Best Things to Do in Tenerife with Kids

This paradise island famous for its year round sunshine offers a wealth of nature, from volcanoes and forests to beaches perfect for all ages. In this post, you’ll find a handpicked selection of family plans in Tenerife, from nature excursions and water sports to interactive museums, ensuring a fun and different kind of holiday.

Climbing Mount Teide, Spain’s Highest Peak

Mount Teide, Spain’s highest peak at 3,718 metres (12,198 ft), is one of Tenerife’s star attractions and a perfect family day out. A visit can easily fill a full day thanks to its breathtaking views and the many trails that criss-cross the national park. Options include the ascent to the summit (with prior authorisation) and two short trails of about 25 minutes, ideal for children.

Driving up lets you stop at viewpoints such as Pico Viejo or Las Cañadas, where panoramas take in Tenerife, La Gomera, and El Hierro especially magical at sunset with reddish hues. In addition, the El Portillo Visitor Centre, about 20 km from the cable car, offers an educational space about Teide’s formation, flora, and fauna. You’ll learn about the volcano’s history, unique plants like the Teide violet, and birds such as the blue chaffinch, with interactive exhibits kids love.

Teide Astronomical Observatory

Located near the summit in the municipality of La Orotava, the Teide Observatory is a fascinating place to explore the night sky. The visit lasts around 2 hours and includes observations with high-precision telescopes, talks on constellations, and weather permitting the chance to see planets like Jupiter or the Orion Nebula.

Admission is free for under-16s, while adults pay around €20 an educational experience that blends science and fun.

The Enchanted Forest of Anaga

The Enchanted Forest trail in the Pijaral Integral Nature Reserve, within the Anaga Rural Park, is ideal for kids thanks to its low difficulty. At approximately 2 km long, this walk lets you enjoy ancient laurel forest (laurisilva) and unique landscapes, but it requires a permit from the Cabildo de Tenerife to prevent overcrowding.

Accessible from the north of the island, this experience is perfect for a family morning out, where little ones can learn about local biodiversity while exploring an unparalleled natural setting. Bring water and comfortable footwear to make the route easier.

To round off the excursion, we recommend a foodie stop at a nearby restaurant such as El Monasterio in Taganana, famed for its mojo picón. You’ll find more options in our article on.

La Laguna

The city of San Cristóbal de La Laguna, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, charms visitors with its cobbled streets and colonial architecture perfect for strolling with kids in its pedestrian area. Its calm, cultural vibe offers plenty of family-friendly plans.

Museum of Science and the Cosmos

This interactive museum in La Laguna is ideal for kids to learn through play. With hands-on experiments and astronomy exhibits, it’s open Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00–20:00, and admission is €5 for adults (free for children under 12). A must-visit just 30 minutes from Kora Nivaria Beach.

Stroll the old town

As you wander La Laguna’s historic centre, stop by the Cathedral of La Laguna and the Cabrera Pinto Institute, which houses a small museum with natural history and anthropology exhibits. These sights, a short walk apart, make for an educational and relaxed outing with little ones.

Hiking routes

Explore two technical trails starting from La Laguna:

• PR-TF 10 (Cruz del Carmen – Punta del Hidalgo): ~12 km, 4–5 hours, 600 m elevation gain, with ocean views best for experienced walkers.

• PR-TF 10.1 (Las Escaleras – Chinamada): ~6 km, 2–3 hours, featuring natural stairways and spectacular viewpoints.

Both routes require proper hiking footwear and plenty of water.

Where to Stay with Kids in Tenerife

Choosing the right accommodation is key to a great family holiday. Kora Nivaria Beach, in the coastal village of Abades, is a peaceful oasis with services and facilities that make it the perfect base for your next getaway. The complex features two pools an infinity pool and a semi-Olympic pool plus a dedicated children’s area. There are also green spaces, a playground, and a kids’ club: a supervised play zone led by a qualified professional to ensure little ones are well looked after while parents enjoy other activities and experiences.

Natural Pools

Tenerife’s natural pools formed by lava flows eroded by the sea are safe and fun for children. They’re a unique, low risk alternative to traditional beaches and pools. Near Kora Nivaria Beach, you’ll find:

Los Abrigos Natural Pools
Just 10 km from Kora Nivaria Beach in southern Tenerife, these pools beside the fishing village of Los Abrigos offer easy access, free parking, and crystal-clear waters protected by natural walls. There are shaded areas and a beach bar serving local food—perfect for a full family day out.

La Jaca Natural Pools
About 15 km from Kora Nivaria Beach, near El Médano, these pools are reached on foot from the TF-64 road, with nearby parking and calm waters facing Montaña Roja. Ideal for kids’ snorkelling, with a small bar for refreshments.

Best Beaches for Kids in Tenerife

Tenerife stands out for its family-friendly beaches especially those near Kora Nivaria Beach thanks to golden sand, gentle waters, and natural surroundings. It’s a coastal paradise where safety and fun are guaranteed for all ages.

El Muelle, Porís de Abona
In this picturesque fishing village 5 km from Kora Nivaria Beach, a fine sand beach stretches 300 metres towards the lighthouse, with shallow waters ideal for children. The seagrass meadows and groupers make for excellent snorkelling, and the historic pier adds a cultural touch to your visit.

El Médano Beach
Around 20 km from Kora Nivaria Beach, this 2 km-long beach is a hub for water sports, with a relaxed surf vibe and windsurf schools for all ages. Its mild waters and natural shade make it perfect for an active day, and the chiringuitos serve tasty local tapas.

Other Fun Family Plans in Tenerife

Tenerife is a canvas of family-friendly possibilities. After exploring its highlights, here are three extra ideas to end your trip on a high note:

Montaña Amarilla

This yellow volcanic ash hill near El Médano shifts colour with the light, revealing a lunar-like seascape below. It’s a striking visual stop especially for a movie-worthy sunset.

Explore Alto de Teno

In northwest Tenerife, about 40 km from Kora Nivaria Beach (KNB), Alto de Teno delivers dizzying panoramas over ravines and villages like Masca. Hiking routes such as Cherfe (~5 km, 3 hours) follow trails with views of Teide, perfect for a family adventure with local guides.

Birdwatching

Tenerife is excellent for birdwatching, with a rich mix of endemic and migratory species thanks to its mild climate and varied habitats. Within a short distance you can see very different bird communities. From the Los Cristianos coast (~30 km from KNB), look for herons, shearwaters, and storm petrels; or visit the Fajana reservoir (~15 km away), a refuge for migratory birds.