Is it better to rent a car for excursions in Tenerife?

Yes, renting a car allows you to move around freely and optimise your time, especially on a family trip, making it easier to reach different areas of the island comfortably.

What is the best time of year for excursions in Tenerife?

Tenerife is a great destination all year round, although spring and autumn offer milder temperatures and fewer crowds, making them especially ideal for excursions.

Which excursions should I book in advance in Tenerife?

It’s recommended to book certain excursions in advance, such as visiting Mount Teide, dolphin and whale watching tours, and water parks, to ensure availability and avoid last-minute issues, especially during peak travel periods.

Family-friendly excursions in Tenerife: activities to enjoy together

20/04/2026 Tenerife 10 min

Are you planning a family trip to Tenerife or looking for ideas so the kids can make the most of their holidays? If so, you’re in the right place.

Tenerife is a perfect destination for all ages, where every day becomes an opportunity to discover something new. Its pleasant year-round climate, unique volcanic landscapes, and wide range of outdoor plans and activities make it an ideal choice for a family holiday.

In this article, you’ll find the best recommendations for family-friendly excursions in Tenerife, from hiking routes and beach days to theme parks and educational experiences designed to enjoy quality time together.

Excursions and activities in south Tenerife

South Tenerife is an ideal destination for families, not only for its spectacular beaches and year-round sunshine, but also for the wide variety of excursions and activities available, both paid and free. Here, every day can turn into a new adventure tailored to all ages and interests.

In addition, from Kora Nivaria Beach you can book a range of personalised experiences based on each traveller’s preferences, making it easy to organise convenient, safe plans designed to enjoy quality time as a family.

Visit Mount Teide and discover Spain’s highest volcano

Visiting Mount Teide is an almost essential experience on any trip to Tenerife, especially when travelling as a family. As you make your way up, children are fascinated by how the landscape transforms, shifting from coastal areas to a unique volcanic environment. Along the route, numerous viewpoints offer the chance to capture spectacular panoramic views of the island.

This impressive natural setting features otherworldly volcanic landscapes, with striking rock formations, lava flows and surprising biodiversity. It’s also possible to visit the observatory, one of the most important in the world, adding a highly engaging educational element for curious minds.

From Kora Nivaria Beach, guests can enjoy the “Paseo de Altura” excursion, a different way to uncover the park’s hidden secrets. Over 4–5 hours, you’ll explore lesser-known spots while expert guides share stories, insights and details about the volcanic formations that often go unnoticed.

To complete the experience, there’s always the option of taking the cable car up Mount Teide, a comfortable and exciting alternative for the whole family.

Malpaís de Güímar: a walk through otherworldly landscapes

The Malpaís de Güímar is located on the east coast of Tenerife, between the towns of Güímar and Arafo, and is one of the island’s most unique natural areas. This protected volcanic landscape features short walking trails, reddish cones like Montaña Grande, and vegetation adapted to arid conditions.

It’s a perfect setting to enjoy as a family, where children can run freely and explore while discovering how geology has shaped this extraordinary terrain. The contrast between the dark volcanic ground and the Atlantic sky creates a striking natural scenery, ideal for disconnecting and reconnecting with nature, fully aligned with our philosophy.

From Kora Nivaria Beach, a guided hiking excursion through this area is highly recommended, with an approximate duration of 4–5 hours. Along the way, expert guides share insights into the volcanic history, local biodiversity, and lead visitors to viewpoints with stunning ocean views, turning the experience into a complete and enriching activity to discover one of Tenerife’s most authentic volcanic landscapes.

Water parks: fun for the whole family

South Tenerife is also a perfect destination for family-friendly water fun, where parks combine excitement, entertainment and safety for all ages.

Siam Park: considered one of the best water parks in Europe and a must-visit in Tenerife. It features areas tailored to different age groups: younger children can enjoy artificial sandy beaches and gentle slides, while teenagers and adults can take on thrilling rides like the Tower of Power. The park also offers lazy rivers, wave pools and relaxation areas with Balinese beds, allowing you to combine adrenaline and rest in one place. Its Thai-inspired setting and attention to detail make the experience truly unique.
Aqualand Costa Adeje: an ideal option for families with young children or those looking for a more relaxed atmosphere. It offers wave pools, splash areas, adapted slides and marine animal shows, creating a complete and accessible experience. In addition, its facilities are designed to ensure the comfort and convenience of the whole family.

Family-friendly beaches in south Tenerife

Spending the day at one of the family-friendly beaches in south Tenerife is one of the top plans for visitors, thanks to their comfort, facilities and great weather.

Playa de La Tejita: located near El Médano, around a 30-minute drive from Kora Nivaria Beach. This is a spacious and natural beach, perfect for children to run, play and build sandcastles. It’s ideal for a family picnic or long walks by the sea.
Playa del Duque: situated in Costa Adeje, approximately 15 minutes from Kora Nivaria Beach. It stands out for its well-maintained surroundings, promenade, showers and beach bars, making it easy to spend the whole day in total comfort. It’s a favourite for those looking to combine beach time with nearby leisure options.
Playa de Troya: also in Costa Adeje, about 15–20 minutes from Kora Nivaria Beach. Known for its lively and sporty atmosphere, it offers options to rent kayaks, paddleboards or small boats. It’s perfect for families with teenagers who want to add a touch of adventure to their beach day.

If you’d like to explore more options, we recommend checking out our dedicated article on the best beaches in Tenerife, where you’ll find a more comprehensive guide to planning your days by the sea.

Where to stay in south Tenerife

Choosing the right accommodation is key when planning a trip full of excursions. Tenerife is an island that invites you to keep moving, discovering volcanic landscapes, beaches, charming towns and unique natural spaces, so having a comfortable and well-located base makes all the difference, especially when travelling as a family.

