Yr-round sunshine, a family-friendly welcome and an opportunity of camels? With so many issues to do in Gran Canaria with children, the Canary Islands are at all times considered one of my favorite household journey locations – my daughter’s very first journey was to Lanzarote, which I’ve visited repeatedly together with Tenerife.
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Overlook the old school popularity of high-rise inns and towels on the loungers at daybreak – there are at all times way more issues to do within the Canary Islands than sunbathe (although loads of that too). Staying close to Maspalomas, we explored as far west as Puerto Mogan, past Puerto Rico, north to Arucas and headed into the mountains.
So in the event you’re questioning what to do in Gran Canaria, listed below are my prime 21 options, together with concepts in the event you’re visiting Gran Canaria with a toddler.
The seashores
With 60km of shoreline, there are way more seashores to find than you may attempt in a single vacation (though it’s a enjoyable problem to tackle). Mainly, you’ll be spoiled for alternative, so don’t overlook to pack a bucket and spade.
It’s value understanding that nudist sunbathing for adults is widespread however normally restricted to sure areas, notably one stretch close to Maspalomas – one other stretch right here is aimed toward households.
Maspalomas
One of the vital well-known stretches of sand on the entire island, Maspalomas isn’t solely a seaside, it’s a desert too with these well-known golden sand dunes.
While you’re performed pretending to be misplaced within the Sahara, there are lifeguards and solar loungers to rent on the seaside itself, in addition to locations to get snacks (although be warned, no public bogs) – to not point out an enormous quantity of room to unfold out and construct sandcastles.
You can too take a stroll right down to the lighthouse in the event you’re trying to burn off some extra ice cream vitality.
Playa de Las Canteras
This metropolis seaside is thought for its sandcastle sculptors, but it surely’s obtained a superb declare to be the perfect seaside in Gran Canaria for households.
When you’re visiting Gran Canaria with toddlers and little ones, there’s calmer water on the north finish, in addition to loads of golden sand to play in. When you’ve obtained older children, tweens and youths, there are greater waves on the south finish for wannabe surfers.
Plus loads of locations to purchase an ice cream, loungers and seaside umbrellas to lease, lifeguards, bogs and showers, to not point out an enormous stretch of seaside so there’s room to unfold out. The central part is taken into account probably the most household pleasant.
Playa de Amadores
One among my very own favorite south coast seashores, with extremely clear water – and whereas the title means lovers’ seaside, it’s good for households as effectively.
The water is kind of shallow and calm near shore, so it’s nice for little ones to paddle in – my daughter beloved splashing about within the waves aged two.
There are additionally loads of loungers and umbrellas to lease across the curve of the seaside too, in addition to a complete string of locations to eat and (paid) bogs to make use of. When you fancy one thing extra energetic than simply lounging, you can even rent pedalos to get out onto the water.
Anfi
One other white sand, turquoise water nook of Gran Canaria that’s nice for households – it’s just a little extra effort to get to than Amadores, however there are lifts at Anfi Resort in the event you don’t need to stroll up and down the hill with all of your seaside necessities.
There are calm waters right here too, due to the breakwater, and in the event you really feel such as you’ve been transported to the Caribbean, there’s a superb motive for that – the white sand was initially imported from the Bahamas with a number of palm timber to finish the impact.
There’s just a little kiosk right here to get the necessities (together with ice cream and low), and there are bogs close by as effectively. You can too discover some watersports on the seaside, together with pedalo and stand-up paddleboard rent.
Puerto de Mogan
Whether or not you go to the seaside or not, you shouldn’t miss a day trip in Puerto de Mogan, which is among the prettiest locations on Gran Canaria.
However it’s very simple to mix exploring with a go to to the seaside, which is a shell’s throw from the marina and whitewashed streets. Whereas it’s not the island’s largest seaside, you’ll discover lifeguards, in addition to bogs close by, plus the standard loungers and parasols. There are pedalos to rent, and loads of locations to eat within the close by marina.
Parking is proscribed, however you can even arrive by boat, utilizing the little water taxi which hops alongside this a part of the coast as we did.
Puerto Rico seaside, between Puerto de Mogan and Amadores, is one other pretty household seaside – it’s exhausting to go mistaken wherever alongside this entire stretch of coast!
Arguineguin
When you’re on the lookout for a change from the golden seashores and powder white stretches of sand alongside the coast, the darker sand of Arguineguin seaside makes it a extra memorable place to place your towel.
Whereas it’s not the longest seaside on the island, the darkish sand and massive rocks imply it’s properly dramatic, whilst you’ve obtained the close by city’s previous quarter simply behind, with loads of locations to eat. Higher for older children who would possibly fancy mixing city and sea, but it surely’s additionally a great place in the event you’ve obtained youthful youngsters who simply need some seaside proper now.
