Things to Do in Cornwall for Families: The Ultimate Family Vacation Guide

Cornwall stands as one of Britain’s premier family vacation destinations, offering an exceptional blend of educational attractions, outdoor adventures, and child-friendly accommodations that cater to families of all sizes and budgets. This stunning coastal county provides countless opportunities for creating lasting memories, from exploring world-renowned aquariums and theme parks to enjoying premium beach resorts with comprehensive childcare services. Whether you’re planning a week-long family holiday or an extended summer break, Cornwall delivers experiences that engage children while providing parents with relaxation and quality time together.

Premium Family Resorts and All-Inclusive Accommodation

Cornwall’s family resort sector has evolved dramatically, with properties now offering comprehensive packages designed to eliminate vacation planning stress. Woolacombe Bay Holiday Parks provides luxury lodge accommodation with private hot tubs, entertainment complexes featuring indoor pools and soft play areas, and supervised kids’ clubs allowing parents guilt-free relaxation time. Their premium packages include dining credits, activity vouchers, and complimentary equipment hire for beach activities.

Haven Holiday Parks operates multiple Cornwall locations offering different accommodation tiers from standard caravans to luxury apartments with sea views. Their premium select accommodation includes modern furnishings, integrated entertainment systems, and priority access to facilities. Family packages bundle accommodation with entertainment passes, restaurant vouchers, and activity sessions ranging from archery to circus skills workshops.

For families seeking boutique experiences, properties like Scarlet Hotel offer specialized family suites with interconnecting rooms, children’s entertainment programs, and babysitting services enabling parents to enjoy spa treatments or romantic dinners. The investment in premium family accommodation provides superior comfort, comprehensive amenities, and peace of mind through professional childcare services.

Self-catering holiday cottages represent popular choices for families valuing flexibility and space. Companies like Classic Cottages and Cornish Cottage Holidays manage extensive portfolios of properties featuring multiple bedrooms, enclosed gardens perfect for children, and locations near family attractions. Premium properties include hot tubs, games rooms with pool tables and gaming consoles, and welcome packs containing local products and activity guides.

Luxury camping options have transformed family outdoor experiences, with sites offering safari tents equipped with proper beds, electricity, and private bathroom facilities. Carnon Downs and other premium glamping sites provide activity programs, swimming pools, and restaurant facilities combining outdoor adventure with modern convenience. These experiences introduce children to camping while maintaining comfort standards families expect.

Educational Attractions and Interactive Museums

The Eden Project ranks among Cornwall’s must-visit family attractions, combining environmental education with interactive experiences that captivate children of all ages. The massive biomes house plants from around the world, while outdoor gardens demonstrate sustainable growing practices. Summer programming includes family workshops teaching renewable energy concepts, bug hunting expeditions, and art projects using recycled materials. Annual family memberships provide unlimited access plus discounts on retail purchases and dining, representing excellent value for families planning multiple visits or extended stays.

National Maritime Museum Cornwall delivers hands-on learning about seafaring heritage through interactive exhibits, boat-building demonstrations, and navigation workshops. Children can operate model boats, learn knot-tying techniques, and explore real vessels. The museum’s café offers children’s menus featuring healthy options, while the shop stocks educational toys and books reinforcing marine themes. Birthday party packages include exclusive gallery access, educational activities, and catering services.

Newquay Zoo provides world-class animal encounters within beautifully landscaped grounds featuring conservation-focused exhibits. Their education programs teach children about endangered species, habitat preservation, and animal behavior through keeper talks, feeding demonstrations, and junior zookeeper experiences. Premium encounters allow families to meet specific animals including lemurs, meerkats, and penguins under expert supervision, creating unforgettable photographic opportunities.

Blue Reef Aquarium offers intimate marine life encounters through touch pools where children can handle starfish and crabs, underwater tunnels providing 360-degree views of sharks and rays, and daily feeding shows with educational commentary. Their behind-the-scenes tours reveal aquarium operations including life support systems and quarantine facilities, appealing to older children interested in marine biology or aquarium careers.

Cornish Mining World Heritage Site attractions like Geevor Tin Mine provide fascinating historical education through underground tours, museum exhibits, and hands-on activities including gold panning and mineral identification. These experiences combine adventure with learning about Cornwall’s industrial heritage, perfect for families with school-age children studying history or geography.

Theme Parks and Adventure Activities

Flambards Theme Park delivers classic family entertainment through roller coasters, water rides, and themed areas suitable for different age groups. Their Victorian Village recreates historical life with authentic shops and houses, while the Britain in the Blitz exhibit provides immersive wartime experiences. Season passes offer unlimited visits throughout operating months, with VIP options including fast-track ride access, reserved show seating, and discount vouchers for food and merchandise.

