5 Family Friendly Days Out This Half Term in Cornwall

February half-term is fast approaching and we have the perfect days out for the whole family in Cornwall.

February is a great time to be in the county, as there are lots of events and activities taking place.

Here are five of our top picks…

1. Visit a space portal, National Maritime Museum Cornwall

Start planning your space mission now! The National Maritime Museum Cornwall will be hosting an out-of-this-world voyage through space with the Space Odyssey Planetarium. Children of all ages are welcome; there are sessions targeted at infants, ideal for 3-5 year-olds, who will learn about the solar system and Tim Peake’s mission to the International Space Station, plus junior sessions (up to age seven) exploring Tim Peake’s incredible journey, Earth’s place in the solar system & Galaxy and key moments in the history of space exploration.

You can also take part in daily craft sessions (Saturday 11th – Sunday 19th February) and Science of the Sea talks on Thursday 16 February. Advanced booking is essential for the Planetarium. Price is £3.50 for a session (on top of Museum entry). This family attraction is one of many wonderful things to do in Cornwall.

©NMMC.co.uk

2. StoryFest, Eden Project

Join a kids’ book festival like no other at the Eden Project. Take part in interactive story sessions, witness daily shows by the Imagination Seekers (inspired by the works of Roald Dahl), participate in craft sessions, share books in the Eden book exchange and plenty more activities to enjoy this half term.

There will also be many special guests in the form of authors and illustrators including Martin Brown, illustrator of Horrible Histories and John Dougherty, author of Stinkbomb & Ketchup Face. StoryFest takes place between 11th – 17th February 2017.

Eden Project by Pam Brophy – CC SA 2.0

3. See Mexico: The Cornish Connection at Royal Cornwall Museum

Learn about the fascinating connection between Cornwall and Mexico, where it’s not uncommon to see locals walking down the street enjoying a Cornish pasty! For example, did you know there is a town called Little Cornwall  60 miles NE of Mexico City?

Find out much more at Mexico:The Cornish Connection exhibition on display at the Royal Cornwall Museum. Join in time for free half-term activities, such as a Mexican ‘Day of the Dead’ themed activity, where you can learn about traditional Dia De Los Muertos celebrations. Drop in sessions run each morning from 10.30am – 12 noon (13th – 16^th February 2017).

©royalcornwallmuseum.org.uk

4. Terrific Tudors, Pendennis Castle, Falmouth

Pendennis Castle in Falmouth was constructed by Henry VIII in the early 1540’s to protect against invasion from the French and Roman Empire. Presently, the Castle is managed by English Heritage and is a very popular attraction, open to the public. This February half-term, feel as though you’ve stepped back into Tudor times and visit the Castle during its Terrific Tudors theme (13th – 17th February 2017). You can get toasty by the roaring fire in the Castle Keep helping the Tudor cooks to prepare a feast for the troops, then venture outdoors to try your hand at sword drills and junior jousting.

Discover more things to do with our Falmouth Travel Guide.

Pendennis Castle, Falmouth

5. Magical Pirates and Fairies Week at Paradise Park, Hayle

Join Paradise Park for their Little Pirates and Fairies fancy dress week and add a little sprinkling of magical fun to the half-term holiday. Complete the family-fun quiz trail, plus don’t miss the chance to meet Long John Tredinnick and his loyal band of parrots, walk the rope bridge, climb the nets and fly down the slides. Even the little ones can be entertained in the toddler’s zone, part of the brilliant JungleBarn indoor play.

If there’s good weather, you may see free flying macaws, and be a true pirate accompanied by a parrot on your shoulder at the daily parrot feeding time with the colourful Rainbow Lorikeets.

Find out more about more things to do in Cornwall. Our carefully crafted Cornwall Travel Guide is right on-hand to make your holiday in Cornwall one to remember, or if you are seeking things to do on a budget, take a look at our guide to cheap things to do during half term.