The Canary Islands have always been a beloved holiday hotspot for families thanks to their near-guaranteed sunny weather, safe, clean beaches and well-equipped resorts. Tenerife – along with neighbouring Gran Canaria – is one of the go-to islands in the archipelago for family holidays.
Any family visiting the islands will discover how Canarian people absolutely adore children, so don’t be surprised if locals, waiters, tour guides and hotel staff all speak to your children before they greet you.
One of the things that makes Tenerife popular is to the number of family-friendly activities that are on offer, from exhilarating waterparks, whale and dolphin spotting, to hiking and nature trails, watersports and astounding volcanic sights.
In terms of accommodation, Tenerife is awash with family-oriented hotels, apartments and resorts, so whether you’re looking for a casual spot with self-catering, an all-inclusive option with kids’ clubs galore, or all-out luxury stay with your own private family pool, you’ll find it in Tenerife.
Best family hotels for kids in Tenerife, Canary Islands
At a glance
1. Roca Nivaria Gran Hotel
El Roque, Adeje
You’d be forgiven for mistaking the incredibly chic five-star Roca Nivaria for an exclusive adults-only hotel at first glance. But a snoop around and you’ll find it’s home to its own children’s theme park. It’s a clever set up as you could easily come here without children and feel at home or with the entire family in tow. The Roniaventura park is split into two sections: one wet, one dry. The wet side has waterslides, a shipwreck, pools and water games, while the dry part has a zip line, climbing frames, cave and rope bridges. There’s also a daily kids’ club between 10am and 6pm for those children aged four to 12 – ideal for parents who want a moment to relax in the soothing spa.
Address: Av. Adeje 300, s/n, 38678 Adeje, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
Read more: Best family-friendly activities in Tenerife, from water parks to whale watching
2. Hard Rock Hotel Tenerife
El Roque, Adeje
Hard Rock might not be the first brand that comes to mind for family holidays, and yet this hotel resort caters exceptionally well for children (and big kids). It has a dedicated kids’ club called Roxity for those aged four to nine that has a host of entertaining activities and workshops, such as singing and choreography. For older children, there’s Teen Spirit, a club where they can play video games, do music-themed activities and more. The huge splash pool is open to all and there’s an adjoining pool for infants. It’s also just moments away from several beaches.
Address: Avenida Adeje 300 300, Av. Playa Paraiso, 38678 Adeje, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
Read more: The best beaches in Tenerife
3. Spring Hotel Bitácora
Playa de Las Américas
This slick and stylish four-star hotel is ideal for all ages. The rooms are fresh, simple and spacious, and the Ocean Rooms offer bright pops of vibrant colour along with their large terraces. There are multiple pools here, and wet and wild waterslides for a hit of adrenaline in the sunshine, plus there’s a huge children’s play zone that includes a fast and fun zipwire. For adults, there is a spa and a dedicated rooftop area with a bar – perfect for sundowners. As well as the main buffet-style restaurant catering even to the pickiest of eaters, there are also snack and pool bars.
Address: C. California, 1, 38650 Arona, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
Read more: The best hotels in Tenerife
4. HD Parque Cristóbal Tenerife hotel
Playa de Las Américas
Comprised of 151 bungalows, this hotel prides itself as being a family hotel. The accommodation is almost like mini villas with kitchens and terraces. There are accessible rooms too, and some rooms come with games consoles and extras for kids. There are several pools, sports facilities, and a complete activities programme with everything from family yoga and archery to pétanque. There’s also an e-gamer and cinema room. There are several restaurants, and helpfully, they also do a takeaway service so you can eat in your bungalow – or on the beach.
Address: Av. Rafael Puig Lluvina, 15, 38660 Arona, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
Read more: Best family hotels in Tenerife
5. HOVIMA La Pinta Beachfront Family Hotel
Playa de La Pinta, Adeje
The clue is in the name of this hotel, as it’s targeted at families and enjoys a wonderful beachside location on Playa de La Pinta. All rooms are sizable apartments with kitchens, from one to three bedrooms. There are multiple clubs here for children from six months old to 16 years. As well as activities onsite, the entertainment team conduct beach walks looking at marine life and the natural environment, and there are discos, football and more. The hotel offers and all-inclusive option or you can make the most of the kitchen in your apartment to keep costs down.
Address: Av. de España, 5, 38660 Costa Adeje, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
Read more: I took four kids under eight to Tenerife – this is how I made it a stress-free holiday
6. Parque Santiago III hotel
Playa del Camisón, Adeje
From cute studio apartments to five-bedroom villas, this resort welcomes families of all sizes – and is set up for multi-generational stays. The resort is split into three different hotels, but facilities are shared such as an exciting children’s waterpark and a mini-golf. There are several pools to splash and play, and El Camisón beach is right on the hotel’s doorstep. Did you know that the hotel makes 30 tons of artisan ice cream a year? A great cooling treat for when the temperatures soar during summer days and sultry nights.