Crealy Adventure Park combines traditional rides with farm animals, indoor play areas, and water attractions creating all-weather entertainment. Their premium packages include animal encounter experiences, birthday party options with private party rooms and entertainment, and photograph packages capturing family memories throughout the day. The park’s accommodation partnerships offer combined tickets and overnight stays at nearby hotels.

Adventure parks specializing in aerial activities provide exciting challenges for active families. Adrenalin Quarry features Europe’s longest zip wire alongside giant swings, axe throwing, and coasteering adventures. Family packages bundle multiple activities at discounted rates, while age-appropriate courses ensure even young children can participate safely. Professional instruction, comprehensive safety equipment, and insurance coverage provide parents peace of mind.

Trampoline parks have emerged as popular family attractions, with facilities offering dedicated toddler sessions, main court jumping, foam pits, and dodgeball arenas. These indoor venues provide perfect solutions for rainy days, with party packages including exclusive court hire, catering options, and dedicated party hosts managing logistics and entertainment.

Go-karting venues throughout Cornwall offer outdoor tracks suitable for different age groups and skill levels. Premium experiences include multi-race packages, timing systems showing individual lap times, and championship formats adding competitive elements. Some venues provide junior karts enabling children as young as eight to participate, creating shared experiences for entire families.

Beach Activities and Coastal Adventures

Cornwall’s exceptional coastline provides natural playgrounds for families seeking outdoor adventures. Numerous beaches hold Blue Flag status indicating superior water quality, safety standards, and facilities including lifeguard coverage, clean toilets, and accessibility features. Premium beaches like Watergate Bay offer equipment rental including bodyboards, surfboards, and wetsuits, plus professional surf schools providing family lessons with qualified instructors.

Rockpool exploration during low tide creates free educational entertainment, with children discovering crabs, fish, anemones, and other marine life. Several organizations offer guided rockpool rambles led by marine biologists who teach identification techniques and explain coastal ecosystems. These experiences foster environmental awareness while providing hands-on learning opportunities.

Paddleboarding has become enormously popular with families, with calm estuaries and sheltered bays providing ideal learning environments. Rental companies offer family packages including multiple boards, buoyancy aids, and brief instruction sessions. Some operators provide guided tours incorporating games and challenges keeping children engaged while building water confidence and paddling skills.

Kayaking adventures range from gentle harbor paddles to more challenging coastal expeditions. Family-friendly tours typically last 2-3 hours, include all safety equipment and instruction, and stop at beaches for swimming and snacks. Multi-day kayaking holidays combine daily paddling with comfortable accommodation and meals, creating adventure-focused family vacations.

Boat trips operate from numerous harbors offering wildlife watching, fishing expeditions, and coastal tours. Families can spot dolphins, seals, basking sharks, and seabirds while learning about marine ecosystems from experienced guides. Some operators offer hands-on fishing experiences where children can catch mackerel and learn sustainable fishing practices. Premium charters provide private family trips with flexible itineraries accommodating specific interests.

Indoor Entertainment and Rainy Day Activities

Cornwall’s unpredictable weather necessitates backup plans, with the county offering excellent indoor attractions ensuring family fun regardless of conditions. Clip ‘n Climb facilities feature colorful climbing walls designed for different ages and abilities, with trained staff providing equipment and supervision. These venues combine physical activity with confidence-building challenges, appealing to energetic children needing exercise outlets.

Bowling alleys throughout Cornwall offer traditional family entertainment enhanced with modern technology including interactive lanes, cosmic bowling with music and special effects, and arcade game areas. Birthday party packages include lane hire, shoe rental, food options ranging from pizza to buffets, and private party areas. Many venues offer unlimited bowling deals providing excellent value for families spending entire afternoons enjoying multiple games.

Soft play centers cater specifically to younger children with elaborate climbing structures, ball pits, and dedicated toddler zones ensuring safe play environments. Premium facilities include café areas where parents can relax while maintaining sight lines to play areas, separate party rooms, and regular cleaning schedules maintaining hygiene standards. These venues charge hourly rates or offer day passes, with sibling discounts and loyalty schemes rewarding repeat visits.

Cinema complexes showing latest family films provide familiar entertainment with the advantage of stadium seating, premium sound systems, and extensive snack options. Some venues offer morning screenings at reduced prices perfect for families with young children, while premium seats with extra legroom and reclining features enhance comfort for longer films.

Pottery painting studios offer creative activities suitable for all ages, with families decorating ceramics ranging from plates and mugs to figurines and money boxes. Staff provide guidance on techniques while allowing creative freedom, and finished pieces are glazed and fired for collection within days. These personalized souvenirs commemorate family vacations while providing rainy afternoon entertainment.

