Date of publication 29/04/2024
Things to do in Tenerife with children
You’ve chosen the dates, picked the destination, and can already picture the outfits you’ll be packing. Now it’s time to fill your itinerary with experiences the whole family will love. Looking for inspiration? These ideas for things to do in Tenerife with kids are sure to make your next trip to the Canary Islands one to remember. Choose the Iberostar hotel in Tenerife that best suits your family and start planning an unforgettable vacation before you’ve even left home.
Activities for Children in Tenerife
Ethical Marine Wildlife Watching
Tenerife’s family-friendly beaches provide the perfect setting for observing marine wildlife in a responsible and respectful way. Dolphins and whales can be spotted year-round in the waters surrounding the island, making Tenerife one of the best places in Europe to see these remarkable creatures in their natural habitat. Boat excursions departing from Puerto Colón, Los Cristianos, or Los Gigantes offer families the chance to feel like explorers on an ocean adventure while learning about the behavior, habitats, and conservation of these fascinating animals. Experiences like these help children develop a deeper appreciation for the natural world and encourage a lasting sense of respect for marine ecosystems.
A Walk Through the Enchanted Forest
The aptly named Enchanted Forest forms part of El Pijaral Integral Nature Reserve, a protected area within the Anaga Massif. True to its name, this trail winds through landscapes that seem lifted from a storybook. Towering prehistoric ferns create a magical atmosphere, evoking a world of fairies, elves, and ancient legends. Many of these remarkable plants, like other vital forests around the world, have existed since the Tertiary Period, preserving millions of years of natural history within their mist-covered surroundings.
The route across the reserve takes approximately two to three hours at a relaxed pace, leaving plenty of time to stop, admire the scenery, or enjoy a snack along the way. Comfortable footwear and a spirit of adventure are all you need to immerse yourself in this extraordinary environment. Before visiting, however, keep in mind that access is regulated to protect the ecosystem. As the reserve is a highly sensitive natural area, visitors must obtain prior authorization from the Tenerife Island Council (Cabildo de Tenerife) to explore it responsibly.
Excursion to Teide
Looking for more things to do with kids in Tenerife while exploring the island through a sustainable travel lens? A visit to Teide National Park is an unforgettable experience that introduces the whole family to the fascinating world of volcanoes. Its dramatic landscapes, shaped by centuries of volcanic activity, feel almost otherworldly, transporting visitors to a terrain unlike anywhere else on Earth.
From the park’s viewpoints, located at different elevations, you can enjoy spectacular scenery and observe native birdlife soaring above the clouds. The Teide Observatory also welcomes visitors and offers guided tours of its facilities, providing a behind-the-scenes look at the work carried out by its scientists. Children aged eight and older can even participate in astronomy and astrophysics workshops designed to spark curiosity about the universe. Stay until sunset and you’ll be rewarded with one of the island’s most magical spectacles, as the sky gradually fills with countless stars stretching across the horizon.
Their First Culinary Adventure
Canarian cuisine is sure to win over even the most discerning young travelers. From traditional dishes such as papas arrugadas with mojo sauce to sweet and savory stuffed arepas, the islands offer a rich variety of flavors built around fresh, wholesome ingredients, including seasonal fruits and vegetables. It’s also a cuisine that can be easily adapted for vegan families, making it accessible for a wide range of dietary preferences.
A memorable experience for the whole family is to create your own culinary route, visiting guachinches, Tenerife’s traditional family-run eateries, while exploring the island’s diverse landscapes and local flavors along the way. Through food, children can discover new tastes, traditions, and ways of life, turning every meal into part of the adventure. If someone in your family follows a gluten-free diet, this gluten-free travel guide can help make planning even easier.
Sun, Sea... and Water Sports for Everyone!
One of the best things to do with kids in Tenerife is to try a water sport that the whole family can enjoy, such as snorkeling or paddleboarding. Beginner-friendly lessons led by experienced instructors make it easy to discover these activities together while exploring the calm, crystal-clear waters of southern Tenerife. It’s a fun and active way to connect with the ocean while creating unforgettable family memories.
Just steps from Fañabé Beach, Iberostar Selection Anthelia is a five-star family resort designed with travelers of all ages in mind. Children will love the dedicated pool area with slides and a pirate ship, while the rest of the family can enjoy the resort’s outdoor and indoor pools, five restaurants, three bars, gardens, fitness facilities, tennis and paddle courts, and a spa offering treatments such as the renowned Mayr Kur detox therapy. Several surf and diving schools are located less than a mile from the hotel, making it easy to continue your aquatic adventures beyond the resort.
What Is the Best Area of Tenerife for a Family Vacation?
When planning a trip to Tenerife with kids, both the north and the south offer excellent options. The best choice depends on the type of vacation you have in mind. Wherever you stay, the island invites families to connect with nature, the ocean, and the fascinating volcanic landscapes shaped by its eleven volcanoes.
