Canary Islands with kids: the best islands, beaches and parks

In short: For families, the south of Tenerife and Gran Canaria and Fuerteventura are the best choices. There you’ll find sheltered beaches, short distances and swimming weather all year round. Gran Canaria and Tenerife have the most parks, Fuerteventura the shallowest lagoons for small children.

Which island suits which family?

Small children need shallow water and short distances; older ones want things to do.

• Gran Canaria, south: sheltered bays such as Amadores and Anfi del Mar, plus lots of parks. Good for all age groups. More in Beaches on Gran Canaria.
• Tenerife, south: calm beaches in Los Cristianos and Costa Adeje, with a water park and boat trips nearby.
• Fuerteventura: the lagoons of El Cotillo and the shallow-water areas of Sotavento are ideal for toddlers. Not much to do, but lots of beach. Details: Beaches on Fuerteventura.
• Lanzarote: quiet and easy to get around, exciting for school-age children who want to see volcanoes.

Child-friendly beaches

The Atlantic is no paddling pool. Look for beaches with breakwaters or lagoons, where the water is calm.

• Gran Canaria: Amadores, Anfi del Mar, Puerto Rico and Las Canteras, the reef-sheltered city beach in Las Palmas.
• Tenerife: Las Teresitas near Santa Cruz with light sand and a breakwater, Playa de las Vistas in Los Cristianos. Overview: Beaches on Tenerife.
• Fuerteventura: La Concha and the lagoons near El Cotillo, Costa Calma.

Parks and animals

The big parks are on Tenerife and Gran Canaria. Admission prices change frequently; current prices are listed in the parks’ online shops.

• Loro Parque, Puerto de la Cruz: animal park with parrots and an aquarium. According to the park, the Twin Ticket for Loro Parque and Siam Park saves you 10 € and is valid for 15 days from the first visit (as of October 2026).
• Siam Park, Costa Adeje: a large water park. Open daily from 1 May to 29 October, 10 am to 6 pm, and from 30 October to 30 April, 10 am to 5 pm.
• Palmitos Park, Gran Canaria: birds and plants in a ravine in the south.
• Poema del Mar, Las Palmas: a large aquarium at the harbour, good for a cloudy day.
• Oasis Wildlife, Fuerteventura: zoo and botanical garden in the south of the island.

Excursions children enjoy

Plan excursions for the morning, when it’s cooler.

• Whales and dolphins: a boat trip from the south of Tenerife, see Whale and dolphin watching.
• Teide: the cable car costs 21 € for children aged 3 to 13 and 42 € for adults. On the hiking trails that charge a fee, children under 14 go free, according to the broadcaster RTVC. More in the article on Teide.
• Lanzarote: the Montañas del Fuego in Timanfaya cost 30 € for adults, and children up to 6 go free at all visitor centres. For the Montañas del Fuego and the Cueva de los Verdes you have to book a date and time.
• Dunes: sand as far as the eye can see, in Corralejo and at the Maspalomas dunes. Best early in the morning.
• Easy hikes: short trails in the laurel forest, see Hiking on Tenerife.

Practical tips for everyday life

Children are welcome everywhere in Spain, even late in the evening at a restaurant.

• Sun protection in every month: UV radiation is high even in winter and when it’s cloudy.
• Book a hire car early and order child seats with it, or bring your own.
• You can recognise pharmacies (farmacia) by the green cross. The European Health Insurance Card is valid with public doctors and hospitals, not in private clinics.

How warm it is and when is shown in the climate table in the article Canary Islands weather. If you don’t just want to holiday with your children but stay, you’ll find school, nursery and paediatrician in the guide Moving to Spain with your family.

Frequently asked questions

As of October 2026. Opening hours, prices and entry rules change. Check them on the official websites before your visit.

Cover image: Felix König · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0