10 Things to do in Tenerife with Kids

Enjoying the best things about Tenerife is not only possible but necessary with children. They encourage us to leave the beach to join the adventures that the island has to offer and enjoy with the family.

Carla Yaquer

Carla Yaquer

9 min read

10 Things to do in Tenerife with Kids

Looking at the Giants | ©Udri

Tenerife is one of those places where children will have a great time during a family vacation. Beyond the beach, the island offers endless activities that will be very entertaining for them.

Discover the marine flora and fauna of the Canary Islands in a submarine, participate in interactive activities in the best museums, walk through the treetops on zip lines, reach the highest point of the Canary Islands, and let's not forget whale watching are just some of the best things to do in Tenerife and all of them can be done with children.

1. Fly on zip lines in the Forest Park Tenerife

Zip line in tenerife| ©Anselmo Rodríguez
Zip line in tenerife| ©Anselmo Rodríguez

Share with the kids one of the best outdoor activities in Tenerife: zip lines. I assure you that you will spend unforgettable moments together with the children transformed into Tarzan or Indiana Jones during the 2-3 hours of fun that Forestal Park Tenerife offers.

Together with them, you will be able to move between the treetops in the longest zip lines of the Canary Islands in a totally safe activity. To begin with, you will have to climb a 30-meter rope ladder to reach the circuit of 11 zip lines up to 230 meters long.

Afterwards, it's just a matter of swinging on the lianas, crossing Tibetan bridges and enjoying the games and swings.

Details of interest

  • Hours: Friday to Sunday between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm. It is necessary to arrive 15-30 minutes before the entrance time to receive the introductory talk and the necessary safety equipment for the activities.
  • Address: Carretera de la Esperanza, Km 16, Las Lagunetas, Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
  • Important: To do the family circuit a minimum height of 1.1m is required and in the case of the sports circuit, a minimum height of 1.45m.

2. Explore Teide National Park

Visit the Teide National Park| ©Marek Piwnicki
Visit the Teide National Park| ©Marek Piwnicki

Teide sunsets have gained popularity in the area thanks to the romantic nature of the event, but among the mountains of the largest national park in the Canary Islands there are exhilarating activities for adults and children on one of the best day trips in Tenerife.

Ascent to Teide by cable car

Among the excursions to Teide is the ascent to Spain's highest peak enjoying views of the multicolored volcano.

The trip takes 8 minutes from the base, then you can approach the trails Pico Viejo, La Fortaleza or Telesforo Bravo. In the first two you can trek with your children.

Stargazing from the viewpoints of Teide

In La Rambleta you will find the viewpoints of La Fortaleza and Pico Viejo, 200 meters before reaching the 3,718 meters high. From there you will be able to contemplate what NASA baptized as the window to the universe, an impressive shower of stars that make their way through the sea of clouds.

The observation experience can be done with a full guided tour that includes dinner with traditional Canarian food, champagne and photographs of the excursion.

Children will enjoy the show and the computerized telescopes will become precious toys in this family experience.

Book your stargazing tour on Teide

3. Enjoy the adventure of the theme parks in Puerto de la Cruz

Siam Park| ©Andrei Rosca
Siam Park| ©Andrei Rosca

One of the best activities to do with children is to take them to one of the theme parks in Tenerife, located in the north of the island.

You will be able to choose, according to their tastes, between the Siam Park water park and the Loro Park, a zoo inspired by tropical beauty. This is the kind of experience you should dedicate a full day to in your calendar of activities with children.

Siam Park

Siam Park evokes the ancient Kingdom of Siam. In its facilities you will find from a floating market to the most entertaining aquatic experiences for children and adults. There are 185,000 mt2 covered with attractions for the whole family

There you can jump on inflatable rafts on the rapids, surf on the largest artificial wave in the world, experience the adrenaline of the Tower of Power slide or relax on a white sand beach while the children discover The lost city among multiple bridges, towers, slides, nets and waterfalls.

  • Opening hours: In summer, (between July and September) from Monday to Sunday between 10:00-18:00 hours.
  • Address: Av. Siam, s/n, Costa Adeje, Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
  • Important: Children under 3 years old enter free of charge.

