Tenerife with kids

10 Best Things to Do in Tenerife with Kids: The Ultimate Family Bucket List

Tenerife is the undisputed king of family holidays. For British families, it offers the perfect mix of a short-haul flight, year-round sun, and world-class facilities. If you’re planning a break with the little ones, here is your distilled guide to the best attractions on the island.

Conquering Mount Teide: An Out-of-this-World Adventure

Spain’s highest peak isn’t just a volcano; it’s a giant science lesson. Taking the cable car above the clouds is a «moon mission» for kids. The lunar landscapes of the National Park are perfect for young explorers to discover volcanic rocks and craters in a setting that feels like a film set.

View of Mount Teide from Los Roques de Garcia
View of Mount Teide from Los Roques de Garcia – Source: ecapetotenerife.co.uk

Loro Parque: A World-Class Wildlife Encounter

Located in the lush North, Loro Parque is arguably Europe’s finest zoo. It’s a brilliant way for children to learn about conservation while seeing majestic orcas, playful penguins, and white tigers. The lush, botanical setting makes it a pleasant, shaded day out for parents too.

Orcas show at Loro Parque
The Orca show – Source: escapetotenerife.co.uk

Siam Park: The Ultimate Water Kingdom

Voted the world’s best water park year after year, Siam Park is a must. While teens head for the Tower of Power, younger kids will love The Lost City—a dedicated water fortress. The artificial wave pool, with its golden sand beach, is the perfect spot for a family «base camp».

Lost City children's attraction
Lost City children’s attraction – Source: escapetotenerife.co.uk

Beach Days: Sheltered Sands and Calm Waters

Tenerife’s beaches are incredibly family-friendly. For calm, shallow waters, head to Playa de Las Teresitas or Playa de Las Vistas. Most southern beaches, like Playa del Duque, offer excellent amenities, including showers, snack bars, and sunbed rentals for a stress-free day by the Atlantic.

Bathers at Las Vistas Beach
Bathers at Las Vistas Beach – Source: escapetotenerife.co.uk

Submarine Safari: A Real-Life Underwater Adventure

Located in San Miguel Marina, this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that the kids will never forget. You’ll dive 30 metres below the Atlantic in a real yellow submarine, peering through large portholes at shipwrecks, stingrays, and schools of exotic fish. It’s a completely safe, air-conditioned way to explore the ocean floor without even getting your hair wet!

A majestic stingray gliding across the ocean floor
A majestic stingray gliding across the ocean floor – Source: Emma Li / Pexels / CC0

Whale & Dolphin Watching: A Magical Boat Trip

There is nothing quite like seeing dolphins and pilot whales in the wild. Setting sail from Puerto Colon, these eco-certified boat tours allow kids to see these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. Many tours include a stop for a swim in a secluded bay.

Pilot whale, one of the typical species of Tenerife sea
Pilot whale, one of the typical species of Tenerife sea – Source: Martina Nolte / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0

Garachico: Natural Rock Pools and History

A picturesque treasure famous for its volcanic rock pools, cobbled plazas, and delicious local tapas bars. If you want to swim in the unique lava-formed pools of El Caleton and explore history with a world-class ice cream, this is your place.

Natural pools of Garachico, Tenerife
Natural pools of Garachico, Tenerife – Source: escapetotenerife.co.uk

Lago Martianez: The Ultimate Lido Experience

Designed by the famous Cesar Manrique, this complex of emerald saltwater pools in Puerto de la Cruz is a masterpiece. It’s a fantastic alternative to the beach, featuring fountains, islands, and shallow areas specifically designed for children to splash around safely.

Lago Martianez, Puerto de la Cruz
Lago Martianez, Puerto de la Cruz – Source: karel291 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0

Specialist Tip: Entry is roughly €5.50 for adults and €2.50 for children (prices may vary), making it one of the most budget-friendly days out on the island. Arrive early to secure the best sunbeds!

Jungle Park: An Authentic Tropical Trek

If your kids love adventure, Jungle Park feels like a real-life Indiana Jones set. With its rope bridges, waterfalls, and world-famous birds of prey displays, it offers a wilder, more rugged experience than a traditional zoo, right in the heart of the South.

Eagle show at Jungle Park, Tenerife
Eagle show at Jungle Park – Source: stephen jones / Wikimedia Commons / CC-BY-2.0

Karting Club Tenerife: The Racing Epicentre

The island’s ultimate destination for speed, famous for its 1,200-metre professional circuit and dedicated tracks for junior drivers. If you want to test your racing skills and enjoy some high-speed competition with friends or family, this is your place.

Karting competition
Karting competition – Source: pxhere / CC0

❓Tenerife with Kids: Frequently Asked Questions

Is Tenerife safe for a family holiday?

Absolutely. Tenerife is one of the safest destinations in Europe. The tourist areas are well-regulated, healthcare is excellent (with several private and public clinics), and the local culture is incredibly welcoming to children.

What is the best time of year to visit with kids?

Tenerife is a year-round destination. However, for families, late spring (May/June) and autumn (September/October) offer the most pleasant temperatures—warm enough for the pool but not too hot for toddlers to explore.

Can you drink the tap water in Tenerife?

While tap water is technically safe for washing and brushing teeth, it has a high mineral content that can cause upset stomachs in visitors. We always recommend sticking to bottled water for drinking and preparing baby formula.

Do I need to hire a car?

If you plan on staying in a resort like Costa Adeje, you can get by with taxis and buses. However, to visit places like Mount Teide, Garachico, or Anaga, hiring a car is highly recommended. It’s affordable, the roads are excellent, and it saves a lot of stress with prams and car seats.

Escape to Tenerife
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