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Cornwall Summer Holiday Ideas For Families 2026

Discover the Best Family Summer Holiday Activities in Cornwall – 2026 Guide

Planning a summer holiday in Cornwall with the kids? Look no further! Cornwall is one of the UK’s top family holiday destinations, offering a perfect mix of adventure, relaxation, and unforgettable experiences. From golden beaches and scenic coastal walks to family-friendly attractions and exciting outdoor adventures, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in Summer 2026. Our ultimate guide to family activities in Cornwall will help you make the most of your summer break and holiday - there’s something for every age, interest, and energy level—ensuring fun-filled days and magical memories for the whole family.

 

Don't forget to also check out our frequently updated Cornwall family listings guide for hundreds more family friendly days out, activities and events taking place this summer and beyond

 

Dinosaur Summer Adventure at Paradise Park in Hayle
Get ready for the best fun-filled family day out at Paradise Park, packed with daily events, unforgettable animal encounters, and exciting dinosaur adventures. Meet giant dinosaur stars and adorable baby dinos brought to life by expert Rangers in the brand-new show. The Park is home to over 130 species and 1,200 birds, plus favourites like otters, red pandas, and harvest mice. Enjoy highlights including the Eagles of Paradise Show, the Lorikeets Feeding Experience, penguins and otters, and the indoor JungleBarn Play Centre. On sunny days, hop aboard the Jungle Express Train for an extra adventure.

Find out more at www.paradisepark.org.uk
 

 

Did you know that you can re-train in a new skill, upskill your team and advance your career with adult learning courses at Truro and Penwith College?

Their courses are designed to help both individuals and businesses grow in a huge range of sectors with over 200 course options across our campus and community locations. Whether you want to gain English, Maths or Digital qualifications, take part in masterclasses, Skills Bootcamps and professional qualifications or you want to develop yourself personally, they have fully or partially funded courses to suit you.

Their practical adult learning courses fit around your busy schedule and are delivered by industry professionals.

Take a look at their website on www.truro-penwith.ac.uk/adult-learning, and get in touch with their Future Skills team on futureskills@truro-penwith.ac.uk, or call 01872 308000.

 

 

 

Time for a career change? It’s never too late to learn

Thinking about a new direction but unsure where to start? Across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, more adults are reshaping their careers through flexible learning that fits around family life.

From short Skills Bootcamps to apprenticeships and free courses, the Cornwall Opportunities website outlines various practical ways to gain in-demand skills and boost your confidence.

Explore options that could work for you and your future goals.

Find out more about Skills Bootcamps in the advert  or find out more about switching careers at:www.cornwall-opportunities.co.uk

 

Summer Storytelling at the Minack

Summer storytelling at the Minack takes place every Monday, Wednesday and Friday afternoon at 4pm during school holidays. Discover the wonders of the universe with Squashbox Theatre, in ‘Journey to the Stars’ or explore the little miracles of the shoreline, in ‘The Sea Show’. Alternatively, enter a world of Cornish folklore with storyteller John Brolly, in the mysterious mischief of ‘The Piskie in the Garden’. Visit minack.com to find out more and book tickets.

Find out more at www.minack.com

 

 

 

Stages Theatre Arts is not just a stage school, it offers young people an inspiring place to build confidence, creativity and performance skills.

 Based in St Austell, weekly classes combine acting, singing and dance with exciting opportunities to explore the wider world of theatre, from props and puppetry to production and performance. This summer, young performers can also join their special summer school: a fun, energetic week of rehearsals, teamwork and creativity, leading to a performance of Disney’s Frozen for family and friends. Whether your child is confident, curious or quietly finding their voice, Stages Theatre Arts helps every student shine.

 Find out more and book today at www.stagestheatrearts.co.uk.

 

 

A colourful celebration of family life

The summer exhibition at Newlyn Art Gallery is Big Art About Little People!

Step into a world of colour, light and everyday family life in Mothering, a major exhibition by acclaimed artist Caroline Walker. Through beautiful paintings, Walker captures the care, love and hard work involved in looking after young children, from playtime and mealtimes to quiet moments at home and nursery.

This is a wonderful exhibition to visit as a family, with children seeing themselves reflected in the artwork in a way that rarely happens in galleries. Full of familiar scenes and experiences, Mothering offers something for everyone – whether you're a child, parent, grandparent or carer – celebrating the universal experience of caring and being cared for.

