Cornwall is the perfect place to bring your family. You can spend all day on the beach and in the sea making those incredible family memories. We have had a look at some of the best days out in Cornwall for the kids that you can also do if the weather turns or you all want a bit of an adventure. All of these places vary in location and price, so check them out before coming to stay, and you can plan your trip and what activities you and your family will enjoy.
Ferdi’s Indoor Play
Ferdi’s Indoor Play in Helston is a vibrant, all-weather play center designed especially for children up to 8 years old. Located beside the former Flambards theme park, Ferdi’s now operates as a standalone attraction, offering families a safe, fun-filled environment all year round. The soft-play facility features exciting slides, rope bridges, ball pits, climbing walls, and tunnels—perfect for active little explorers. Kids can enjoy three themed zones: the action-packed Main Play Area, a cozy Toddler Zone for under-2s with gentle activities, and the creative Mini Street where children role-play in a pretend café, vet clinic, and supermarket.
Parents can relax in the on-site café, which offers a range of hot meals, snacks, and drinks, along with free Wi-Fi and comfortable seating. Ferdi’s is open Wednesday to Sunday from 10 am, with extended daily hours during school holidays. Entry is affordable, and babies under one year old get in free. The venue is also popular for hosting birthday parties, which include unlimited play, food, drinks, party hosts, and a Ferdi toy for the birthday child. With its welcoming atmosphere, thoughtful design, and playful learning opportunities, Ferdi’s Indoor Play is a go-to destination for family fun in Cornwall.
Please check out https://www.ferdisindoorplay.co.uk/ for more information.
Retallack Aqua Park
Retallack is a fantastic day out. This popular venue near Wadebridge caters to everyone. Kids parties, hen-do parties, and adults only. They can tailor their park to what you would like it for. The park is available to hire out privately, or they do 1-hour sessions in their total wipe-out style water park. This huge inflatable aqua park has a giant trampoline, catapult, water wheel, stepping stones, climbing wall, slides, blast bags, challenging balance beams, and so much more. Retallack also offers their Flo-rider, which simulates waves and is a great and safe way to learn how to surf.
They also do kids’ bodyboard sessions on the Flo-rider wave simulator. If you are into a bit more of a thrill, then they also have wakeboarding on site. Please book in advance to avoid disappointment with any of the activities. There is also a cafe on-site, so you can watch your friend or family partake whilst enjoying a quiet drink or some food. The water park really is a fantastic way to experience water sports in a safe and guided environment; it is highly recommended if you want to explore water sport options.
Please check out https://www.retallackcornwall.com/things-to-do/watersports/aqua-park/ for more information.
Camel Creek Family Adventure Park
Camel Creek Family Adventure Park, located near Wadebridge in Cornwall, is a vibrant family destination set across 111 acres of picturesque countryside. Tailored for families with younger children, the park features over 40 attractions, including gentle roller coasters like the Magic Dragon and Clown Coaster, exciting water rides such as Thunder Falls and Raging Rivers, and expansive indoor play zones like Creeky’s Playhouse and Merlin’s Magical Playground—making it a great choice even on rainy days. Animal lovers can enjoy up-close encounters with meerkats, reptiles, and farm animals, along with junior keeper experiences and interactive shows.
Beyond the rides and animals, the park offers themed areas like Shipwreck Shores Adventure Golf and Merlin’s Playground, as well as seasonal events such as Halloween festivals, fireworks displays, and Santa’s Grotto. Conveniently located along the A39 and close to Newquay and Padstow, Camel Creek provides family-friendly amenities including free parking, accessible facilities, and a variety of food options. With its mix of outdoor adventures, indoor fun, and magical seasonal events, it’s an ideal day out for families with children up to around 12 years old.
Please check out https://www.camelcreek.co.uk/ for more information.
Lappa Valley Steam Railway
This valley is packed with fun and activities for everyone to enjoy. Catch the steam train from reception through to the valley and spend the day there enjoying what is on offer. There’s a wealth of family-friendly activities to enjoy. From the canoeing lake to the crazy golf course, from outdoor adventures to indoor play, from the musical trail to the woodland walks, there’s plenty of fun to be had on this 35-acre site. You can also take one of the swan boats out on the river.
