If you’re planning to travel to Gran Canaria with children, one thing’s certain: you’re going to have an amazing time! The island is a perfect family destination, combining relaxing beaches, theme parks, nature excursions and plenty of cultural activities. Whether you’re looking for fun and free things to do in Gran Canaria with kids or planning a five-day family holiday, here are 10 irresistible plans for all ages.
1. Holidayworld Maspalomas: fun guaranteed
We’ll start with the top plan for kids and grown-ups alike: Holidayworld Maspalomas, the only amusement park in the Canary Islands. Here you’ll find roller coasters, a Ferris wheel, bumper cars and classic rides that children love. But that’s not all – as it also offers a bowling alley, karaoke, escape rooms, a sports bar and a gourmet market featuring dishes from around the world. Live concerts and children’s areas make it the ideal spot for a full day of family fun.
2. Aqualand Maspalomas: slides and splashing
If you’re searching for fun activities for kids in Gran Canaria, a water park is always a hit. Aqualand Maspalomas, the island’s largest, features pools, giant slides and areas designed for younger children. It’s a refreshing option all year round since Gran Canaria enjoys an ideal climate at any time.
3. Palmitos Park: nature and wildlife
Another family favourite is Palmitos Park, a zoo and botanical garden in the south of the island. Here you can see dolphins, exotic birds, reptiles and tropical plants. It’s an educational and entertaining plan that fascinates little animal lovers.
4. Family beaches in the south
If you’re wondering which is the best area in Gran Canaria for families, the south always wins. We can’t help but recommend Playa del Inglés and Maspalomas Beach, where the impressive dunes meet the Atlantic Ocean. These beaches are perfect for building sandcastles, swimming and enjoying a worry-free day by the sea.
5. Discover Puerto de Mogán
Known as “Little Venice”, Puerto de Mogán is a charming coastal village full of canals, colourful flowers and pedestrian streets. It’s a peaceful plan for strolling, eating ice cream and showing children a more picturesque and relaxed side of the island.
6. Farms to visit with kids
For something different – educational yet fun – there are several farms to visit with children in Gran Canaria. These are places where kids can feed animals, learn how fruits and vegetables grow or simply enjoy direct contact with nature.
7. Elder Museum of science and technology
In Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, the Elder Museum is an ideal plan on cloudy days or families seeking an educational experience. Children can experiment, touch and learn through play with science and technology. The interactive exhibits include virtual reality experiences and a butterfly laboratory where you can observe the life cycle of the monarch butterfly.
8. Visit Las Palmas: Vegueta and Las Canteras beach
The capital, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, is also a popular choice for families. The historic district of Vegueta offers a glimpse into the island’s past, while Las Canteras Beach is perfect for a seaside day with all amenities nearby. On many Sundays, entry to museums such as Casa de Colón is free for visitors.
9. Family hiking routes
If nature is your thing, the island offers walking routes suitable for all ages. One of the most recommended is the trail to Roque Nublo, an iconic symbol of Gran Canaria. Reaching this natural monument as a family is an unforgettable experience that will stay in your memory forever.
10. Guayadeque Caves: history and nature for families
For an experience that mixes adventure and culture, a visit to the Guayadeque Caves restaurants is perfect. This impressive Guayadeque ravine hides ancient dwellings once used as homes and places of worship by the island’s early inhabitants. Today, some have been transformed into cave restaurants where you can enjoy local cuisine in a truly remarkable setting. A unique experience that lets children learn the island’s history while spending a day surrounded by nature.
As you can see, there are countless ways to enjoy Gran Canaria as a family, from amusement parks and beaches to museums and nature excursions. Whether you’re planning a beach day, a short weekend or a full week in the south, you’ll never run out of things to do.
And remember, if you want a complete experience full of nonstop fun for everyone, your first stop should be Holidayworld Maspalomas.