Some recommendations for fun activities and kid-friendly accommodations in Tenerife.

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With its constant sunshine, low probability of rain, and pristine blue waters teeming with diverse sea creatures, Tenerife is an ideal destination for vacationers in search of a tranquil and rejuvenating experience.

This includes stressed-out parents who are eager for some sunshine, but unsure of how their young children will handle a long flight. The biggest of the Canary Islands is a four-hour flight away from London – with the guarantee of sunny weather upon arrival making up for endless snack demands, multiple trips to the restroom, and constant pleas to stop kicking the seats in front.

I was blessed with four children, all under the age of eight, and I knew that I would be outnumbered on the plane. My youngest, who was 16 months old, would surely want to walk up and down the aisle. However, I was also aware of the wonderful weather, ocean, and peaceful atmosphere that Tenerife offered. I had experienced this before when my oldest child was one, and I was able to relax and enjoy some winter sun. Each day, my eldest happily went to the hotel’s baby club, giving me three hours to rest on a lounger and allowing my husband, who loves triathlons, to explore the island and its volcanic terrain on his bike.

Explore the topic of traveling to the Canary Islands.

With my children now aged seven, six, three, and one, finding suitable childcare was a top priority. I invested a lot of time into researching hotels that not only had a kids club, but also a baby club (as some hotels only provide childcare for children over four years old). Another concern was swimming with four young children, so I aimed to find a hotel with a shallow pool for the toddlers to play in and possibly another pool for the older ones to enjoy diving. This was not an easy task.

Since we have been having children in quick succession for seven years, my husband and I are constantly lacking sleep. As a result, the party resorts of Los Cristianos and Las Americas in Tenerife do not hold much appeal for us. Instead, we chose to visit the quieter areas of Costa Adeje and Guia de Isora on the west coast of the island. These areas offer more peaceful beaches with calm waters and natural rock pools. They are also home to restaurants that serve traditional Canarian cuisine and fresh seafood, rather than the typical English breakfasts and Irish pubs found in other parts of Tenerife.

Overall, this was exactly what a family of six needed to get away from the winter in the UK.

Located at the base of the renowned Mount Teide volcano in Tenerife, Gran Melia Palacio de Isaora provides a tranquil escape on the peaceful West coast. This five-star hotel offers relaxation for all individuals, regardless of age. Guests who enjoy swimming, diving, or lounging on giant flamingo-shaped floats will be delighted to learn that the hotel boasts the longest saltwater infinity pool in Europe, stretching 400 meters and encompassing the entire resort. From the pool, visitors can admire the seven restaurants, seven bars, and Clarins spa before deciding on their daily activities.

The baby club is designed for children between 8 months and 4 years old, while the mini club caters to kids aged 5 to 12. Both clubs offer a variety of daily activities such as arts and crafts, sports, and music. For added luxury, families can upgrade to Red Level, which includes access to a dedicated lounge where a family concierge will cater to their needs. This includes reserving sun loungers for six people together, securing tables at family-friendly restaurants, and arranging excursions and airport transfers. The lounge also offers complimentary snacks and drinks throughout the day, and guests can easily make requests via WhatsApp using a designated mobile number provided by the concierge.

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The calm and clear waters off the southwest coast of Tenerife are an ideal location for children to discover marine life. The Gran Melia Palacio de Isora has a PADI-registered scuba center, where children as young as eight can take courses and go on excursions. For younger children, there are life vests and masks available to borrow so they can see the diverse ecosystem beneath the ocean’s surface. Even at shallow depths, you can spot beautiful coral formations, as well as hidden octopuses and colorful sea anemones swaying in the gentle currents.

Siam water park is a must-do day out when you have kids. And if you stay in Costa Adeje or Guia de Isaora, it’s just 20 minutes by car. Designed as a Thai-inspired water kingdom, the park boasts a myriad of attractions suitable for all ages. Families can plunge into the excitement of towering water slides, meander through lazy rivers, or enjoy the gentle waves of the world’s largest artificial wave pool. After a day going up and down the slides in the sunshine, kids will sleep brilliantly.

Tickets for adults cost €42 and for children cost €30 when purchased on Siampark.net.

Reworded: Alcala beach, located in front of the Gran Melia Palacio De Isaora, boasts tranquil and shallow waters, making it a secure spot for children to frolic and enjoy. If you are unsure about the open ocean, there are two natural pools on the beach where kids can swim and be shielded from the stronger waves by volcanic rocks. The dark sand adds an interesting element for children who may only be used to golden beaches, and there are plenty of rocks to climb on and release extra energy.

The beach near Costa Adeje, Playa Fanabe, boasts of smooth volcanic sand and tranquil waters. There are many fun activities on the beach, such as beach volleyball and bouncing castles, that provide endless entertainment. The promenade is lined with family-friendly cafes and ice cream stands, so you can easily grab refreshments within five minutes.

Although often known for its abundance of restaurants that cater to English and Irish package tourists with fried food and burgers, the island also has many establishments that serve traditional Spanish and Mediterranean cuisine at reasonable prices.

Sauco in Guia de Isora is a popular choice for diners seeking a delicious meal of freshly-caught fish paired with affordable bottles of wine starting at 10 euros. The menu offers a variety of options for all tastes, including pizzas, pastas, and meat dishes for those who may not be enticed by the display of fresh fish at the counter. However, the seafood dishes are particularly exceptional, featuring succulent prawns, large mussels, and tender fish.

If you desire to acquaint the kids with traditional Canarian food, Las Goteras provides a laid-back atmosphere for dining and generous portions. These substantial servings will appease all appetites. The menu includes a variety of dishes such as rabbit stew, large pieces of chicken in creamy sauces, quail, and succulent steaks.

If your accommodation offers babysitting services, we suggest considering an early buffet for the children and then having a quiet dinner for two later on. Parents looking for a romantic dining experience can visit L’Olio at Gran Melia Palacio De Isaora, where they can enjoy freshly prepared pasta and succulent salted sea bass while admiring the sea view from the glass-fronted restaurant.

Tenerife isn’t famous for its shopping opportunities, so you won’t find shopping malls and retail parks. However, if you want to take a break from the beach to buy some local trinkets, kids will enjoy exploring the traditional market of Costa Adeje near the Playa de Fanabe beach. It runs on Thursdays and Saturdays from 9am to 2pm. Stalls sell everything from locally-made clothing and jewellery to souvenirs and artisan food.

Tenerife has a consistently mild and enjoyable climate, making it a desirable destination year-round. However, it is especially popular among tourists from the UK during the autumn and winter months. In October, the average temperature is 24C, while in January and February it reaches a maximum of 20C, making it an attractive choice for school holidays during half-term and Christmas.

Euros (€).

Spanish.

It is suggested to leave a gratuity of approximately 10%.

Tenerife shares the GMT timezone with England and Ireland, meaning there is no time difference.

London is four hours away.

For those who are daring, you can hike or bike up Mount Teide and enjoy a view of the island from above.

If you are traveling with a young child and do not want to bring a formula dispenser or car seat, Travel4Baby offers the option to rent necessary equipment such as Bugaboo and Yoyo double strollers. Simply pay in advance and your items will be delivered to your hotel room upon arrival.

Discover the top-rated hotels in Tenerife by reading further.

Source: independent.co.uk