Tenerife with Kids: 20 Family-Friendly Things to Do

Updated in 2026. Travelling to Tenerife with children can be very easy if you choose the right activities. The island has calm beaches, parks, volcanoes, gardens, natural pools, short trails, museums, attractive towns and boat trips. But it also has winding roads, strong sunshine, changing weather and activities that are not suitable for every age.

This guide brings together 20 family ideas for 2026, organised according to one very simple criterion: they need to be genuinely useful. It is not all about putting children on attractions. Sometimes the best plan is a beach with shade, a short walk, an ice cream and a return to the hotel before the six o’clock meltdown.

1. Loro Parque

In Puerto de la Cruz, Loro Parque remains one of the major family attractions. Its official website lists opening hours from Monday to Sunday, 9:30 to 17:30. If you are travelling with young children, enter early, prioritise the areas and shows that interest you most and do not try to see everything at a run.

The official FAQ states that children aged 3 to 11 pay the child admission price. Check prices on the park’s website before buying, because they may change according to promotions or ticket type.

2. Siam Park

Siam Park, in Costa Adeje, is the south’s great water park. The official website lists summer opening hours of 10:00 to 18:00 from 1 May to 29 October, and winter opening hours of 10:00 to 17:00 from 30 October to 30 April.

For families, areas such as The Lost City, Coco Beach, Mai Thai River and The Wave Palace usually work very well. Take water shoes, sun cream and patience for queues in high season.

3. Mount Teide with children

Mount Teide can be a wonderful family plan if you do not turn it into a marathon. Take warm clothing, water, snacks and plenty of time. Stop at viewpoints, visit El Portillo and adapt the route to the children’s ages.

If you want to take the cable car or use regulated trails, check availability, weather and permits. With children, the sensible approach is to prioritise the scenery and experience, not conquering every point on the map.

4. Responsible whale watching

Tenerife is one of the best-known places for observing cetaceans. WebTenerife notes that boats must be authorised and that rules are in place to protect dolphins and pilot whales. Choose an authorised company and avoid any activity that promises to touch, chase or feed animals.

For young children, shorter trips of around two hours are better. For older children, a two- to three-hour trip with a swimming stop may be more complete.

5. Convenient beaches for families

Las Teresitas, Las Vistas, Los Cristianos, Playa del Duque and Fañabé are among the most convenient options because of their services, promenades and access. If you want black sand, Playa de La Arena or Playa Jardín may suit you, always after checking the flag and notices.

In Tenerife, the best beach with children is not always the most famous. It is the one that has suitable sea conditions that day, shade, safe swimming, toilets nearby and an easy walk back to the car.

6. Lago Martiánez

In Puerto de la Cruz, Lago Martiánez is a classic for families who want salt water, swimming pools, space and comfortable surroundings. It is particularly practical when the sea is rough at the northern beaches.

Take a hat, sun cream and water, and check opening hours and prices before travelling, as they may vary because of the season or maintenance.

7. Santa Cruz Palmetum

The Palmetum is a botanical garden specialising in palm trees, with paths, views and room to walk without significant slopes. It is ideal for a peaceful morning in Santa Cruz, combined with the Maritime Park, Auditorium or a walk around the capital.

8. Museum of Science and the Cosmos

If you are looking for an indoor activity, the Museum of Science and the Cosmos in La Laguna is usually an excellent choice for curious children. It is perfect for days of intense heat, calima or rain.

Check opening times and special activities with Museums of Tenerife before visiting.

9. Cueva del Viento

Cueva del Viento, in Icod de los Vinos, is a fantastic activity for older children and teenagers. The official visit lasts around 2.5 hours and children under 5 are not admitted. You enter with a guide, helmet and light, so it offers a genuine sense of adventure.

I do not recommend it for children who are afraid of the dark, experience claustrophobia or are uncomfortable walking over uneven ground.

10. La Laguna

La Laguna’s historic centre works very well for families if you approach it as a short walk: pedestrian streets, an ice cream, squares, shops and colourful architecture. It is also usually cooler than the coast.

