Tenerife with Kids: Our Favorite Island Moments as a Traveling Family

Let me tell you — if you're planning a family vacation and wondering whether Tenerife is worth it with kids, my answer is a massive YES! As a mom of two wild adventurers under ten, I’m always on the lookout for places that mix fun, learning, and a bit of rest for me and my partner (hello, wine and sunsets please). Tenerife delivered. Big time.

Here are some of our absolute favorite moments from our sun-soaked, joy-packed family vacation in Tenerife:

🐬 Whale Watching Cruise from Adeje

This was the highlight of our trip — no question. We booked a four-and-a-half-hour boat cruise from Adeje that promised whales, dolphins, and jaw-dropping cliffs. And it delivered.

The cruise took us along the Los Gigantes cliffs, these stunning rock formations that look like they've been plucked from a fantasy movie. The wind was definitely having a party that day — the whole ship swayed like we were on a giant playground ride. But guess what? The kids thought it was hilarious, and we soaked in the sun while sipping on drinks (yes, alcoholic and non-alcoholic were included — bless).

We paid an extra €20 for a sunbed for two — totally worth it if you're early enough to snag one. They’re limited, so get in line early if you want that little luxury. And the best part? We saw pilot whales! Just seeing those gentle creatures gliding through the Atlantic was enough to send our kids into squeals of joy.

🌌 Indoor Fun: Museum of Science and the Cosmos

Tenerife is all about sunshine, but if the wind turns wild or you just need a break from UV rays, head to the Museum of Science and the Cosmos. It’s in La Laguna and it's one of the few indoor places on the island that’s super kid-friendly.

Even though a lot of the exhibits are in Spanish, it’s still super interactive. Think: touching stuff, pressing buttons, and lying under giant planets. It’s a space where the kids got to learn (without realizing they were learning), and I got to sit down for more than two minutes. Win-win.
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🗿 Pyramids of Güímar

Yes — actual pyramids in Tenerife! I didn’t believe it either until we were standing right in front of them. No one really knows why they were built, but there’s something magical about them.

The story of the Canarian pyramids got even cooler when we learned about Thor Heyerdahl, the explorer behind the famous Kon-Tiki expedition. There’s a small museum on site where you can dive into his wild adventures (and take some air-conditioned breaks). Our kids had a blast exploring the little playground tucked into the garden too.

🎢 Splash & Roar: More Kid-Friendly Adventures in Tenerife

Just when we thought the island couldn’t offer more for families, Tenerife surprised us again. If you're looking to really level-up your kid’s vacation (and sneak in some fun for the grown-ups too), don't miss these two epic attractions:

🌊 Siam Park – The Water Park of Dreams

Okay, Siam Park deserves its own fan club. This place is hands-down one of the best water parks in Europe — and yes, it’s just as amazing as the hype suggests. The moment we walked in, the kids’ jaws dropped at the sight of Thai-style temples, waterfalls, and massive water slides.

The park has a fantastic kids’ area called The Lost City, filled with mini slides, splash zones, and climbing nets. Our youngest didn’t want to leave. For the older one (and, let’s be honest, us too), rides like the Mekong Rapids and the lazy river were a huge hit. It was clean, well-organized, and even had plenty of shaded areas to rest — essential when you’re carting around little people all day.

Bonus: They let you bring in your own food if you pack light, and there are family lockers to stash all the gear. Tip: get there early and head straight for a sunbed — they fill up fast.

🐾 Loro Parque – A World-Class Animal Experience

Located in Puerto de la Cruz, Loro Parque is like stepping into a tropical jungle packed with animal magic. Think lush gardens, penguin enclosures (with real snow!), dolphin shows, and the biggest parrot collection in the world. Our kids were wide-eyed the entire time.

We spent the whole day here and still didn’t manage to see everything. The orca show was mind-blowing, and the kids’ farm let them get up close to smaller animals in a hands-on way. What I loved most? The park is beautifully maintained and very educational without being boring — perfect for curious little minds.

If you’re staying in the south of the island, Loro Parque even offers a free express train from Playa de las Américas, making the journey a breeze.

🐒 Quick Bonus: Monkey Park

If you have a couple of hours to fill and your kids are animal-obsessed (mine definitely are), check out Monkey Park near Los Cristianos. It’s a smaller zoo, but super interactive — the highlight is getting to feed lemurs, guinea pigs, and parrots. It’s a calm, less crowded experience and ideal for a low-key morning before hitting the beach.

🍴 Family-Friendly Food Finds

Let’s be real — traveling with kids is 40% logistics and 60% finding food they’ll actually eat. So I have to share our favorite restaurants that didn’t just feed us well but also kept the kids happy and occupied.

🥘 La Pepa Food Market — Los Cristianos

This was hands down our favorite. It’s like a dream setup for families. You’ve got a global food court (tapas, pizza, ramen, burgers, you name it) plus a dedicated play zone for kids.

Yes. A play zone. The sweet ladies running it kept an eye on the kids, and if they needed us, they just brought them over. You can sit, sip your wine or espresso, and watch your kids without having to chase them between tables. A total gem.

🥞 Vainte 04 — Breakfast Spot with a View

This is where we had some of our best breakfasts. Not only was the food delicious (hello, Spanish toast and amazing coffee), but there’s a playground literally right in front of the restaurant. I ate warm food. Let that sink in, moms.

🍽️ Terraza Taoro — Lunch with a View and Swings

This was more of a chill spot we stumbled upon in Puerto de la Cruz. Beautiful views and a little playground nearby meant the kids could get their wiggles out while we sipped sangria and admired the coastline. It's all about balance, right?

Where We Stayed: HD Parque Cristóbal Tenerife – A Dream Resort for Families

For our family trip to Tenerife, we stayed at HD Parque Cristóbal Tenerife in Playa de las Américas — and let me tell you, this place was a total game-changer for traveling with kids.

Picture this: bungalow-style accommodations (no noisy upstairs neighbors!), a big sunny terrace for those afternoon snack breaks, and plenty of space for the kids to run around without bumping into furniture every five seconds. It felt more like staying in a cozy little village than a traditional hotel.

But what really made this resort a paradise for families was the kids’ club and splash zone. Every morning, our little ones would practically sprint to join the activities — crafts, games, mini-disco nights, the whole works. The entertainers were warm, funny, and actually good with kids (not always a given, right?). And while they were off being pirates or dancing their hearts out, we got to relax by the pool with mojitos in hand. Everyone won.

There were two main pools, one quieter and another more lively with music and aqua games. Plus, a baby pool with shade — super thoughtful for the tiniest travelers. The resort also has a gym and wellness center, which I intended to use... but never quite made it past the pool bar. Oops.

The buffet restaurant had something for everyone — picky eaters included. Pasta, fresh fruit, Canarian dishes, and a little corner just for kids with favorites like nuggets and mini burgers. And on some nights, they had live cooking stations that kept things fresh and fun.

We loved that HD Parque Cristóbal Tenerife was located just a short walk from the beach and near plenty of shops, cafés, and family-friendly attractions in Playa de las Américas. Honestly, the location couldn’t have been more perfect. Everything we needed — from sunscreen to snacks — was close by, so we could spend more time vacationing and less time hunting for essentials.

If you're heading to Tenerife with kids, I can’t recommend this place enough. It’s relaxed, vibrant, and designed with families in mind. It turned what could’ve been a chaotic trip into something pretty magical.

These family-friendly adventures made our Tenerife trip so much more than just sandcastles and sun cream. It felt like every day was a new mini adventure — and watching the kids light up was the best souvenir we could’ve asked for.