Summer Holidays for Families in Cornwall

Events Monday 5th August 2019

School’s out for summer (hooray!), which begs the question: what to do with the kids?

If you tire of the beach (impossible as it might seem), fancy a change of scene or the weather turns, you might want to schedule some activities elsewhere that’ll keep the little ones entertained as you make the most of your stay in Cornwall.

From outdoor adventures to circus shenanigans, music, nature, and island escapism, an unforgettable stay for the entire family starts here…

Wheal Martyn Summer Activities

Cornwall’s clay-pit-turned-adventure-camp provides the perfect place to discover the county’s industrial heritage while roaming the outdoors in a fun, active and engaging way.

From crafting Woodland Animal Headbands to Pottery Painting, Clay Stories and Clay Animation Workshop, Rocket Workshop and Nature Scavenger Hunt, kids will delight in the smorgasbord of outdoor frolics on offer.

Then there’s their Badger Forest School, where families can enjoy nature trails, campfire cooking, mask making and nature crafts, shelter and den building, mini-beast hunts and woodland creatures aplenty.

Paulos Circus

From 12th July – 7th September, anyone in or visiting Newquay can relish a spine-tingling display courtesy of Paulos Circus’ spectacular Rockets Tour. Expect a fantastic live performance as the acts blend the traditional, modern and new age for an electrifying event like no other.

Paradise Park’s Summer of Parrots

West Cornwall’s popular wildlife sanctuary and play centre presents a summer of parrot-loving fun (26th July-3rd September) at the home of the World Parrot Trust. Take the quiz, meet the spectacular variety of parrot species and discover everything about the brilliant conservation projects undertaken at the park.

Science in the Square

Falmouth’s Events Square will host a brilliantly fascinating and free event (12-4pm) when children get the chance to explore the world of science through various talks and interactive sessions as they explore nature’s ‘Hidden Worlds’ with scientists from the University of Exeter’s Penryn Campus.

Tots Rock

If you’re at a loose end in Lostwithiel on a Thursday in August, head to Parade Gardens for free music-making for families and young children (5.30-6.30pm).

Butterfly Walks at Cotehele

Take a stroll in Saltash’s sublime Cotehele for a guided walk (20th July–10th August) on the wild side, where Ranger Pete Mills will help you to spy and learn all about the garden’s resident collection of beautiful butterflies.

Earth Story and Wild Wednesdays Kids’ Club at the Eden Project

Cornwall’s iconic cultural landmark is a definite place to be this summer (24th July-3rd September), with an interactive array of exhibitions, activities and sights all on offer.

Explore the history of earth and ponder its present and future as you delve into evolution during a wonderfully hands-on experience featuring giant beasts, a Minibeast Mansion, VR safari, storytelling, trails, challenges, games and science workshops.

Meanwhile, kids will relish Eden’s outdoor play club for 7-11 year olds in their wild outer estate, where ‘creativity, craft and campfires’ are the captivating buzzwords of the day.

Treasure Island of Summer Activities

Summer on the world-famous St Michael’s Mount (29th July-4th September) looks set to be an inspired affair, with craft activities, stories, and exploration all readily available. Join Tall Stories of the Castle (11am-4pm every Monday), Myths and Legends of the Sea (11am-4pm every Tuesday) and Garden Magic on the Mount (11am-4pm every Wednesday) for an entertaining way to discover island life.

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