Tenerife · Spain · Things to do
5 things to do in Tenerife with kids
The five best things to do in Tenerife with kids are playing on the black sand beaches, exploring a colourful village such as Garachico, riding the cable car up Mount Teide, swimming in sheltered coves and rock pools, and walking the old towns of La Laguna and La Orotava. The island has warm weather in most months, so the choice of base matters more than the season.
What to do, in order
- 1
Play on the beaches
Tenerife's beaches are mostly volcanic, with dark sand on the north coast, as at Playa Jardin in Puerto de la Cruz, and golden sand at Las Teresitas near Santa Cruz, which is imported and protected by a breakwater. The south coast has resort beaches at Los Cristianos and Playa de las Americas, with calmer water and facilities. The black sand gets hot in summer, so bring beach shoes. Check flags before swimming, as Atlantic swell can be strong.
- 2
Explore a colourful village
Garachico on the north-west coast is a small town rebuilt after a volcanic eruption in 1706, with a harbour, a pedestrian centre and rock pools by the sea. Masca, in the Teno mountains, is a famous hamlet reached by a narrow, winding road, and its gorge hike now has access rules, so check them before planning. Villages in the north are greener and cooler than the south. Go in the morning, and drive carefully on the mountain roads.
- 3
Ride up Mount Teide
Teide, at about 3,700 metres, is the highest mountain in Spain, and a cable car carries visitors most of the way up. It runs from the national park, and queues are long at peak times, so book timed tickets ahead. The summit itself needs a free permit, which is also booked in advance. At altitude it is cold and thin on air, so bring jackets, and keep a closer eye on children with headaches. Snow can fall from December to March, so check road status.
- 4
Swim the sheltered coves
For calm water, look for protected beaches and natural pools. Las Teresitas has a breakwater and shallow water, and Los Cristianos has a sheltered harbour beach. On the north coast, the sea pools at Garachico and Bajamar are fed by the ocean and safer for children than open surf. Check the swell forecast, as pools can close in rough weather. Go on a falling or low tide for easy access, and take beach shoes for rocks.
- 5
Wander the old towns
La Laguna, a UNESCO World Heritage town, has a grid of colonial streets, painted houses and plazas, and lots of cafes. La Orotava has old balconied houses, and Garachico has a small plaza. They are cooler and greener than the beach resorts, with a more local feel. Visit in the morning, and use them for a day when the weather on the coast is cloudy. Pavements are uneven, so a carrier suits younger children better than a stroller.
Plan it
- Best time
- Tenerife is mild all year, with around 20 to 25 degrees in much of the south. The south is sunniest, the north is greener and cloudier. July and August are hottest and busiest, and the winter months are popular with northern Europeans.
- How long
- A week gives time for beaches, Teide and a north coast day. Choose one base, south for beaches or north for villages, and take day trips.
- Getting around
- A rental car is the easiest way to see the island, though mountain roads are steep and winding. TITSA buses connect main towns. Tenerife South and North airports serve different ends of the island, so pick your base before booking flights.
Good to know
- Book Teide cable car tickets and summit permits ahead. They sell out in busy periods.
- Pack layers for Teide. The temperature can be 15 degrees lower than on the coast.
- Choose south coast accommodation for dependable sun, and the north for green scenery and quieter villages.
Frequently asked
Is Tenerife good for kids? +
Yes. It has year-round warm weather, calm beaches and resort pools, and sights such as Teide, whale watching and old towns. Families can choose a simple resort base or a more local north-coast stay.
When is the best time to visit Tenerife with kids? +
Tenerife is good year-round. Spring and autumn are warm without peak crowds, summer is hot and busy, and winter is mild in the south. The north is cooler and cloudier at any time.
Do you need to book Teide in advance? +
Yes for the cable car in busy periods and for the free summit permit, which is limited. Book both ahead, and check conditions on the day, because high winds or snow can close the cable car.
Is Tenerife better in the north or south? +
The south is sunnier, with sandy resort beaches and calmer water. The north is greener, with villages, sea pools and old towns, but it has more cloud and rougher seas. Many families stay south and visit the north by car.
