Top 10 Family Days Out in Cornwall This Summer (2026)
Looking for the top 10 family days out in Cornwall this summer? Cornwall is the perfect destination for a family holiday, with miles of beautiful beaches, fascinating historic sites, wildlife adventures and exciting attractions to suit all ages.
At Ekopod, we’re lucky to be surrounded by some of Cornwall’s best family attractions. Whether you’re looking for an action-packed adventure, a rainy-day activity or a relaxed day exploring the Cornish countryside, there’s something for everyone.
Here are our top 10 family days out in Cornwall for Summer 2026.
1. A Beach Day at Widemouth Bay, Crooklets or Summerleaze
No family holiday in Cornwall is complete without a day at the beach.
The beaches around Bude are some of our favourites and are perfect for children of all ages. Build sandcastles, explore rock pools, swim in a sea pool or simply enjoy a traditional Cornish ice cream with your toes in the sand.
Our top picks are:
Widemouth Bay – a huge expanse of golden sand with plenty of space for games, paddling and surfing.
Summerleaze Beach, Bude – home to Bude Sea Pool, a fantastic spot for younger children to swim safely.
Crooklets Beach – brilliant for rock pooling and watching the surfers.
All three beaches are lifeguarded during the summer holidays and have cafés, toilets and easy access.
After your beach day, we recommend:
- The Beach House, Widemouth Bay – enjoy dinner overlooking the sea while the children play on the sand.
- The Bank, Bude – famous for its fun private dining pods.
- The Bay View Inn – with an outdoor play area and family-friendly atmosphere.
2. The Eden Project – A Prehistoric Adventure
The Eden Project is one of Cornwall’s most famous family attractions and makes a brilliant day out whatever the weather.
Explore the enormous Rainforest and Mediterranean Biomes before heading outside to discover the gardens, play areas and seasonal activities. New for this year an outside giant marble run has made the gardens more interactive for children.
For Summer 2026, Eden’s much-loved dinosaur experience returns. Hidden amongst the tropical rainforest, families can discover 15 life-sized dinosaurs and flying reptiles, including a huge Tyrannosaurus rex, giant plant-eaters, raptors and pterosaurs.
You can also enjoy the award-winning Dinosaur World Live show, included with admission, where life-sized dinosaurs come to the stage through storytelling, theatre and science.
Children can become junior palaeontologists in the Palaeontology Research Lab, getting hands-on with fossils and discovering how scientists uncover the secrets of prehistoric life.
With so much to see indoors and outdoors, Eden is easily a full-day adventure.
3. Tintagel Castle
For a magical family day out, visit Tintagel Castle and step into the legends of King Arthur.
Children will love crossing the dramatic bridge, exploring the castle ruins and discovering Merlin’s Cave on the beach below.
Top tip: plan your visit around low tide if you want to explore the cave.
The castle sits on one of Cornwall’s most spectacular stretches of coastline, making it a great combination of history, adventure and amazing views.
Dogs are welcome at Tintagel Castle too, but there are a lot of steps.
4. Surf Lessons at Bude or Widemouth Bay
A family holiday in Cornwall wouldn’t be complete without trying surfing.
The North Cornwall coast is famous for its waves, and the beaches around Bude are ideal for beginners.
Local surf schools include:
- Big Blue Surf School
- Freewave Surf Academy
Children can start with private lessons from around age five, with group lessons generally available from age eight.
It’s a brilliant way to experience Cornwall like a local and create memories together.
5. Hidden Valley Adventure Park
Hidden Valley is one of Cornwall’s hidden gems and one of our favourite family days out.
Set in beautiful gardens near Launceston, it combines puzzles, adventure and imagination in a way that keeps both children and adults entertained.
Highlights include:
- Mystery puzzle trails
- Outdoor adventure challenges
- Fairy village
- Children’s play area
- Miniature railway
- Picnic areas and café
It’s a fantastic option for families looking for something a little different.
Dogs are welcome (although they cannot go on the train or into the Forbidden Mansion).
6. Lanhydrock – Summer of Play
For a family day out combining history, gardens and outdoor adventure, Lanhydrock is hard to beat with beautiful gardens, a fab play area and an interactive nursery where children can try games from a by gone era.
During Summer 2026, the National Trust’s Summer of Play transforms the estate into a family activity hub packed with creativity and adventure.
Children can enjoy:
- Soft archery
- Storytelling
- Nature activities
- Badminton
- Crafts and gardening
- Pokémon trails
- Dress-up and performances in the Victorian Nursery
- Outdoor play and exploring the gardens
With cafés, picnic areas and acres of beautiful grounds to explore, it’s an easy place to spend a whole day.
7. Adrenalin Quarry – Cornwall’s Ultimate Adventure Day
For children who love excitement, Adrenalin Quarry delivers a serious dose of adventure.
Activities include:
- Giant Aqua Park
- Zip wire over water
- Coasteering
- Giant swing
- Karting
For younger children, the Monster Slip & Slide is another brilliant summer option, just 20 minutes from Ekopod. Suitable from age two, it’s great fun for adults too!
8. Boat Trips from Padstow & Port Isaac
See Cornwall from a completely different perspective with a coastal boat trip.
Trips from Padstow and Port Isaac offer the chance to spot:
- Dolphins
- Seals
- Seabirds
- Cornwall’s dramatic coastline
They’re suitable for all ages and can easily be combined with exploring these beautiful fishing villages. Looking for a boat trip? Check out Wavehunters
9. Trethorne Leisure Park
Even in this heatwave there could be rainy days, and when the weather turns, Trethorne Leisure Park is a fantastic family-friendly attraction.
Just ten minutes from Ekopod, it offers entertainment for toddlers through to teenagers.
Activities include:
- Huge indoor soft play
- Animal encounters
- Trampolines
- Bowling
- Dodgems
- Mini golf
- Café and restaurant
It also has a large outdoor play area if the sun does come out!
Other nearby popular family attractions include:
- Camel Creek
- The Big Sheep
- The Milky Way Adventure Park
10. Bodmin Jail & Brick History
For a fascinating family day out that works whatever the weather, head to Bodmin Jail.
Explore the historic jail, discover stories from Cornwall’s past and experience the atmospheric surroundings of this famous landmark.
This summer, Bodmin Jail is also home to Brick History, an incredible LEGO exhibition bringing thousands of years of history to life.
Created by renowned LEGO artist Warren Elsmore, the exhibition features detailed brick-built scenes including dinosaurs, medieval castles, inventions, exploration and famous moments from history.
It’s a brilliant combination of creativity, education and entertainment – perfect for LEGO fans, history lovers and families looking for something unique. They’re also currently running a special offer -12% off tickets.
Make Your Cornwall Family Holiday One to Remember
After a day exploring Cornwall, return to your own peaceful corner of the countryside at Ekopod.
Our luxury safari tents, geodomes and bell tent give families the perfect base for adventures, with comfortable beds, hot baths, fire pits, and plenty of space for children to explore along with our little children’s play area.
Spend your evenings toasting marshmallows, making pizzas in our woodfired pizza oven, relaxing in the Wild Spa or looking up at some of the darkest skies in Cornwall.
Because the best family holidays aren’t just about the places you visit – they’re about the memories you make together.
Family stays at Ekopod start from £90 per night for a family of four.
I hope you found my recommendations on the top 10 family days out in Cornwall this summer useful and that you enjoy exploring them in person!
