The kids may be back to school but there is still plenty going on at weekends and after-school between now and half term for families across Cornwall. See our featured local businesses below or see our frequently updated online listings guide here for more tips and ideas
Message from Young Vets Club
“Here's a curiosity: research on children and pets throws up something called the "pet effect paradox" - simply having an animal in the house doesn't reliably make kids happier or calmer. What helps is something more specific: how closely they engage with it. Feeding, observing, learning to read behaviour, noticing what a nervous animal needs to feel safe. A quality relationship goes beyond ownership - it becomes a hobby. And a hobby can become a passion, a career, a direction in life. In the age of doom-scrolling, young people need hobbies more than ever. This is why we created Young Vets Club.” Visit www.youngvetsclub.com to find out more.
Created by Worldwide Veterinary Service.
Fun to be had at Atlantic Reach
If you're looking for ways to keep the children entertained while making the most of what's on your doorstep, Atlantic Reach is well worth a visit. Local families can take advantage of the Locals Card, which offers exclusive rates on swimming, soft play and access to the wellness area for adults aged 16 and over. Whether it's a family swim, a rainy-day play session or a little relaxation for parents, there's something to suit everyone. Atlantic Reach also hosts swimming and soft play birthday parties, making it a great choice for memorable celebrations throughout the year.
Once our rubbish and recycling are collected, they begin a new journey. A plastic bottle could become part of a park bench. An old newspaper could be turned into a new cardboard box.
At recycling and energy recovery facilities, materials are sorted so they can be used again. Some waste that cannot be recycled is used to generate energy instead.
Learning about this process helps children understand why reducing waste, reusing materials and recycling are so important. SUEZ offers free educational visits and activities that bring these ideas to life, helping to inspire the next generation to care for our environment.
Reach New Heights at NQY Rocks!
Looking for family-friendly fun in Newquay? NQY Rocks is an exciting, all-weather, new activity centre at Hendra Holiday Park, Newquay, packed with adventure for all ages.
Challenge yourself on one of their 17 unique Clip 'n Go walls, suitable for anyone aged four and over. From testing your balance on the thrilling Stairway to Heaven to taking on the heart-racing Leap of Faith, where you'll climb high before jumping to grab a suspended target, there's plenty to keep adrenaline seekers entertained. With 15 other exciting climbing challenges to conquer, every visit brings a new adventure.
For younger explorers, the impressive four-storey soft play area offers hours of indoor fun. Children can climb, crawl, slide and explore colourful obstacles, while a dedicated toddler zone provides a safe space for little ones to play.
Planning a celebration? Choose from their popular soft play or Clip 'n Go party packages. Each party includes exclusive use of a private party room, perfect for refuelling and celebrating after all the excitement.
NQY Rocks also features a versatile Summit Room, which is a bright and modern studio space that can be hired by the local community for special events and classes.
After all the fun, relax in the coffee bar, serving freshly brewed coffee, tasty bakes and light bites.
“Beacon Vetcare is taking an innovative approach to help to inspire young people to explore veterinary science careers. Through its educational visits programme, the independent Cornish veterinary practice is inviting schools, colleges and community groups to behind-the-scenes tours of their working veterinary practice.
Named after the Cornish word for "community," Kemeneth reflects the practice's commitment to supporting and inspiring people across Cornwall. The initiative offers visitors an opportunity to experience the day-to-day reality of veterinary medicine while learning about veterinary science and potential career pathways.
Based at the practice's Summercourt branch, the programme combines guided practice tours and interactive learning sessions. Sessions can be tailored to suit learners from Early Years Foundation Stage through to Key Stage 4. Topics can be adapted to support curriculum areas such as understanding the world, people who help us, animal habitats and the role of modern technology. The programme is supported by a dedicated veterinary nurse employed as an education, inspiration and outreach facilitator.
This initiative helps young people develop a realistic understanding of veterinary careers and the many pathways available within the profession. For some visitors, a visit could provide the inspiration for a future career in animal care, veterinary nursing or veterinary medicine. “
Discover Sensory Cove This Autumn
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.
The Cornish Maize Maze Pumpkin Patch & Halloween Maze is open every weekend in October – and every day during Half Term!
Get ready for a spook-tacular day out for the whole family! Wander through the fang-tastic Halloween Maze, explore the magical Pumpkin Patch bursting with thousands of pumpkins, and pick your perfect one – big, small, weird or wonderful. There will be incredible photo opportunities throughout the maze and patch – don’t forget your camera. You will meet friendly farm animals and enjoy a true countryside adventure.