Date of publication 17/03/2026
Discover the Magic of the Canary Islands with Kids
If you prefer easy, stress-free vacations, our family hotels in the Canary Islands will exceed every expectation. You may have already visited this destination as a couple or with friends, but the perspective, and the requirements, change significantly when it comes to a family trip. This time, we know that every bit of help matters. That is why we offer accommodations designed especially for you and your children, with Star Camp, family-friendly rooms, and a concept that truly understands what it means to travel with little ones.
Traveling to the Canary Islands with kids becomes even easier with this guide filled with ideas for responsible tourism, beaches, and other natural environments suited to travelers of all ages. Additional tips on gastronomy, climate, and safety will help turn your stay into an unforgettable adventure while minimizing surprises along the way.
An archipelago that seems designed for wonder
All-Inclusive hotels in the Canary Islands will become your ideal base for exploring Tenerife, Fuerteventura, and Lanzarote as a family. You will soon discover that the archipelago itself seems made to inspire awe, with spectacular volcanic landscapes by the ocean and inland where both children and adults may feel as if they have stepped into a fantastic world. This dreamlike setting includes more than 930 miles of Atlantic coastline, making the Canary Islands the Spanish region with the longest stretch of coast. Yet it is also home to enchanted forests, dormant volcanoes, and a culture as vibrant as its natural surroundings.
The magnetism of living nature
The sleeping roar of Teide and lunar landscapes
The largest island in the Canary archipelago is also the most populated and home to the highest point in Spain, the summit of Mount Teide, which rises 12,188 feet above sea level. One experience you should not miss during your stay at family hotels in Tenerife is an excursion with your children to Teide National Park. It is important to keep in mind that, for safety reasons, pregnant women and children under three are not allowed to reach the peak. For children under six, extra caution is recommended due to the difficulty of some hiking routes, including well-known trails such as Montaña Blanca and the Cable Car route, as well as the lower oxygen levels caused by the altitude. Certain trails also require a special permit, and you will find the necessary information to request it on the Tenerife Island Council website.
The good news is that there are places you can easily reach by car without needing a permit. Several areas are perfect for families, such as Roques de García or the Mirador de las Narices del Teide.
Storybook forests in Garajonay and Anaga
Exploring the forests of Garajonay in La Gomera, ferries depart from Tenerife and cover the route in about an hour, and the forests of Anaga in Tenerife are a wonderful plan for children of all ages. In Garajonay National Park, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the central peaks of La Gomera and their centuries-old trees create a setting that feels straight out of a fairytale. The forest is a laurel forest ecosystem, with evergreen plants similar to the bay tree that naturally absorb rainfall, which is why it is often called a sponge forest. The roque is its iconic geological feature, and birds such as blackbirds, goldcrests, and blue tits fill the air with song.
The Anaga Rural Park, declared a Biosphere Reserve, features a beautiful mountain range of jagged peaks with valleys, farmland, small villages, ravines, and beaches protected by rocky cliffs. Exploring this part of Tenerife with children means walking among dragon trees and palms while discovering ancient geological formations such as roques, former volcanic chimneys not to be confused with the tree, and dikes, which are fissures filled with solidified magma. Part of the area is a fossilized laurel forest. Among its endemic wildlife are the “vieja,” a native eel, the Cory’s shearwater, the Canary Islands owl, and the laurel pigeon. Anaga is classified as a Special Protection Area for Birds.
Golden sand dunes that resemble endless deserts
The beaches of Tenerife, a blend of colors and inspirations, invite you to experience them with all five senses. The most recommended shores for families include Playa de Fañabé, Playa del Duque, Torviscas, Los Cristianos, and Playa de las Américas. Among the best beaches in Fuerteventura, Playa de Jandía, Playa del Castillo, and Playa del Moro stand out for their accessibility, services, and welcoming multigenerational atmosphere. Along with relaxing and soaking up the sun by the ocean, you will have the chance to practice water sports such as snorkeling and surfing, or join hiking and cycling routes that wind through golden sand dunes. These unusual desert-like landscapes contrast with the lush vegetation of the forested areas. Choosing family hotels in the Canary Islands means discovering together that the archipelago’s ecological balance, much like life itself, is shaped by variety and beautiful differences.
Unforgettable encounters with marine animals
Whale and dolphin watching in the wild
Among the marine animals that inhabit the archipelago are dolphins and whales. In fact, the Canary Islands are Europe’s most important destination for whale watching. Pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins live in these waters year-round. The main routes depart from Costa Adeje in Tenerife and from the port of La Gomera. Children will love the chance to see these fascinating creatures in their natural habitat through guided boat experiences that include stops to observe them in the wild and from a respectful distance. This educational and responsible activity shows children that it is possible to interact with other species ethically.
