Traveling to Tenerife with Kids — Family Guide

Tenerife Family Travel Guide: Practical Tips for Parents (Babies to Age 10)

EATING WITH KIDS

Most restaurants in tourist zones (Playa de las Américas, Los Cristianos, Santa Cruz) offer kids' menus with simple options like fried chicken, pasta, or pizza. High chairs are available at 60% of family-oriented restaurants (Peruvian & Italian chains like La Bodeguita are reliable), but not guaranteed at small tapas bars or traditional Canarian eateries. Always ask upon arrival. Kid-friendly local foods: mojama (cured tuna, served thin like prosciutto), gofio (toasted grain snacks, mixed with honey), and fresh fruit (mango, pineapple, bananas). For picky eaters: Supermarkets like Eroski, Mercadona, and Lidl stock familiar brands (Heinz, Gerber, Nestlé). La Taberna del Sabor in Playa de las Américas has a dedicated "kid zone" with simple meals. Avoid restaurants with no kids' menu – they often serve small portions of complex dishes (e.g., octopus). Skip tapas bars for dinner; they’re chaotic and unsuitable for young kids.

BABY SUPPLIES

Diapers/Formula/Baby Food: dm (in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Playa de las Américas), Rossmann (Santa Cruz, Las Palmas airport), and pharmacies (Farmacia) carry international brands (Pampers, MamyPoko, Similac, Gerber). Supermarkets (Mercadona, Eroski) have basic essentials (Pampers, Gerber) but limited variety. Expect international brands in resorts (Playa de las Américas, Los Cristianos) but not in rural areas like La Orotava. Formula is available, but brands like Enfamil may be hard to find; Similac is common. Baby food is sold in supermarkets (Gerber, Hipp) but lacks European organic options. Bring a month’s supply of specialty items (e.g., dairy-free formula) from home – they’re scarce outside big resorts.

BREASTFEEDING & BOTTLE FEEDING

Public breastfeeding is accepted but not common in traditional settings (e.g., restaurants, markets). Most large supermarkets (Mercadona, Eroski) have quiet "mother rooms" (check store signs). Airports (Tenerife North/South) have designated nursing rooms. Heating bottles at restaurants is rare – only 25% of tourist restaurants offer it (ask in advance). Carry a portable bottle warmer; many places won’t have hot water for bottles. Bottle-feeding is common, but never assume a restaurant will accommodate you – bring your own bottle and warming device.

STROLLER ACCESS

Resorts (Playa de las Américas, Los Cristianos): Wide, paved sidewalks; 90% of hotels/malls have elevators; strollers roll easily. Old Towns (Santa Cruz, La Laguna): Cobblestones are unstroller-friendly (60% of streets are uneven). Bring a lightweight umbrella stroller or infant carrier for these areas. Do NOT attempt strollers in historic La Orotava or Masca village – the paths are steep, narrow, and rocky. Public transport (buses) is stroller-accessible (most have space for one stroller), but avoid metro (there isn’t one) – buses are crowded. Car rentals are essential for exploring beyond resorts – taxis often won’t accommodate strollers.

FAMILY ACTIVITIES

1. Loro Parque (Güímar): Best for ages 2-12. World-class aquarium, dolphin shows, and animal encounters. Must-do – stroller-friendly, plenty of seating, and kid-focused exhibits. Entry: €49.50 (ages 3-11). *Skip if kids are under 2 – shows can be overwhelming.
2. Playa de las Teresitas Beach (Las Teresitas): Best for ages 1-8. Artificial golden sand, calm shallow water, and a dedicated beach park with playgrounds (Mercadona, Eroski). Safe for toddlers. *Skip if kids are under 1 – water is too shallow for babies.
3. Teide National Park (Volcanic Park): Best for ages 5-10. Stunning views, but avoid with toddlers – the paths are steep and windy. Take the cable car (Cable Telerferico) to the summit (€25) for stunning views without walking. *Skip if kids are under 5 – hiking is too strenuous.
4. Mini Mundo (Adeje): Best for ages 3-10. Miniature models of famous global landmarks (Eiffel Tower, Taj Mahal) in a garden setting. Low-key, with picnic areas. Perfect for tired kids after beach time. Entry: €15.50.
5. Parque de la Ciencia (Santa Cruz): Best for ages 4-10. Interactive science museum with hands-on exhibits. Has a dedicated kids’ section (ages 3-7). Free for kids under 3. *Skip if kids are under 3 – exhibits are too complex.

GETTING AROUND

Public Transport: Buses are cheap (€1.50) but not stroller-friendly (no space, crowded). Kids under 4 travel free on buses, but car seats are required for kids under 12 in taxis – most taxis won’t have them. Car rentals are the only practical option for families. Walkability: Resorts are walkable (paved, shaded), but avoid walking in old towns with strollers – cobblestones are a nightmare. Do NOT rely on walking for anything beyond the beachfront – distances are too great for tired toddlers.

HEALTH & SAFETY

Nearest Pediatric Care: Hospital Universitario Nuestra Señora de Candelaria (Santa Cruz de Tenerife) – 24/7 emergency care. Pharmacies (Farmacia) are open 24/7 in all resorts (look for farmacia signs). Tap water is drinkable in all tourist zones (Playa de las Américas, Los Cristianos, Santa Cruz), but avoid rural areas (e.g., La Orotava) – use bottled water there. Sun/Heat Precautions: UV index is extremely high (10+). Apply SPF 50+ every 2 hours – even on cloudy days. Hydrate constantly (bring

Plan Your Trip

🎫 Family Tickets — skip-the-line, kids often free
🎧 Family Audio Tours — kid-friendly self-guided walks
🎯 Family Activities on Klook
🏨 Family Hotels
🚕 Airport Transfer with Car Seats
🛡️ Family Travel Insurance
🚗 Rent a Car with Child Seat

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