12 Things to Do on the Isles of Scilly With Kids

You’ll find endless adventures across the five islands, from crossing St Agnes’ magical sand bar at low tide to snorkeling with playful seals off St Martin’s. Your kids will love treasure hunts around Hugh Town, exploring Tresco’s exotic gardens, and discovering marine creatures during guided rockpool rambles. The pirate ship playground keeps little ones entertained while older children can tackle the ancient Troytown Maze. Each island offers unique experiences that’ll create memories your family will treasure forever.

Island Hopping Adventures on Calypso Tours

When you’re planning the ultimate Isles of Scilly adventure with kids, Calypso Tours delivers an unbeatable island-hopping experience that’ll have your family exploring three stunning islands in just one day.

Departing from St Mary’s Hugh Town harbour, Skipper Tim and crew member Mike welcome small groups aboard their 12-passenger vessel for visits to Bryher, Tresco, and St Agnes. You can easily purchase your tickets from a souvenir shop right at the harbor before departure.

Your kids will love the hands-on experience at Bryher’s gig boat shed, where they’ll see replica six-oared Cornish rowing boats. The crew serves “cocktails” – actually jelly babies – creating memorable moments.

On Tresco, you’ll have three hours to explore the botanical gardens featuring 20,000 plants. Wildlife spotting includes seals and puffins through late July, making this consistently rated among Tripadvisor’s top boat rides.

Explore St Agnes Sand Bar to Gugh at Low Tide

After your island-hopping adventure, you’ll discover one of the Scilly Isles’ most magical experiences waiting at St Agnes – crossing the stunning white sandbar to tiny Gugh island when the tide retreats.

Your kids will feel like they’re walking on water as this exotic white sandy path appears between the islands.

Check tide tables carefully – you’ve got a two-hour window either side of low tide to safely cross. Never attempt when water covers the bar due to dangerous currents. Ask local boatmen or pub staff for current tide times.

Once on Gugh, climb Kittern Hill for incredible views of Western Rocks and Annet. Your children will love spotting the massive colony of gulls and exploring ancient standing stones like the 2.7-metre-tall Old Man of Gugh. The hill also contains five fascinating entrance graves, including the famous Obadiah’s Grave that was excavated over a century ago.

Safe Family Swimming at Pentle Bay, Tresco

While St Agnes offers its sandbar adventure, Tresco’s Pentle Bay delivers the perfect swimming spot for families seeking calm, crystal-clear waters your kids can safely splash around in.

The shallow bay design means beginners won’t struggle, and soft white sands make extended beach days comfortable for everyone.

Plan your visit around high tide for the best swimming depth, checking forecasts beforehand. The surrounding Gulf Stream influence makes these waters slightly warmer than typical UK coastal areas, adding to the family-friendly appeal.

During peak season (May-September), water temperatures reach a pleasant 16-17°C, perfect for little ones.

December’s chilly 11.6°C demands full wetsuits for brave winter swimmers.

Time your visit for early morning or sunset when conditions are calmest.

The sheltered northwest location minimizes safety concerns, though you’ll still want to supervise carefully.

With nearby Karma Hotel and multiple backup beaches like Appletree Bay, you’ve got flexibility if conditions change.

Wild Atlantic Views at Hell Bay, Bryher

As England’s most westerly hotel, Hell Bay on Bryher delivers raw Atlantic drama that’ll captivate kids who love big waves and wild coastlines.

Your family can claim the two premium chairs on the Sunset Deck, where little ones will be mesmerized watching massive Atlantic rollers crash against the shore.

Pack binoculars for spotting seals, oystercatchers, and gulls around the Great Pool wildlife lagoon below.

The Bishop Lighthouse and dramatic headlands create a spectacular backdrop for photos.

When waves are particularly wild, kids love counting the white horses dancing across the seascape.

Grab seasonal crab from the converted fishing net loft Crab Shack, delivered fresh daily by island fishermen.

The hotel’s light-filled suites offer comfortable accommodation with sweeping sea views for families wanting to extend their stay.

This wild setting perfectly balances adventure with safety, making it ideal for families seeking authentic coastal drama.

Shell Collecting at Porthcressa Beach, St Mary’s

When your little beachcombers need a break from wild Atlantic adventures, Porthcressa Beach offers the perfect treasure-hunting ground with its golden sand and gentle turquoise waters. This sheltered bay on St Mary’s south side creates ideal conditions for shell collecting, as calm waters deposit treasures along the shoreline without dangerous currents.

You’ll find the best shells near the small rocky outcrops at the western edge, where gentle waves leave behind cowries, periwinkles, and razor clam shells. The gradually shelving beach means toddlers can safely search in shallow water while older kids explore deeper pools.

Pack a bucket and head down from Hugh Town – it’s just a short walk. The nearby café provides snacks when treasure hunters need refueling between discoveries. The beach also features convenient public toilets and bins, making it easy to manage a full day out with children.

Glass Bottom Boat Trips to Spot Seals in Eastern Isles

After your kids have filled their buckets with beach treasures, Sea Quest’s glass bottom boat safari offers the perfect chance to spot some of the Isles of Scilly’s most charismatic residents. Departing from St Martin’s, Jo Williams takes families to the Eastern Isles where Atlantic grey seals haul out on rocks or pop up curiously around the boat.

Your children will love watching seals bob in the crystal-clear waters through the glass bottom, occasionally swimming directly underneath. The tour also reveals jellyfish and seaweed below while abundant seabirds like oystercatchers and fulmars soar overhead.

These nationally important seal colonies are accustomed to visitors, making this wildlife experience perfect for young nature enthusiasts seeking marine adventures. With five tour routes available, families can choose the perfect safari to match their schedule and interests.

