You are here :: Finding fun for kids on a winter break to Tenerife

Finding fun for kids on a winter break to Tenerife

Getting away as a family to somewhere warm over the winter months can be restrictive, especially if you are not going too far afield. You have also the dilemma of finding somewhere that is fun for the kids, sunny for everyone and relaxing for us parents.

A holiday to Tenerife may just be what you are looking for, as with the other Canaries in the archipelago, Tenerife is reliably warm, not irritatingly far to get to, and has a huge choice of family friendly hotels in which to stay. However, what really sets Tenerife above its rival winter sun destinations is the wonderful array of things to do as a family. Here’s a pick of some of the best Tenerife has to offer.

Once in a Lifetime Experiences:
Whale and Dolphin spotting
The waters around Tenerife are famous for incredible sea life that can be seen throughout the year. The perfectly clear and comfortably warm seas between La Gomera and the south of Tenerife year round attract Bottlenose Dolphins and Pilot Whales. There are plenty of options to get out on the water to get close to these entertaining animals, but the glass bottom boats that operate out of Puerto Colon offer perhaps the best way to see the dolphins and whales above and below the surface. It’s a magical experience to see dolphins and whales in the wild and makes for an unforgettable family memory.
Top tip: Book in advance as places sell quickly; also grab the 10% discount for booking online
More information: http://www.tenerifedolphin.com/royal-delfin/uk/

Climb a Volcano!
Or rather take the cable car, either way the end experience is one not to forget. Scaling the height of Mount Teide, Spain’s tallest mountain, you’ll find an amazing vantage point with views across Tenerife and the other Canary Islands. Visiting Mount Teide is fantastic for the nature lovers and the adventurers in your brood with the cable car journey being a great attraction in itself.
Top tip: Be sure to bring something warm to put on, at 3,718m tall, it can get a little chilly during the winter months.
More information: http://www.teleferico-teide.com/

Family fun for the water babies:
Explore the Water Kingdom at Siam Park
The Thai Kingdom themed water park Siam Park has fast established itself, since opening in 2008, as a real must on a family break to Tenerife. Rated as one of the best water theme parks in Europe Siam Park will provide a fun packed days entertainment for the whole family, with everything from an exhilarating ride down the Mekong Rapids to a simply swimming the length of the Mai Thai River. Even though it’s the cooler months to be visiting Tenerife, the pools at Siam Park are all heated and the outside temperature stays around 25°C, so a day can be rewardingly spent splashing at the park.
Top tip: If you’re staying in the south of Tenerife there is a free bus that runs from the main resorts. And if you plan to also visit Loro Parque; buy a twin ticket from their website to save money.
More information: http://www.siampark.net/en/

We’re all going on a yellow submarine…tour
How amazing would it be for the kids to come back from holiday and say ‘we went on a submarine!’ The submarine tours out of the San Miguel Marina in Golf del Sur provide an exciting way to appreciate the marine life and the underwater landscape without getting wet. Fun for all ages, the dives last for around one hour and you can expect to see lots of fish, stingrays and wrecks.
Top tip: There’s a free shuttle bus to nearby resorts included in the price, plus when you book online you can get a 15% discount.
More information: http://www.submarinesafaris.com/t/uk/index.html

Wildlife explorers and wondrous sights:
Loro Parque
Up in the North of the island a day at Loro Parque is guaranteed to put big smiles on the faces of the children as much as your own. This fantastic wildlife park has both land and water animals. Marvel at the thrilling killer whale, dolphin and sea lion shows, and for fans of Frozen Planet, make sure you discover Tenerife’s slice of Antarctica which is home to entertaining penguins. This vast sanctuary also boasts tigers, jaguars, gorillas chimpanzees to name a few of the star attractions and from where the park gets its name, Loro meaning parrot, the claim of having one of the largest Parrot collections in the world.
Top tip: Make sure you dedicate a full day for you visit to the park, you’ll need it.
More information: http://www.loroparque.com/en/

Pyramids at Guimar
A lot of mystery surrounds these seemingly ancient creations. Proposed to date back to the same time as the ancient Pyramids of Giza the step pyramids in the sleepy town of Guimar are an unusual surprise in Tenerife. This one is a real unexpected treat, and the complex is well equipped to keep the kids happy with fun activities and playground. Along with the striking setting and imposing structures you can explore the museum and see replicas of reed boats that are thought to have been used by the Egyptians to establish the site.
Top tips: Thursdays at the park tends to be tour group day, so pick another day to escape the crowds
More information: http://www.piramidesdeguimar.es/en-US/index.aspx

Getting there: easyJet holidays to Tenerife have a range of excellent value accommodation options; family friendly hotels range from three to five stars and prices start from £205pp for a seven night break including return flights.

In the south of the island a stay at the Dream Villa Tagoro is a great base to get out and experience the nearby family attractions.

On the north coast of Tenerife, a stay at the Hotel Blue Sea Interpalace offers a quieter family break with lots of chance to get out and explore the scenery.