Things to Do in Cornwall This May Half Term
Looking for ideas to keep the kids entertained this May half term?
Whether you’re craving the great outdoors, love getting hands-on with crafts and wildlife, or just want to explore somewhere new, Cornwall has plenty to offer. From magical gardens to fascinating museums and wild adventures, here’s our round-up of the best family-friendly activities from May 24th to June 1st.
Rock Pools, Sharks and Seagrass at the National Maritime Museum Cornwall
In Falmouth, the National Maritime Museum Cornwall is inviting curious minds to dive into the wonders of the Cornish coastline. Meet sea creatures up close in The Rock Pool Project’s mobile rock pool, try your hand at seaweed identification, and learn about the fascinating species that call our shores home. Creative kids can get involved in Make & Take sessions each afternoon, making seagrass crowns and basking shark models. Around the museum, there’s a family trail celebrating seagrass meadows, and you’ll even find a sustainable willow shark sculpture in progress, where families can join in and help add to the artwork. Towards the end of the week, the Blue Meadows team will be on hand with VR headsets and seagrass restoration activities.
Explore Eden with the Octonauts
This May half term, the Eden Project becomes a haven for young explorers as the Octonauts go ‘Above and Beyond’ on a mission to protect the planet. Children can take on challenges around the Biomes and gardens to discover which type of Octo-agent they are – perhaps a hydrologist like Paani, or a botanist like Selva. You might even bump into Captain Barnacles himself along the way. With spring in full bloom, the gardens are alive with colour and wildflower installations, while families can dive into oversized nature-inspired games like bee basketball and bouquet croquet thanks to a creative collaboration with Graphic Rewilding. It’s a perfect blend of learning, fun, and fresh air.
Wildlife Encounters at Paradise Park
Head to Paradise Park in Hayle for a full day of animal adventures, from feeding penguins and otters to watching eagles and parrots soar in the skies during their daily bird shows. The JungleBarn Play Centre also celebrates its 20th birthday on May 28th with even more fun – think giant slides, rope bridges and climbing galore, all indoors. Families can take part in the Wildlife Hero Quiz, with prizes for budding nature detectives, and there’s even a chance to have a cockatoo fly to your hand to collect a donation for conservation efforts. With over 1,200 birds and animals to meet, it’s no wonder this award-winning wildlife sanctuary is such a family favourite. Don’t forget to book online and use the code VISITWILDLIFE to save on entry.
Step Inside the Studios of Cornwall’s Artists with Cornwall Open Studios
This May half term, explore Cornwall’s creative side as artists and makers across the county open their studios to the public for Cornwall Open Studios. Visit working studios in everything from coastal cottages to countryside barns and discover a huge variety of work – including painting, ceramics, jewellery, textiles and more. You’ll have the chance to watch artists at work, chat about their process, and see behind-the-scenes spaces not usually open to visitors. Many studios will also offer demos and display sketchbooks or works in progress. Use the online map to plan your route and enjoy this inspiring, free event – no booking or purchase necessary.
Falmouth Food Festival Returns
Celebrate the long weekend with delicious bites, live music and a buzzing atmosphere at the Falmouth Food Festival. Taking place over the Bank Holiday weekend, the festival showcases Cornwall’s best street food vendors alongside chef demos, unique crafts and plenty of family-friendly fun. It’s free to enter and set right on the scenic waterfront – perfect for an easy, tasty day out.
Messy Play at Trebah Garden
Trebah Garden invites children aged 3–8 (with younger siblings welcome too!) to take part in Mini Mess Makers – creative, sensory-rich sessions filled with eco-friendly crafts and nature-based fun. These sessions are held in the garden’s magical outdoor amphitheatre and offer the perfect mix of freedom and creativity in a stunning natural setting. Booking is essential, and garden admission is required in addition to the event ticket for children.
Adventure and Watersports at Stithians Lake
For those looking to get active, Stithians Lake has a packed programme of watersports and family fun. Try your hand at windsurfing or sailing, sign up for a Multi-Activity Day, or relax while spotting wildlife from the lakeside paths. With equipment hire, a lakeside café and even camping available, it’s easy to turn a day trip into a full-blown adventure.