The north has a more laid-back atmosphere and tends to be less crowded. Its surf culture and natural surroundings attract groups of friends, Gen Z travelers, and visitors of all ages looking for a slower pace. The south, by contrast, is lively and energetic, with restaurants, shops, shopping centers, family attractions such as Siam Park and Aqualand, golf courses, and a wide variety of entertainment options that appeal to both adults and children.
Among the most popular family destinations is Costa Adeje, known for its welcoming atmosphere, easy-access beaches, and, yes, an average of around 300 days of sunshine each year. Here, family vacations seem to stretch a little longer, carried by the warmth, light, and endless blue horizons that define this corner of Tenerife.
Free Things to Do with Kids in Tenerife
A Water Park at the Hotel
Looking for free activities to enjoy with kids in Tenerife? Choosing one of the island’s hotels with water parks is an easy way to combine endless fun for the little ones with well-deserved relaxation for the adults, all within an increasingly complete all-inclusive experience. While the kids splash, play, and race down waterslides in search of hidden treasures, you can unwind beside the pool with a refreshing drink and enjoy the sunshine at your own pace.
At Iberostar Waves Bouganville Playa, located in Costa Adeje beside the San Eugenio Promenade and just steps from Bobo Beach, the Aquafun area recreates a colorful world inspired by Tenerife’s volcanic landscapes. Spacious family rooms offer all the comforts of home, enhanced by beautiful ocean views. The hotel also features a cycling station where guests can rent, store, or service bicycles, making it easy to explore the island on two wheels between poolside adventures.
A Walk or Bike Ride Through a Natural Park
Activities for kids in Tenerife are an invitation to spend more time outdoors. The coastal path that begins in La Caleta follows the shoreline of Costa Adeje, with certain sections adapted for visitors with reduced mobility. Tenerife’s natural landscapes can also be explored by bike, along routes with evocative names such as the Path of the Senses and Montaña de los Poleos, the latter located within the Corona Forestal Natural Park.
Along the way, it’s worth pausing to discover the island’s unique plant life, including iconic species such as the dragon tree and other remarkable native flora. These excursions offer an opportunity for children to develop a deeper appreciation for the natural world while learning the importance of protecting plants, wildlife, and the environments they inhabit. After all, some of the most valuable travel lessons come from leaving a place even better than you found it.
A Different Kind of Camp
Imagine a camp where children can play, learn, and have fun while developing a deeper understanding of how to protect the planet and all the living beings that share it. And the best part? They never have to leave the resort. At Iberostar family-friendly hotels, the Star Camp program is built around the Theory of Multiple Intelligences and offers age-appropriate activities designed to inspire creativity, teamwork, and environmental awareness.
Children ages four to seven can join the Monkey program, those between eight and twelve participate in Dolphin, and teens ages thirteen to seventeen enjoy the Eagle program. Enrollment is complimentary for hotel guests. In addition, at select resorts, children under six stay free, making family vacations even more convenient.
While they make new friends, discover their talents, and enjoy meaningful experiences, parents can take advantage of those moments to focus on themselves. Whether that means unwinding at the spa, enjoying a wellness ritual, or simply relaxing in a peaceful setting, you can do so knowing your children are engaged, cared for, and having a great time.
Tenerife Carnival with the Family
There are so many things to do with kids in Tenerife that no matter when you visit, this island shaped by the power of the Atlantic offers far more than beautiful beaches. Thanks to the Canary Islands’ mild climate, outdoor activities can be enjoyed throughout the year. If your trip coincides with January or February, you’ll also have the chance to experience one of the island’s most vibrant celebrations: the Tenerife Carnival.
For several weeks, the streets and neighborhoods of Santa Cruz de Tenerife burst into color, music, and festive energy. Families can enjoy children’s parades, costume contests, the election galas for both the Carnival Queen and the Children’s Queen, free performances, and countless opportunities to dance and celebrate together. Some of the event’s joyful traditions evoke the spirit of world-famous carnivals such as those in Veracruz and Rio de Janeiro, while maintaining a distinctly Canarian character. Best of all, many of the daytime festivities are designed for visitors of all ages, making it an unforgettable family experience.
The Best Beaches for Kids in Tenerife
Playa de las Américas
Looking for the best beach in Tenerife for families? Whether you choose the north or the south, this volcanic island offers more than 40 miles of coastline, with beaches to suit every style of vacation. Some are known for their strong winds and rolling waves, attracting surfers and water sports enthusiasts in a way that recalls neighboring Fuerteventura. Others are ideal for relaxing and spending quality time together as a family.
One of the most popular options is Playa de las Américas, located near Arona in the south of the island. Stretching for nearly a third of a mile, this beach is characterized by its golden sand, small pebbles, and generally calm waters, making it a comfortable setting for visitors of all ages. Its convenient location and full range of services, including nearby restaurants, shops, and leisure facilities, make it an excellent choice for a family beach day in Tenerife.