Snorkeling in crystal-clear waters for young explorers
Snorkeling with children on the calmest, shallowest beaches in Tenerife or in Lanzarote’s natural pools is always a great idea. Set aside a morning or afternoon, or several, for this fantastic family activity as part of a fun and sustainable stay at family hotels in Lanzarote, such as Iberostar Selection Lanzarote Park. At this five-star resort designed by César Manrique, guests of all ages are welcome. Young explorers will have endless fun right by Playa Blanca while you share in their excitement at the Aquafun children’s area or take time for yourself in the spa.
Wildlife recovery centers and biodiversity protection
Thanks to initiatives such as the Canary Islands’ wildlife recovery and biodiversity protection centers, endangered species like the blind crab of Los Jameos, which thrives only in Lanzarote, receive care and protection. Tenerife’s La Tahonilla Wildlife Recovery Center focuses on treating injured birds before releasing them back into their natural habitats, while the Neotrópico Foundation helps exotic species thrive while combating illegal wildlife trafficking.
In Fuerteventura, The Animal Academy rescues animals traditionally considered farm animals. La Casa de las Estrellas is an animal sanctuary in Lanzarote that can be visited by appointment. Include it in your Lanzarote trip with children if you would like to inspire respect and love for all living beings.
Beaches that are much more than sand and salt
Natural pools where the Atlantic finds calm
All-Inclusive hotels in Tenerife give you access to exclusive aquatic facilities for adults and children, but that does not mean you should miss the island’s spectacular natural pools. As in Lanzarote and Fuerteventura, these pools formed by wave movement, wind erosion, and past volcanic eruptions allow the Atlantic to settle into calm waters. There are no waves, the temperature is mild, and little ones can be safely supervised in what feels like an open-air water park, with quiet spots to sunbathe, enjoy a picnic, and share time together in a relaxed family atmosphere.
Black sand beaches that spark curiosity
Black sand beaches, common in destinations such as Tenerife, Lanzarote, and Fuerteventura, are sure to capture your children’s curiosity. They will be fascinated to learn about their history, why they are this color, and how they formed. You could tell them, for example, that in Fuerteventura, Playa de Ajuy, with its pirate caves and fine sand, bears witness to the ancient fury deep within the Earth. Or that on the same island, Playa de Gran Tarajal, comfortable and accessible for families, thanks to its seaside promenade, emerged from the crater of a volcano.
Our All-Inclusive family hotels in Fuerteventura will be your gateway to this vast natural world. Iberostar Waves Playa Gaviotas, surrounded by golden sand and palm trees, invites you to embrace biodiversity once again. The hotel sits directly on the oceanfront in Jandía.
Sheltered coves for slow afternoons of play
The distinctive landscapes of the Canary archipelago include long, sunlit beaches as well as protected, almost secret coves that are perfect for leisurely afternoons of play. In the Anaga area of Tenerife, you will find Roque Bermejo and Benijo. In the south, La Caleta, Cala de Diego Hernández, and El Bollullo captivate visitors with their untamed beauty.
And afterward, some of Spain’s best accommodations with water parks are ready to keep the fun going in the water and sunshine. In Tenerife, one suchhotel with slides in the Canary Islands is Iberostar Waves Bouganville Park. Located just 65 feet from Playa del Bobo next to Puerto Colón Marina in Costa Adeje, this lively four-star hotel combines a playful atmosphere with a sustainable philosophy designed to help protect marine ecosystems.
The pleasure of traveling without complications
A climate that always welcomes you
Speaking of the weather, the best time to visit the islands is whenever it suits your family’s needs. One useful fact is that the average annual temperature ranges between 72°F and 75°F, making it easy to combine great weather with family plans. Explore the details and discover what awaits you at family hotels in the Canary Islands. Fuerteventura, Tenerife, or Lanzarote may be the perfect choice depending on the activities you prefer and your family’s travel style.
Canary Islands cuisine for curious young palates
Keep things simple by choosing destinations and accommodations that satisfy the creative, and often demanding, tastes of younger travelers. At our resorts, typical Canary Islands recipes such as papas arrugadas with mojo sauce or arepas introduce children, through the universal language of flavor, to the joy of trying new yet appealing dishes. The hotels’ selection of local and international cuisine includes children’s menus and a wide variety of options in buffets and themed restaurants, accompanied by live entertainment and prepared with fresh, healthy ingredients. Ask about vegan options and meals suitable for children with celiac disease.
The comfort of feeling at home in the middle of the ocean
At first glance, Lanzarote’s volcanic landscapes or the lively beaches of Tenerife may feel unfamiliar to your family. Yet there is a simple way to feel at home far from home. It comes from engaging with new places in a meaningful and genuine way, going beyond the idea of travel itself and encouraging children, from an early age, to become curious young travelers eager to understand the spirit of the destinations they visit. The concept of community-based tourism reflects this idea.
The first step toward your next great story
With an average of more than 300 days of sunshine each year, even winter in the Canary Islands is highly appealing for traveling with children. Spring break, summer, or the holiday season are all excellent times for this family adventure. Booking now at family hotels in the Canary Islands not only gives you the chance to experience this destination at your own pace in a setting designed for you, but it also marks the beginning of something transformative: the first step toward your next great family story.
