Tenerife is a great choice for a winter sun destination, but it’s pretty popular all year round. Understandably so, with a wide range of different resorts, first-class hotels, wonderful beaches, plenty of attractions and epic landscapes. There is also a vast selection of things to do in Tenerife with kids, which makes it a fantastic half-term destination and a perfect place for a family holiday.
When we want some sunshine and head to Tenerife, we always choose Costa Adeje as our base in which to explore the rest of the island. While there are too many activities and places to list, here is our pick of the best things in Tenerife with kids if you get bored of lounging by the pool or playing on the beach.
Best water parks in Tenerife
Siam Park
Siam Park claims to be the most spectacular water theme park in the whole of Europe. And we love it here. This attraction is based around a Thai theme – Thai food and massages are available, while the rides and slides are plentiful – from the lazy river which drops through a tunnel surrounded by sharks to the terrifying 28m drop Tower of Power. The wave pool is massive and creates impressive artificial swells that older kids absolutely love.
There are several sections dedicated to smaller children, as well as a baby zone called the Lost City with gentle water slides perfect for young children. It’s consistently voted the best water park in Europe and makes for a great day out with the whole family.
Top tip: Book tickets online in advance to save money and skip queues. Arrive first thing in the morning to claim sunbeds near the lazy river, and to get a storage locker. Prices vary by season, with discounts available for booking online ahead of time.
Aqualand
While Siam Park is huge – and has all the thrills and spills, think of Aqualand as its little cousin – perfect for toddlers and young children who don’t need as much of the adrenaline rush as teenagers do. It has a wide variety of slides, including the kamikaze and the twister. Meanwhile, there is a huge family section including several themed pools with soft, small slides and a children’s wave pool.
We also watched the dolphin show in the afternoon. While it was entertaining, it’s worth noting that opinions on dolphin captivity are divided. While Aqualand states its dolphins are well cared for and bred in captivity, some animal welfare organisations have raised concerns about keeping marine mammals in water parks. It’s a personal decision whether to attend these shows, and families should consider their own values around animal welfare.
Animal parks and wildlife experiences
Monkey Park
Monkey Park is a conservation centre for endangered species and, unlike other zoos, visitors get to walk through the enclosures and feed some animals/reptiles with food that you can buy on arrival. I think some of the animals were so overfed, they weren’t interested in visitors trying to entice them with tidbits and morsels.
However, when we arrived in the monkey enclosures, the food was definitely the only thing the primates were after – they even pushed their hands through the fencing to take it out of the palm of your hands. It’s a small zoo but we spent a few hours amusing ourselves and learning about the different species of monkeys, birds and reptiles. The chimps and the gorillas were the main stars, attracting the crowd with their entertaining antics.
Loro Parque
No trip to Tenerife with kids is complete without visiting Loro Parque in Puerto de la Cruz. This world-famous animal park started as a parrot sanctuary and now has a wide variety of species, from penguins to tigers.
Young children love Planet Penguin, where hundreds of penguins waddle about in their climate-controlled habitat. There’s also an aquarium tunnel, gorilla enclosures, and beautiful botanical garden areas with palm trees throughout the park. It’s easily a whole day experience and one of the best places to visit in the north of the island.
Top tip: Book online to save around 15% on tickets. Take the free train from Puerto de la Cruz town centre directly to the park entrance.
Jungle Park
See tigers, leopards, alligators, sea lions, and tropical birds in this huge wildlife park. Not only are there several shows every day to entertain visitors, but there is also a toboggan run ride, which is great for adrenaline junkies, and the jungle raid, consisting of ropes, bridges, and tunnels. Jungle Park also gives children lots of opportunities to interact with some of the primates and birds.
It’s located on the southern side between Los Cristianos and Costa Adeje, making it an easy drive from most southern resorts.
Best beaches for families
Tenerife’s coastline offers everything from black sand beaches formed by the island’s volcanic activity to imported golden sand. The southern coast generally has calmer waters and beautiful weather year-round, making it the perfect beach destination for families. Check out my full beach recommendations here.
Playa de las Teresitas
Located near Santa Cruz de Tenerife, this stunning beach features fine sand imported from the Sahara Desert. The calm waters are protected by a breakwater, creating the perfect spot for small children to splash safely. It’s regarded as one of the most beautiful beaches on the island and is popular with locals.
The shallow waters extend quite far out, and you can even spot tropical fish while snorkelling. There’s free parking available and it’s easily accessible by bus from the capital.
Playa de Los Cristianos
Protected by Los Cristianos harbour, this popular golden sandy beach has calm waters and plenty of bars, cafés and restaurants close by. The beach connects to Playa de las Américas via a lovely promenade lined with palm trees – perfect for an evening stroll with the whole family. Los Cristianos beach is also your first stop for boat trips to see dolphins and whales, making it a great base for exploring.
Costa Adeje beaches
The resort of Costa Adeje has several fantastic family-friendly beaches. Playa del Duque has the finest golden sand and a more upscale vibe, while Playa Fañabé offers excellent facilities and a long stretch of soft sand with calm waters. The beautiful beaches here are well-maintained with lifeguards, making them perfect for younger children.
