Tenerife is one of the most popular family-friendly destinations in Europe and I'm actually quite shocked that it has took us so long to visit. Between John and I we have visited 2 of The Canary Islands, Lanzarote and Gran Canaria but never Tenerife, even though our family and friends tell us what an amazing place it is to visit. Tenerife boasts all year-round sunshine, so it's the perfect destination if you fancy a Winter sun holiday and it's warm temperatures makes it a popular choice during Summer.
Tenerife has some stunning beaches and plenty of attractions for all ages so it’s the perfect place for a memorable holiday with kids. Whether you're planning to holiday to Tenerife during the busy summer months or prefer a milder winter escape, Tenerife offers a great mix of adventure, relaxation, and culture.
Why Visit Tenerife with Kids?
If you are planning a holiday with the kids then you will want to consider a few things and for us, Tenerife is an ideal family destination for several reasons.
All Year-Round Sunshine
While the Summer months are warm, visiting in Winter offers milder temperatures. I'm not a huge sun lover so the heat in February was perfect for me as I usually run for the shade. If you are travelling with young children or wanting to do outdoor activities then it's a great place to visit during the cooler months. If you love the warmth then Summer is the perfect choice for you.
Short Flight and Quick Transfers
Just a 4-5 hour flight from the UK. We travelled from Manchester airport with Jet2 Holidays and our flight was 4hrs45 minutes. With most of the resorts only 20-30 minutes from Tenerife South Airport we were in the pool at Paradise Park Fun Lifestyle Hotel in just over a hour after we landed!
Family-Friendly Atmosphere
There is a lovely vibe in Tenerife and every restaurant, hotel, and attractions we visited were so welcoming to children, and many cater to families. I felt very safe moving around the resort.
Affordable
I know what's affordable to one person may not be to others but compared to other destinations we have visited recently such as Islantilla, Copenhagen and Amsterdam, Tenerife was really budget-friendly. There are many bars and restaurants offering beer and soft drinks for less than 2€ and meals were reasonably priced. Moving around the island is also quite cheap if you use their reliable bus service or taxis. We got a taxi from one resort to another and it was only 6€.
Some Of The Best Things To Do In Tenerife With Kids.
Siam Park – The Best Water Park in Europe
A visit to Siam Park was top of our 'must do' list. According to our friends and family no trip to Tenerife with kids is complete without a visit to Siam Park and they were not wrong. Voted one of the best water parks in the world the Thai-themed park is perfect for thrill-seekers and also families.
If you are planning a trip you can read our Siam Park review
Loro Parque – A Wildlife Adventure
Loro Parque is one of the top-rated zoos in the world and a must-visit attraction in Tenerife for families. You can actually get a combined ticket with Siam Park which is great to help save a few pennies. Located in Puerto de la Cruz, it’s home to a variety of animals and it's main highlights are
- The World’s Largest Parrot Collection
- Impressive Orca, Dolphin, and Sea Lion Shows
- Stunning Penguin Planet. A Large Indoor Antarctic Habitat
- The Tiger and Gorilla Enclosures
The park is beautifully designed with landscaped gardens and plenty of shaded areas, making it a comfortable experience even on warmer days.
Mini Golf – A Fun Family Challenge
We love mini golf. It's a perfect way to spend time with family or friends. Playa de las Américas and Los Cristianos both have fantastic courses that are beautifully designed with themed obstacles. We played a round of 16 holes in Los Crisianos and it was lots of fun and an inexpensive activity for the whole family to enjoy.
Aqualand – A Great Alternative to Siam Park
We saw lots of adverts for Aqualand on our transfer from the airport. It looks fun but I guess it must be hard competing with Siam Park especially with it being so close. However if you’re travelling with younger children who may find Siam Park overwhelming, Aqualand Costa Adeje would be a fantastic alternative. It has a range of activities including
- A Dedicated Children’s Water Play Area
- Smaller slides and Gentle Pool
- A Dolphin Show
Fewer crowds would make it easier to navigate with little ones and still lots of fun.
Ragnarok Viking Cruise – A Unique Adventure at Sea
For something truly different, the Ragnarok Viking Cruise family-friendly boat tour offers you the chance to spot Whales and Dolphins. I have written about our experience on Ragnarok (which wasn't pleasant) and you can read our review if you want to know why. However I do feel we were just unlucky. Maybe it was the time of year or just unfortunate with the weather so I would still recommend but definitely take some anti-sickness tablets beforehand. Ragnarok gives you the opportunity to
- Spot dolphins and Whales In Their Natural Habitat
- Viking-Themed Activities and Live Entertainment Onboard
- Games
- Face Painting
- Stunning Views of the Tenerife Coastline
The crew make sure that kids are entertained while parents relax (or reach for the green sick bags!!)
You can check out our thoughts here on the Ragnarok Viking Cruise
Monkey Park – Up Close with Animals
For a more intimate animal experience, Monkey Park is a hidden gem in Tenerife. Unlike larger zoos, this smaller park allows visitors to get up close with a variety of primates, birds, and reptiles. The highlight is being able to walk through enclosures and hand-feed some of the friendlier animals, which kids absolutely love. It’s also a great budget-friendly option!
Beaches – Relax and Play
We visited the beach twice on our holiday To Tenerife (which is good for us). We are not beach people mainly because I find sand annoying... it gets everywhere but Tenerife’s beaches are another major attraction for families. Some of the best options for kids are
Playa de Las Teresitas
A golden sandy beach with calm waters, ideal for young children.
Playa de la Pinta
Located in Costa Adeje, this beach has an inflatable water park just offshore, which older kids will love.
Playa del Duque
A more upmarket beach with soft sand and excellent facilities.
In winter, while the ocean may be cooler, the beaches remain perfect for sunbathing, sandcastle-building, and even a quick dip!
Exploring Tenerife’s Landscapes
Although Tenerife has the best waterpark and stunning beaches there is more to it. If your family loves nature and adventure, then you could consider exploring
Mount Teide National Park
Take the cable car up Spain’s highest peak and enjoy breathtaking views.
Masca Valley
A scenic and adventurous hike through one of the most picturesque villages in Tenerife.
Anaga Rural Park
A lush, green escape with easy walking trails suitable for families.
Our Thoughts On Tenerife and Would We Visit Again?
Tenerife is one of the best destinations we have visited so far for a family holiday. As we are three adults and one child I felt there was something for kids of all ages. I think the island is easily adapted for the holiday you want so if you are looking for action packed you can visit Siam Park and head up Mount Tiede. If you want a more relaxing break you can enjoy your hotel and resort and the stunning beaches. It's affordable and enjoyable and would I visit again? Definitely.
Have you been to Tenerife with your family? What were your favourite things to do? Let me know in the comments!
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