With year round sunshine, superb family attractions, and a host of family resorts to chose from, it is no surprise that family holidays in Tenerife are so popular.
Tenerife is the largest of the Canary Islands and offers a wide range of family attractions. Siam Park, Europe’s largest waterpark is located here and is a Mecca for families. But it was only when fellow travel writer Stephanie Buckley visited Tenerife recently with her family, that I realised how many more family attractions are available, and why family holidays in Tenerife are so sought after.
Stephanie is an award winning food, travel and lifestyle content creator, and worked with online publishers, MummyPages and SHEmazing. I have been following Stephanie for years and was so impressed with her content on her Instagram page that I asked her to write about the best things to do in Tenerife with kids.
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Stephanie enjoyed a medieval banquet experience, spent a day on a private yacht charter, and enjoyed many more family attractions in Tenerife. Stephanie has kindly listed these for you below, along with some of tips for family holidays in Tenerife, to ensure you make the most of what this great island has to offer.
Top 10 things to do for family holidays in Tenerife
1. Medieval Banquet at Castillo San Miguel
Expect action packed excitement from the moment you arrive at the venue. This Medieval Adventure is an unforgettable evening in Tenerife for families, where guests will be taken back in time to the 15th century dark ages.
Feast on a medieval-style banquet with wine, watch a thrilling knight’s jousting match and marvel at the knights in battle.
2. Loro Parque
Be mesmerised by luminous jelly fish, get up close and personal with flamingo, and giggle with the playful sea lions’ at Loro Parque. Loro Parque, (Spanish for ‘Parrot Park’) is located on the outskirts of Puerto de la Cruz, where it houses an extensive and diverse reserve of animals and plant species.
Be sure to take a ride on the Orca Tren, the Canary Island’s first and only roller coaster which both kids and adults will enjoy. A visit to Loro Parque is one of the top things to do for family holidays in Tenerife.
3. Private Yacht Charters
Charter a motor yacht and discover some of the hidden coves and beaches around the Canary Islands. Seaduction has luxury motor yachts with the capacity for 12 people, based in busy Puerto Colon, right in between Las Americas and Fañabé.
Enjoy whale, dolphin and turtle watching, snorkelling and a light lunch, while you cruise along the south coast to discover the beauty of Tenerife’s natural coastline.
If you are looking for something more reasonably priced, there are excellent small group boat trips available on luxury catamarans. Prices for a three-hour whale and dolphin watching cruise, including drinks and lunch are available from only €59 per person.
4. Siam Water Park
Siam Park, Tenerife’s water kingdom is Europe’s largest water park and has already established itself as one of the best water parks in the world. It’s so big and has so much to offer that when you go to do “one” slide you may end up gone for three hours – getting lost in a sea of the thrilling attractions.
This unique park offers lots of amazing rides, relaxation areas and fun activities for the entire family. The Tower of Power and The Dragon will keep adrenaline junkies happy, while the Mhai Tai River and the huge wave pool, are great for all the family. Younger kids will love the Lost City pictured above – a fortress teeming with bridges, waterfalls, tipping buckets and 9 slides!
There are many different ticket options available, including all inclusive offerings and combination tickets with Loro Parque. Siam Park is a must visit for family holidays in Tenerife.
5. Mount Teide Tour with Cable Car
Teide National Park is the biggest park on the Canary Islands, one of the most visited national parks in Europe, and one of the top things to do in Tenerife. Enjoy spectacular views of Tenerife and some of the neighbouring islands on an excursion to ascend Mount Teide.
The entire Mount Teide National Park is a unique geological treasure in which the volcanoes, craters, vents, lava flows and different materials, form an impressive array of shapes and colours. Families can hop on the Teide Cable Car and climb to the top of the volcano in comfort, without the time and effort that walking would involve.
There are many tours of Teide National Park, which include access to the cable car, however, some of these can be up to 8 hours long – which may not be ideal if travelling with small children. You can travel independently to Teide and book the cable car here,
If you have any budding astronauts in the family, you can book a night-time star gazing tour – children over 8 years are allowed to do this.
Read: Stargazing in Tenerife
Alternatively check out the various half day tours available, including sunset tours or 4-hour buggy and quad adventures which are suitable for children aged 7 and above.
6. Hard Rock Café
Eat like a rock star in Tenerife’s Hard Rock Café. This family-friendly, high energy eatery is located in Playa De Las Americas. Choose juicy gluten free ribs, sizzling chicken fajitas or a mouth-watering burger with a side of loaded nachos.
