Traveling with kids doesn’t mean compromising on adventure or settling for generic family activities in Tenerife. The island offers experiences that genuinely engage children while giving parents something beyond exhausting theme park crowds. This guide focuses on activities that work. Tested by families, recommended by locals, and actually memorable for kids beyond the typical vacation photos.

Age-Appropriate Activity Guide

Tenerife works for families with kids across wide age ranges, but choosing the right activities matters:

• Ages 3-6 (Toddlers/Preschool):
  – Loro Parque (focused on animal shows)
  – Beach days with calm waters (Playa de las Teresitas, El Duque)
  – Botanical gardens
  – Easy coastal walks
• Ages 7-12 (Elementary):
  – Siam Park
  – Whale watching tours
  – Easy hiking (Anaga trails, coastal paths)
  – El Teide cable car
  – Snorkeling experiences
• Ages 13+ (Teens):
  – Paragliding tandem flights
  – Advanced water sports
  – Full-day hikes
  – Diving certification courses
  – Go-karting

Top Family Activities in Tenerife

1. Siam Park (But Skip the Crowds)

Voted Europe’s best water park repeatedly. Siam Park genuinely lives up to the hype, but timing is everything.

Smart approach:
– Arrive at opening (10 AM)
– Book Fast Pass if traveling during school holidays
– Bring reef-safe sunscreen (required in water)
– Rent a cabana if you have very young kids (worth it for the base + shade)

For younger kids (under 8):
– Sawasdee Village (dedicated kids’ area with smaller slides)
– Lazy River (genuinely relaxing)
– Mai Thai River (gentle rapids)

For older kids/teens:
– Tower of Power (28-meter vertical drop)
– Dragon (high-speed slide through aquarium)
– Wave Palace (2-meter artificial waves)

→ Book Siam Park Tickets with Transport

Prices vary by season—book ahead during school holidays

2. Loro Parque—More Than a Zoo

Loro Parque started as a parrot sanctuary in 1972. It’s evolved into one of Europe’s best zoos, but it’s genuinely different from typical zoo experiences.

Highlights kids consistently love:
– Penguin habitat (largest outside Antarctica—kids can watch feeding times)
– Dolphin shows (professional, educational, 20-30 minutes)
– Orca Ocean (controversial but visually impressive)
– Parrot shows with free-flight demonstrations
– Aquarium tunnel walk

Practical tips:
– Plan 4-5 hours minimum
– Arrive early for best animal activity
– Shows run on schedules—grab a map immediately
– Strollers allowed but many stairs
– Food inside is expensive—bring snacks

→ Reserve Loro Parque Tickets

3. Whale Watching—Actually Seeing Whales

Tenerife is one of the few year-round whale watching destinations in Europe. Pilot whales and dolphins live permanently in the waters between Tenerife and La Gomera.

What makes this special for kids:
– High success rate (95%+ sightings)
– Genuinely wild animals (not a show)
– Educational component—most operators explain marine biology
– Boat time—kids who love boats love this
– Short enough to hold attention (3-4 hours total)

Choosing the right tour:
– Catamaran tours: More stable, better for younger kids or those prone to seasickness
– Speed boat tours: More exciting, faster whale approach, but rougher ride
– Avoid tours with over 50 people—crowded viewing areas frustrate kids

→ Book Whale Watching Tour

Motion sickness prevention:
– Choose morning tours (calmer seas)
– Sit at the back of the boat
– Look at the horizon, not phones
– Ginger candies or medication 30 minutes before departure

4. El Teide Cable Car—Easier Than You Think

Taking kids to Spain’s highest peak sounds ambitious. The cable car makes it remarkably easy.