Loro Parque

From the aquatic world we go to the zoo Loro Parque, an adventure park with marine and terrestrial animals surrounded by exotic nature, tropical palm trees, Thai architecture, although the stars of the place are, without a doubt, the orcas.

If you dare, there you will be able to experience the thrill of the 4 shows of the park, starring:

  • Sea lions.
  • Dolphins.
  • Orcas.
  • Parrots.

Loro Parque has an exclusive area for children: Kinderlandia, a children's leisure area with hanging bridges, winding slides, a train and the adventure of getting to know the inside of a tree. For its commitment to the environment, this park has been certified by the Animal Embassy since 2005.

  • Hours: Monday to Sunday from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm.
  • Address: Av. Loro Parque, s/n, Puerto de la Cruz, Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
  • Important: Children under 6 years old are free.

Book tickets for Siam Park

4. Visit the best museums in Tenerife

Pyramids of Güímar| ©Peter Allan
Pyramids of Güímar| ©Peter Allan

Take your children on an entertaining tour that presents the history of Tenerife from the Guanches and the archaeological remains of the aborigines to the observatory of the cosmos, through the pyramids of the world.

Among the best museums in Tenerife, I indicate which are the most appropriate for children to have a good time and not get bored.

The Pyramids of Güímar

Also known as Majano de Chacona, it is an ethnographic museum where six volcanic rock pyramids surround a sustainable botanical garden, a poison garden, and a Polynesian exhibition, plus seasonal exhibitions. Here you can learn details of the most exotic pyramids around the globe.

  • Hours: Calle Chacona, s/n Güímar, Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
  • Address: Monday to Sunday between 10:00-18:00 hours.

Buy your tickets for the Pyramids of Güímar

Museum of Science and the Cosmos

It is an initiative of the Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias that allows you to travel through the paths of the Milky Way in an interactive way.

I must say that it is easy to see why this museum captures the attention of the little ones. You can go on astronomical camping trips, enjoy the planetarium, participate in live experiments, play in the mirror labyrinth, watch movies or learn about the legends of the night sky...

Without a doubt, at the Museum of Science and the Cosmos the fun is endless.

  • Hours: Monday to Saturday between 09:00-19:00 hours. Sundays between 10:00-17:00 hours.
  • Address: Avenida de los Menceyes, 70, San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Santa Cruz de Tenerife.

La Casa de los Balcones

This stately residence -mainly known as **Casa Fonseca-**preserves its 17th century appearance. It is the most famous handicraft center of Tenerife, where you can not only get one of these pieces, but you will be able to see their elaboration live with the craftsmen who make life in the place.

  • Opening hours: Monday to Sunday between 08:00 a.m.- and
    08:- 30 a.
    m.- Address: Calle San Francisco 3, La Orotava

.

Buy your tickets for La Casa de los Balcones

5. Visit the only real jungle in Spain

Jungle Park in Tenerife| ©Maria Hernandez
Jungle Park in Tenerife| ©Maria Hernandez

Now you don't need to travel outside Spain to visit a real jungle: in Tenerife you will find the only real jungle in the country. It is a space of 75,000 m2 with a hundred species, with about 400 animals.

In Jungle Park you can see birds of prey, such as eagles, Humboldt penguins, macaws, pelicans, toucans, ibis and other exotic birds.

It is also possible to walk among lemurs, watch live feeding of crocodiles and penguins, witness the spectacle of sea lions, walk through the Orchidarium or cross the suspension bridges to discover the dense jungle of the place.

This is one of the unforgettable experiences for the little ones thanks to the dynamism and interactive activities.

Details of interest

  • Opening hours: Monday to Sunday between 10:00-17- :30

a

.m.- Address: Urbanización Las Águilas del Teide, Km 3, Arona, Santa Cruz de Tenerife.

Buy your tickets to Jungle Park

6. Kayak and snorkel surrounded by sea turtles

Enjoy the sun and the sea in your kayak.| ©Thom Schneider
Enjoy the sun and the sea in your kayak.| ©Thom Schneider

Take your children to get up close and personal with Tenerife's marine life. Kayaking and snorkeling in the bay of the island you may see the 5 types of dolphins that live in the area.