 

Mothering is showing until 31 Oct.

 

Find out more at  www.newlynartgallery.co.uk

 

Steve Backshall's Wild Heligan: 18th July to 2nd September

The Lost Gardens of Heligan are thrilled to be joining forces with naturalist and wildlife presenter Steve Backshall for a summer of wild connections, outdoor adventure and natural play across the Heligan estate.

Heligan itself will be transformed into a wonderland of play, nature and adventure – with summer games, wild hubs, opportunities to explore and more.

Details around Steve Backshall’s Wild Heligan – including timings, dates and how The Lost Gardens will be taking advantage of the Great British Summer Saving scheme can be found on the Heligan website.

Find out more at www.heligan.com/events-at-heligan/steve-backshalls-wild-heligan/

 

 

Get ready for an unforgettable day out! The UK’s longest and fastest slip slide at 140 metres returns this summer at The Cornish Fun Farm.

Open from July through to September, The Maize Maze is back with an exciting new theme for this year, packed with mystery, adventure, and fun for all ages.

Maze Traitor

Something isn’t quite right on the farm… one of the animals has turned traitor! Your mission is to uncover the culprit by exploring the maze and gathering clues. Seek out the Faithful Flock, collect Golden Cobs, and bring everyone together for a special Found Table event. Can you expose the traitor before time runs out?

Claud’s Castle

Step inside the world of their charismatic MC, Claud Winkman, who has hidden his treasures deep within Claud’s Castle. Navigate through eight themed rooms hidden within the maze, each guarding one of Claud’s prized possessions. But which treasure holds the greatest value of all?

Once you’ve conquered the maze, the adventure continues. Enjoy a wide range of onsite activities including bouncy castles, trampolines, an exciting playground, giant garden games, a sprawling sandpit, and the chance to meet friendly farm animals and rare breeds up close.

After all the excitement, relax and take in the beautiful Cornish countryside. Treat yourself to a traditional cream tea or a freshly baked Cornish pasty from the café — the perfect way to round off your visit.

Don’t miss your chance to experience the thrill — pre-book your tickets now at www.cornishmaze.co.uk.

 

Discover Sensory Cove This Summer

Sensory Cove Cornwall offers a unique sensory experience in a calm, welcoming and inclusive environment. Located at Barras Moor Farm near Truro, their sensory rooms feature interactive lighting, bubble tubes, fibre optics and immersive space designed to encourage exploration, relaxation and enjoyment. Suitable for children, young people and adults. Sensory Cove provides a safe and supportive space to explore.

Visit sensorycove.co.uk to find out more and book your session.

Swamp Circus, Circo Kernow and Chyan Cultural Centre invite aspiring circus stars of all ages and abilities to a joyful weekend of skills, play and connection.

Whether you join for a day, the whole weekend, or stay on site, there’s an option to suit everyone.

Explore a wide range of circus disciplines, from beginner-friendly sessions to more advanced workshops, all led in a welcoming and supportive atmosphere. It’s the perfect opportunity to try something new, build confidence and have fun, set against the stunning natural beauty of Chyan’s countryside.

Find out more at www.circokernow.co.uk and www.chyan.org

 

 

Make the most of the school holidays with a fun‑filled day out at Pendennis Castle in Falmouth.

 Young adventurers can climb the mighty Tudor keep, soak up epic sea views and enjoy wide‑open lawns perfect for picnics and play. From 18th July - 6th September, the castle celebrates a classic Great British Summer with fairground activities, circus‑skills challenges, puppet antics, deck chairs and more. For an unforgettable highlight, catch the Legendary Joust from 4th - 6th August, where four heroic knights thunder into action.

Book early to save 15% and enjoy a spectacular day of history, excitement and family fun -find out more at https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/pendennis-castle/

 

Kids Fest at Camel Creek Adventure Park!

Looking for the ultimate family day out this summer? Kids Fest is back at Camel Creek Adventure Park, bringing non-stop fun, laughter, and unforgettable memories.

Expect colourful face painting, fantastic street theatre, exciting family games, and epic foam parties at the end of each day. Plus, with over 40 rides and attractions, friendly animals to meet and indoor play areas to explore, there's plenty of adventure waiting around every corner.

The fun doesn't stop there! Every Wednesday, Kids Fest Nights light up the park with incredible tribute acts to some of the biggest stars, including Taylor Swift and Harry Styles. Then end the night with a spectacular firework finale that’s sure to wow the whole family.