Pozo Izquierdo
Positively an possibility for older children, the surf and wind at Pozo Izquierdo make it a world-class windsurfing vacation spot, in addition to a preferred place to surf.
When you’re not tempted to tackle the situations, it does imply there’s at all times lots to see right here as effectively, if you wish to watch from shore. There are additionally windsurfing classes and retailers in the event you’re trying to be taught or need to brush up your expertise although.
Close to Vecindario, it’s just a little approach east up the coast from Maspalomas.
San Agustin
This family-friendly seaside in Gran Canaria has been known as Playa del Ingles in miniature, and whilst you’ve obtained loads of house and amenities, it’s much less touristy than Playa del Ingles itself.
The sand is a darker, virtually reddish gold right here as effectively, whereas the waves make it higher for older children than toddlers – there’s additionally a play space by one of many eating places simply off the sand.
It’s simple to park close by as effectively, which isn’t at all times the case across the island, with free parking and loads of buses from Maspalomas.
Pasito Bea
One of many quietest seashores in Gran Canaria, it’s also called girls’s seaside, or Playa de las Mujeres – though anybody can go to now. The nickname dates from the times when the land right here was used to develop tomatoes, and the ladies who labored within the fields would come right here to wash.
It’s a small seaside, however tempting for the superb turquoise color of the ocean (and the prospect to get pleasure from a little bit of peace and quiet). It’s one to go to when the climate is nice although, because the water is calm and heat, though there’s an undercurrent when the seas are rougher so bear in mind with youthful and smaller children specifically.
The west finish of the seaside is for nudists however you’ll discover loads of folks swimming with their costumes on. There aren’t any amenities right here both, and there’s a 10-minute stroll from the street which is pedestrian-only – you may park on the street, or buses going between Maspalomas and Arguineguin will cease (ask the drive) – so another excuse why it’s higher with older children than toddlers.
Dolphin/whale-watching boat journeys
Round a 3rd of the world’s whales and dolphins may be seen swimming off the coast of the Canary Islands and several other corporations run journeys to identify them, like this whale-watching boat tour. Lasting two and a half hours, it’s appropriate for all ages, though realistically I’d suggest it as one of many actions in Gran Canaria that’s greatest for older youngsters.
For an extended journey, this dolphin watch cruise with snorkeling contains an opportunity to identify whales in the course of the catamaran journey, whereas this dolphin and whale watching cruise guarantees a 97% success fee in relation to recognizing wildlife.
Most whale watching journeys go away from Puerto Rico, though this four-hour dolphin recognizing boat journey leaves from Puerto de Mogan, and is for small teams solely.
Boat journeys round Gran Canaria
When you’d like to get out on the ocean round Gran Canaria with children however aren’t as fussed about recognizing dolphins and whales, there are nonetheless loads of choices.
This boat journey from Puerto Mogan contains an opportunity to snorkel at El Perchel, in addition to some improbable views of the cliffs. The family-friendly journey lasts three hours and contains lunch.
There are extra water sports activities throughout this half-day boat tour of Gran Canaria, with foods and drinks included, an opportunity to snorkel and an non-obligatory speedboat experience, plus the prospect so as to add on all the pieces from a donut to a jetski experience.
Or go for a half-day catamaran cruise with pick-up from some places within the south of Gran Canaria, plus snorkeling, SUP paddleboards and kayaking, with lunch and drinks.
When you’d like a ship journey various, water taxis/ferries run alongside the south of the island, from fairly Puerto Mogan to Arguineguín, together with half-hour hops like our journey. Beneath fives experience free.
Take a look at our expertise and extra concepts of issues to do in Puerto Mogan.
Take a submarine tour
In addition to boat excursions above the waves, you may head down beneath the ocean on a submarine tour from Puerto Mogan, appropriate for youths aged 2+.
In addition to the prospect to see fish and marine vegetation, you can even spot shipwrecks from the home windows of the Golden Shark submarine.
Heading right down to 25 metres, it’s a singular likelihood to find life beneath the Atlantic Ocean, spending round 40 minutes beneath water. Departs from Puerto de Mogan.
Poema del Mar aquarium
When you’d like to find among the world’s undersea wonders with out getting moist, then the Poema del Mar aquarium, set on the waterfront within the island’s capital Las Palmas is ideal.
Divided into a number of completely different zones – together with deep ocean, reef and jungle – you may uncover 35 separate ecosystems, together with native Canary Islands species.