Black sand beaches
Don’t miss experiencing Tenerife’s unique black sand beaches. Playa JardÃn in Puerto de la Cruz, designed by César Manrique, combines dramatic black volcanic sand with stunning gardens. The beach offers spectacular views of Mount Teide in the distance. Beach shoes are recommended as the fine volcanic sand can get hot in the afternoon sun.
Boat trips and marine adventures
Go whale and dolphin watching
If you’re staying in Costa Adeje, you can’t miss a whale-watching boat tour. This makes for a fantastic chance to see wildlife in its natural environment. We were lucky enough to see a pilot whale with her calf dive under our boat – it’s a memory that’ll stay with me forever.
The southwest waters of the island are home to over 20 species of resident dolphins and whales, including bottlenose dolphins and pilot whales. Migratory whales, such as humpbacks and finbacks, stop by to feed between November and February.
Boat trips depart from Los Cristianos, Puerto Colon, and Los Gigantes. Bring a warm layer and a waterproof jacket – it can be windy out at sea. Many tours include swimming stops in calm waters near hidden coves.
Top tip: Morning departures usually offer calmer seas and better wildlife spotting opportunities. Book with operators that have Blue Boat certification for ethical wildlife watching.
Submarine Safari
Imagine going under the Atlantic and enjoying the sights of marine life without getting wet? And even better, being able to wow the kids with real adventure and board a proper submarine. Submarine Safaris offer an underwater experience for the whole family – with each person getting their own viewing pod and a special diving certificate once the one-hour trip is over.
The submarine descends to depths where you can see an artificial reef teeming with fish. It’s the next best thing to actually diving and is suitable for all ages, making it perfect for families with small kids who want an underwater adventure.
Day trip to Los Gigantes
The dramatic cliffs of Los Gigantes on the west coast are worth visiting. These towering rock formations rise 600m from the sea and create an impressive backdrop. Take a boat trip from the marina to see the cliffs from the water – you’ll often spot dolphins and pilot whales in these waters too. The small town has a black sand beach with calm waters perfect for swimming, plus excellent seafood restaurants along the harbour.
Mount Teide and Teide National Park
No family holiday to Tenerife is complete without visiting Mount Teide, Spain’s highest peak and an active volcano. The Teide National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with otherworldly landscapes that look like something from another planet.
The drive through the park reveals spectacular volcanic rock formations and unique flora. On clear days, you can see the neighbouring Canary Islands of Gran Canaria and La Gomera from the higher viewpoints.
Cable car to the summit
For older children and adventurous families, take the cable car to ride up to 3,555m – close to the highest point in Spain. The views from the upper station are breathtaking, though it can be cold and windy even in summer. The cable car operates weather permitting, so check conditions before your visit.
Top tip: Book cable car tickets online weeks in advance as they sell out quickly, especially during school holidays. Go early morning when clouds haven’t formed yet for the clearest views. Return tickets are more economical than one-way options.
Stargazing experiences
Teide National Park is one of the best places in the world for stargazing due to minimal light pollution. Several companies offer guided night tours with telescopes. It’s a magical experience for older kids interested in astronomy.
Museums and more
Museum of Science and Cosmos
The Museum of Science and Cosmos has over 70 interactive exhibits on the earth, the sun, and the universe. Kids won’t get bored here, as they can learn about space hands-on.
It’s about an hour from Costa Adeje near the university city of San Cristóbal de La Laguna, but it’s worth the drive. Plus, you can couple the visit with a tour of the island. Stop by the Teide National Park to see spectacular volcanic rock formations and the unique moon-like landscape. The museum offers free entry on certain days – check their website for details and current admission prices.
San Cristóbal de La Laguna
This UNESCO World Heritage town near Santa Cruz is worth exploring. The beautiful buildings and historic centre showcase traditional Canarian architecture. It’s a little quieter than the beach resorts and offers a glimpse into authentic island life. Perfect for a cultural day trip when you need a break from the beach.
Botanical Garden
Located in Puerto de la Cruz, the botanical garden offers a peaceful escape with tropical plants and towering palm trees. It’s a great place for a gentle morning walk with small children before the heat of the day.
Unique family experiences
Banana plantation tour
Learn about Tenerife’s most important crop with a guided tour of a working banana plantation. Kids find it fascinating to see how bananas grow and learn about local agriculture. Some tours include tastings and visits to small museums explaining the island’s farming history.
Tenerife Carnival
If you’re visiting in late February or early April, the Tenerife Carnival in Santa Cruz de Tenerife rivals Rio for colour and spectacle. The whole family can enjoy the parades, costumes, and street celebrations. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime cultural experience if your travel times align.
Practical information for families
Best time to visit
Tenerife enjoys year-round sunshine with average temperatures of 24°C. The best time for a family holiday is outside school holidays when prices drop and beaches are quieter. Late April through June offers beautiful weather without the peak summer crowds.
