Best family days out on a rainy day in Cornwall

Hidden Valley, near Launceston

Put little inquisitive minds to the test at Hidden Valley, in North Cornwall near Launceston. Situated down a tree-lined lane, Hidden Valley is a place where puzzles and adventure unites. There are puzzle trails, a maze, a railway, a Forbidden Mansion, beautiful gardens and the miniature village of Tremuddlewick – rest assured there’s plenty to see and do. A great day out for all ages, your four legged friends are allowed too (just ensure they’re on a short fixed lead). Open every day from 10am, last entry is at 2pm.

Little Cocoa, Wadebridge

Little Cocoa, located on Trevanson Street in Wadebridge, is a charming play café perfect for families with young children looking to hide from the elements. Children under six enjoy climbing frames, soft‑play zones, sensory toys, and role‑play areas, while parents can relax with an excellent Cornish coffee. There’s also a fully enclosed outdoor area with a mud kitchen adds delightful mess‑friendly fun, when the rain isn’t pouring. With friendly staff, craft workshops, and party‑hire options, it’s a relaxed fun-filled spot to take shelter.

Base Camp, Portreath

Portreath is a compact, narrow-harboured resort between St Ives and Porthtowan. It’s also home to Base Camp, which is situated at Gwel an Mor resort.

With over 2,000 square feet of soft play, kids aged three and over can navigate three floors of ball pools and slides. For explorers aged under three, there is a self contained play area on the ground floor for gentler play.

While you’re there, take play to new heights with ‘clip’n’climb’, suitable for those aged four plus (even adults are encouraged to get involved!).There are 10 themed walls to conquer; the concept is simple – you ‘clip’ onto belay ropes and climb, under the watchful eyes on the fully trained staff! But who will get to the top first?

Sure to build up an appetite, there’s an on-site cafe, which provides free access to iPads and tablets. It is open to all 7 days a week, 9:30-6 pm.

Adrenaline Quarry, near Liskeard

Have you a young thrill-seeker on your hands? Look no further than Adrenaline Quarry near Liskeard in South East Cornwall. While the quarry may be a geological site of special scientific interest, with the lake, cliffs and woodland forming a beautiful wildlife haven, teeming with trout, migratory birds and crayfish, it’s also home some jaw-dropping attractions.

It’s best known for it’s rather impressive zip wire, an aerial runway stretching 490 metres over a flooded quarry. It’s suitable for those weighing 25kg, approximately 6 years plus.

You’ll also find go karting for those aged 7 plus. Or perhaps you fancy defying gravity on The Giant Swing, swinging 150ft over a cliff edge (Min weight 25kg).

Or maybe you want to get into the water. Those aged 6 years plus, can get wet and wild on this inflatable playground. Expect oversized trampolines, monkey bars, slides, swings and more.

For older kids (suitable for 12 years plus), try your hand at axe throwing, much like darts… but with axes. Adrenaline Quarry is open every day from 10-5pm (winter opening times may vary), unleash your adrenaline!

Blue Reef Aquarium, Newquay

There’s something about being near the sea and visiting an aquarium, it feels so fitting.
And Blue Reef Aquarium is in a pretty special location as it looks out over Towan Beach in Newquay.

A highlight for little ones is sure to be the the underwater tunnel, which runs through the ocean tank at the heart of the aquarium, be sure to look above and all around as you walk through. It’s home to 40 naturally-themed habitats, going beyond the Cornish coast to the exotic seas. You’ll see freshwater turtles, pufferfish, reef sharks and much more!

Eden Project, near St Austel. ©Hufton+Crow

The Eden Project, near St Austell

There’s rarely a guide to Cornwall without a mention of the iconic Eden Project. And for good reason… described as ‘Jurassic Park without the dinosaurs’, take a trip to the world’s largest greenhouses. And what better time to visit than a drizzly day?

The Eden biomes will keep you sheltered as you appreciate the remarkable architectural vision. Families can explore the tropical heat in the rainforest biome with its rare plants, and wobbly rope bridge walkway with amazing views over the rainforest.

Then visit the more temperate climes of the Mediterranean biome to discover the heady scents and colour of the plants and enjoy the Bacchanalian sculptures. Kids will be mesmerised by the giant Infinity Blue sculpture and enjoy chasing the vapour rings as it exhales.

There’s a range of outdoor play areas for all ages too, from the Nest and Nature’s Playground to the Minibeast mansion. If you’ve a baby in tow, you’ll be pleased to learn that the whole site is buggy-friendly too. It’s open every day, from 9:45-5pm.

Retallack, near Padstow

Okay, so you’ll still end up pretty soaked by the end of your trip to Retallack Aqua Park but it’ll be totally worth it. Something completely different, and the perfect rainy day out for competitive families, this challenging aqua park is 7 miles outside of popular fishing village Padstow, and 13 miles from Newquay.

Surf the perfect wave whatever the weather on Cornwall’s only FlowRider. With safe and easy to ride waves, it’s the perfect set to learn to surf in safe surroundings without braving the sea on a rainy day. Suitable for those aged eight years and older (those aged between eight and 12 must be supervised by an adult), the instructors are on hand to have you riding the waves in no time at all.

Or how about an inflatable assault course? The Aqua Park at Retallack features separate inflated islands, giant trampoline, ‘stepping stone’ climbing obstacles, tough balance beams and lots more. The race is on with a ‘total wipeout’ style set up. Children must be aged six years plus, and those aged between six and 12 must be supervised by an adult.

Open from 9-5:30pm.

National Maritime Museum, Falmouth

The award-winning National Maritime Museum in Falmouth is the perfect place to spend a few hours away from the rain. A place to enrich our understanding of the sea, and Cornwall, what better place to educate the kids while visiting this wonderful county? With 15 galleries over five floors to discover, the whole family will enjoy exploring the influence of the sea on history and culture

Kids will love the Monsters of the Deep exhibition, as they plunge down to the dark murky depths of the ocean, hunting for monsters that lurk beneath. There’s also pirate-themed play area for small children, and plenty of child-friendly events that run throughout the year. Open every day from 10-5pm.

Newquay Zoo, Newquay

Animal lovers rejoice, Newquay Zoo is the perfect place to go when the weather isn’t playing ball. With dozens of different animals to see – in fact it’s home to over 130 species of some of the world’s most rare and endangered animals – across 13 acres, there’s plenty to see and do. There is also a play area, a Tarzan Trail and a maze to explore. Open 10-5pm every day.