Family Activities

Great ideas for a family day out in Cornwall

We’re a perfect destination for a family day out with kids, featuring hands-on maritime exhibits where children can climb aboard and discover exciting marine life in the Tidal Zone. Under 5s visit free and young explorers will love Skull Island Pirate Play Zone, while curious minds of all ages can enjoy museum trails and visit The Lookout.

Whether you’re searching for family things to do in Cornwall during school holidays or fun stuff to do at other times of the year, we’re an award-winning attraction full of inspiring experiences for the whole family. Pay once and visit free for a year with standard admission, ready for return adventures through the seasons.

Book In Advance To Save 10%

Looking for family activities in Cornwall?

A photograph of children, taken from above, as they look through the underwater windows of the Tidal Zone at National Maritime Museum Cornwall.

Tidal ZoneIf you stand here long enough, you’ll see the tide rise and fall. You never know what you’ll find swimming through the water or climbing along the other side of the glass.

Digital art with the text 'Skull Island Play Zone' in the centre, with a skull on top of a treasure chest directly underneath. On the left, a pirate ship is out at sea, while on shore there are two skulls, some gold coins half buried in the sand, three palm trees and a sword. On the left, a pirate swings from a rope attached to a tree.

Skull Island Play ZoneLet imaginations run wild in the Skull Island Play Zone. Become a pirate and captain your crew from the quarterdeck while keeping watch for intruders!

A view of cafe tables in Waterside Cafe at National Maritime Museum Cornwall, the windows show a view to Falmouth Harbour.

CaféWith spectacular views over Falmouth's magnificent harbour, the Waterside Cafe is a popular port of call for visitors.

A small child smiles while sitting on an RNLI Quad Bike on display in the Rescue Zone at National Maritime Museum Cornwall.

Under 5s Go Free at National Maritime Museum CornwallPlanning a family day out with kids? Children under 5 enjoy FREE entry to the National Maritime Museum Cornwall.

A visitor looks at an interactive screen as they explore the Boat Hall at National Maritime Museum Cornwall

Pay Once, Visit Free for a YearMuseum admission gives you a year of unlimited access to one of Cornwall's premier award-winning attractions.

The RNLI Rescue Zone at National Maritime Museum Cornwall. Children are playing on a lifeguard jet ski and another child is playing in a life raft.

RNLI Rescue ZoneDress up as a life guard and climb aboard a real RNLI quad bike, inshore rescue boat and a rescue water craft.

A family of adults and children stand at the side of an indoor pool watching model boats float across the surface.

Boat PoolRace a model boat race across the Boat Pool.

A photo of a lady reading a story to a group of adults and children.

Minnows TalesEvery Monday during term time. A weekly storytelling and lively sing-a-long session. Minnows Tales starts at 11am and is perfect for under 5s.

A woman holds a monocular to her eye while looking at the view in the lookout tower at National Maritime Museum Cornwall.

The LookoutClimb to the top of the tower for breathtaking views over Falmouth harbour.

Your Visit FAQs

When is the Museum open?

The Museum is open Monday – Sunday, 10am – 5pm. We are closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

Do I need to book tickets in advance?

Although we encourage advance booking it is not essential. Book in advance to save 10% on admission prices.

What is there for families?

We aim to make our exhibitions as family friendly as possible. There is lots for families to enjoy together and children to explore. Don’t miss our top picks:

The Boat Pool where you can sail a remote-controlled yacht
Climb aboard the RNLI vehicles in the RNLI Rescue Zone
The Skull Island Play Zone with climbing frame and slide
Go under the sea in the Tidal Zone and spot passing sea life
Regular changing Museum trails – find the clues to win your prize
The view from the very top of the 100ft Tower
Minnows Tales each Monday outside of the school holidays – storytelling and singing perfect for under 5s.
The school holiday activities, including specially commissioned theatre shows and crafting activities.

Is there somewhere to leave bags or a cloakroom?

We do not have a left luggage facility and would therefore recommend visitors travel light and do not bring suitcases, large bags or backpacks to the Museum. We do not have a cloakroom but provide coat rails instead. These are not supervised. Visitors are advised not to leave anything of value.

How do I get to the Museum and is there parking?

Our address is: National Maritime Museum Cornwall, Discovery Quay, Falmouth, TR11 3QY. You can reach the Museum by car, ferry, bus or train, and we have nearby bike racks too. Find out more about getting here, including directions and maps.

How long does a visit to the Museum last?

We suggest allowing a minimum of three hours to fully explore the Museum. Some visitors can enjoy the Museum in an hour whilst others spend the whole day here.