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When planning a staycation in the UK, many seek the warmer climate of the Cornish coast to other parts of the UK throughout the year. Cornwall is a fantastic family-friendly destination with plenty of attractions that cater to toddlers.
With this in mind, we wanted to take a look at just a handful of toddler-friendly places in Cornwall, making them perfect for day trips with your little one(s).
1. The Eden Project
Why it’s great for toddlers: The vast biomes provide lots of space for toddlers to explore while learning about nature. The soft play area, toddler-friendly garden trails, and interactive exhibits will keep them entertained throughout your entire visit. There’s also a mini railway and plenty of safe spaces for them to toddle about.
Location/postcode: Bodelva, near St Austell / PL24 2SG
2. Newquay Zoo
Why it’s great for toddlers: This manageable-sized zoo is perfect for little legs. There are over 1,000 animals, and toddlers will enjoy seeing monkeys, lions, and penguins up close. There’s also a children’s play area and regular animal encounters on offer.
Location/postcode: Newquay / TR7 2LZ
3. Camel Creek Adventure Park
Why it’s great for toddlers: This park has a dedicated toddler takeover session as well as areas with gentle rides like a mini carousel, soft play zones, and smaller animal enclosures. It’s a great mix of gentle adventure, animals, and soft play, suitable for younger children.
Location/postcode: Wadebridge, near Padstow / PL27 7RA
4. The Lost Gardens of Heligan
Why it’s great for toddlers: The extensive, open gardens provide plenty of space to explore. The farm section with pigs, sheep, and chickens is always a hit with little ones who visit. If their little legs get tired, there are buggy-friendly pathways to allow the exploration to continue. Toddlers will love the woodland areas and the rope bridge too!
Location/postcode: Pentewan, near St Austell / PL26 6EN
5. Paradise Park and JungleBarn
Why it’s great for toddlers: A fantastic mix of animals, including parrots, penguins, and red pandas, as well as the JungleBarn indoor soft play area, which is perfect for rainy days. There are also toddler-friendly train rides around the park – perfect for little ones that love trains.
Location/postcode: Hayle / TR27 4HY
6. Trebah Garden
Why it’s great for toddlers: These subtropical gardens have child-friendly trails, a beach, and a play area. Toddlers will love playing in the stream garden, while the shady paths are ideal for pushchairs.
Location/postcode: Near Falmouth / TR11 5JZ
7. Dairyland Farm Park
Why it’s great for toddlers: Toddlers can enjoy close-up animal experiences like petting lambs, goats, and ponies. There’s a massive indoor soft play area for when the weather turns (it’s England, after all), plus tractor rides and nature trails.
Location/postcode: Newquay / TR8 5AA
8. Lappa Valley Steam Railway
Why it’s great for toddlers: Toddlers will love the miniature steam trains that take you through the valley to various play areas. There’s a toddler-sized outdoor play area, pedal cars, and a boating lake. The rides are gentle and the surroundings safe for little ones to explore.
Location/postcode: Near Newquay / TR8 5LX
9. National Maritime Museum Cornwall
Why it’s great for toddlers: This museum has a range of interactive exhibits, including a “Tidal Zone” where toddlers can look through windows into the harbour’s underwater world. There are hands-on activities, dressing-up stations, and pushchair-friendly exhibits.
Location/postcode: Falmouth / TR11 3QY
10. Blue Reef Aquarium
What’s great for toddlers: This aquarium is the perfect size for a short visit in Newquay. Toddlers can enjoy looking at colourful fish, seahorses, and sharks. The underwater tunnel offers a close-up view of marine life that will captivate young minds.
Location/postcode: Newquay / TR7 1DU
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