– This post was written by Kristy Brandt –
Tenerife is a sunny paradise in Spain’s Canary Islands. The island boasts warm weather, beautiful beaches, and a plethora of exciting activities. All this combined makes it a fantastic family holiday destination.
The island’s stunning beaches offer golden sands and clear waters for endless fun in the sun. Kids can build sandcastles, splash in the gentle waves, or try thrilling water sports. Tenerife isn’t just about the beach, though. Families can also explore the vibrant marine life at Loro Parque, a renowned zoo and water park. Then there’s Siam Park, a thrilling water kingdom with slides and rides for all ages.
In Tenerife, family adventures and relaxation blend seamlessly, making it a top choice for your next vacation. In this guide you will find all the best things to do and see when visiting Tenerife with kids, to ensure you have a wonderful family holiday!
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1. Walk on the wild side at Loro Parque
Loro Parque is one of the most captivating family attractions in Tenerife. This renowned zoo and wildlife park offers an incredible experience for families with kids.
One of the main draws is the diverse collection of animals from all over the world. You’ll get to see playful dolphins, majestic orcas, colorful parrots, and more! Kids can learn about the different species through entertaining and educational shows.
Loro Parque also features lush gardens, where families can stroll amidst exotic plants and vibrant flowers. The park’s commitment to conservation and animal welfare adds an educational dimension to the fun. It’s a fantastic place for families to enjoy a day of entertainment, learning, and adventure in the heart of Tenerife.
🌟 Insider tip: With this ticket your park entry also includes air-conditioned transport from the southern side of the island, where most visitors base themselves. No need to worry about getting to Loro Parque, you can just relax and let someone else do the driving!
2. Visit one of the best theme parks in Tenerife
Siam Park in Tenerife is a tropical oasis of fun and excitement! It stands out among the top things to do in Tenerife, especially for kids. This Thai-themed water park is a dream come true for families seeking a thrilling experience.
Kids will be in awe of the park’s towering water slides, such as the Tower of Power, where they can plummet through a shark-filled aquarium. For those seeking more relaxed adventures, the lazy river and vast wave pool provide a perfect balance.
What sets Siam Park apart is its attention to detail in recreating a Thai paradise. The lush greenery, intricate architecture, and ambient music create an immersive atmosphere that transports visitors to a faraway land. Children can explore the Lost City, a water playground with fountains, bridges, and tunnels, or take a ride on the thrilling family raft slide called the Dragon.
🌟 Insider tip: You can save money by bundling your entry to Siam Park and Loro Parque. Best of all, you’ll have 15 days to use your tickets, so you don’t need to try and fit both parks into one day!
3. Feel the need for speed while kart racing
Families visiting Tenerife with kids are in for an exhilarating treat with this karting experience! It’s a fantastic outing that combines speed, competition, and excitement for all ages.
Racers, choose your vehicle! The karting track offers a thrilling experience that’s perfect for families. What’s more, there’s a kart for every age, as well as a specially designed junior circuit to accommodate young racers.
Whether you’re a Formula 1 enthusiast or just looking for an exciting family activity, this karting adventure in Tenerife has it all. The track’s fastest karts can reach speeds of up to 95 km/h, making it a heart-pounding experience for both kids and adults.
🌟 Insider tip: This experience includes transport from south Tenerife. If you’re staying elsewhere then you will need to make your own way to the karting club.
4. Go under the sea on a submarine
Embarking on a deep-sea adventure is one of the most captivating things to do in Tenerife, and here’s why! Imagine observing the mesmerizing underwater world through the panoramic windows of a submarine. It’s an experience that offers both excitement and educational value for the entire family.
What makes this adventure truly exceptional is the knowledgeable guide onboard. They share insights about the marine life and the technical intricacies of the submarine as you explore. It’s a fantastic opportunity for kids to learn about the wonders of the ocean in an engaging manner.
With a descent to depths of 30 meters, you’ll be left breathless by the sight of sunken ships and the diverse sea life. This experience will leave a lasting impression on both children and adults, making it a must-try family activity in Tenerife.
🌟 Insider tip: The restaurant next door to the submarine (El Mirador de la Marina)is a great spot for a meal after your underwater journey! You can dine on delicious fresh seafood and other dishes while enjoying the view above the waves.
5. Relax at a water park
If you need a more relaxing break then the César Manrique Maritime Park is one of the best places to visit in Tenerife to chill out.
First, you can enjoy a sense of relaxation in three saltwater pools. There’s also restaurant service, changing rooms, and showers. The whole place is incredibly convenient for families. If you’re inclined to stay active, there’s even a bio-healthy gym available!
What truly sets this park apart is the opportunity to explore the remarkable art created by César Manrique. Manrique integrated volcanic rocks, waterfalls, and distinctive wind toys into the park’s design. He’s created an artistic adventure that captivates visitors of all ages.
🌟 Insider tip: The park’s location in the heart of the city offers a stunning view of the Auditorium and the Palmetum botanical garden. You can appreciate both natural beauty and cultural landmarks right from the park’s premises.