The southern resorts of Costa Adeje and Playa de las Américas have the most reliable sunshine. The green north around Puerto de la Cruz gets more rain but offers dramatic landscapes and a more authentic Canarian feel.
Getting around
Rental car: Highly recommended for exploring beyond your resort. Essential if you want to visit Mount Teide, different beaches, and attractions across the island. Book early for the best rates and request car seats for younger children.
Tram services: The modern tram connects Santa Cruz de Tenerife with San Cristóbal de La Laguna, making exploring the north easy without a car.
Buses: Reliable and cheap bus services connect major resorts and attractions. The TITSA bus network covers the whole island, though travel times can be long.
Time difference
The Canary Islands operate on Western European Time, which is the same as the UK in winter and one hour behind during British Summer Time.
Direct flights
Multiple airlines offer direct flight options from UK airports to Tenerife South Airport year-round, with flight times around 4-4.5 hours. The airport is close to all southern resorts, making it convenient for families keen to get to their hotel quickly.
Where to stay
Costa Adeje: Best for families wanting excellent beaches, water parks, and resort facilities. Hotels like Gran Meliá Palacio de Isora offer kids’ clubs and direct beach access.
Puerto de la Cruz: Ideal for families wanting a more authentic Canarian experience with easy access to Loro Parque and the green north.
Los Cristianos: A great choice for families on a budget with excellent beach access and lots of restaurants.
Playa de las Américas: More lively with excellent beaches, but can be busy and little quieter spots are harder to find.
For a full guide on where to stay in Tenerife, check out this post.
Weather considerations
Even in winter, the UV is strong. Pack high-factor sun cream, sun hats, and rash vests for water activities. The black sand beaches get particularly hot, so beach shoes are essential.
Mornings generally offer the best weather with calm waters. Trade winds pick up in the afternoon, especially on the east coast.
Pool days vs beach days
Most family resorts have exceptional pools, which can be a great way to break up beach days. On windy days when the sea gets choppy, pool days are a good choice. Many hotels offer heated pools, perfect for cooler months.
Money-saving tips
Attraction prices in Tenerife can add up quickly, but you can save a fair amount of money by pre-booking online. Just plan activities a few days before, or even the previous day, to take advantage of online discounts – typically saving 10-20% off gate prices.
- Consider buying a Twin Ticket that combines Loro Parque and Siam Park for significant savings if you’re visiting both attractions. Many attractions offer these combo deals.
- Pack your own snacks and drinks for day trips. Attractions and water parks charge premium prices for food and drinks. Fill up reusable water bottles at your hotel before heading out.
- Visit attractions later in the day when some offer reduced rates, or look for free activities like beach time, coastal walks, and exploring traditional towns.
FAQ: Tenerife with kids
Is Tenerife good for families?
Tenerife is one of the best places for a family holiday, combining guaranteed sunshine, beautiful beaches from black volcanic sand to golden stretches, incredible attractions, and landscapes that range from lunar volcanic terrain to lush green valleys. Whether your family loves water sports, animal encounters, or simply building sandcastles on calm waters, this perfect place in the Canary Islands delivers for all ages.
What’s the best area to stay in Tenerife with kids?
Costa Adeje is the best place for families. It has excellent beaches with calm waters, close proximity to Siam Park and other attractions, and a good range of family hotels. Puerto de la Cruz is the best option for families wanting something more authentic with easy access to Loro Parque.
Is Tenerife suitable for toddlers and small children?
Absolutely. The southern beaches have shallow waters and gentle waves, perfect for small kids. Many attractions have dedicated areas for younger children. Hotels typically provide cots, high chairs, and kids’ clubs.
How many days do you need in Tenerife with kids?
A week gives you enough time to enjoy beach days, visit major attractions like Siam Park and Loro Parque, and take a day trip to Mount Teide without rushing. A lot of time to relax, too. Two weeks allow you to explore more of the island and have proper pool days between activities.
Do you need a car in Tenerife with children?
Not essential if staying in Costa Adeje or Los Cristianos, as attractions are close and taxis are affordable. However, a rental car is highly recommended for visiting Mount Teide, exploring different beaches, and reaching attractions across the island. It gives you much more flexibility with family members of different ages.
What should I pack for Tenerife with kids?
Beach shoes (black sand gets very hot), high-factor sun cream, sun hats, rash vests, light layers for evenings, a warm jacket for Mount Teide, and swimming nappies if needed. The sun is strong year-round, so sun protection is essential.
Are water parks suitable for younger children?
Yes. Both Siam Park and Aqualand have dedicated areas for small children with gentle water slides, shallow pools, and play areas. Siam Park’s Lost City is perfect for under-5s, while older kids can enjoy the more thrilling rides.
What’s there to do on rainy days?
Monkey Park and Loro Parque work well in light rain. The Museum of Science and Cosmos is perfect for rainy days. Shopping centres like Siam Mall have indoor play areas. Many hotels have excellent indoor facilities, including kids’ clubs.
Comments are closed.