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Cornwall with toddlers.

Although most little ones can be occupied for hours on our gorgeous beaches, it’s always good to have a few ideas in your back pocket for when the weather changes or you just need a break from sand and sea. If you are lucky enough to be visiting out of the main school holidays, it’s always worth checking with the venue before you set off, as opening times can vary.

Newquay Aquarium, Newquay

More water here, but you are far less likely to actually get wet. Get the little ones excited about what’s in and under the sea, both on our Cornish shores and much, much further afield.

Toddler credentials: 0-3 go free.

Newquay Zoo, Newquay

13 acres of sub-tropical gardens, packed with super cool animals, this is a little one’s dream! Lots of fun for grown-ups too, and plenty of activities dotted along the way to tire out the smaller people.

Toddler credentials: 0-1 free, 1-2 £2.75

Paradise Park, Hayle

The parrots!! And the red pandas!!!! And of course, a bit of soft play. If none of that is sounding good just lounge on the grass and let the little ones run around while you watch flamingo’s and penguins potter about.

Toddler credentials: Under 3’s go free.

Kidzworld, St Austell

You need to be feeling strong for this one, as super-sized play zones are not for the faint-hearted. This is a great option if you have older kids around too, as there is roller-skating, trampolining and some pretty scary slides to keep them occupied while you hang out in the toddler zone.

Toddler credentials: Toddlers under 100cms- £6.30

Camel Creek, Wadebridge

Another great choice if you have kids of varying ages, Camel Creek really does cater to all. Head to the Hidden Garden Café and Soft play, as this area caters to the under 5’s and gives you a chance to grab a (probably much needed!) coffee. There is plenty to do out and about in the park, and don’t forget to check out their activities calendar, as they do have some big names in the world of kid’s entertainment popping by!

Toddler credentials: Toddlers under 92cms go free.

Lappa Valley St Newlyn East

Where else can you leave your car and make a grand entrance by train? Lappa Valley has loads going on, whether you fancy a chug through the woodland on an old steam train, or a glide across a lake on a swan pedalo.

Toddler credentials: 0-2 go free.

Discovering42 Bodmin

Although this amazing science museum generally caters for the slightly older kids, it’s a great option if you have a range of ages to please. It’s also opposite a great public park and a duck pond, so if concentration wavers there is always an option to head outside! The exhibitions are super hands-on, so fun to be had for all ages.

Toddler credentials: Under 3 £1

Macdonald’s Farm  Porthcothan

This is a fab option if you are looking for a safe space for the kids to wander about, some great food, and some alpacas. With several play areas designed for the younger ones, animal feeding experiences and lots of space to run and play, it’s easy to while away a good few hours here.

Toddler credentials: Kids entry £2.50

Camel Trail, Bodmin to Padstow

This one requires a bit more effort from you, but this fab cycling path stretches from Bodmin to Padstow and is mercifully flat. If you haven’t brought your own, bike hire is possible in several spots along the way, and if you don’t fancy having your small one perched on your bike with you, you can hire a trailer to haul them along. Probably while they nap.

Toddler credentials: Free if you’ve BYO’d your bikes!

📸: Camel Valley, Macdonald’s Farm, Lappa Valley, Newquay Aquarium.