Even better, your ticket includes a 7-day free return, giving families even more time to make the most of their summer adventures. Terms and conditions apply.

Book online and save up to 20% at camelcreek.co.uk.

 

Cornwall Airport Newquay

It could be Alicante, Edinburgh or Dublin, London or Málaga, or anywhere we roam…

From Cornwall Airport Newquay, you can fly to 19 destinations across the UK and Europe, making your next family adventure closer than you think. Skip the long drives or train journeys to other airports, breeze through tjeor next-generation security (no need to unpack liquids or laptops!) and spend more time exploring at the other end of the route.

Already booked for summer? New winter flights to Geneva start in 2027, so you and your family can hit the slopes direct from your proper local airport.

Find out more at www.cornwallairportnewquay.com

 

Dinosaurs Return to the Eden Project this summer

Bigger. Wilder. More Dinosaurs than ever. Get ready for a prehistoric adventure of epic proportions as Dinosaurs Return to the Eden Project this summer from 25 July – 6 September.

Perfect for dinosaur fans of all ages, this spectacular experience will transform Eden into a prehistoric playground featuring one of the UK's largest collections of animatronic dinosaurs. Hidden among the lush tropical planting of the Rainforest Biome, you'll discover 15 incredible dinosaurs, including a towering 40-foot Tyrannosaurus rex, giant flying pterosaurs, speedy Velociraptors and a magnificent Triceratops. Young explorers can begin their adventure in a palaeontology research lab before setting off on a dinosaur expedition through the Rainforest Biome, tracking down the prehistoric creatures that have been spotted at Eden.

Included with admission is the internationally acclaimed Dinosaur World Live show. This Olivier Award-winning production brings life-size dinosaurs to the stage in a thrilling 45-minute performance packed with adventure, science and storytelling. Running three times daily throughout the summer holidays, it's a must-see for the whole family.

There's even more fun to discover outside with Eden's Giant Marble Runs. Stretching over 100 metres across eight unique runs, this exciting outdoor play experience lets children race marbles through twists, turns and tunnels while exploring the gardens.

Best of all, all summer holiday activities – including Dinosaur World Live – are included with a standard Eden Project ticket. Plus, from 25 June to 1 September 2026, families can enjoy reduced admission prices and lower-priced children's meals as part of the Government's Great British Summer Savings scheme.

And if you live in Cornwall or Devon, you can save even more with an Eden Locals’ Pass, giving you unlimited entry to Dinosaurs Return this summer – and for a whole year beyond!

Adventure awaits… Are you ready to walk with dinosaurs?

Find out more at www.edenproject.com

 

Get Ready for a Summer Full of Fun at Crealy!

There’s even more reason to smile this Summer at Crealy Theme Park & Resort as Devon’s favourite family attraction launches its second brand new ride of 2016 – Rotor!

If you love exciting rides, you won’t want to miss Rotor, which will be Devon’s only inverted ride. That means your feet will be dangling in the air as you spin and soar through an unforgettable adventure! It’s sure to become a must-ride attraction for thrill-seekers visiting the park this summer.

But that’s not all! Crealy is also bringing back its fantastic Free Return Visit offer during the summer holidays. Families who book online in advance at www.crealy.co.uk and visit between 24th July and 31st August will receive a free return ticket, giving them the chance to come back and enjoy all the fun again at no extra cost.

With over 60 rides and attractions, exciting live shows, indoor play areas and friendly animals to meet, Crealy is the perfect place for a family day out this summer. Whether you're braving the brand new Rotor, splashing around on your favourite rides or making memories with friends and family, there’s a whole world of adventure waiting for you.

So what are you waiting for? Get ready for a summer packed with thrills, laughter and double the fun at Crealy!

Find out more at www.crealy.co.uk

 

Message from Callestick Farm

“Here at Callestick Farm we use fresh milk all from our own grass fed herd of Jersey x Friesian cows, local cream & then add the finest fruits & confectionery to create flavour upon flavour of dreamy, ice creamy indulgence! Our ice cream parlour located in the heart of Cornwall serves a variety of treats including hot waffles, milkshakes, our ever popular Cornish cream teas... (Remember - jam first!) And of course our ice cream sundaes! We are perfect for an afternoon relaxing in our sunny courtyard, after a day at the beach or to shelter in our parlour when the Cornish weather is doing its thing.”

Find out more at www.callestickfarm.co.uk