However there’s additionally the prospect to get a style of the Amazon jungle and dive right down to the darkish waters of the deepest ocean throughout your go to.
Purchase skip-the-line tickets with free cancellation right here
Aqualand water park
There are a number of water parks in Gran Canaria however Aqualand in Maspalomas is a good possibility because it has completely different areas for various ages, in addition to being the biggest water park in Gran Canaria.
There are a number of separate areas aimed toward children, together with one for the youngest, sealions to identify and big water slides for extra adventurous youngsters. In whole, there are over 40 slides, in addition to a water labyrinth to find.
Beneath threes, or these beneath 90cm, get free entry and in addition to particular person tickets with free cancellation, you may get joint entry with Palmitos Park in the event you e book direct.
Take a look at my evaluate of our day at Aqualand – there may be additionally a second water park close to Puerto de Mogan, known as Lago Taurito
Palmitos Park
Residence to the most important butterfly venue in Europe, Palmitos Park can be well-known for its unique birds in addition to a string of various species of animals from orang-utans to komodo dragons.
It’s value understanding that the Palmitos Park web site additionally has a dolphinarium with three swimming pools of round 3,000 metres sq. containing over 4 million litres of water – and 5 dolphins.
Whereas it’s an added attraction for some households, others will favor to keep away from wherever with dolphins in captivity and it’s not one thing I personally suggest – you may go to and keep away from this space although.
Particular person tickets with free cancellation can be found, or you may get a joint ticket to this zoo and dolphinarium with Aqualand.
Learn extra about our go to to Palmitos Park with a toddler
Camel safari
Within the protected dunes of Maspalomas, you may solely journey by foot or by camel, and 65 dromedaries give rides and excursions throughout the sand.
Kids beneath three can share camels with their dad and mom (though I’m unsure I’d suggest a camel experience with toddlers), whereas the journeys final round half an hour. Ebook tickets with free cancellation right here
Longer choices, reminiscent of this camel experience via the Oasis of the 1000 Palms and separate donkey treks are additionally an possibility on the island.
Simply probably the most uncommon issues to do in Maspalomas, click on right here to see what I believed.
Indignant Birds Exercise Park
This big playground in Puerto Rico has all the pieces from climbing frames to zip wires, go karts and scooters – greater than 20 points of interest in all.
There’s lots for various ages (or adrenaline thrills) so you may bounce on trampolines or fly on the large swing, play mini golf or apply parkour, plus there’s even an LED wall to assist hone your soccer expertise.
Finest for pre-teens. Keep in mind that whereas there’s lots to entertain pre-schoolers, it could get very popular in the course of the day.
Get a small low cost in the event you e book via my hyperlink utilizing the code MUMMYTRAVELS6
Parque de los cocodrilo
The Cocodrilo Park is residence to rescued wild animals, together with round 300 crocodiles making it the largest assortment in Europe.
However you can even spot all the pieces from monkeys to meerkats, plus turtles, lizards, llamas, birds and extra, with 500 completely different animals on the zoo.
Entrance charges go towarwds supporting the inhabitants, which additionally at the moment features a household of Bengal tigers.
Purchase tickets with free cancellation right here.
Sioux Metropolis Park
A recreation of the Wild West close to Maspalomas, Sioux Metropolis is a barely surprising slice of America within the Canary Islands.
Created within the 70s as a filming location for westerns, this typical Previous West city features a ranch, financial institution and saloon, so you may work together with the sheriff and townspeople – plus various outlaws.
You possibly can even saddle up within the land of horses, or simply be careful for the gunfights because the sheriff takes on financial institution robbers.
Don’t anticipate considered one of your conventional theme parks, however nonetheless a enjoyable day for youths – anticipate gunfights, sheriffs and barbecue.
Get a small low cost in the event you e book via my hyperlink utilizing the code MUMMYTRAVELS6
Metropolis sightseeing bus tour of Las Palmas
The normal metropolis hop-on, hop-off bus tour takes you round Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, the islands’ largest metropolis. It’s an open prime double-decker bus, with a single route lasting round 90 minutes.
When you’re staying in or close to town, it’s a great way to get your bearings, in addition to taking you between among the principal points of interest together with Vegueta, the capital’s previous city and Parque Santa Catalina the place you’ll discover the Elder Science Museum.
It can additionally drop you at Las Canteras seaside if you would like a while by the ocean after sightseeing.
Botanical Gardens, Las Palmas
Quiet and peaceable, with loads of shade, I really like a wander round botanic gardens, particularly once I’m travelling with a toddler.
This one is residence to round 500 completely different plans from the islands in addition to the Azores, Madeira and Cape Verde.
