Unleash Summer Fun: 13 Exciting Things to Do with Kids in Cornwall
Welcome to Cornwall, where endless summer adventures await!
If you’re looking for an unforgettable family getaway, we’ve got you covered with our list of 13 fun things to do with the kids in Cornwall this summer. From zooming down a giant slip ‘n slide to catching the perfect wave, we’ve included activities that will keep everyone entertained. And they’re all within 30 minutes of your holiday cottage.
So pack your bags, grab your sunscreen, and get ready for an unforgettable summer filled with laughter, adventure, and cherished memories in beautiful Cornwall!
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Cardinham Woods
Grab your activity pack (and dragon wings) from the rangers hut in the car park and join Zog on a forest adventure. After downloading the app just follow the trail, collecting golden stars as you go. Suitable for pushchairs and a favourite with four-legged members of the family! There’s a lovely cafe for a well-earned ice-cream when you’ve finished and a great outdoor playground if they’ve got any energy left to burn.
St. Nectan’s Glen
Walk through the magical world of a temperate rainforest to see these stunning waterfalls. Watch out for those pesky Cornish piskies in the undergrowth! Wellies recommended.
Football Golf
The extreme opposite of mini-golf! See if you can beat the kids and get a hole-in-one. The original and best football golf, near St Austell.
Giant Slip’n’Slide
A whopping 440ft long, with a 3m launch ramp, this is brilliant fun for the kids and grown-ups! Now relocated from Port Isaac to Winnards Perch, between Wadebridge and Newquay.
Tintagel Castle
A great way to spend a morning or afternoon – don’t forget to pick up a wooden sword from the gift shop. Good for dogs too (on a lead). Join the Cornwall Heritage Trust (in advance of your holiday, as your membership card will arrive by snail mail) and get free entry for 2 adults and up to 12 children for just £30. Also gives you free entry to Restormel Castle and more plus 50% off entry to Wheal Martin China Clay Museum and the Arthurian Centre near Camelford. Bargain!
Wheal Martyn China Clay Museum
Did you know toothpaste is made from china clay? Discover more fascinating facts about the impact of the china clay industry on everyday life at this huge site near St Austell. Great for rainy days too as there are indoor places to explore. See above for 50% off entry. Dog-friendly.
Arthurian Centre/Vale of Avalon
Family and dog-friendly attraction near Camelford, where you can immerse yourself in the legend of King Arthur. Visit the battleground and 13th century longhouse, build dens, play in the wooden fort and explore the woodlands to your heart’s content.
Camel Creek
Enjoy a fun day out for the younger kids at this adventure park near Wadebridge. Huge indoor play area for rainy days.
Bodmin & Wenford Steam Railway
Because who doesn’t love a ride on a steam train? Furry family members are welcome too.
Bude Sea Pool
The ultimate tidal infinity pool overlooking the sandy, family-friendly Summerleaze beach. And it’s free!
Rockpool Rambles and Beachcombing
Join Polzeath Marine Conservation Society to discover the fascinating marine life on the shoreline and in the rock pools. £3 per person. Various dates throughout the school holidays.
Learn to Surf or Bodyboard
With two great beaches nearby to choose from, book a beginner’s lesson with either Surf’s Up in Polzeath or Trebarwith Surf School and you’ll be up and running in no time. Or borrow our bodyboards and just get out there and give it a go. Both beaches are lifeguarded during the school holidays. Stay between the red and yellow flags for bodyboarding. And if there’s a red flag don’t go in the water. Trebarwith is dog-friendly but Polzeath has restrictions between 10am and 6pm during the summer.
Go on Safari
Spot dolphins, gannets, sunfish, minke whales and basking sharks on an exciting RIB ride with Padstow Sea Life Safaris. Suitable for adventurous children age 2 and over, smaller dogs are welcome too but it’s bouncy and many don’t enjoy it. More sedate, and therefore more suitable for dogs, babies and granny/grandad, is a trip out to sea on the beautiful Jubilee Queen, which even has a bar on board so you can enjoy a pint of Doom Bar ale as you cross the infamous Doom Bar sandbank at the mouth of the estuary.
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