Address: Av. las Américas, 2, 38660 Playa de la Américas, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
Read more: The best beaches in Spain
7. Iberostar Waves Bouganville Playa hotel
Costa Adeje
The Star Camp programme run by Iberostar caters to children and young people from four to 17. It’s more than just a while-away-the-hours club, aiming to educate and teach at the same time as having fun. Activities range from cooking skills to art classes, to scientific experiments. The hotel has an aquafun area for frolicking in the water and family rooms offer additional space for larger groups. For adults, there’s a gym, bike centre, and special adults-only areas for those on the Star Prestige programme. The hotel is also just 20 metres from the sandy Bobo Beach.
Address: Av. Eugenio Dominguez Alfonso, 23, 38660 Costa Adeje, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
Read more: Why Tenerife is Europe’s best spot for responsible whale watching
8. Gran Oasis Resort hotel
Playa de Las Américas
This laid-back, four-star resort is spread out in two-storey suites and duplexes around several swimming pools. Children will love the Oasis Splash Island water park with its slides, water jets and games. There are also plenty of entertainment sessions during the day from face painting to treasure hunts to keep little ones busy. Older children will enjoy the games room with air hockey table and video games. Parents are catered for with a gym and hydrotherapy spa circuit. Off to the beach? Jump on the hotel’s free shuttle bus that will drop you down through the main resort of Las Américas to the sand.
Address: C. Meandro, 3, 38640 Arona, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
Best: For teenagers
Read more: Best cheap hotels in Tenerife
9. Bahia Principe Fantasia Tenerife hotel
Golf del Sur
From the moment you see this hotel, you know it’s going to be fun for the family. It might have something to do with the giant fairytale castle that takes centre-stage in the heart of the resort. There are kids’ clubs for all ages, a water park and a jam-packed timetable of entertainment and things to keep even the most fidgety busy. The Castle Suite has to be the ultimate dream room for kids, as it’s housed inside the fairytale castle, and has a dressing room with costumes for children, and a bottle of bubbly for adults.
Address: Av. J.M. Galván Bello, 38639, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
Read more: Why the Canary Islands should be your next holiday destination for winter sun
10. Royal Hideaway Corales Suites hotel
La Caleta, Costa Adeje
Part of a larger resort made up of this hotel and the neighbouring adults-only Corales Beach, this futuristic-looking hotel is designed with families in mind. Rooms are a mix of chic suites and villas. Many come with their own pools or whirlpool baths and ample terraces. There are several clubs where children and teens can hang out, learn skills such as magic, art and science, plus there are swimming pools and relaxation spots with technology and games. Parents can enjoy a spa treatment or treat themselves to a meal at El Rincón de Juan Carlos, which hols two Michelin stars.
Address: Avenida Virgen de Guadalupe, Playa La Enramada, 21, 38679, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
Read more: Spain’s warmest places for winter sun
FAQs
What currency do I need in Tenerife?
Tenerife uses the euro (€).
What is the weather like during half-terms and summer holidays?
If you are planning on a February half-term getaway, maximum temperatures in Tenerife reach 21C. However, you’ll like see the most rain out of any of the holiday periods, with an average monthly rainfall of 23mm throughout February.
If an Easter break abroad calls, then you will find temperatures will reach around 22 to 23C. March has an average monthly rainfall of 34mm in total, while April drastically falls to 10mm.
If visiting in May half-term, you can expect average daily maximum temperatures of 24.5C and very little rain.
Meanwhile, the school summer holidays from July into August will supply highs between 28.9 and 29.2C as well as 10 to 11 hours of sunshine a day.
Booking a trip later in the year in the October half-term, the temperature drops again to highs of 26.6C and a monthly total of 17mm of rain.
How does Tenerife compare to other Canary Islands?
Tenerife is the largest of the Canary Islands, catering to both budget-friendly travellers and those seeking a luxury getaway. Gran Canaria is known as the “miniature continent” due to its medley of volcanic calderas, urban beaches and the Pico de las Nieves peak. Lanzarote, another Brit holiday favourite, is known for its palm-tree-lined beaches and year-round sunshine. Fuerteventura is an ideal destination for surfing and water sports due to reliable breezes. In fact, wind strength averages at 13mph throughout the year across all the Canaries, making for an attractive destination for wind sports enthusiasts and surfers. If you are looking for a smaller, more intimate island to explore, seek out La Palma, La Gomera, and the smallest of the Canaries, El Hierro.
