May half term in Cornwall
Creative Capers for Kids in Cornwall at Half Term
With the weather forecasters predicting a warm spell it may only be sun cream and buckets and spades that you’ll need if heading down to Cornwall for half term but for those in between times some of Cornwall’s attractions are gearing up for a busy half term.
Newquay Area
24 – 26 May
The start of half term sees the last few days of the Newquay Art8 Festival. Watch out for strange men in stripy suits walking through the streets on their hands or head to The Tall Trees Nightclub who are hosting free dance and art workshops. Little ones may like the face painting on Saturday 24 May or the juggling mermaid on Monday 26 May.
23 May – 1 June
Continuing the Art8 theme, the Blue Reef Aquarium in Newquay is getting creative. Local school children have been busy creating artworks with Helen Eastham, a glasswork artist. Their work is on display in the cafe and shop whilst Helen’s installations can be viewed in the aquarium’s. See if the children can work out what the seahorses like to latch on to!
24 May – 1 June
Newquay Zoo is celebrating ‘Love Your Zoo’ week culminating in a visit from Bill Oddie on 29 May. Let them follow the trails and win prizes, have their face painted or listen to special talks. Don’t forget to bring books and photos for signing by the man himself.
The Eden Project
24 May – 1 June
The Eden project gets down to some serious storytelling this week with visits from top authors and illustrators and a chance to join in with the biggest collaborative story ever on 24 and 25 May. Meet Axel Scheffler, illustrator of The Gruffalo on those days followed by a chance to learn about cartoon drawing from some of the Beano illustrators, Nick Brennan and Gary Northfield during the rest of the week. Enjoy lino printing with graphic novelist, Gareth Brookes and hear from children’s illustrator Bruce Ingman. All this plus the talented Eden team of storytellers will be on hand to recreate local legends and tell Malaysian stories in the Rainforest Biome.
Fal River Festival
23 May – 1 June
If you fancy a trip Falmouth Way then join in with some of the Fal River Festival activities during the week. The coastal village of Flushing has lots of free art activities from 2pm – 5pm for toddlers through to older children on the village green whilst Falmouth Art Gallery will be sure to get them doodling with its tales of tall ships and sea-themed activities from 11am – 2pm each day.
24 – 26 May
The National Maritime Museum of Cornwall (NMMC) is hosting a Seasized Supersized Weekend as part of the Fal River Festival. Children can learn about all things sea-related and get a chance to meet the real RNLI and Royal Search and Rescue crews. The sea theme then continues throughout the week with plenty of stories and chances to get creative.
26 May – 31 May
As part of the festival, you can watch the yacht racing for The Pendennis Cup or pop the kids up to Pendennis Castle to see (and join in with!) some live knight action. The races end with a spectacular Red Arrows display on 31 May over Gyllyngvase Beach.
Other things to do at half term
Mine always love a trip to Padstow for a pasty where they can sit on the quay and watch the sun setting, fascinated by the crabs in buckets. If we’re feeling energetic we hire bikes in Wadebridge and cycle the Camel trail there. Ice creams then feel well deserved! However, Callestick Farm may be worth a visit if it’s ice cream you’re after. It’s worth checking beforehand to see if ice cream is being made on the day of your visit but there’s also rare breeds, a tearoom and shop.
If your tot is a train enthusiast then Bodmin and Wenford Steam Railway or Lappa Valley are a must. At Bodmin, ride the 13 mile round trip on The Cornish Belle steam train or on 31 May, a diesel train will operate. Thomas fans will enjoy the shop! Lappa Valley offers a full day out with 3 miniature railways ambling through the countryside, crazy golf, nature trails, a boating lake, cafe and gift shop.
The Lost Gardens of Heligan are always a favourite. Plenty of fresh air and winding paths to explore followed by some scrumptious home cooking in the restaurant. Look out for the exotic emu’s, Queenie and Edmund on the way!
If its an adventure park you’re after then Cornwall’s Crealy have Tree Fu Tom and Jungle Jim visiting on 27 and 28 May. The park has just installed some pre-school rides so there’s something for all ages.