It’s round a 20-minute drive from Las Palmas and Arucas, or round 20 minutes from the airport really easy to mix with one other cease on a day trip in Gran Canaria with children.
Mini Tren, Playa del Ingles
One other important for household journey in Spain with youthful children, I adored pootling round on these mini trains on household holidays once I was little myself.
The quick journey round Playa del Ingles gained’t take lengthy – round 45 minutes – so it’s most likely greatest for pre-schoolers, however a enjoyable various to strolling within the solar. Decide it up on the Avenida de Italia.
Vacation World Amusement Park
Vacation World Maspalomas, near Gran Canaria’s largest vacationer resorts, is an amusement park with ferris wheel, bumper automobiles and a rollercoaster in addition to bowling, pony driving and System 1 simulator. All in all, there are greater than 30 points of interest to find.
You should buy tickets with fast-track admission right here – the earlier system which allowed you to purchase factors for the assorted points of interest just isn’t now obtainable, however this provides you entry to all the pieces, together with the kids’s Park with 10 completely different play areas.
There are top restrictions, with some rides not appropriate for youths beneath 120cm or for pregnant girls.
Play mini golf
Mini golf is at all times a winner with my daughter and there are a number of mini golf programs to select from throughout Gran Canaria, together with a number of round Playa del Ingles.
There’s an 18-hole course at Minigolf Taidia, with completely different challenges to attempt alongside the best way. Or try the three programs, Yumbo, Atlantico and Maritim, all in the identical mini golf group, set in purchasing centres round Playa del Ingles.
When you’re staying within the south west, Mini Golf Neptuno, a brief drive from Amadores seaside, is one other good possibility.
Tejeda Nationwide Park
Within the mountainous centre of the island, Tejeda is one kilometre above sea degree, with its highest peak of Mount Las Nieves virtually one other 1,000m greater.
Finest for older youngsters as you’ll must drive to get there, however the surroundings is gorgeous and also you’ll move mountain villages to discover – and presumably some very hardcore cyclists on the best way up.
There’s an enormous caldera on the coronary heart, which sends rainwater from the cente of the island out via the mountainous ravines to the ocean.
Mundo Aborigen
This reconstructed village reveals how the unique Canarian islanders, the Guanche, would have lived. You’ll discover figures dotted round to explain scenes of on a regular basis life – some somewhat gory, together with a convict being executed – plus a small archaeological museum.
On the street to Fataga, Mundo Aborigen additionally overlooks the Barranco de Fataga gorge if you would like concepts of issues to see in Gran Canaria as you drive round.
Guayadeque Nationwide Park
One of many strongholds of the island’s authentic inhabitants, Guayadeque is one other fascinating a part of the island to find some historical past and improbable surroundings.
Often known as the village of the caves, the pure caverns have been transformed into homes, in addition to a church and in a single case a restaurant, Restaurante Tagoror, the place tables and chairs are carved from oak timber.
The customer centre offers some extra info on the realm, in addition to tips about the place to stroll if you wish to uncover extra of the island’s mountain surroundings.
Get a style of life and lunch with our day trip within the mountains
Museo Elder de la Ciencia y la Tecnología
The Elder Museum of Science and Know-how is a good possibility if you end up on the lookout for issues to do in Gran Canaria within the rain – or have children who love science.
Set in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, within the north, the interactive shows function all the pieces from a nineteenth century practice to a fighter jet, and children are inspired to get fingers on with the interactive reveals – in actual fact you’ll spot notices warning everybody that it’s forbidden not to the touch!
In addition to a planetarium, the completely different collections are themed round all of the sciences, together with physics, geology, biology, know-how, maths and drugs.
Casa De Colon, Las Palmas
Casa de Colon or Columbus Home in Las Palmas was residence to one of many first governors of Gran Canaria, and Christopher Columbus stayed right here on his technique to the New World – therefore its title.
With exhibitions on the explorer’s visits to the islands, it’s nice for youths who love (or are learning) this era of historical past.
It’s a simple one to suit right into a day trip in Las Palmas, together with the Elder Museum and the open-top bus tour. You can too e book strolling excursions of Las Palmas which go to Casa De Colon.
For extra inspiration on issues to do in Gran Canaria with children, try my information to Gran Canaria with youngsters and my information to the Canary Islands with children
*First revealed 2016, up to date 2024*
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Disclosure: This put up accommodates affiliate hyperlinks – any purchases you make are unaffected however I could obtain a small fee. All opinions on the perfect issues to do in Gran Canaria with children are my very own
Photos: Palmitos Park/Amadores seaside/Puerto Mogan seaside copyright MummyTravels, all others courtesy Depositphotos.