Snorkeling With Seals From St Martin’s

Why settle for watching seals from above when your adventurous teens can slip into the water alongside them? Seal Snorkelling Adventures operates from St Martin’s, taking kids 12+ on unforgettable encounters with Atlantic grey seals in the Eastern Isles.

You’ll get thick winter wetsuits, snorkels, and expert guidance—no experience needed, just comfort in open water.

Two daily trips run April through September at 9:15am and 12:45pm, with Friday/Saturday evening sessions too. The 2.5-hour experience includes a 5-minute RIB ride, snorkeling briefing, and an hour swimming with wild seals who’ll control interactions—sometimes approaching closely or playfully nibbling fins.

At £65 per person (£60 for groups of 4+), it’s pricier than glass-bottom boats but creates memories your teens won’t forget. After your cold Atlantic adventure, you’ll warm up with a hot drink and snack back on the boat.

Discover Tresco Abbey Gardens and Shipwreck Figureheads

While your kids might groan at the mention of botanical gardens, Tresco Abbey Gardens will surprise them with exotic plants that look like they belong on another planet and a fascinating collection of shipwreck figureheads that spark tales of maritime adventure. The 17-acre garden feels like an outdoor treasure hunt as you’ll wander through Mediterranean plants, towering Phoenix canariensis palms, and cascading aloes that thrive in the Gulf Stream’s frost-free climate. Golden pheasants roam freely throughout the gardens, adding an element of wildlife spotting that will delight children as they explore the exotic ambiance.

The real showstopper is Valhalla Museum’s collection of 30 shipwreck figureheads dating from the 19th century. Your kids will be captivated by these carved wooden guardians rescued from vessels wrecked on Scilly’s treacherous waters. Don’t miss Neptune’s statue crowning the garden steps—it’s the perfect photo opportunity.

Navigate the Ancient Stone Maze on St Agnes

Though it’s tucked away on the remote island of St Agnes without a single signpost to guide you, Troy Town’s ancient stone maze offers your children an irresistible puzzle that’s been challenging visitors since 1729.

You’ll find this seven-ring Cretan labyrinth near Troy Town Farm campsite, crafted from smooth pebbles in a classic spiral pattern measuring roughly 5 meters across.

Your kids will love tracing the winding paths with their fingers before attempting the full walk-through.

The maze sits in a spectacular coastal location with sweeping sea views, making it perfect for combining with treasure hunting at nearby Beady Pool beach. Unlike modern puzzle mazes, this historic labyrinth has no dead ends, creating a single meandering route that leads directly to the center.

While the original structure may have prehistoric origins, the current maze was rebuilt in 1988, ensuring safe navigation for little feet exploring this unique historical puzzle.

Pirate Ship Play Parks on St Mary’s

After exploring St Agnes’s hidden treasures, head to St Mary’s main island where your little buccaneers can free their seafaring fantasies at the Pirate Ship play park. Located on the edge of Garrison field, this wheelchair-accessible playground puts adventure at your children’s fingertips.

The pirate ship structure becomes the centerpiece for imaginative play, while the spacious field around it offers perfect spots for ball games and kite flying. Your pre-schoolers will love the safe environment that encourages independence, and you’ll appreciate being steps away from the historic Garrison Walls for added exploration.

After playtime, grab ice cream in nearby Hugh Town or extend your adventure with beachcombing at Porthmellon. The park regularly hosts treasure hunts and community events featuring parachute games that welcome all ages. For families with children of different ages, St Mary’s also features climbing frames at Porthcressa, providing another excellent playground option during your island visit.

Treasure Trails and Golf Cart Sightseeing

Since little legs tire quickly on the Scilly Isles’ hilly terrain, treasure trails paired with golf cart adventures create the perfect solution for family exploration. Tregarthen’s Hotel offers two pirate treasure hunts on St Mary’s—one’s completable in just over an hour and mostly buggy-friendly. You’ll follow maps, cross off suspects, and discover hidden treasure while touring the island.

Golf carts accommodate up to 12 passengers and work brilliantly for multi-island trips. Try St Agnes morning treasure hunting at Beady Pool, where 400-year-old shipwreck beads wash ashore. Visit Troytown Maze‘s ancient stone spiral, then grab ice cream at Troytown Farm.

These trails engage kids aged six and up, though younger ones need help reading clues. Golf carts eliminate fatigue while accessing quieter beaches and stunning viewpoints. The hotel provides rock pooling nets and other equipment to enhance your treasure hunting adventures along the coastline.

Rockpool Rambles With Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust

When spring tides align with full and new moons throughout summer, the Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust transforms ordinary beach visits into extraordinary wildlife adventures through their guided rockpool rambles.

You’ll find yourself scrambling over rocks near Hugh Town with your kids, lifting boulders to discover hidden lobsters and colorful sea slugs underneath.

The Marine Team guides make these experiences magical, helping children spot crabs, starfish, and rainbow wrack seaweed that you’d likely miss on your own.

Your kids receive free rocky shore identification guides, turning the adventure into an engaging treasure hunt.

Check dates at St Mary’s Quay Information Centre beforehand—these popular rambles happen on beaches around St Mary’s and the off islands, requiring minimal equipment but delivering maximum excitement. The Wildlife Trust manages 60% of land on the Isles of Scilly, making them the ideal organization to guide families through these pristine coastal habitats.

The Sum Up

You’ll find the Scilly Isles offer endless adventures that’ll keep your kids talking for months. Don’t pack too much – you’ll spend most days barefoot on beaches anyway. Bring a good camera because you’ll want to capture those moments when your toddler discovers their first hermit crab or your teenager actually puts down their phone to hunt for pirate treasure. These islands create the kind of family memories you can’t manufacture anywhere else.