Tenerife is a great place to holiday for kids and families and the island is jam-packed with activities but let’s get a little more niche in the family space and cover the best things to do in Tenerife for toddlers.
As the largest of Spain’s Canary Islands Tenerife is well renowned for its stunning landscapes, beautiful beaches, vibrant culture, and thrilling parks.
Tenerife offers plenty of activities for toddlers to keep them entertained throughout any holiday. So here are my suggestions for 12 things to do with toddlers in Tenerife.
1. Visit Loro Parque
We’ll start with the big one, Loro Parque, which is one of the island’s main attractions, featuring an incredible array of animals, including parrots, dolphins, and penguins. This is the biggest animal park on the island so kids, toddlers, and even adults will be amazed by the tropical birds and entertaining shows.
They’re a little more relaxed about health and safety in Tenerife so there are more close-up encounters with animals to be had if you’re keen. A money saving tip for Tenerife Parks would be to get a 2 park ticket combo offer.
2. Spend a Day at the Beach
An easy one, but an enjoyable one. Tenerife boasts lots of family-friendly beaches, such as Playa de Las Teresitas and Playa del Duque, but the busy south has plenty of nice beaches, the sand is volcanic so mostly dark but it all feels the same anyway and water is great in summer, and end of high season.
The sandy shores offer a safe and calm place for your toddlers to paddle in the shallow waters, build sandcastles, and maybe eat some sand if that’s their thing… like mine.
3. Take a day trip to Siam Park
If you’re looking for water-based fun, Siam Park is the king! It’s the best water park I’ve been to although admittedly I’m no water park connoisseur. It has tons of slides, wave pools, a lazy river along with enough places to eat and relax, so you’re never bored. The toddlers even have a dedicated area complete with mini slides and a splash playground.
Again if you’re going go to Loro Parque then you’re better off getting the 2 park ticket combo offer.
4. Explore Jungle Park
Jungle Park in South Tenerife is Tenerife’s very own zoo and is spread over a large area with a wide variety of animals to see from enclosures and some more up close. Such as the little monkeys.
There are interactive animal shows throughout the day so you can see the animals in action and the fact that Jungle Park is on a hilltop makes for some stunning surrounding scenery.
5. Walk around Teide National Park
Teide National Park is one of Tenerife’s most stunning areas, which features a volcanic mountain. But why would that be an activity for a toddler you ask? Well, hiking up Mount Teide might not be the best time for toddlers, the Teide National Park does offer some easy walking trails and great nature spots where you can enjoy the unique volcanic landscape with your little ones. It’s a chance to get into some quieter areas with nature as a calm from all of the hustle and bustle of the towns.
6. Dolphin and Whale Watching excursions
Tenerife is renowned for its dolphin and whale-watching excursions. Many tour operators offer family-friendly boat trips where your toddlers can spot these majestic marine creatures.
While it may sound risky to be on the same boat in the same space with a toddler for a long period you can get involved in some on-board activities, have a meal together or just keep it to the shortest excursion time to reduce any boredom.
7. Visit the Camel Park
Take your toddlers for a camel ride at the Camel Park in Armeñime. You can jump on with them as they have a child carrier. Parents often comment on how many active toddlers sit still while on a camel. They often offer some drinks as part of the ride too. It’s not a huge farm but a different experience and something to remember.
8. Take a walk around the Pirámides de Güímar
These mysterious pyramids, believed to be ancient agricultural structures, make for an interesting and educational local attraction. While that may not amaze your toddler for more than 10 seconds there is a park surrounding them that features a garden with plants from around the world and some impressive landscapes, a good idea for a picnic spot.
9. Play at Adventure Parks
Tenerife offers a number of adventure parks designed for kids. Places like Aqualand Costa Adeje or Octopus Aquapark have numerous playgrounds, slides, and pools for toddlers to enjoy a day of splashing.
10. Visit Monkey Park
Yes, another animal park. It seems it’s a specialty of Tenerife but each offers their own unique charm. This is a smaller zoo but contains some animals besides monkeys such as Crocodiles, snakes, tropical birds and giant tortoises.
You can walk through a section where monkeys and Guinea pigs roam free in around your feet, it’s bizarre but enjoyably immersive. It’s great value at 10 euros for an adult too!
11. Discover the local markets
Take the kids to some bustling local markets, such as Mercado Municipal Nuestra Señora de Africa in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. You and your toddler can see all of the colourful stalls, try some tasty local fruits, and maybe get a little toy to enjoy in the parks nearby.
12. Enjoy the traditional Canarian food
Don’t forget to let your toddlers try some delicious Canarian cuisine. Many of the local restaurants offer child-friendly versions of island dishes, so your little ones can try some flavours of Tenerife or take some of yours as it inevitably goes.
Tenerife is a haven for families with toddlers and it’s a beautiful island with tropical landscapes, which adds to that holiday feel. There’s a plethora of activities available, from the beaches to the thrilling parks. There will be no shortage of fun for your active toddlers if you’re looking for a day out away from the family hotel pool to wear them out and create some memories.