10 Best things to do in St Ives with Kids
10 Best Things to do in St Ives with Kids
It's easy to see why St Ives is one of Cornwall's most popular family holiday destinations. With golden beaches, crystal-clear water, boat trips, wildlife encounters and plenty of ice cream stops, there is something for every age to enjoy.
Planning a family holiday at Day Dawn? Here are our favourite family-friendly activities in and around St Ives. All of these attractions are within easy reach of Day Dawn - most of them a short stroll, making it an ideal base for families looking to explore everything St Ives has to offer.
1.Spend a Day on the Beaches
St Ives is blessed with some of Cornwall's most beautiful beaches.
Porthmeor Beach
This stunning Blue Flag beach is a favourite with older children and teenagers, but has something for everyone. It offers surfing lessons, other watersports, rock pools and plenty of space to play. St Ives Surf School offer lessons year round and equipment hire aswell as Coasteering, Sup's and Kayaks. They even offer family lessons, making it a wonderful family experience.
Porthminster Beach
With calm, shallow water and soft sand, Porthminster is ideal for younger children who enjoy paddling, swimming and building sandcastles. There are also plenty of activities including water sports, crazy golf and organised games in summer. Also great food options - from gourmet to pasties and really good ice cream!
Porthgwidden Beach
A gorgeous, smaller, sheltered beach close to the harbour that's perfect for families looking for a quieter spot.
2. Explore St Ives Harbour
The harbour is the heart of St Ives and a wonderful place for families to spend an afternoon.
Children love:
- Watching fishing boats come and go - if you head to Smeaton's Pier when a catch comes in you may be able to buy direct.
- Spotting seals in the harbour
- Crabbing from on the back pier. We love it! Get yourselves a crab line from town and a bucket, net and some bacon. The best place is the low slipway next to Smeatons pier – (the one on the far side of the harbour with lighthouse), just turn left instead of walking onto Smeatons. It has to be low tide (about two hours either side) or the slipway is covered. There is often a friendly seal who comes sniffing around. He’s gorgeous!
- Exploring the shops for momentos and souvenirs
- Enjoying locally made ice cream. The harbour and surrounding streets are full of independent cafés and ice cream shops serving Cornish favourites. A little stroll from the harbour takes you to our favourite local - Moomaid of Zennor. Next best is Jus'Deserts which has a huge range of flavours right on the harbour. A simple pleasure but a good one.
Don't forget to visit at low tide when the harbour beach becomes a large sandy playground.
3. Take a Boat Trip
One of the most memorable family experiences in St Ives is getting out on the water.
Popular trips include:
- Seal watching at seal island
- Wildlife cruises
- Fishing trips
- Trips around St Ives Bay
- Try Stand up Paddle boarding
There are many different options from glass bottomed to speed boat to classic family run trips like Tiger Lily.
Keep an eye out for dolphins, seals, sea birds, sun fish and even basking sharks.
4. Visit Tate St Ives
If the weather turns, Tate St Ives offers an excellent indoor activity.
The gallery regularly hosts family-friendly exhibitions and creative activities that encourage children to engage with art in a fun and accessible way.
Every Wednesday and Thursday in August, the Tate also hold their brilliant Beach Art Explorers workshops, where children aged 5-12 can join a local artist to create seaside-inspired art just steps from Porthmeor Beach.
5. Walk and Ride the Scenic Train
Carbis Bay is a 25 min walk (1 mile) along the South West Coast path from Porthminster Beach. Carbis Bay is a gorgeous, Blue Flag, family beach with plenty of refreshment options. Then if little legs are tired take the scenic branch line back to St Ives. Even head to St Erth first just for fun as it's often considered one of the most beautiful rail journeys in Britain, with spectacular views across St Ives Bay.
6. Visit Paradise Park
Located nearby in Hayle, Paradise Park is perfect for younger children.
Highlights include:
- Tropical birds
- Penguins - feeding the penguins was a highlight for my children.
- Otters
- Indoor play areas
- Outdoor adventure playgrounds
It's an excellent option for mixed weather days and our kids spent many happy hours there.
7. Walk to Godrevy Lighthouse
A short drive from St Ives, Godrevy offers dramatic coastal scenery and one of the best chances in Cornwall to spot grey seals.
Godrevy beach is overlooked by the stunning Godrevy lighthouse situated on an island just off the coast. There are lots of rocks to climb and rock pools to explore, aswell as spectacular views. Head to Mutton Cove and there are loads of seals hanging out below. A thrilling sight! Park at the National Trust Godrevy carpark and there is a wonderful cafe for pre or post refreshment, aswell as an ice cream van mid-walk in the summer.
8. Take a Spooky Lantern Ghost Story walk
This is a late start and can be a bit scary, so not for the tinies but Shanty Baba's walk is great fun and something different to do. (min age 8)
9. Family Go Karting
There is a karting track for over 8’s and adults - Coast 2 Coast Karting. It is about 10-15 minutes away in Hayle and lots of fun for everyone! (Except the tinies) If you're anything like my family, things can get competitive!
10. Family fun and games
If a bit of friendly competition is your thing then close by in Hayle there is Crazy Golf, Pitch and Putt and Football Golf. Brilliant fun! No need to book just turn up. Cafe and play area too. penwithpitchandputt.co.uk
Planning Your Family Holiday in St Ives
After a busy day exploring, there are plenty of family-friendly places to eat in St Ives. West Beach Bakery on Porthmeor (and only 5 min walk from Day Dawn) offers relaxed dining with stunning sea views, while the harbour is packed with cafés, pizza restaurants and ice cream shops. Many restaurants provide children's menus and outdoor seating, making dining out easy with younger family members. Or just head home for a BBQ. Get in touch for more recommendations or see our website.
After a day exploring beaches, boat trips and coastal adventures, head back to Day Dawn to toast marshmallows on the fire pit, relax with a glass of something cold on the terrace, or watch the sun set over St Ives Bay from the living room. It's the perfect way to end another unforgettable family day in St Ives.