Top Picks
Eighteen Excellent Summer Holiday Top Picks
This summer is jam-packed with events and experiences for the whole family to enjoy – from wonderful workshops, amazing attractions and jaw-dropping jousting. Oh, and is that – a dinosaur..?!
School’s nearly out and the summer holidays are fast approaching! We’ve put together eighteen family-friendly events happening across Cornwall this summer – read on to discover what’s happening near you!
Header Image: Cscape Dance – Quest for the Lost Words
1. Summer at Newquay Zoo
Newquay Zoo
Sun 21st June — Sun 13th September // 10am
Discover amazing animals and be part of Newquay Zoo’s exciting new chapter, with new habitats and adventures taking shape.
2. Steve Backshall’s Wild Heligan
The Lost Gardens of Heligan, Pentewan
Sat 18th July — Wed 2nd September // 10am
The Lost Gardens of Heligan are thrilled to be joining forces with naturalist and wildlife presenter, Steve Backshall, for a summer of wild connection, outdoor adventure and natural play across the Heligan estate.
3. Summer at the Museum
Cornwall Museum and Art Gallery, Truro
Fri 24th July — Wed 2nd September // 10am
With special guests and fairy tale quests, why not enjoy the museum’s lovely cool galleries and free family activities on repeat this summer?
4. All Ages Art Morning – Marvellous Moths!
Jackson Foundation, St Just
Sat 25th July // 10.30am – 12.30pm drop-in
Have a special close encounter with wild moths. We will observe the moths while they sleep and take the chance to draw their delicate patterns.
5. Dinosaurs Return to the Eden Project
Eden Project, Bodelva
Sat 25th July — Sun 6th September
After more than a decade, one of the Eden Project’s most loved family experiences returns to Cornwall this summer, reimagined for a new generation.
6. Clay Country Carnivals Trail
Wheal Martyn, St Austell
Sat 25th July — Sun 6th September // 10am – 5pm
Celebrate the carnivals, festivals and feast days of Cornwall’s Clay Country in our summer trail showcasing historic images of these community events from our archives – can you complete the trail to become a Carnival Queen or King?
7. Ready Steady Play!
Coronation Park, Helston
Sun 26th July // 11am
Today, Coronation Park gets seriously colourful. Welcome to Playful Park! We’re launching with a bang – come and be the first to play on our spectacular new giant painted floor mural packed with games for all ages.
8. Summer of Play at Trengwainton
Trengwainton Garden, Penzance
Sun 26th July — Wed 2nd September (closed Fridays & Saturdays) // 10am
Play is on repeat all summer long at Trengwainton Garden, with family-friendly games, plus activities from Imagine Outdoors on selected days.
9. Summer at Bodmin Keep!
Bodmin Keep – Cornwall’s Army Museum
Mon 27th July — Wed 26th August (Mondays – Wednesdays) // 11am
Join our STEM, art and history workshops this summer! Including rocket and aviation workshops, willow craft, screen printing and meet a WWII author!
10. Peppa Pig’s Big Family Show
Hall for Cornwall, Truro
Sat 1st & Sun 2nd August // 10am, 1pm & 4pm (no 4pm show on Sun 2nd)
Peppa Pig and friends are heading to the Cornwall Playhouse with their brand new live stage show!
11. Youth Fest
East End Park, Redruth
Sat 1st August // 11.30am – 6pm
A free youth festival featuring music, skateboarding, circus skills, workshops, food, stalls and fun for all!
12. Legendary Joust at Pendennis Castle
Pendennis Castle, Falmouth
Tue 4th — Thu 6th August // 10am – 5pm
Witness the thrill of a medieval joust as four legendary knights battle for glory in one of history’s most spectacular sporting contests.
13. Beach Art Explorers
Tate St Ives
Wed 5th — Thu 27th August (Wednesdays and Thursdays) // 10.30am
Join us as we create art outside inspired by the seaside environment of Porthmeor Beach and the artists in our galleries.
14. Boconnoc Steam Fair
Boconnoc, Lostwithiel
Fri 7th — Sun 9th August
Explore a wealth of heritage at the much-loved Boconnoc Steam Fair, one of the largest events of its kind in the South West.
15. Squashbox: Wonderful World
Trebah Garden, Mawnan Smith
Fri 14th August // 11.30am
Discover the things that connect us – and make us all a part of this ‘Wonderful World’!
16. Quest for the Lost Words
Wheal Martyn, St Austell
Thu 20th August // Promenade, 3.50pm for 4pm start, main performance 4.45pm for 5pm start
Cscape Dance will present two uplifting shows which combine dance, storytelling and music to reconnect children and families with nature, wild places and the species that live there.
17. Community BioBlitz Festival
Porthpean Outdoor Education Centre, St Austell
Sat 29th & Sun 30th August // 10am
Get ready for a 24-hour celebration of coastal biodiversity! The festival will bring together participants for an exciting weekend of species recording, nature-based activities, expert-led workshops, and community engagement.
18. Cirk Hes
Eco Park, Porthtowan
Mon 31st August // 7.30pm
Back by popular demand for the third year running, Cirk Hes August Bank Holiday Circus Extravaganza returns to the Mount Pleasant Eco Park Amphitheatre – fast becoming a much loved local tradition!
