Cornwall is one of the best places in the world for family friendly fun. There are so many things to do with children and adults of all ages. Here are our 10 top attractions for the whole family in the very south west of England. Note: A handy Google map showing all the locations is at the bottom of this article.
Flambards Theme Park
There is nothing like a trip to Flambards, with something for all interests and preferences. Those who love theme park rides can have that thrill, whilst those who love history are catered for with a number of indoor attractions.
Younger and older children get the chance to dig for fossils and learn more about the Blitz. There are specific moments of British history to unfold and take part in, including a Victorian village to pretend to live in and ‘wedding dresses throughout the years’ where the highlight is undoubtedly Queen Victoria’s own wedding dress! There are indoor and outdoor events, suitable for children from birth. For those smaller, there’s an indoor soft play centre to explore and enjoy.
For those with babies, there are baby changing facilities throughout Flambards, making it a stress free environment for parents and grandparents alike. It’s completely pushchair friendly, and you get the choice of taking a picnic or eating in one of the affordable cafes.
Flambards Theme Park, Clodgey Lane, Helston, Cornwall TR13 0QA
Telephone: 01326 573404
Website: www.flambards.co.uk
The Eden Project
You haven’t experienced Cornwall if you haven’t been to the Eden Project. This outdoor adventure will take you through the jungles of Malaysia and South American and then into the warm temperatures of South Africa and California. Taste the Mediterranean and learn more about the plants that we would never see in our own climates.
Like Flambards, there is something for all ages at the Eden Project. It is a space for children from birth, with plenty of baby changing facilities around. This is a place for educational fun, as ‘The Core’ is the home for children to experience various films and workshops—and the chance to see a granite sculpture that weighs the same as 10 elephants!
When you want the kids to burn off energy, you can take them through the willow maze or allow them to climb on the wooden ship. There’s even a land train to ride on throughout the day.
Eden Project, Bodelva, Cornwall PL24 2SG
Telephone: 01726 811911
Website: https://www.edenproject.com
Trethorne Leisure Park
Trethorne has something whatever the weather may be. There is mini-golf, go-karting, bowling, and so much more for the family to have some fun. Not only will children get the chance to meet the animals, but they can also join in with some hand milking and bottle feeding to experience the world of farming.
There is masses of fun and entertainment, with special events put on throughout the year. A bar, restaurant, and café are all available when you get hungry or just want somewhere to sit down from all the fun!
Trethorne Leisure Park, Kennards House, Launceston, Cornwall PL15 8QE
Telephone: 01566 86324
Website: www.trethorneleisure.com
Newquay Zoo
Explore more than a thousand of the rarest animals around the world at Newquay Zoo. This indoor and outdoor event will have all children in awe, as they trek through the South American rainforests and African deserts.
Don’t miss out on the feeding and habitat talks, delivered daily at specific times. For those who are interested, all the coffee available is fairtrade to support the rainforests. There are also seasonal events throughout the year.
Newquay Zoo, Trenance Gardens, Newquay, Cornwall TR7 2LZ
Telephone: 01637 873342
Website: www.newquayzoo.org.uk
Lanhydrock (National Trust)
Lanhydrock is an astounding Victorian country house now owned by the National Trust. The rooms are set to show off how the Victorians lived and worked, creating an educational and fun space for all ages. There’s also the chance to explore the gardens, giving children the chance to burn off some steam.
Pets are welcome to the manor and it’s possible to go walking or biking around the grounds. Don’t miss out on the events put on throughout the year for families to further tell the stories.
Lanhydrock, Bodmin, Cornwall, PL30 5AD
Telephone: 01208 265950
Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lanhydrock
Pirates Quest
Learn about Cornwall’s swashbuckling past, as you take the children to Pirates Quest. It is a fully immersive walk-through experience where the kids get to meet a pirate to help them through the shipwreck maze. There’s even the chance to dress up as a pirate and learn the songs and phrases, before setting off on the Buccaneer with the crew.
This is more of an experience for younger and older children rather than babies. There’s a chance to delve into the Locker of Davey Jones if you feel brave enough (there is a safe path, too!). The interactive trip will give you the chance to meet pirates, smugglers, and mermaids, who all have stories to tell.
Pirate’s Quest, St Michael’s Road, Newquay, Cornwall, TR7 1RA
Telephone: 01637 873379
Website: www.piratesquest.co.uk
National Seal Sanctuary
This pushchair/baby changing facility friendly location is the home of the only seal rescue centre in Cornwall. Children and adults will get the chance to see the beautiful creatures, learning more about their habitats and journeys in life.
For those who want a little more adventure, there’s a quiz trail and pirate play area to burn off energy. There are also plenty of other creatures to see, including penguins, sheep, and ponies.
The Cornish Seal Sanctuary, Gweek, Cornwall, TR12 6UG
Telephone: 01326 221361
Website: www.visitsealife.com/gweek
Tamar Valley Donkey Park
Another place for both indoor and outdoor fun, Tamar Valley Donkey Park has a range of animals for everyone to see. Sure, there are donkeys, but there are also sheep, pigs, and rabbits to meet along the way.
The park is open throughout the year, although only at specific times in the winter months. There’s also a sizeable indoor soft play and slide space for children to burn off energy while the adults eat their lunch!
Tamar Valley Donkey Park, St Ann’s Chapel, Gunnislake, Cornwall PL18 9HW
Telephone: 01822 834072
Website: www.donkeypark.com
Adrenalin Quarry
Sometimes you just need to have fun without learning, and that’s just what you get at Adrenalin Quarry. This is the home of The Zip, letting you safely jump off a 50m cliff at the rate of 40mph! While there’s no age limit, there is a weight limit—there’s been a 19-month-old and 94-year-old jumper to this date!
There are various other adrenalin boosting activities for children and adults of all ages, depending on your braveness and interests. Make sure you pack a picnic and dress for all weather.
Adrenalin Quarry, Lower Clicker Road, Menheniot, Near Liskeard, Cornwall PL14 3PJ
Telephone: 01579 308204
Website: www.adrenalinquarry.co.uk
Camel Creek Adventure Park
Finally, don’t leave without a trip to Camel Creek Adventure Park, offering indoor and outdoor experiences for all ages. Definitely don’t miss out on the chance to meet the resident characters Swampy and Dina, who just want your kids to have fun.
There are individual villages for different ages, making sure there’s something for all. Start with a trip on the mini Ferris wheel and enjoy the teacups, before taking the younger children to the Toddler’s Village for soft play fun. There’s no need to worry about food, as there are plenty of places to grab a bite with undercover sections if you hit Cornwall on a rainy day.
Camel Creek Adventure Park, Tredinnick, Wadebridge, Cornwall PL27 7RA
Telephone: 01841 540276
Website: www.camelcreek.co.uk
Put your list of attractions together. Plan for the 10 above and the whole family will certainly want to return to Cornwall for more adventures!
Our map of the Top 10 Family Friendly Attractions in Cornwall