Lanzarote’s miles of golden sandy beaches, dramatic volcanic landscapes and near-guaranteed sunshine make it one of the most reliable family holiday destinations in Europe. Whether you’re based in Puerto del Carmen, Playa Blanca or one of the island’s quieter resorts, there’s a great mix of activities and sights to keep both kids and adults entertained.
From water sports in the main resorts to exploring the black lava rock and silver mountain peaks of the interior, Lanzarote packs a lot into a small island. Here are some of the best things to do with kids in Lanzarote.
Things To Do With Kids in Lanzarote
#1. Have Watery Fun at Aqualava Water Park
Lanzarote’s only water park, Aqualava Water Park, is a whole lot more than just tubes, flumes and rapids: there’s the white-knuckle Kamikaze, racing slides, a wave pool and a designated splash area for smaller water babies.
As well as excitement in the water, there’s also bouncy castles, trampolines and even a paintball centre and adventure park, where kids of all ages can try go-karting or traversing rope bridges.
#2. Visit Fire Mountain
Southern Lanzarote is home to Timanfaya, an eight-kilometre national park with an otherworldly, rugged landscape of volcanic peaks and craters, the highest summit being Islote de Hilario, commonly known as ‘Fire Mountain’. Visitors can watch demonstrations showcasing the intense underground heat, including water being transformed into steaming geysers and brushwood bursting into flames before their very eyes.
Nearby are the lava vineyards of La Geria, where grown-ups can sample the regional fruity tipples before marvelling at the craggy Los Hervideros caverns, filled with bubbling seawater.
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#3. Explore Lava at Las Cuevas de los Verdes
Around 3,000 years ago, a volcano erupted from the Monte de la Carona, and the heat from its lava hollowed out the ground as it made its way over the land and down towards the sea. In its wake, it left Las Cuevas de los Verdes.
Otherwise known as the Green Caves, these are a series of underground tunnels winding beneath the northern tip of Lanzarote. Visitors can now walk through these hidden pathways and discover Lanzarote from the inside out.
#4. See Animals at Rancho Texas Splash & Animal Park
Indulge your inner cowboy and have a Wild West adventure at Rancho Texas Splash & Animal Park, a fun fusion of adventure playground and zoo. Kids get the chance to play in wigwams, paddle in kayaks and pan for gold, as well as visit a medicine man’s cave in the Indian Village.
Once you’ve conquered the frontier, check out the animals on display in the desert gardens, including white tigers, Texan pumas and armadillos. Don’t miss the up-close birds of prey display or the sea lion shows, where these clever animals perform tricks to the delight of the crowd.
#5. Visit the Outdoor Market in Teguise
The biggest and most famous outdoor market on the island is more than just a shopping opportunity, with Canarian dancers and panpipe bands giving this Sunday morning event in Teguise a lively, carnival atmosphere.
After wandering through the maze of stalls piled high with food, jewellery and handicrafts to haggle over, take a break at one of the many pavement food stalls and watch the world go by.
#6. Find Pirates!
Once the shopaholics have been satisfied, head to the Museo de la Pirateria in the Santa Barbara castle. The pirate museum offers a fascinating look at the sometimes brutal history of the pirates who patrolled — and often terrorised — the Canary coastline from the fifteenth century onwards.
No matter what your family’s interests are, or what age or how many children are in your group, there’s a host of activities to make your holiday in Lanzarote one to remember.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lanzarote a good holiday destination for families?
Yes. Lanzarote has been a popular family holiday destination since the 1970s, thanks to its warm climate, calm resort beaches and a good spread of family-friendly attractions alongside its dramatic volcanic scenery.
What is Timanfaya National Park?
Timanfaya is Lanzarote’s volcanic national park in the south of the island. It’s known for its rugged crater landscape and demonstrations showing the intense heat still present underground, including geysers created from water and flames from brushwood.
What are the Green Caves in Lanzarote?
Las Cuevas de los Verdes are underground volcanic tunnels formed by lava flow beneath the northern part of the island. Visitors can walk through sections of the tunnels as part of a guided visit.
What can kids do at Rancho Texas Park?
Rancho Texas Splash & Animal Park combines a Wild West-themed adventure area with an animal park, so children can enjoy activities like kayaking and gold panning alongside animal displays and shows.
Is the market in Teguise worth visiting with kids?
Yes, the Sunday market in Teguise is a popular family outing, with stalls, street food, music and dancing that make it feel more like a festival than a typical market.
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Over to you now — what’s your favourite thing to do with kids in Lanzarote? Share it with us in the comments below.
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