Holidays in Tenerife are always a treat, whether you’re a solo traveller, honeymooner, or rocking up with a gaggle of friends. The island is a particular favourite with families as there are so many sights and activities that are fun for both kids and adults.
Firstly, of course, there are the beaches. In the southern resorts, as well as Puerto de la Cruz, the sand is perfect for sandcastles, and the water is shallow enough for paddling and playing. Older children can try surfing, diving, and other water sports, and many enjoy the organised trips to see whales and dolphins from boats out at sea.
If your children aren’t into sandy beaches, they may prefer to stay at the hotel where most have excellent swimming pools of their own, or head to a water theme park – Siam Park is world famous as a spectacular day out for everyone. It features a wide variety of water rides, pools, fountains, and restaurant and café areas for relaxing in, all Thai-themed. It was even officially opened by the Princess of Thailand in 2008.
For a more elegant style of water park fun, try Parque Marítimo César Manrique. It features natural saltwater pools, and was designed by the famous architect César Manrique. It too has both places to play and relaxing areas for the adults – and if the adults get bored, the complex also features plenty of grown-up fun in an underground casino and ballroom!
If your kids like seeing animals in action, then the Jungle Park is the place to go. There are regular sea lion and bird shows and you can also see primates, penguins and big cats there. They also have a bob sleigh track that snakes across the park, as well as a “Jungle Raid” track, with nets and ropes to safely navigate through the wildlife in the park.
Loro Parque (Parrot Park) is also full of different animals, with a huge variety of parrots of course, but not only that – pelicans, sea lions, chimps, gorillas, tigers, and even sharks are on display and penguins and dolphins have regular shows. There is a treetop pathway, and amongst the park’s huge 135,000 square metres are seven different cafes and restaurants for when you want to take a break.
When they’ve had enough of running around, take the kids to Museo de la Ciencia y en Cosmos. It is an incredible museum of science and the cosmos, with regularly changing temporary displays and good permanent ones. If your child is especially curious, they also offer birthday parties there with various activities like experiments and treasure hunts.
Tenerife is a popular family spot for a reason: Great proximity to Britain, sunshine, and a friendly, laid-back attitude. Did we miss any great attractions? What would you recommend families check out when they’re on holiday?
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