Once you make your way to the hidden corners, you and the kids can put on your mask and snorkel to see thesea turtles and bishop fish

Book your kayak excursion with sea turtles and dolphins in Tenerife

7. Sail along the south coast of Tenerife with your kids on a jet ski

On a jet ski| ©Jet-Ski Safari
On a jet ski| ©Jet-Ski Safari

In Tenerife you can tour the south coast with your children aboard a jet ski with the guidance of a professional. From the first minute, the children will be delighted. Sailboats are great for the family, but if you want to add adrenaline and fun, this experience has your name on it.

Usually this type of experience departs from Puerto Colon or from the port of San Miguel, where the companies will be waiting for you with all the necessary equipment to ensure your safety and that of your children. Wetsuits, life jackets, even snorkel tube and mask are usually included.

The route usually goes along the Costa del Silencio, Montaña Amarilla, Punta Rasca lighthouse, Los Cristianos, Las Galletas and as much as the weather allows during a 1-2 hour ride.

At the front of the motorcycle will be an adult of legal age, although people from 16 years and older are allowed with the signed consent of their parents or guardians. As co-pilots, the little ones of the house. From 5 years old on wards they can join the adventure, as long as they are strong enough to hold on to the driver.

Book a jet ski excursion on the south coast

8. See whales and dolphins in their natural habitat

Get up close to the dolphins| ©Danny UK
Get up close to the dolphins| ©Danny UK

This is one of the unmissable activities in Tenerife, especially if you are passing through the island in summer, the best time for whale watching. Here I must say that children are just an excuse to sign up for this type of excursion, as the event is really enjoyed by everyone.

During this type of experience you will explore the coast of Tenerife. Often you will visit the bay of Masca, the Teno-Rasca whale sanctuary, Los Gigantes and other places.

Best of all, the prices for whale watching excursions start at 25€. From that point you can choose options with food and drinks, swimming stops or with transportation included.

I recommend that you participate in this activity and follow the tips for whale and dolphin watching with children. The variety of dolphins and types of whales that inhabit Tenerife will not leave you indifferent.

Book a whale watching excursion in Tenerife

9. Explore the marine life in a real submarine

Submarine in tenerife| ©Jig Saw
Submarine in tenerife| ©Jig Saw

The sea surface is easy to explore by kayak, paddle, sailboat or with your snorkel, but is it possible to visit the depths of the Atlantic Ocean in Tenerife? Yes, in a tourist submarine.

On board of this submarine safari, you and your children can occupy one of the 42 seats arranged for the adventure. The group descends to about 30 meters around the port of Amarilla and, as soon as you are submerged in the ocean, you will be able to see schools of fish, families of rays, corals and even cetaceans through the 22 skylights of the submarine.

Details of interest

  • Opening hours: Sunday to Friday between 09:00-19- :00 hours and Saturday between 09:00-17:00 hours
  • Address: Marina San Miguel, Santa Cruz de Tenerife

.

10. Pirates for a day!

Pirate Ship in Tenerife| ©Thomas Tolkien
Pirate Ship in Tenerife| ©Thomas Tolkien

Not only will you be able to go for a boat ride in Tenerife, but if you wish you will be able to become a real pirate, starting with the clothes they wore. Your children, and yourself, will be able to tour the south coast of the island as the old corsairs did.

The 3-hour tour starts in Los Cristianos and ends in La Gomera. While the crew entertains you with sword games and interactive activities, you can have drinks at the bar of the ship.

With this experience you will be able to relive the time of the great Vikings. The adventure is designed for the youngest members of the family and it is worth mentioning that this ship takes great care to ensure that both adults and children enjoy the ride.

Bring your camera and bathing suit, as you will be able to splash in the water in La Caleta and complete the tour snorkeling with sea turtles.

Details of interest

  • Where to find the pirate ship: In the excursion area in Los Cristianos.
  • Schedule: Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays from 13:00 hours.