Tenerife with Kids: Family Days Out, Beaches and Practical Tips
Updated 29 October 2026 · DoTenerife
Tenerife is one of the easiest family holidays in Europe: warm all year, with calm beaches in Costa Adeje and Los Cristianos, two big-name parks (Siam Park and Loro Parque), whale-watching catamarans and gentle walks on Mount Teide. Base yourself in the south-west for the sunniest weather, book the big attractions online, and keep in mind age limits for the Teide cable car (3+) and the Masca gorge (8+).
Best family attractions
| Attraction | Area | Typical price (adult / child) | Best ages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Siam Park | Costa Adeje | around €44 / €32 | 3+ (big slides have height limits) |
| Loro Parque | Puerto de la Cruz | around €42 / €30 | All ages |
| Aqualand Costa Adeje | Costa Adeje | check current prices | 3+ |
| Jungle Park | Arona | check current prices | All ages |
| Teide cable car | Teide National Park | around €43 / €21.50 | 3+ |
| Whale-watching catamaran | South-west ports | roughly €25–€60 adult | All ages |
| Pirámides de Güímar | Güímar | check current prices | 6+ |
Prices change, so confirm before you go.
Siam Park
The headline water park, with a lazy river, a giant wave pool and the Lost City children’s area. Arrive at opening for the shortest queues. See our Siam Park guide.
Loro Parque
A full day of animals: penguins, gorillas, parrots, sea lions and a shark tunnel, plus a play area. Read the Loro Parque guide, including the Twin Ticket for both parks.
Aqualand and Jungle Park
Smaller, often cheaper alternatives in the south. Aqualand has slides and pools; Jungle Park, in the hills above Los Cristianos, has animal enclosures, a bird of prey show and rope bridges.
Whale and dolphin watching
Pilot whales and dolphins live off the coast all year, so sightings are likely. Catamarans are stable and usually include a swim stop. Avoid fast RIBs with toddlers. See whale and dolphin watching.
Mount Teide
The lunar landscape fascinates children. The cable car is for ages 3 and up (child tickets cover 3–13), and the short Roques de García walk is manageable for most. Bring warm layers, as the summit area can be near freezing. Details in our Mount Teide guide.
Family-friendly beaches
- Playa de las Vistas and Playa de los Cristianos – calm, sandy, shallow entry, cafés and toilets.
- Playa del Duque and Fañabé – sheltered, golden sand, lifeguards in season.
- Playa del Camisón – central Las Americas, protected by breakwaters.
- Playa de las Teresitas – long and calm, near Santa Cruz.
Watch the flags (green, yellow, red) and avoid the more exposed beaches in the north when the swell is up. More in Tenerife beaches.
Where to stay with kids
- Costa Adeje – family hotels with kids’ clubs and splash pools, close to the water parks.
- Los Cristianos – flat, walkable town with two calm beaches and a pleasant promenade.
- San Eugenio and Torviscas – good-value apartments, but hilly; check the walk to the beach with a pushchair.
- Puerto de la Cruz – for Loro Parque and a more traditional town; cooler and cloudier.
Our where to stay guide compares all the main areas.
Evening entertainment for families
Many resort hotels run nightly kids’ discos and family shows. Some bars and venues host family-friendly early shows, and DoTenerife’s family events listings show what’s on tonight with start times in Tenerife time. Carnival season (February and March) brings daytime parades and children’s events in Santa Cruz, Los Cristianos and Puerto de la Cruz.
Practical tips
- Sun: UV is high year-round. Use factor 50, hats and swim tops; avoid midday exposure.
- Sea temperature: roughly 19°C in late winter, 23–24°C in late summer. Younger children may prefer heated hotel pools in winter.
- Pushchairs: the southern promenades are flat and smooth; old towns in the north have cobbles and hills.
- Car seats: children under 135 cm must use a suitable child restraint in cars. Book them with your hire car or bring your own.
- Buses: TITSA buses are cheap, but taxis are often easier with small children and luggage.
- Food: most restaurants welcome children, and many have kids’ menus. Spaniards eat late, so book early tables if you need them.
- Health: pharmacies (look for the green cross) are plentiful, and a duty pharmacy is always open nearby.
- Teide and Masca age limits: cable car 3+, Masca gorge 8+.
For cloudy or windy days, see our Tenerife rainy day guide. For no-cost days out, try free things to do in Tenerife.
Frequently asked questions
Is Tenerife good for families with young children?
Yes. Short flights from much of Europe, year-round warmth, calm resort beaches and big attractions like Siam Park and Loro Parque make it one of the easiest family destinations in Spain.
What is the best part of Tenerife for families?
Costa Adeje and Los Cristianos in the south-west, for their calm beaches, family hotels and quick access to Siam Park and Aqualand. Puerto de la Cruz in the north suits families focused on Loro Parque.
Can children go up Mount Teide?
Children aged 3 and over can ride the cable car, but the operator advises against taking under-3s up because of the altitude. Under-14s are exempt from the summit permit fee, but the summit path itself is steep and best for older, fit children.
How old do you have to be to walk the Masca gorge?
Children under 8 are not allowed on the regulated Masca trail, and under-18s must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
Is Tenerife too hot for kids in summer?
Summer averages are typically high 20s °C on the coast, with sea breezes, so it's warmer than many places but rarely extreme. Shade, high-factor sun cream and hats are essential at any time of year.