Farm Parks and Animal Encounters

Cornwall’s agricultural heritage manifests in numerous farm parks offering hands-on animal experiences. Dairyland Farm World provides tractor rides, indoor play barns, animal petting areas, and bottle-feeding opportunities with lambs and goats. Their daily schedules include milking demonstrations, sheepdog displays, and meet-the-keeper sessions where children learn about animal care. Season tickets offer unlimited access plus event discounts and priority booking for special experiences.

Paradise Park combines wildlife conservation with family entertainment through tropical bird exhibits, otter sanctuary, and parrot shows demonstrating natural behaviors and training techniques. Their conservation programs teach children about endangered species and habitat protection, while play areas and miniature railway provide additional entertainment. Annual passes include free parking, shop discounts, and guest passes allowing families to share experiences with visiting friends or relatives.

Springfields Fun Park and Pony Centre offers pony rides, tractor trips, and farm animal encounters appealing particularly to horse-loving children. Their riding school provides lessons for beginners through advanced riders, with pony club activities during school holidays. The combination of animals, rides, and play areas creates comprehensive day-out destinations requiring minimal additional planning.

Llama and alpaca farms have emerged as unique attractions, offering trek experiences where families walk these gentle animals through countryside paths. These experiences combine outdoor exercise with animal interaction, photography opportunities, and education about South American wildlife. Some farms offer feeding experiences, fiber demonstrations showing wool processing, and farm shops selling alpaca products.

Educational Workshops and Skill-Building Activities

Surf schools throughout Cornwall offer family packages ensuring all members receive appropriate instruction regardless of ability levels. Multi-day courses teach ocean safety, wave reading, and surfing techniques through progressive lesson plans. Equipment packages including wetsuits and boards can be purchased or hired, with many families investing in gear during holidays to continue surfing at home beaches.

Bushcraft and survival skills courses teach children practical outdoor abilities including fire lighting, shelter building, and navigation. These programs build confidence and self-reliance while connecting children with nature. Full-day or weekend courses operate from various outdoor education centers, with family sessions encouraging parents to learn alongside children.

Art workshops celebrating Cornwall’s creative heritage offer painting, printing, and sculpture classes in inspiring coastal settings. Many programs focus on specific techniques like watercolor landscapes or ceramic sculpture, with family sessions adapted for mixed age groups. Completed artworks provide meaningful vacation souvenirs showcasing individual creativity and new skills.

Cooking classes designed for families teach preparation of traditional Cornish dishes including pasties, saffron buns, and seafood specialties. These interactive sessions combine culinary education with cultural learning, producing delicious meals families enjoy together. Some programs include market visits selecting ingredients, enhancing understanding of local food systems and seasonal eating.

Sailing schools offer family courses teaching basic sailing theory and practical skills on dinghies or keelboats. Multi-day intensive courses can lead to recognized qualifications, while taster sessions provide introductions to sailing without significant time or financial commitments. The combination of skill development, outdoor activity, and potential for ongoing pursuit makes sailing education attractive to many families.

Historical Sites and Cultural Experiences

Tintagel Castle captivates children with Arthurian legends while providing spectacular coastal scenery and archaeological significance. The recently installed footbridge creates engineering interest, while themed events during summer including jousting displays and medieval reenactments bring history alive. English Heritage memberships provide unlimited access to Tintagel and numerous other sites throughout Britain, offering excellent value for families interested in historical exploration.

St Michael’s Mount combines fairy-tale architecture with accessible history and beautiful gardens. The tidal causeway adds adventure to visits, with boat access during high tide creating memorable experiences. Family trails guide children through the castle with age-appropriate information and activity challenges, while the National Trust café offers children’s menus and high chairs for younger visitors.

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Bodmin Jail provides atmospheric historical experiences through immersive exhibits about prison life, crime, and punishment. Their after-dark ghost tours cater to older children and teenagers seeking spooky thrills, while daytime visits focus on social history and architectural heritage. The venue’s restaurant and shop provide quality refreshment and gift options.

Open-air museums like Poldark Mine recreate historical mining operations through underground tours, costume guides, and craft demonstrations. These living history experiences educate about Cornwall’s industrial past while entertaining through interactive elements. Many sites offer family activities during school holidays including gold panning, traditional craft workshops, and historical games.

Conclusion

Cornwall’s exceptional range of family-friendly attractions, accommodations, and activities ensures every family finds experiences matching their interests, budgets, and children’s ages. From world-class educational facilities and theme parks to beach adventures and cultural sites, this remarkable destination provides ingredients for perfect family vacations creating memories lasting lifetimes.

Successful family holidays in Cornwall require advance planning including booking popular accommodations early, researching attractions suitable for your children’s ages and interests, and maintaining schedule flexibility allowing spontaneity and rest days. The investment in quality family time in Cornwall’s inspiring settings delivers returns through strengthened bonds, shared adventures, and joyful experiences money cannot quantify but families treasure forever.