Playa de Fañabé
Its comfort, convenience, and accessibility, even for families traveling with strollers, make Playa de Fañabé one of the most family-friendly beaches in Tenerife. Located in Costa Adeje, this popular stretch of coastline features fine golden sand that is perfect for building sandcastles and forts, while its calm, crystal-clear waters provide a safe and enjoyable environment for children to splash and play.
The beach is well equipped with everything needed for a carefree day by the ocean, including sun loungers, umbrellas, changing facilities, showers, restrooms, and lifeguard services. A lively beachfront promenade lined with shops, restaurants, and beach clubs runs alongside the shore, creating a pleasant separation between the beach and the nearby hotel area, where some of Costa Adeje’s most exclusive accommodations are located. The result is a relaxed and welcoming setting where families can enjoy the best of Tenerife’s coastal lifestyle.
Playa del Bobo
The dark sand of Playa del Bobo is a reminder that you’re standing on volcanic ground, in a destination shaped by the forces of nature and defined by its remarkable landscapes. The name “Bobo” is believed to come from a plant native to the Americas that was introduced to the Canary Islands centuries ago. Today, this urban beach is known for its comfort, accessibility, and calm waters, making it a popular choice for families seeking a relaxed day by the sea.
Just a 10-minute walk from the shoreline, Iberostar Waves Las Dalias offers an all-inclusive family vacation experience designed to keep guests of all ages entertained. Spacious accommodations are ideal for larger families, while children can enjoy Star Camp activities and a dedicated pool area featuring the Aquafun water park with slides. The resort also boasts a varied dining program, with options ranging from snacks and afternoon tea to self-serve ice cream, ensuring there is always something to satisfy every appetite throughout the day.
Playa de Benijo
If there is one thing that defines Benijo Beach, located near Taganana in the northern part of Tenerife, it is the profound sense of freedom and untamed beauty that surrounds it. Rising dramatically from the Atlantic are the Roques de Benijo and La Rapadura, striking black rock formations that mirror the dark volcanic sand of the shoreline. Together, they create one of the island’s most spectacular coastal landscapes.
Because of its more remote location, Benijo remains relatively uncrowded compared to other beaches on the island, attracting travelers in search of tranquility and a closer connection to nature. To make the most of your visit, it’s best to explore the beach at low tide, when more of its shoreline becomes accessible. As evening approaches, take time to wander through nearby Taganana, a charming village that has preserved much of the traditional character and atmosphere of Tenerife’s historic rural communities.
Playa de las Teresitas
Located in the northeast of the island, just over a mile from the center of Santa Cruz, Tenerife’s capital, Playa de las Teresitas offers plenty of family-friendly activities, including pedal boat and canoe rentals. Situated in the district of San Andrés, this picturesque beach is known for its soft golden sand, calm atmosphere, and postcard-worthy setting.
Its clear waters, lined with palm trees and monitored by lifeguards, are ideal for swimming and snorkeling. Stretching for nearly a mile, the beach provides ample space to relax in the sun or enjoy activities such as beach volleyball. It is also easily accessible by public transportation from various parts of the island, making it a convenient and sustainable choice for a family day by the sea. Nearby, a beautiful lagoon-like area enhances the landscape, recalling the charm of the natural pools of Lanzarote and adding another layer of appeal to one of Tenerife’s most beloved beaches.
Montaña Amarilla
Montaña Amarilla is not technically a beach, but rather a small pebble cove framed by an ancient volcanic cliff whose distinctive color comes from the lava that formed it. Over time, wind and sea erosion have sculpted the Natural Monument of Montaña Amarilla into a series of unusual rounded formations, often compared to the fossilized bones of a dinosaur emerging from the landscape.
At its base, the turquoise waters reveal a fascinating volcanic reef that is ideal for swimming and snorkeling with the family. Beneath the surface, a vibrant underwater world comes to life, home to parrotfish, trumpetfish, sea sponges, cuttlefish, octopuses, and many other marine species. More experienced adults can also explore the area through scuba diving, discovering the remarkable biodiversity that thrives in this unique coastal ecosystem. Combining dramatic geology with exceptional marine life, Montaña Amarilla offers a different perspective on Tenerife’s natural beauty, both above and below the water.
As you’ve probably realized by now, Tenerife is about much more than sun and sea. Its extraordinary natural landscapes, combined with a wide variety of activities for all ages, make it possible to shape a family vacation from countless different perspectives. Whether your ideal trip revolves around adventure, relaxation, nature, culture, or a little bit of everything, the island offers experiences to match every travel style. All that’s left is to find the perfect combination of activities and the hotel that best suits your family, start planning your itinerary, and get ready to fill your vacation with unforgettable things to do with kids in Tenerife.