While you wait for your grub, enjoy live music, a luxury bar serving delicious cocktails and lively atmosphere to get you in the holiday mood! The Hard Rock Café is one of the top family restaurants in Tenerife.
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7. Puerto Colón
Spend the afternoon sipping on cocktails, enjoying fresh seafood and people watching in Puerto Colon. There are plenty of cafes and restaurants to choose from all located near the beach, Playa La Pinta.
If water activities are more your thing and you fancy booking a sea tour, cruise, jet ski or charter, there are several shops right outside the harbour offering numerous packages.
8. Playa la Pinta
This small beach has an inflatable obstacle course that the kids’ will love! If you’re not in the mood for a workout, you can rent sun loungers and umbrellas and flake out in the sun for the day.
The restaurants and bars are just steps from the sand, so you can cool off with a cold drink or an ice-cream. This beach is a great choice in Tenerife for families.
9. Siam Mall
Shop ‘til you drop in Siam Mall. This impressive shopping mall is open 365 days a year with more than 70 stores dedicated to fashion, leisure and restaurants, integrated in a unique outdoor space. You will find your favourite brands here, such as Zara, Mango, Parfois, Timberland and Pandora, as well as a Zara Home here for some interiors inspiration.
The mall is located in Adeje, in the southern part of Tenerife and offers a unique shopping experience with its large green spaces, open squares and fountains. Give yourself a few hours to fully enjoy your spending spree!
10. Viking Cruise
Would you call yourself a modern day Viking?! If so, beckon your adventurous and daring side and sail Tenerife’s southern coast on the “Ragnarok” viking ship. Get into character and sit in Erik the Red’s throne, wield a sword, and step into a viking costume and embrace your hidden seafaring warrior.
However, it’s not all battles and raids, this three-hour tour also includes access to complimentary snorkelling gear and a chance to spot some magnificent sea life in their natural habitat. This will surely leave lasting memories of your family holidays in Tenerife.
Top 10 Hotels and Resorts for Family Holidays to Tenerife:
3-Star Aparthotel Parque Cristobal
Parque Cristóbal Tenerife aparthotel is located in Playa de las Américas, close to Siam Park and five minutes walk to the town centre and beach. The hotel is modelled on a traditional Canarian village and comprises of spacious bungalows, extensive gardens, and super family facilities.
There is entertainment and kids clubs on site, two pools, separate kids pools, a games and cinema room and multi sports facilities. Families will love the choice of room types available too, including 2 bedroom bungalows with Kids’ Dens, as well as bungalows with a terrace with private whirlpool.
You can book the Parque Cristobal directly and enjoy self catering or all inclusive arrangements, or book a package holiday with TUI, where it is listed as one of their Splashworld resorts, which automatically includes unlimited access to Siam Park during your stay and is sold on an all-inclusive basis.
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4-Star GF Isabel Apartments
The 4-star GF Isabel is one of the top rated self catering apartments for families in Tenerife. There are apartments and bungalows, as well as one and two-bedroom villas available. Facilities include a Kids Club, children’s play area, as well as two pools – one for children with slides, a daily entertainment programme, gym, mini market, restaurant and Tapas Bar.
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4-Star Iberostar Bouganville Playa Hotel
Located right beside Bobo beach and next to Colón Marina, this is one of the most popular hotels in Tenerife for families due to Iberostar’s super Star Camp, which has 140 activities in three separate clubs ranging from ages 4 to 17 years. You will also find three pools here and two buffet restaurants.
This hotel can be booked on a B&B, Half Board or All Inclusive basis. There is a selection of room types available including family rooms and interconnecting rooms.
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4-Star Spring Hotel Bitacora
The Spring Hotel Bitácora is one of the best family hotels in Tenerife, and is ideally suited to families who want to stay in the heart of Playa de Las Americas – Tenerife’s liveliest resort. It is just a few minutes walk from the beach and main shopping areas, but is also surrounded by subtropical gardens, so it offers the best of both worlds.
The main attraction for families are the impressive pool areas. There are three pools including one with a large multilane slide, and spiral slides which kids will love. There are also Kids Clubs from 4-14 years, an adventure playground, sports facilities and day and evening entertainment with movie nights, and the all important Mini-Disco.
This hotel can be booked on B&B, Half Board and All Inclusive and is one of the best options for families looking for hotels in Tenerife with waterslides.