It is a good base to combine with Anaga, but if you are travelling with young children, do not add too many winding roads after lunch.

11. Trail of the Senses in Anaga

The Trail of the Senses, at Cruz del Carmen, is an easy way to introduce children to Anaga without tackling a difficult hike. There are short sections and a laurel-forest atmosphere, with mist when conditions are right.

Take a light jacket even if you leave the sunny south. Anaga has a character of its own and loves changing your plans.

12. El Médano and Montaña Roja

El Médano is a good choice for active children, wind sports, walking and atmosphere. For swimming, the area closest to the town is better, always after checking the flag. Montaña Roja can be a mini-adventure for older children if it is not too hot.

13. Garachico and El Caletón

Garachico combines a historic centre, ice cream, walking and natural pools. El Caletón can be fantastic when the sea is calm, but if there is a strong swell, it is better to look from outside and continue your route.

14. Ancient Dragon Tree and Icod

The Dragon Tree Park in Icod de los Vinos is a short, visual activity that is easy to combine with Garachico or Cueva del Viento. It works better than a long route for young children because it offers a clear reward: an enormous tree and a short walk.

15. Los Gigantes by boat

The cliffs are very impressive from the sea. If you are travelling with children, choose a reasonably short trip and check whether it includes swimming, shade and life jackets, as well as its seasickness policy. It is better to use motion-sickness medicine recommended by a paediatrician than to discover too late that the Atlantic also knows how to play.

16. García Sanabria Park

In Santa Cruz, García Sanabria Park is an easy break: shade, fountains, sculptures and space to walk. Not every family activity needs an admission ticket.

17. Puerto de la Cruz Botanical Garden

The Botanical Garden is perfect for children who enjoy exploring plants, enormous roots and shaded paths. It combines well with Puerto de la Cruz, Playa Jardín or Lago Martiánez.

18. Punta del Hidalgo and Bajamar

The natural pools at Bajamar and Punta del Hidalgo are very family-friendly when sea conditions are suitable. Even so, they are pools beside the Atlantic, so you must respect the swell, closures and signs.

19. La Orotava

La Orotava is an attractive walk with children if you take it at a gentle pace: Casa de los Balcones, gardens, historic streets and views across the valley. Add an afternoon snack and the plan becomes considerably better.

20. A day without the car

This plan sounds silly but is pure gold: choose one day without the car, routes or timetables. A swimming pool, nearby beach, walk, ice cream and early dinner. On family trips, resting is also part of visiting.

Tips for travelling around Tenerife with children

• Do not fill every day: distances are deceptive because of bends and parking.
• Take layers: the south, Mount Teide, Anaga and the north can feel like different islands.
• Book parks in advance: especially during high season.
• Check beach flags: Tenerife’s sea conditions change greatly.
• Choose the car according to your luggage: child seats, pushchairs and suitcases take up more space than adults expect.

Frequently asked questions about Tenerife with children

What is the best area to stay with children?

Costa Adeje and Los Cristianos are convenient because of their beaches and services. Puerto de la Cruz is a good base for the north, Loro Parque, Lago Martiánez and greener routes.

Which beaches are best for families?

Las Teresitas, Las Vistas, Los Cristianos, Playa del Duque and Fañabé are usually convenient options because of their access, services and more sheltered water.

Can you visit Mount Teide with children?

Yes, if you adapt the plan. Take warm clothing, water and sun protection, and check the weather, cable car and permits if you want to take part in regulated activities.

What can you do if the weather is bad for a day?

La Laguna, the Museum of Science and the Cosmos, Loro Parque, shopping centres, city gardens or a short route through local towns can all rescue an unsettled day.

Sources consulted for this update: WebTenerife, Loro Parque, Siam Park, Cueva del Viento, Tenerife Tourism and the Government of the Canary Islands.

If you are travelling as a group or with young children, compare these ideas with our guide to Tenerife with children and check when it is worth booking a 6- or 7-seater hire car.