There is a wonderful fleet of steam engines at Lappa Valley, all with their own story and history behind them. These engines have been designed by some of the foremost railway engineers in the industry. There is also a café on site, but a lot of people take their packed lunch, so whatever suits you, really. All well-behaved dogs are welcome, too, so you really can bring the whole family. Look on their page for specific offers and deals as well as dates for their grandparents’ weekend and their fireworks display.
Please check out https://www.lappavalley.co.uk/ for more information.
The Lost Gardens of Heligan
The Lost Gardens of Heligan is one of the most popular destinations in Cornwall, both for tourists and locals. The Gardens are one of the most popular botanical gardens in the UK. The gardens are typical of the 19th-century Gardenesque style, with areas of various character and design styles. You can explore the amazing gardens for hours. There is also a lot of farmland, and you can visit all kinds of animals. Please see the website for feeding times and different animal exhibits. During the busier times, school holidays, they have many activities where your children can do anything from crafts to adventure play to a silent disco totoasting marshmallows on a campfire.
They also give the kids a trail to follow around the gardens to look out for different activities. It is a fantastic way to keep the kids entertained for a whole day and get them immersed in nature. Heligan is also dog-friendly, so your furry friend doesn’t have to miss out either. There are a few different food outlets there, and sometimes they do BBQ food in the warmer months, but quite often we take a packed lunch and just have that, and then treat the kids to an ice cream. This makes it quite a cost-effective way to spend a whole day.
Please check out https://www.heligan.com/ for more information.
The Eden Project
Cornwall’s most popular and famous attraction, the Eden Project, is truly unique and has something for everyone to enjoy. The Eden Project is nestled in a huge crater. There are 2 massive biomes housing the largest rainforest in captivity; stunning plants, exhibitions, and stories serve as a backdrop to the striking contemporary gardens, summer concerts, and exciting year-round family events. During peak times, there are different exhibitions, such as dinosaurs, and during winter months, there is an ice rink for you to enjoy as well. The Eden Project has hosted some international superstars over the years, such as Oasis, Lionel Richie, Motorhead, and Amy Winehouse. Check out the Eden Sessions for a ticket to one of these evening gigs in a stunning location. It is truly magical watching a gig at Eden and highly recommended.
Your whole family can learn all about the rainforest and different climates. There are some great local food outlets on site, but feel free to bring a packed lunch if you prefer. This is an unmissable day out for all the family, including your dogs, as the Eden Project is a dog-friendly location. For those more adventurous among you, check out the zip line. Soar above the biomes on England’s longest and fastest zip wire, covering 660 meters and travelling at speeds of up to 60 mph. Book in advance to avoid missing out on this.
Please check out https://www.edenproject.com/ for more information.
Cornish Seal Sanctuary
The Cornish Seal Sanctuary is set in the picturesque Helford Estuary, by the beautiful village of Gweek, in Cornwall. The Sanctuary is a busy rescue center and also has resident grey seals, common seals, Patagonian & Californian sea lions, penguins, otters, goats, sheep, and ponies. Each season, the sanctuary rehabilitates over 70 seal pups that have been rescued for various reasons, from malnourishment to being separated from their mom.
Today, the Sanctuary has nursery pools, rehabilitation, convalescent, and resident pools, and a specially designed hospital. You can visit all the different types of rescued seals and see them being fed. There are exhibitions on at certain times, so check in advance before you go. The sanctuary is welcoming to well-behaved dogs, so you can even take your dog with you on your day out at the seal sanctuary. The sanctuary does fantastic work, and it is an awesome place to share with the little ones.
Please check out https://www.edenproject.com/ for more information.
Land’s End
You can’t come to Cornwall and not see Land’s End; this famous part of England is geared up for a great day out. Set against the beautiful coastal backdrop of Land’s End, there is a range of seasonal attractions and events designed to keep everyone entertained throughout the spring, summer, and autumn months. Fantastical family fun takes center stage with games, face painting, performers, and much more invading Land’s End, with fireworks lighting up this famous landmark at dusk.
There is also a 4D film experience called the Jolly Roger. Please book in advance if you can. The coastal path and landmark are permanently open. Shops and restaurants are open late into the evening, and there are fireworks around 7 pm. Land’s End is a dog-friendly attraction—more good news for dog lovers.
Please check out https://landsend-landmark.co.uk/ for more information.