In this sense, staying in the south allows you to easily access the main activities in Tenerife, such as water parks, beaches or volcanic routes. It also makes it simple to organise full-day trips to the north of the island, including Anaga or La Laguna, without giving up the good weather and a more relaxed atmosphere.

Kora Nivaria Beach stands out as an ideal option for those seeking the perfect balance. Its excellent location makes it easy to combine excursions, family-friendly activities in Tenerife and moments of rest, creating a well-balanced holiday where each day offers something different, without the need for long journeys or rushing.

Excursions and activities in north Tenerife

North Tenerife is a region full of contrasts, ideal for families looking to combine nature, culture and outdoor activities. Here, lush landscapes and rich cultural heritage create the perfect setting to discover the island from a different perspective.

This area is filled with scenic trails and stunning viewpoints, as well as interactive museums and spaces where children and teenagers can learn while having fun with the whole family. Beyond visiting Anaga Rural Park or La Laguna, there are many other equally impressive excursions to enjoy together.

Dolphin and whale watching

Dolphin and whale watching is one of the most popular activities in Tenerife, combining nature, excitement and learning in a single experience. The island is one of the best places in Europe to observe cetaceans in their natural habitat, thanks to its rich marine ecosystem and the proximity of deep underwater canyons where these species live.

Excursions to spot dolphins and whales usually depart from Puerto de la Cruz, the coast of Adeje or Los Gigantes, and typically last between 2 and 4 hours, depending on the route.

Some of these experiences are specially designed for families with young children, featuring stable and safe boats, while others venture further into the open ocean, ideal for teenagers and adults looking for a more adventurous experience.

In addition, many routes include stops at nearby coves and cliffs, turning the excursion into a well-rounded experience to discover Tenerife’s diverse coastline.

García Sanabria Park: the green heart of Santa Cruz

García Sanabria Park is a true urban oasis in the heart of Santa Cruz de Tenerife. With over 67,000 m² of gardens, sculptures and fountains, it’s a perfect space to relax as a family, where children can run and play in a safe and pleasant environment. This iconic park stands out not only for its size, but also for its carefully maintained vegetation and cultural value, making it one of the must-see spots in Santa Cruz for those looking to combine nature and city life.

Among its main highlights are the shaded paths lined with century-old trees, the cactus garden and the well-known pigeon fountain, all of which add a special charm to this vibrant green space. As you explore, you’ll also find open-air sculptures and peaceful corners that invite you to unwind, making it a popular meeting point for both locals and visitors.

A visit here is ideal to combine with a walk around the city, discover nearby cafés or simply enjoy a family picnic in a calm and welcoming setting.

Lago Martiánez: water, art and play

Another highly recommended excursion is a visit to Lago Martiánez, in Puerto de la Cruz. This is a complex of pools and artificial lakes designed by César Manrique, where water, art and nature come together facing the Atlantic, creating one of the most iconic spaces in north Tenerife.

This unique setting stands out for its architecture integrated into the volcanic landscape and for offering a distinctive outdoor leisure experience, ideal for those looking for things to do in Puerto de la Cruz that combine culture, relaxation and fun.

Here, you can spend the morning enjoying the water as a family, have lunch nearby and round off the day with a stroll through its gardens or towards the old town, creating a complete and varied plan for all ages. In addition, its spacious relaxation areas, solariums and ocean views make this complex a perfect option to enjoy Tenerife’s great climate all year round, especially for families seeking activities with children in a safe, dynamic and charming environment.

Corona Forestal Natural Park

The Corona Forestal Natural Park surrounds Mount Teide and is the largest protected natural area in Tenerife. This vast landscape is ideal for families looking for outdoor excursions without long travel distances.

Along its trails, you can discover striking volcanic formations, explore the island’s endemic flora and enjoy picnic areas with spectacular views of Mount Teide and the ocean. For children and teenagers, the viewpoints and gravel paths offer a perfect opportunity to explore, take photos and learn about Tenerife’s unique geology in a fun and engaging way.

As a final tip, you can combine your visit with a stop at one of the park’s interpretation centres, where you’ll learn about the island’s geological history, wildlife and plant life, turning the excursion into an educational and entertaining experience for the whole family.

Tips for planning excursions in Tenerife

Planning your excursions well is key to enjoying Tenerife at a relaxed pace, especially when travelling as a family. Keeping a few practical tips in mind can make the difference between a stressful trip and a well-balanced, truly memorable holiday.

Choose a well-located place to stay: staying in the south allows you to easily combine beaches, volcanic routes and trips to the north without long daily journeys, helping you make the most of your time.
Alternate active and relaxed days: mix more intense excursions like visiting Mount Teide or hiking routes with laid-back plans such as beach days or water parks, creating a balanced rhythm for the whole family.
Organise excursions by area: dedicate one day to the north (La Laguna, Anaga or Puerto de la Cruz) and others to the south. Grouping activities by location helps you optimise travel time and make the most of each day.
Adapt plans to the children’s age:
For younger kids, it’s best to choose short routes, calm beaches or interactive spaces where they can play and learn.
For teenagers, more dynamic activities such as water sports or dolphin and whale watching work especially well, adding an extra sense of adventure to the trip.

FAQs

Yes, renting a car allows you to move around freely and optimise your time, especially on a family trip, making it easier to reach different areas of the island comfortably.
Tenerife is a great destination all year round, although spring and autumn offer milder temperatures and fewer crowds, making them especially ideal for excursions.
It’s recommended to book certain excursions in advance, such as visiting Mount Teide, dolphin and whale watching tours, and water parks, to ensure availability and avoid last-minute issues, especially during peak travel periods.