Why this works for families:
– 8-minute cable car ride (kids stay engaged)
– Dramatic elevation change creates “wow” factor
– Short walks at the top (15-20 minutes)
– Temperature drop makes it novel (20°C cooler than coast)
– Volcanic landscape looks alien—kids find it fascinating

Age considerations:
– Works well for ages 5+
– Some young kids react to altitude (headaches, fatigue)—watch for signs
– Teens often love the lunar landscape for photos

Booking realities:
– Cable car tickets sell out days ahead in high season
– Book online well in advance
– Weather closes the cable car frequently—have backup plans
– Morning slots less crowded

→ Check Teide Cable Car Availability

5. Beach Days That Actually Work

Not all Tenerife beaches work for families. Some have dangerous currents, black volcanic sand that burns feet, or lack facilities.

Best family beaches:

Playa de las Teresitas (near Santa Cruz):
– Imported golden sand (rare in Tenerife)
– Artificial breakwater creates calm swimming area
– Shallow water extends far—great for young swimmers
– Lifeguards present
– Restaurant and bathroom facilities

Playa del Duque (Costa Adeje):
– Golden sand
– Calm waters
– Upscale area—clean, maintained
– Sunbed rentals
– Multiple restaurants nearby
– Slightly more expensive but worth it for families

El Médano:
– Natural beach
– Wind conditions make it popular for wind sports (older kids love watching)
– More casual, less touristy atmosphere
– Excellent local restaurants

Practical Family Travel Tips

Accommodation strategy:
– All-inclusive resorts work well for families with young kids (3-8 years)
– Apartment rentals better for longer stays or teenagers
– Stay in Costa Adeje or Los Cristianos for central base
– Playa de las Américas has most nightlife—avoid if seeking quiet

Transportation:
– Rent a car for flexibility (essential if planning multiple activities)
– Car seats: Most rental companies provide them—book in advance
– Taxis readily available but expensive for multiple trips
– Public buses work but time-consuming with young children

Packing essentials:
– Reef-safe sunscreen (required in many water parks)
– Light layers (temperature varies dramatically between coast and mountains)
– Comfortable walking shoes (volcanic paths are rough)
– Reusable water bottles (tap water is safe)
– Basic first aid kit (pharmacies well-stocked but more expensive)

Sample Family Itineraries

5-Day Family Trip (Kids Ages 6-12)

Day 1: Arrival, settle in, easy beach day
Day 2: Siam Park (full day)
Day 3: Morning whale watching, afternoon beach/pool recovery
Day 4: El Teide cable car + sunset dinner in nearby village
Day 5: Loro Parque or beach + departure

7-Day Family Trip (Mixed Ages)

Day 1: Arrival, local area exploration
Day 2: Siam Park
Day 3: Whale watching + Los Gigantes cliffs
Day 4: El Teide area (cable car or hiking depending on kids’ ages)
Day 5: Beach day + water sports (SUP, kayaking)
Day 6: Loro Parque
Day 7: Morning beach, afternoon departure

Safety & Budget Tips

Ocean safety:
– Black flag = no swimming (strong currents)
– Yellow flag = caution (supervise closely)
– Green flag = safe conditions
– Lifeguards typically present 10 AM-6 PM at main beaches

Activity costs (per person):
– Siam Park: €30-40 (kids discounts available)
– Loro Parque: €35-45
– Whale watching: €25-40
– El Teide cable car: €27 (kids €13.50)
– Beach activities: Free (sunbed rentals €5-10/day)

Money-saving strategies:
– Buy combined tickets (Loro + Siam Park package saves ~20%)
– Pack beach snacks (restaurants charge premium at beach clubs)
– Early bird restaurant discounts (many offer 10-15% off before 7 PM)
– Free activities: beaches, coastal walks, playgrounds

Family activities in Tenerife work remarkably well. The island combines adventure options with resort convenience, warm weather with manageable distances and warm experiences with European infrastructure. Most families find the week goes too quickly. The challenge isn’t finding activities, but choosing which ones to skip.

Check our complete Tenerife activity guide for more ideas.

Limited availability during school holidays. Check activity schedules now.

→ View Family Activities in Tenerife