Family-friendly adventures in the Canary Islands

The volcanic Canary Islands are located in the eastern corner of the Atlantic Ocean. According to some, they are the Hawaii of Europe, and I don’t think that’s too far off. The sunny weather, beautiful beaches and perfect waves ensure the happiness of the people living there. Las Palmas in Gran Canaria is a picturesque Spanish city with plenty of family-friendly activities. Here are a few of our family’s favourites:

1. Kids' playgrounds

You can find kids’ playgrounds all over Las Palmas, catering to all age groups. Some are conveniently located on the beach, while others provide great places for your kids to run around without you having to stress about all the sand they’re eating. 

However, it's still essential to pay attention to your toddler, especially since some climbing walls and slides can be quite large. Many parks have separate areas for younger ones, although, our toddler was drawn to the challenge of climbing the highest walls and sliding down the biggest slides.

My advice is to choose a playground with shade and ensure you stay hydrated, especially as beachside playgrounds differ from what we're accustomed to in Finland, and it can get quite hot. We visited a different playground almost every day, which provided a great way to burn off our toddler's energy and enjoy a nap afterwards.

2. Natural swimming/tide pools 

During low tide, natural pools form around the island, offering a delightful swimming experience without waves. It’s definitely a nice experience for the whole family, and you won't have to worry about your kids ingesting sand.

A fantastic natural swimming pool is located on the western part of Gran Canary in a town called Agaete, approximately a 30-minute drive away from Las Palmas. There you can also enjoy a beautiful sunset, just make sure to check the tide.

Las Canteras, a long beach stretch located on the north-west side of Las Palmas, features a boardwalk full of restaurants and cafes.  The northern part of Las Canteras is sheltered by a reef, making it a safe area for swimming during low tide, as waves don’t break close to the shore.

3. Park Doramas 

Park Doramas, situated in the heart of Las Palmas, is a beautiful park filled with flowers, palm trees, fountains, and even a playground in the middle. Consider bringing some snacks to have a picnic in the picturesque scenery. We bought fresh fruit and smoothies from a nearby grocery store.

Our toddler was particularly fascinated by the fountains and the small turtles in them. On public holidays, the park attracts many local families, so plan your visit on a weekday to avoid crowds.

4. Aquarium 

Baby Shark, doo-doo, doo-doo, doo-doo… The aquarium in Las Palmas is undoubtedly worth a visit. We spent probably three hours there, admiring all the sea life. Luckily, there’s a cafe in the aquarium so we were able to fuel up. Visiting the aquarium is also an excellent activity for a rainy day.

Our family found the Poema Del Mar aquarium quite impressive. It has large shark tanks, reefs with crocodiles and alligators, and even some very small and colourful sea life. It’s an activity the whole family can enjoy for sure.  

5. Surfing and the beach 

If your kids are old enough and able to swim, I highly recommend hiring a surf coach and trying surfing. You can find rentals and surf at the south-western part of Las Canteras, where also the waves break best. If you’re like me and get cold easily, consider renting a wetsuit as well.  

The waves in Las Palmas are mellow, with a sandy bottom. The water is quite warm, so you won’t need a thick wetsuit. Of course, Las Canteras, is a major attraction in Las Palmas. Playing in the sand and building sandcastles is something our kids enjoyed. Our baby twins saw sand for the first time in their life.  

See also Jussi’s best tips for travelling with small children.