You might wonder what are the best things to do with kids in Tenerife? Tenerife is famed as ‘the island of eternal spring’, so it is unlikely to rain on your holidays, but if you do get a cloudy morning, what indoor activities are there for families?
You may also simply want a break from the midday heat of the sun, especially if travelling with young kids. The largest and most popular of the Canary Islands, Tenerife is famed for its year round warm temperatures, enticing many Brits to flock to its beaches for sun, sea and relaxation.
The south of the island is most family friendly, where all inclusive resorts line the shores. But if you want a taste of the ‘real’ Tenerife, head to the less developed north where you can explore beautiful towns like San Cristobal la Laguna and La Orotova.
So without any more delay, let’s look at the best things to do in Tenerife with kids. Vamos!
1. Museum of Science and the Cosmos
This family friendly museum and planetarium delves into the world of science and astronomy. Expect some interactive exhibitions, exciting demonstrations and fun activities for all ages. Guaranteed to keep the kids engaged and get them excited about the world around them.
The museum is located in San Cristóbal de La Laguna- one of the prettiest towns on the island where colourful. You can also find 16th century houses, shops and cafes line the cobbled streets. If the weather clears up, climb the tower of Our Lady of the Concepcion Church for amazing views.
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Saturday 9am – 8pm / Sunday, Monday and holidays 10am – 5pm
2. Cueva del Viento
This set of caves which were created by lava from the eruption of the Pico Viejo volcano are a fascinating insight into the geology of this unique island. There are also 18km of lava tunnels which you will explore with a knowledgeable guide, discovering fossils, stalactites and lava lakes.
Opening Hours: Opening hours vary according to seasons, check the website for further info.
3. Megabowl Tenerife, Costa Adeje
You can’t beat bowling for a fab family activity that will please all ages. If the skies are looking cloudy and you need some entertainment, head to the shopping centre in Costa Adeje, where you’ll find Megabowl Tenerife.
In addition, the neon lit lanes and American themed diner are open from 2pm til midnight. So you could even make this a fun post-dinner activity one evening.
Opening Hours: Tues, Thurs, Fri, Sun 2pm – midnight. Weds & Sat 2pm – 2am
4. Submarine Safari
See the underwater world from a unique perspective on this unique ‘safari’. The kids will love the novelty of going on a submarine, and you can hope to see some amazing marine life from tropical fish to rays, octopus and even dolphins and whales.
Opening Hours: Monday – Friday & Sundays 9am -7pm (No dives on Saturdays)
5. Diverlandia
Finally, this soft play centre has four locations on the island, so you’re never far from entertaining a toddler on a cloudy day. They offer row upon row of ball pits, climbing frames, slides and tunnels to explore, and for the parents there is coffee, wifi and refreshments. In conclusion, tire them out then head back to the hotel for a siesta!
6. Tiede National Park
You may have come to Tenerife for a beach holiday, but don’t miss out a trip inland. Certainly one of the island’s star attractions, the lunar landscape of Mount Teide National Park will impress kids and adults alike. So if you like a challenge (and you have a baby who can travel on your back) you can hike to the summit for incredible views of Tenerife, Gran Canaria and La Palm. However, you will need a permit.
Alternatively, take a cable car to the base of the final summit. On the other hand, you could even book a hot air balloon trip over the park – an amazing experience in Tenerife with kids.
Lastly, budding astronomers shouldn’t miss the Teide Observatory which is located on Mount Teide- a prime location for stargazing.
7. Siam Water Park
This huge Thai themed water park in Costa Adeje is sure be be a highlight of your holiday in Tenerife with kids. Consideredone of the best in Europe, visitors can enjoy a huge array of water slides and rides. For example there’s a Lost City, a children’s play area, an artificial beach and a wave pool where you can learn to surf. After all that activity you can refuel at one of several Thai or International restaurants.
Address: Av. Siam, s/n, 38660 Costa Adeje, Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Opening Hours: Open daily 10am–5 /6pm (winter / summer)
HOT TIP on Excursions in Tenerife with Kids
One of the benefits of spending a holiday in Tenerife is to explore what nature has given to the island such as pine forests at Teide National Park or subtropical humid forest at Anaga Rural Park.
But walking and trailing with young children means you need to bring a child carrier to make the experience smoother and easier for them. So why not hiring a quality shoulder carrier that can be delivered directly at your hotel before you check in. You can rent the carrier from 7€ per day.
How many times have I wished I had one of these baby carriers especially when we spent the day out in the mountain or in the woods?
And if you need a strong and robust stroller to wander around the cities in Tenerife like Santa Cruz or Los Cristianos, there are two types to choose from such as a stroller from Joie perfect for children weighting up to 15kg or an easy foldable pushchair from Hauck for kids weighting up to 25kg. Hiring price starts at 7€ per day with free delivery to your hotel in South of Tenerife.
By the way, use the code BABYBREAKSTENERIFE to receive an extra 10% discount on your rental price at the time of your booking.
