfers hoping to hone their skills. Suitable for age 8+.

Check out my complete guide to Cornwall with kids, as well as my downloadable ebook version of the guide. Or find more ideas of the best free things to do in Cornwall with kids, the best beaches in Cornwall, plus inspiration for what to do in Cornwall in the rain.

*First published 2015, last updated 2026*

PIN FOR LATER: THINGS TO DO IN CORNWALL WITH KIDS

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Images: Donkey/St Michael’s Mount/Cotehele/Botallack/Crantock/Porthcurno/Coast path/Land’s End/Minack Theatre/kids on bikes/Golitha Falls courtesy Depositphoto, Camel Creek courtesy Camel Creek theme park, Lost Gardens courtesy AdobeStock, all other copyright MummyTravels

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