6. See medieval knights jousting
This Medieval Adventure is one of the top things to see in Tenerife. It’s sure to delight youngsters, especially as they watch knights on horseback jousting right in front of them!
As you enter through the castle gates, you’ll step back in time to an authentic medieval world. Count Don Rodrigo and his daughter, the Countess, greet their guests as you arrive. You’ll be mesmerized by the castle’s entrance which is adorned with armor, swords, chests, and ancient writings.
One of the highlights is the sumptuous banquet fit for royalty. The whole family can dine like kings and queens! This immersive experience not only entertains but is also a unique educational opportunity. Children get to learn about medieval history and customs while enjoying the show. It’s a night out that combines history, excitement, and delicious food.
🌟 Insider tip: As well as jousting knights, the show includes acrobatics on Spanish horses, a bird flight performance, and a fire show!
7. Be immersed in a spectacle of lights
Imagine entering a magical wonderland filled with over 40 themed light installations. The Tenerife Light Park will leave your entire family enchanted. You’ll encounter a giant panda and stroll through a captivating flamingo garden. You can even come face-to-face with a colossal dragon – all created with lights!
What makes this experience special is the opportunity for kids to discover a 2,000-year-old Chinese tradition in a fun and immersive way. These captivating light displays blend ancient customs with modern technology.
With a deer forest, an underwater world, and friendly fairy-tale creatures, there’s no shortage of delights to uncover. The installations combine thousands of meters of silk with millions of light bulbs. The result is a truly spectacular journey through this wonderland of lights. It’s one of the most unique attractions in Tenerife, especially for those visiting with children.
🌟 Insider tip: Arrive early and you can have dinner in the restaurant “Jardín del Dragón” while watching the sunset. Then you can enjoy the park light display once the sun has gone down!
8. Spot whales and dolphins on a cruise
If you’re visiting Tenerife with kids who love aquatic wildlife, then embarking on a catamaran excursion promises a day filled with fun!
The waters around Tenerife are teeming with fish, dolphins and whales, which you are almost guaranteed to see during a cruise. This adventure also includes opportunities for you and your kids to immerse yourselves in the refreshing waters. Snorkeling amongst Tenerife’s natural idyllic surroundings is an experience like no other.
This 4.5-hour whale and dolphin-watching tour offers an educational aspect too. Your knowledgeable guides will share fascinating facts about incredible cetacean species. This makes for an enriching experience for your children as they delve into the world of marine life.
🌟 Insider tip: This experience includes a delicious and filling lunch so that’s one meal you won’t need to worry about during your holiday!
9. Stargaze at the world’s largest solar observatory
Visiting Tenerife’s Teide Observatory with your kids is an extraordinary adventure that combines education and awe-inspiring views.
Mount Teide is one of the best places to visit in Tenerife and provides epic views of the island’s stunning volcanic landscapes. But the excitement doesn’t stop there. At the Teide Observatory, you get to take your exploration beyond our world. With some of the most powerful telescopes in the galaxy, you’ll peer into the depths of the final frontier itself! This is a truly out-of-this-world experience for kids.
After an informative workshop, your kids will be ready to operate the telescopes themselves. They can safely observe our sun with real sunspots and solar flares, which will leave them with a deeper appreciation of the cosmos.
🌟 Insider tip: Ride the Mount Teide Cable Car up to the summit. You’ll be treated to breathtaking views before you even get to see the stars!
10. Experience a thrilling jet-ski safari
Exploring Tenerife’s coastal beauty on a Jet Ski is an exhilarating and family-friendly activity that offers a unique twist on things to do in Tenerife with kids.
You and your kids will gear up for a thrilling 1-hour Jet Ski experience. All the necessary equipment is provided, including life jackets, snorkeling masks, goggles, and wetsuits if needed. Safety is a priority, ensuring a worry-free adventure for the whole family.
Once you’ve received a brief but comprehensive explanation of how to operate the Jet Ski safely, you’re off to explore the ocean’s wonders. You’ll also be accompanied by a knowledgeable monitor on a guiding boat. Then you can journey through various captivating spots, including Costa del Silencio Bay, Las Galletas, Punta Rasca lighthouse, and more.
🌟 Insider tip: After your Jet Ski adventure, you’ll return to the initial dock, where the fun doesn’t end. Enjoy some well-deserved refreshments for a delightful conclusion to your aquatic escapade.
Best time to visit Tenerife
The best time to visit Tenerife depends on your preferences and what you want to experience. Generally speaking, the most popular time to visit this beautiful Canary Island is during the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November).
Both spring and autumn offer weather that’s warm without the scorching summer heat. They’re ideal seasons for exploring the island’s natural beauty and enjoying outdoor activities.
If you prefer a more budget-friendly trip, consider visiting during the winter months (December to February). While not as warm as spring or autumn, Tenerife still offers pleasant weather, especially in the southern regions. Most of the top things to see in Tenerife will be just as good during this period.
