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Loro Parque or Siam Park? Both parks are true icons of Tenerife, but they offer completely different experiences. The good news is that, wherever you are staying from Villa Adeje Beach, both are easily accessible for an unforgettable family day out.
In this comprehensive guide, we will help you decide which one is best suited to your family, or whether it is worth visiting both during your stay in Tenerife.
The basics: What is each park?
Loro Parque is a zoo and animal park located in Puerto de la Cruz, in the north of the island. Opened in 1972, it began as a parrot paradise and has evolved into one of the most respected zoos in the world, with penguins, gorillas, tigers, sea lions and impressive shows.
Siam Park, meanwhile, is a Thai-themed water park located in Costa Adeje, in the south of Tenerife. It opened in 2008 and has repeatedly been voted the best water park in the world. It offers heart-stopping slides, giant wave pools and specific areas for younger children.
Quick comparison.
| Loro Parque | Siam Park | |
| Location | Puerto de la cruz (Norte) | Costa Adeje (Sur) |
| Distance from our hotel | 1h 15min (approx.) | 10 minutos (approx.) |
| Kind of park | Zoo / animals | Water park |
| Best season to visit | All year round | Spring-summer-autumn |
| Ideal for ages | All (especially ages 3–12) | 5+ years (there is a baby area) |
| Recomended visiting time | 5-6 hours | Full day |
Loro Parque: When your children love animals.
Advantages for families.
Educational and exciting: Loro Parque is not just about seeing animals in cages. The sea lion, orca, dolphin and parrot shows are world class, combining entertainment with conservation messages. Children leave fascinated and eager to protect nature.
Cooler climate: Located in the north, temperatures are milder. This can be a blessing in the middle of August when the south is very hot.
Perfect for cloudy days: Unlike Siam Park, Loro Parque works perfectly even if the day is not sunny. In fact, some animals are more active in cooler temperatures.
What you need to know.
The journey from Costa Adeje takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. You can go by hire car or use the free bus service offered by the park from the south (check timetables, as they may change depending on the season).
The shows have fixed times, so plan your visit around them. We recommend arriving when it opens to make the most of the day.
Must-sees at Loro Parque.
Planet Penguin: Europe’s largest penguin enclosure, with tons of real snow every day.
Katandra Treetops: Walk among parrots flying freely around you.
Orca show: Impressive, although controversial for some visitors.
AquaViva: A mesmerising jellyfish exhibit that enchants children and adults alike.
Siam Park: Adrenaline and water fun.
Advantages for families.
Unbeatable proximity: From the Hotel Villa Adeje Beach you are less than 10 minutes away. You can return to the hotel at midday if the children need a nap and then go back to the park afterwards.
The best water park in the world: Siam Park has won this title multiple times for its innovative attractions, spectacular design and safety standards.
Something for every age: From the ‘Sawasdee’ baby area with gentle jets to extreme slides such as the Tower of Power or the Singha. Teenagers and adults will never get bored.
Mai Thai River: The longest lazy river in Europe. Perfect for relaxing while older children try out more intense slides. The whole family can meet up here between attractions.
What you need to know
Footwear required: You will need water shoes or sandals. They are sold in the park but are expensive, so it is better to bring them from home.
The sun is very strong: Bring high factor sunscreen and reapply it regularly. There are shaded areas but you will spend a lot of time in the sun.
Best between May and October: Although it is open all year round, you will enjoy it more in good weather. In winter, the water is heated, but it can be chilly when you get out of the pools.
Premium services: You can rent cabins (expensive but worth it if you have a large family), lockers and towels. There are also fast-passes to avoid queues.
Must-sees at Siam Park
Wave Palace: The world’s largest wave pool with waves up to 3 metres high.
The Dragon: Family slide where you can ride together on a large float.
Lost City: Children’s area with a castle, small slides and buckets that fill up and tip over.
Floating Market: For delicious (though not cheap) Thai food.
Our personal recommendation.
For a first visit to Tenerife with young children (3-8 years old): Loro Parque early in the morning, a complete, magical and educational experience.
For families with children aged 6+ in summer: Siam Park without a doubt. Its proximity to our hotel makes it perfect, and the water experience is second to none.
Frequently asked questions.
Can I bring food?
Loro Parque: Not permitted.
Siam Park: Not permitted either, but restrictions are less strict for children’s snacks.
Are there discounts for children? Yes, in both parks children aged 3-11 pay less. Children under 3 enter free of charge.
Are they adapted for people with reduced mobility? Both parks are well adapted with ramps and access points, although some areas of Loro Parque (due to its more uneven terrain) can be more challenging.
When are there fewer people? At both parks: first thing in the morning or during the low season (November-March, excluding Christmas). Tuesdays and Wednesdays are usually quieter than weekends.