Ideas for Family Days Out in Cornwall

Cornwall’s dramatic coastline and rich maritime heritage make it the perfect destination for families seeking ocean-inspired adventures so we’ve collected some ideas for family-friendly activities in Cornwall.

There’s an incredible mix of educational and exciting activities that can keep children entertained, engaged, and inspired whatever the weather!

Dive Into Adventure!

National Maritime Museum Cornwall: A World of Maritime Discovery

At National Maritime Museum Cornwall, we turn maritime history into an exciting adventure for children of all ages. The museum goes far beyond traditional displays, offering lots of hands-on maritime exhibits. Your admission ticket gives you an annual pass, and entry is free for Under 5’s.

We’re a treasure trove of excitement for young explorers who can climb aboard life rafts in the RNLI Rescue Zone or let imaginations run wild in our Skull Island Pirate Play Zone. Children (and adults) can get curious and watch work going on in the boatbuilding workshop, discover marine life in our Tidal Zone at high tide or their hand at try knot-tying in our Cornish Quayside Gallery.

Our major exhibition SURF! is a colourful celebration of waveriding in Cornwall, complete with VW Campervan, hands-on surfboard shaping display, and a fun magnetic wall for creating your own colourful board designs.

Book Tickets

Surf Lessons: Ride the Cornish Waves

If you’re feeling inspired after a visit to the SURF! exhibition here at National Maritime Museum Cornwall why not try and have a go yourself? Cornwall’s surf beaches provide the perfect playground for budding surfers. With numerous surf schools along the coast, families can find instruction suitable for all ages and abilities. Many surf schools offer family packages and group lessons, making it an affordable way to try this Cornish activity together.

Boat Trips: Exploring Cornwall’s Coastal Treasures

Sometimes, the best way to appreciate Cornwall’s stunning coastline is from the water. Family-friendly boat trips operate from locations all over, offering everything from gentle harbour tours to exciting wildlife watching expeditions – where families can spot seals, dolphins and whales. Coastal sightseeing tours can also reveal hidden coves and dramatic cliff formations invisible from land!

Jubilee Pool: Art Deco Swimming by the Sea

If surfing or sailing aren’t for you, Penzance’s historic Jubilee Pool offers a truly unique swimming experience. This beautifully restored Art Deco lido is filled with seawater, a perfect environment for families to enjoy swimming, regardless of weather conditions.

Fal River Ferries: A Scenic Journey

The Fal River Ferries offer scenic family adventures in Cornwall. These passenger ferries connect charming riverside villages while providing stunning views of one of the world’s largest natural harbours. Children love the excitement of crossing the water while parents appreciate the relaxing journey and beautiful coastal scenery. The ferries serve as both transportation and attraction, allowing families to hop between picturesque villages (without having to navigate our narrow Cornish lanes!).

Cornish Seal Sanctuary: Marine Life Up Close

Animal-lovers will enjoy a visit to the Cornish Seal Sanctuary, it’s a real-life marine rescue centre where children can witness the incredible work to rehabilitate seals. Feeding demonstrations are both entertaining and educational, providing insights into these fascinating marine mammals.

National Lobster Hatchery: Underwater Wonders

Located in Padstow, the National Lobster Hatchery offers families a unique opportunity to peer into the underwater world of one of Cornwall’s most iconic sea creatures. This working hatchery and visitor centre showcases the complete life cycle of lobsters, from tiny larvae to full-grown adults and the facility’s conservation work helps educate the next generation.

The Minack Theatre: Drama by the Sea

While not strictly a marine activity, the Minack Theatre’s clifftop location creates an unforgettable ocean-inspired experience. This open-air theatre carved into the granite cliffs above Porthcurno Beach hosts many family-friendly performances throughout the summer season.

Our Top Tips to start planning your family adventure:

We’re all for embracing spontaneous discoveries but we do recommend researching attractions before you go, some require booking in advance (and offer discounts for doing so) and may even have special events on during peak seasons and holidays that you can make the most of.

Weather in Cornwall can be very changeable so it’s worth looking for indoor and outdoor options for your days out so that you can be flexible with plans!

When deciding what time of year to visit, first we recommend checking the opening times of the attractions – not everything will be open year-round. In Summer (June-September) we often have our warmest weather so it is peak season. Spring and Autumn bring fewer crowds, more space to enjoy, and mild temperatures and Winter can be atmospheric and peaceful without so many other visitors around.