I bet there won’t be any good valid reasons to stop exploring the cities or heading to the beach from your hotel with this stroller in hands!
8. Loro Parque
One of the most visited attractions in the Canary Islands, this large animal park has a diverse range of animals, from chimpanzees to alligators. There is also an aquarium and a children’s play area. You can save money by buying a combined ticket for Siam Water Park and Loro Parque so you can enjoy both attractions. So that’s sure to give the kids lots to look forward to!
Address: Av. Loro Parque, s/n, 38400 Puerto de la Cruz, Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Opening Hours: Open daily 8:30am – 6:45pm
9. Whale and Dolphin Watching Tour
If your prefer to see animals in the wild, why not consider a boat trip where you can see whale and dolphins in their natural habitat? Or perhaps you fancy snorkelling with turtles and kayaking with dolphins? There are numerous options for boat trips around this beautiful island. Certainly a great way for kids to get outside and connect with nature.
10. Day at the Beach
With over 400km of coastline, Tenerife offers a fantastic variety of beaches. There are sheltered manmade bays, dramatic black sand strips or secluded natural coves. We have listed our Top 3 below:
Las Teresitas: 10 minutes drive from capital Santa Cruz, this beach is popular with locals, which is always a good sign! It is made with imported Saharan sand, lined with palm trees, and therefore one of the best looking (and most photographed) beaches on the island. The calm, shallow waters are teeming with tropical fish – perfect for snorkelling . After a morning spent on the beach, head to nearby San Andrés for its excellent selection of seafood restaurants.
El Camisón: This palm tree lined beach is one of the best on Tenerife’s south coast. It is popular with families as it’s breakwaters shelter the sea, making it ideal for paddling and swimming. It feels a little more intimate and natural than some of other beaches in the area.
Playa Jardín: Designed by César Manrique, this ‘Garden Beach’ is surrounded by colourful botanic gardens, and has swaying palm trees lining the black volcanic sand. There are shallow waters for paddling, and plenty of amenities such as shops and restaurants in nearby Puerto de la Cruz.
11. Monkey Park
Situated close to the resort of Los Cristianos, Monkey Park is a lovely little zoo, which welcomes endangered primates species as well as other animals such as parrots or reptiles.
You wouldn’t necessarily spend the whole day at this park but it if very easy to access to with also an opportunity to feed certain animals like guinea pigs or monkeys.
Overall, Monkey Park is a great activity to do with the family in Tenerife for a small entry fee.
Address: Camino Moreque,Llano Azul,17 Tf662 Km 2, 38627, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
12. Jungle Park
Here is another great wildlife park that will please you and your children during your visit in Tenerife. The Jungle Park feels like entering a jungle where you are surrounded by tropical plants and plenty of animals including a lots of birds flying above your head.
You will also participate in great shows that involve prey birds like hawks or falcons. If you dare, you can even visit a cave full of bats: chills are guaranteed. And last but not least, you can walk among lemurs in almost total freedom.
Jungle Park has been praised positively by many families visiting the park on their last holiday in Tenerife: a perfect day out with the kids in Tenerife for sure.
Address: Urb. Águilas del Teide, s/n, Km. 3, 38640 Arona, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
13. Cho Pancho
If you feel organising a barbecue or a picnic with the family during your visit in Tenerife, you can’t go wrong by spending a day out in Cho Pancho. The pine wood park has plenty to entertain the kids with different trails and lots of space to go wild.
The place has drinking running water and even bathrooms with toilets. However, come equipped with toilet papers…just in case. And don’t forget to clean after your visit to keep the area as pristine as possible.
Address: CARRETERA, 38629 El Frontón, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
14. Botanical Garden (Jardín Botánico)
Need a place to relax and chill while admiring the best of what gardens can bring to you, why not visiting the Botanical Garden in Puerto de la Cruz. This amazing garden is full of tropical plants, flowers and gigantic trees that would probably make a nice education trip for your children.
The gardens are particularly appreciated in the Summer to beat the heat and hide underneath the palm trees.
If you have children that need to run everywhere and shout, this place is probably not the most appropriate one. But if you have kids that can behave for a nice walk in the gardens, don’t hesitate to pay a visit to the Botanical Garden. And why not bringing a sketchpad with some pencils to draw the different plants they will like.
Address: C. Retama, 2, 38400 Puerto de la Cruz, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
15. Aqualand Costa Adeje
If you are on holiday in Tenerife with young children, you might prefer to spend a day out at Aqualand Costa Adeje. This fun water park is suitable for families with young kids with more of a chilled out atmosphere than Siam Water Park.
You will find plenty things to do like mini slides, several pools for little ones and even a unique dolphin show. Make sure to bring your own lunch if you feel spending the day at the park. If not you can eat at different restaurant available on site such as The Treasure Tavern or the Food Truck.
Address: Av. Austria, 15, 38660 Costa Adeje, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
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