Things To Do With The Kids In Cornwall This Summer

Kirsten Harford
1 August 2024

The last school bell has sounded and the children now have the six weeks of the school summer holidays ahead of them and the best news, you live in Cornwall so there's lots to do. From captivating tales of times gone by to exploring exotic gardens and running wild and free in the natural coastal playground, we've rounded up seven local things to do this summer and beyond.

Take a walk on the Wild Side

From now until 8th September, the Eden Project’s ‘Wild Life’ offers adventurous activities for the most wild of child. From intrepid family nature trails and play, fun-filled crafting, entertaining shadow puppet shows and inspirational interactive exhibitions. Plus, come face to face, up close and personal to some of the planet’s most magnificent, peculiar and extraordinary beasts and creatures via the Natural History Museum’s Wildlife photography exhibition. Suitable for all ages, there is even an under 5 nature play zone for those very mini but equally wild explorers!

Make a splash at The Cornwall Slip and Slide

Slip, slide, splash, smile and share incredible memories at The Cornwall Slip and Slide. This gargantuan (350 feet long no less) slide is the ultimate in slippery family fun. Not only will an exhilarating session absolutely delight little ones, it will also provide a truly unadulterated thrill for parents. Feeling the whipping wind whilst whizzing down the slide will evoke carefree memories of childhood. Will you reach the splash pool at the end?

Ahoy there landlubbers, prepare to be bowled over 

Calm busy little minds, tear their eyes away from the screen and immerse their little hands in the mud through a series of pirate themed pottery workshops! Taking place every Wednesday through August at The Poly, Falmouth, they will learn to throw some serious shapes while creating their very own pirate coins, flags, imposing pirate ships or even an actual pirate in air dry clay.  Argghhh!

Hop to it

No matter how familiar you think you are with an area, there is always something new to be discovered. Operated by First Bus, the open top Atlantic Coaster service winds majestically along the sensational North Cornish coast, passing rugged clifftops, vast sandy shorelines and charming coastal villages in its midst. A hassle-free, cost-effective and compelling way to explore, offering far-reaching panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and beyond as well as a means of exploring the popular towns of Newquay, Padstow and St Ives. Plus, you can simply hop on and off at your leisure.

Find your Treasure

Dredge up a seabed full of stories of scandal, salvage, peril, peculiarities, possibility, love, life and loss. Each story a door into another person’s world.  All at Charlestown Shipwreck Treasure Museum. The new treasure exhibition (which runs until Sunday 3rd November) is centred around the only intact barrel of coins ever salvaged from the seabed as well as other fascinating shipwreck artifacts that will ultimately shiver your timbers!

Follow in the footsteps of Cornish Saints and pilgrims

For a truly unique, alfresco activity for fair weather days, pack a picnic, pop to Lostwithiel Museum and the Community Centre and pick up a Lostwithiel Walks booklet for just £3. This unique guide describes the fascinating history of this ancient stannary town that dates back to the 12th century, once the capital of Cornwall and its royal associations. Take your pick from the six guided walks, all of which provide a self-led immersive experience which will take you past babbling brooks, magical woodland, gushing rivers, breathtaking countryside and moorland, unearthing remarkable beauty alongside historical significance (as well as great picnic spot potential, naturally).

Dig deep with a visit to Wheal Martyn

Across 26 acres, discover how the magic ingredient, China clay still shapes Cornwall and the world today from right here in the heart of this clay country. It’s always a great time to visit the UK’s only China clay mining museum, but there are some exciting events there this summer including ‘Sea-riously fun activities’ – a range of happenings inspired by the sea and clay shipping. Be ever inspired by what lies hidden amongst the rock directly beneath our feet.

We hope this lists helps to keep little ones busy this summer! Make sure you share your summer fun by tagging us on social media #westcarclazegardenvillage!

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