Planning a family holiday and looking for the very best things to do in Cornwall with kids? From golden beaches and wildlife encounters to exciting attractions and rainy-day escapes, Cornwall is one of the UK’s top destinations for unforgettable family adventures.

At The Headland Hotel, our concierge team regularly helps families plan their perfect stay. So we’ve brought together our insider recommendations, combining local favourites, must-see attractions and hidden gems, to create the ultimate guide for families visiting Cornwall.

Whether you’re travelling with toddlers, teenagers, or somewhere in between, you’ll find plenty of inspiration below.

Best Outdoor Things to Do in Cornwall with Kids

Beach Days at Crantock Beach

The Headland sits proudly above Fistral, one of the most famous surf beaches in the country, but if you're looking for something a little more sheltered, Crantock is well worth the short drive. 

Tucked between the West and East Pentire headlands, it's a beautifully sandy spot with the River Gannel to explore and plenty of safe shallow pools for smaller children to splash about in.

Learn to Surf in Newquay

Cornwall is the UK's surfing capital, and there's no better place to start than right here. Surf Sanctuary, located directly beneath the hotel, offers expert-led lessons tailored for children and families.

Cycle the Camel Trail

Pick up a bicycle in Wadebridge and follow one of the loveliest traffic-free routes in the southwest. The Camel Trail runs for 18 miles along a disused railway line with largely flat terrain and some genuinely spectacular estuary views.

Explore Rock Pools & Coastal Walks

Cornwall's coastline is endlessly rewarding at low tide. Head out with a bucket and a sense of curiosity and you'll find crabs, shells and all manner of marine life tucked into the rocks.

Top Family Attractions in Cornwall

The Eden Project

One of Cornwall's most iconic attractions, the Eden Project has glass biomes housing entire rainforest and Mediterranean ecosystems. It’s a true adventure while also being genuinely educational.

Newquay Zoo

Just a short distance from The Headland, Newquay Zoo offers a relaxed and enjoyable day out for families of all ages.

Blue Reef Aquarium, Newquay

A brilliant option when the weather turns, the aquarium brings children face to face with sharks, turtles and all manner of marine life.

Camel Creek Family Adventure Park

A fantastic day out for younger children, with rides, animal encounters, a 5D cinema and plenty of food options. It's relaxed, friendly and very easy to spend an entire day there.

Rainy Day Activities in Cornwall with Kids

The Headland Aqua Club

With six pools, family splash zones and plenty of space to play, our AquaClub is always there, whatever the weather decides to do.

Indoor Play & Soft Play Centres

When younger children need to burn off energy and the rain shows no sign of stopping, a good soft play centre is worth a visit. There are several options across the area, including Newquay Trampoline and Play Park, as well as Jungle Jacks.

Museums & Heritage Centres

Cornwall has a range of interactive museums. The National Maritime Museum in Falmouth is a particular favourite.

Creative Workshops & Craft Activities

From pottery painting to craft studios, there are plenty of hands-on options across Cornwall, including Tor Pottery Works in Newquay.

Historic Sites in Cornwall for Families

Tintagel Castle

Rich in Arthurian legend, Tintagel is best suited to families with older children. The footbridge crossing and the coastal views are simply breathtaking.

St Michael's Mount

A tidal island castle that children can walk to across the causeway at low tide. Check the tide times before you set off to make sure you don't miss the walk across.

Minack Theatre

An open-air theatre carved into the cliffs, with extraordinary sea views and a programme of family-friendly performances through the summer months.

Lanhydrock House and Garden

A grand Victorian country house set within extensive gardens and woodland trails, it's a great spot for active families who simply want to wander and take it all in.

Nature Experiences in Cornwall with Kids

Newquay Sea Safari

Leave from Newquay Harbour for a two-hour trip along the Cornish coastline, with the chance to spot dolphins, basking sharks, sunfish and seals in their natural environment.

Golitha Falls & Woodland Walks

Deep in the Fowey Valley, Golitha Falls offers a beautiful walk through ancient oak woodland to a series of waterfalls.

Camel Creek Animal Encounters

Alongside its rides and activities, Camel Creek offers dedicated animal petting areas where younger children can meet a range of farmyard and exotic animals.

Nature Reserves & Coastal Habitats

Cornwall is home to a rich variety of designated nature reserves and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

FAQs: Things to Do in Cornwall with Kids

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

Some of the most popular choices include beach days, the Eden Project, Newquay Zoo and family attractions like Camel Creek, but honestly, you could spend a whole month here and still not run out of things to do.

What can you do in Cornwall with kids when it rains? 

Plenty. The Blue Reef Aquarium, indoor play centres, interactive museums and our own AquaClub all make for excellent rainy-day plans.

Is Cornwall good for family holidays? 

Without question. It's one of the UK's best family destinations, offering outdoor adventure, world-class attractions and a genuinely relaxed, welcoming atmosphere that suits all ages.

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

The beaches, the coastal walks and the harbour towns are hard to beat, and they don't cost a penny.

Staying at The Headland as a Family

Perfectly positioned in Newquay, The Headland puts you within easy reach of almost everything on this list; many of the best days out are within 30 minutes of the hotel. 

Our concierge team are always happy to help you plan your itinerary, advise on what's worth booking ahead and make sure your family holiday in Cornwall is everything it should be. Just ask at the desk; it's what we're here for.

Plan your family stay at The Headland.