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4-star Paradise Park Fun Lifestyle Hotel
Paradise Park Fun Lifestyle Hotel is a popular choice with families due to its family friendly facilities and large 2 bedroom family rooms.
As the name suggests you can expect lots of family fun here from its five swimming pools, four hot tubs, kids club from ages 4-12, and teen club. You will also find a variety of sports activities and an evening entertainment programme with tribute acts and DJ sets.
However, there is a gym, Spa and adult only pools here too if you fancy a relaxing afternoon!
Located on a hill overlooking the resort, you can choose to walk to the beach, a leisurely 15 minutes, or take the courtesy shuttle bus available.
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4-star+ Marylanza Suites & Spa Hotel
For families looking for luxury all inclusive resorts in Tenerife, the MaryLanza Suites and Spa should tick all boxes. This hotel boasts a fine dining restaurant and Teppanyaki, as well as a buffet restaurant with a terrace for al fresco dining. Chilled Cava, a chocolate fountain and themed evenings elevate the dining experience.
There are two pools, including one with in-water seats, as well as a luxury Spa. Children are well catered for too with a children’s pool, day and evening entertainment and a games room and play centre. The location is great too, with Los Cristianos and Playa de las Americas just 15-minutes’ walk away.
The MaryLanza Suites & Spa is one of the top rated hotels in Tenerife for families on TripAdvisor and is a great choice for your family holiday.
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5-Star Bahia Principe Fantasia Tenerife
The Bahia Principe Fantastia is one of the most popular all inclusive hotels in Tenerife for families, due to its lively atmosphere and family friendly facilities. There are five swimming pools, including an adult-only pool, splash parks and slides for kids, as well as a luxury Spa, gym and a choice of sports facilities.
There is a choice of dining options too as well as four bars including a popular Sports Bar. Unlike the more elevated dining options at the Marylanza (above), you can only dine in each of the three a la carte restaurants once per week. TOP TIP: Make sure to book these in advance, as they can to get booked out early.
Children are entertained day and night, with kids clubs, teen clubs, mini discos and live shows in the evening. Adults will enjoy the theatre shows too, which include circus acts, dance groups, followed by live music and DJ sets in the lobby bar.
There is a choice of room options including family rooms that sleep up to five. This is one of the most popular Tenerife hotels for families looking for an all inclusive stay in Tenerife.
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5-star Hotel Suite Villa Maria
The hotel Suite Villa Maria is one of the most popular resorts in Tenerife for families looking for luxury villas within a hotel resort. Located about 15 minutes from the beach at La Caleta, and adjacent to the Costa Adeje golf course, this luxury resort has 78 one, two and three bedroom villas built in duplex style, some with jacuzzis and even private pools.
Facilities include two swimming pools a children’s pool, a Kids club for 4-12 year olds, as well as a Wellness Centre for adults.
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5-Star Gran Melia Palacio de Isora Resort & Spa
The Gran Melia Palacio de Isora Resort & Spa is arguably the best luxury hotel in Tenerife for families. With direct access to the beach, as well as five swimming pools – including the longest infinity pool in Europe with 80 water beds, a separate heated kids pool with a pirate ship and slides, a baby pool, and an indoor pool – you will be spoilt for choice for places to soak up the sunshine.
There are seven restaurants, and eight bars to choose from, as well as a Spa and Gym for adults. A Miniclub and Baby Club for children as well as regular entertainment in the evening, ensures plenty of activities for all the family to enjoy. There is also an exclusive Red Level for families which includes a dedicated family lounge and family rooms.
There is a choice of rooms available including one and two-bedroom suites, and the hotel can be booked on a B&B, Half Board or All Inclusive basis.
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5-Star Hard Rock Hotel
For families with teenagers looking for a cool place to stay, look no further than the Hard Rock Hotel Tenerife. Located right on the beach, the music-inspired hotel even has a swim up bar in the children’s pool! Expect a lively atmosphere throughout with great day and evening entertainment, including live music.
Its not all about teens though. There are baby, kids and teen clubs from 6 months right up to 16 years old, a choice of dining options to suit all tastes, and a luxury Spa to keep adults happy.
Rooms are spacious and there is wide selection to choose from, including interconnecting suites that can sleep up to six.
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I hope you enjoyed my Tenerife travel guide and it will inspire you to book a family holiday in Tenerife soon. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, accommodation facilities and attractions are subject to change.
Note some of the links in this post contain affiliate links, where I receive a small commission if a booking is made, but at no additional cost to you.
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