Travelling to Tenerife with Kids: Tips and Activities from Costa Adeje

Organising a family holiday that appeals to both children and adults isn’t always easy. Tenerife solves this problem better than almost any other European destination: a stable climate 365 days a year, safe beaches, world-class attractions, and a southern region that concentrates everything a family with kids could need.

If you’re thinking of travelling to Tenerife with children, Costa Adeje is the perfect starting point for a stress-free, well-planned week.

Why Tenerife is an Ideal Destination for Families with Children

Tenerife boasts something few destinations can: it works just as well in summer as it does in winter. Temperatures in the south hover between 22°C and 28°C all year round, meaning you don’t need to plan your trip around a specific season.

But the climate is only part of it. The island combines calm beaches with gentle waves, internationally renowned theme parks, accessible natural spaces, and a highly established tourist infrastructure. Travel times are short from the south, restaurants are well used to families, and the all-inclusive accommodation on offer removes a huge chunk of the logistical stress.

For families with young children, especially those travelling from the UK, Germany, or the Netherlands, Costa Adeje has been one of Europe’s go-to destinations for decades. And with good reason.

The Best Activities in Tenerife with Children from Costa Adeje

Siam Park: Europe’s Top-Rated Water Park

Just 10 minutes from Costa Adeje lies Siam Park, considered the world’s best water park for years according to TripAdvisor rankings. Its Thai-themed facilities include attractions for all ages: from gentle slides for toddlers to a 3-metre artificial wave for teenagers and adults looking for some action.

A full day here goes a long way. We recommend arriving at opening time to make the most of the most popular attractions before the queues start forming. Admission includes access to the sandy areas and the wave pool, which children absolutely love.

Loro Parque: Animals, Shows, and Much More

Located in Puerto de la Cruz, Loro Parque is one of Europe’s top-rated zoos. Although it’s about a 50-minute drive from Costa Adeje, it’s well worth the trip: dolphins, killer whales (orcas), gorillas, sea lions, penguins, and the parrot collection that gives the park its name are just a fraction of what’s on offer.

The shows are included in the ticket price and are a massive hit with the kids. If you’re travelling with under-3s, entry is free. For everyone else, it’s best to book in advance, especially during peak season.

Boat Trips: Dolphin and Whale Watching as a Family

One of the most breathtaking experiences for children in Tenerife is whale and dolphin watching from Costa Adeje. The waters of the channel between Tenerife and La Gomera are home to permanent colonies of bottlenose dolphins and pilot whales, making sightings practically guaranteed.

Boats set sail from Puerto Colón, less than 5 minutes from the hotel, and tours last between two and three hours. Many boats include time for a swim in the open sea, adding a touch of adventure that children won’t forget. We recommend checking departure times in advance as spots book up fast in the summer.

Playa Fañabé and Playa del Duque: The Best Beaches for Families

Not all beaches are created equal when travelling with children. The most suitable ones are those with fine sand, easy access, nearby amenities, and calm waters.

Playa Fañabé ticks all these boxes. It holds a Blue Flag and offers lifeguard services, showers, and step-free access. It’s just a 5-minute walk from Villa Adeje Beach, making it the perfect day-to-day choice for families staying at the hotel.

Playa del Duque, just a few minutes further along, is slightly quieter and offers more premium services. Both are golden sand beaches with shallow waters near the shore, ideal for little ones to play safely.

Mount Teide Excursion: A Landscape They Won’t Forget

Mount Teide National Park is well worth a visit, even with children, provided you adapt the trip accordingly. The drive up to the Las Cañadas viewpoint is accessible for all ages, and the lunar landscape is bound to impress adults and children alike.

If you want to take the cable car to the peak, keep in mind that children under 8 are not allowed on the final stretch. However, the base area features short, flat trails that are perfect for an effortless family stroll. Remember to pack warm clothes: at 2,000 metres, the temperature can drop by 10°C compared to the south.

Water Sports from Costa Adeje

Beyond boat trips, the south of Tenerife offers a wide variety of sea activities suitable for families: kayaking, pedaloes, banana boats, surfing lessons in controlled areas, and snorkelling in spots teeming with marine life.

Many of these activities can be booked directly on the beach or at Puerto Colón. For kayaking and paddleboarding with young children, it’s best to opt for small-group guided tours where an instructor monitors the route at all times.

Practical Tips for Travelling to Tenerife with Children

Good planning makes a trip much smoother. Here are a few things to keep in mind before you head out:

• Sun protection all year round: The Canarian sun can be deceptive: even if the temperature feels mild, the UV radiation is high, even in winter. Use factor 50 for the kids and top it up every two hours at the beach or pool.
• Hire a car if you plan on doing excursions: The drives from the south to Mount Teide or Loro Parque are straightforward (well-maintained motorways), but when you’re loaded up with a baby seat and a full boot, having your own car makes all the difference.
• Book Siam Park and Loro Parque online: Advance tickets are usually cheaper and save you queuing at the ticket office—something you’ll be incredibly grateful for with young children in tow.
• Keep nap times in mind: In summer, the middle of the day (1pm to 5pm) is the hottest. Planning your most intense activities for the morning or around sunset is much more comfortable for the whole family.
• Bring snacks and water: Outdoor activities with children always go smoother with your own provisions. Many excursions don’t include food, and shops in natural areas are few and far between.

Where to Stay in Tenerife with Children: Villa Adeje Beach

Your choice of accommodation heavily shapes the family holiday experience. A well-located, all-inclusive hotel eliminates a lot of daily logistical worries: meals are sorted, there’s no need to hunt for restaurants when patience is running low, and children can move around freely within the complex.

Villa Adeje Beach is a 120-room all-inclusive hotel nestled in the heart of Costa Adeje, less than a 5-minute walk from Playa Fañabé and just moments from Puerto Colón. Its one-bedroom apartments are particularly comfortable for families, offering more space than a standard room and giving children their own little corner.

The all-inclusive package takes care of meals with zero fuss: breakfast, lunch, dinner, and drinks throughout the day are all included in the price. For parents, not having to think about food every single day of the holiday brings genuine peace of mind. The hotel pool and outdoor areas are another massive plus for families who just want a quiet day without leaving the resort.

From a relaxing day on the beach to an adventure up Mount Teide or an adrenaline rush at Siam Park, the island offers an action-packed week without the need to travel far. And if you’re looking for accommodation that simplifies all the planning, Villa Adeje Beach puts everything right at your fingertips so your only job is to enjoy it.

Check availability and book your family holiday at Villa Adeje Beach.