Tenerife with Children: 7 amazing experiences you cannot miss

16 Dec 2025

Planning a family holiday to Tenerife can feel overwhelming; you need to find the right spot to entertain both kids and adults alike, but something that most people overlook is that Tenerife is perfect for that. It’s home to more than beaches; it has fun attractions for kids and relaxing activities for you. The best part? Most of those activities and attractions can easily be enjoyed by both kids and adults!

That’s right, Tenerife is a giant, open-air playground for the whole family. With a mild climate, dramatic landscapes and loads of activities, this Canary Island is a fantastic choice for a holiday.

Tenerife with Children © Maxim Berg, Unsplash

Here are seven experiences on Tenerife that I believe have to go on your list, especially if you’re travelling with kids:

1. Southern beaches for easy family fun

The south of Tenerife is often overlooked by most tourists, but in reality, it’s the perfect place to take as a vacation headquarters. The beaches on this side of the island are perfect for families, the waters are calmer, the sand is soft, and there’s a lot of space to relax and for kids to play.

There are a ton of resorts as well as other amenities that are geared for kids, from shallow swims and sandcastles to good facilities and more. It’s the kind of place where you can set up a beach base for an afternoon, while the kids run and you keep a close eye with a latte nearby.

2. A day on Mount Teide

Mount Teide is hard to ignore; besides being the tallest mountain in Spain, it’s like the heart of the island, and it’s always a “wow” activity. You can easily drive up to the national park and check out the amazing views. There’s no kid who can resist the idea of standing near a volcano and looking at the island from such heights. Not only that, but you can ride a cable car to the top, but keep an eye open since there’s an age and height restriction. On the other hand, you can hike easy paths that look out over rock formations, ancient lava, and amazing ridges.

3. Visiting Loro Parque

Without doubt, one of the must-visit places is Loro Parque. Located in Puerto de la Cruz, this park is an easy big win for families, it’s not just about “look at animals,” it’s more than that. It’s about the engagement, play, and the fun way of learning something new.

Here you will find big animal shows, different settings like the tropical, and a play zone called Kinderlandia, which is designed specifically for kids. The zone is packed with rope-bridges, tree houses, and slides that are tailored for kids to burn energy and have a lot of fun.

Not only that, but Loro Parque has a strong emphasis on animal care, welfare, and conservation, which is noticeable from every corner of the park. It’s an amazing way to let your kids learn about animals and different habitats in an accessible way.

4. Natural pools and black-sand beach

Tenerife is well known thanks to its almost pristine beaches, but did you know that it’s also home to natural pool formations and black-sand beaches? Yeah, the island's volcanic geology is perfect for creating those spots. A good example is "El Caletón" or “Los Abrigos”, both are natural pools perfect for kids with their calm waters and good amenities.

Playa de Benijo is one of the most stunning and popular natural beaches in Tenerife, located in the Anaga Rural Park. It is famous for its characteristic dark volcanic sand, typical of the island, and for the impressive blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean. It is frequently considered one of the best beaches in Tenerife due to its wild and rugged beauty, highlighting the distinctive rock formations (Roques de Anaga) that rise from the sea near the shore. Plan a half-day at one of these spots, perhaps after a morning of activity, and let it be a relaxed time.

5. Easy hikes and nature walks

Even if your family is not used to hiking or outdoor activities, this is a must! Thankfully, Tenerife is home to several trails and walks that work easily for families, even with younger kids. There are short circuits in the forest areas, packed with laurel. Some of those are in and around Mount Teide, which makes it even better. These walks can bring another dimension to your holiday: not just sun and sand, but fresh air, trees, volcanoes, and maybe spotting a lizard or a bird along the way.

6. Water activities

There are family-friendly water zones, shallow pools, and hotels that are suitable for children. On days when you don’t want to travel far, let the kids have fun in the pool while you read or relax poolside. The best part is that you can easily mix a low-key day like this after something big (volcano, hike, park visit), so no one burns out.

7. Local food and culture

Finally, because you’re with children, your holiday isn’t just about checklists of attractions. It’s also about meals, ice-cream stops, walking around towns, and immersing in the island culture. You won’t have a hard time feeding your kids, even if they are picky eaters. Most of the local cuisine is really kid-friendly without many spices.

Conclusion

Tenerife is a rare place where you can enjoy sunshine, nature, animals, easy adventures, and a family-friendly vibe all in one holiday. Here you are at the beach one day, and checking volcanic formations the next day. You’ll have seven experiences that your family won’t want to miss and will talk about long after you come home.

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