Outdoor Games at Pendennis Castle
At the dramatic Pendennis Castle in Falmouth, families can enjoy a week of classic outdoor fun with a twist. From giant Jenga and spacehoppers to balance board challenges, it’s a great spot to let off steam, take in the views and soak up a little history while you’re at it.
Free Family Fun at Bodmin Jail
Bodmin Jail is offering free entry for children this May half term – one child goes free with every paying adult. Step into the Victorian jail’s shadowy halls, journey through Cornwall’s darker past with immersive exhibitions, and experience the award-winning Dark Walk. It’s spooky, fun, and educational – and you’ll definitely have stories to tell!
Forest Fun at Cardinham Woods
Join Stick Man on his forest adventure through Cardinham Woods, following an interactive trail filled with fun challenges and tree-themed facts. For a small fee, you can pick up a trail pack with crafts and goodies to guide you along the way. If you’re bringing a four-legged friend, don’t miss the Forest Walkies with Wallace & Gromit trail, where you and your dog can take on games and puzzles together – trail packs include a bandana for your pooch and a gift for you too!
Wild Week at Heligan
Over at The Lost Gardens of Heligan, Wild Week is all about rewilding – both children and grown-ups. Families are encouraged to connect with nature through bushcraft, den building, creative outdoor play and the chance to run wild in the woods. Expect muddy knees, grubby hands and huge smiles – it’s a week designed to bring out the explorer in everyone.
Join the Puffin Patrol at the Cornish Seal Sanctuary
Don’t miss the puffin-packed fun at the Cornish Seal Sanctuary in Gweek. Children can follow a trail to crack the Puffin Patrol password, watch animal rescue demos, and learn all about these charming seabirds. There are also talks, seal feeds, and plenty of other residents to meet – from rescued sea lions to playful penguins. With a café and playground onsite too, it’s a full day out for the whole family.
May half term events with the National Trust
Looking for fun, fresh-air adventures this May half term? The National Trust has a brilliant line-up of family-friendly events taking place across some of Cornwall’s most beautiful gardens, historic houses and wild landscapes.
Fun and Games at Antony (25–29 May) Play traditional lawn games on the lawns and explore what childhood was like in the past with a fun family trail through the house.
The Kernow Games at Cotehele (22 May – 1 June) Enjoy a selection of Cornish-themed garden games – from a jam-first cream tea race to Cornish Snap – while picking up a few words in the Cornish language.
Nature Adventure Trail at Glendurgan Garden (24 May – 1 June) Collect an activity booklet and set off on a creative nature trail filled with storytelling, colour spotting, and hands-on garden challenges.
Mighty Minibeasts at Godolphin (24 May – 1 June) Grab a magnifying glass and follow the minibeast trail to discover the smallest – but mightiest – wildlife in the gardens.
Hidden Box Trail at Lanhydrock (24 May – 1 June) Go on a family-friendly hunt across the estate with a fun hidden box trail and collect a prize at the end (£3.50 per trail).
Explore with Activity Sheets at Penrose (Daily) Pick up a free themed activity sheet from the stables – from nature poetry to dragon designs – and explore the landscape at your own pace.
70 Years of Trelissick Trail (24 May – 1 June) Follow a trail through the garden to celebrate 70 years since Trelissick was gifted to the National Trust and share your thoughts on what it means to you.
Blossom Art at Trengwainton (25–29 May, 1 June) Create your own wild flower kebab from fallen blossom and help build a collaborative outdoor art installation.
Tudor Week at Trerice (25–31 May) Step into the past with falconry displays, traditional Tudor games, and the chance to dress up in historic costume.
Whether you’re up for rock pooling and VR diving, or nature trails and Tudor games, Cornwall is bursting with family fun this May half term. Wherever you head, don’t forget to check the venue’s website before you go for opening times, ticket info and any booking requirements. Now all that’s left to do is pick your adventure!
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