Siam Park tips: Tenerife water park with kids

Like most kids, I used to love water parks when I was younger – and if you’re looking for the world’s best, it’s helpfully in the family-friendly destination of Tenerife, at Siam Park. A favourite for my family with its Thai theme, I’ve got plenty of Siam Park tips whether you’re visiting with kids or toddlers, or want to enjoy a few adrenaline thrills yourself.

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From the answer to whether you need water shoes to what the Siam Park rules are, not to mention where to find cheap Siam Park tickets, here are my top tips for visiting Siam Park Tenerife.

For more tips and inspiration, check out my guide to the Canary Islands with kids

What time does Siam Park open?

The park opens at 10am each day, and it’s well worth getting there early to be one of the first in and avoid the queues.

You can also buy Fast Track entry tickets to skip the line to get in, which can also be worth it at peak times – or find skip-the-line tickets with free cancellation here.

If you really want to make the most of your time, there are deluxe tickets including fast passes which let you skip every queue once you’re inside except for the Tower of Power.

Who is Siam Park best for?

There’s a range of Siam Park rides and slides which means there’s something for all ages at Siam Park.

If you’d prefer fairly gentle fun, check out the Siam Park children’s area The Lost City while if you want to get your heart racing, the faintly terrifying vertical drop Tower of Power is 28m high – where you’ll end up speeding along at up to 50mph and zooming through a tank of rays and sharks.

Plus plenty of choices in between – read on for details.

Siam Park rides: gentle options

If you want a relaxed day, or are looking for slides and rides with younger and less adventurous kids, check out the following.

Mai Thai River – the lazy river has some faster sections as well as slower ones, but it’s definitely a more laid-back experience, plus a relax area at the end.

Coco Beach – a gentler version of the main wave pool, Coco Beach has calmer artificial waves, and a white sand beach where they even promise the sand won’t stick to your skin. There are also lifeguards here.

Siam Beach and the Palace of Waves is still an option for families, especially if you have kids of different ages – read on for more details

Sawasdee – this children’s area has a mini version of The Dragon, one of the water park’s popular attractions, plus other smaller water slides set in a jungle. Includes a toddler area for kids under 4 with shallow pools and splash zones.

The Lost City – like a mini waterpark within a water park, there are 15 slides plus towers, bridges, waterfalls and more in this children’s area at Siam Park. It also has a pool for babies.

Naga Racer – suitable for kids over 1.1m tall, you can race your family on these slides

Jungle Snake – with the choice of going solo or in a pair (kids between 1.1m and 1.25m need to be accompanied) you could find yourself heading down open slides through the jungle or closed slides for a bit more adventure.

Sea Lion Island – one of the park’s attractions, rather than a ride, where you can watch Siam Park’s sea lions playing in the water.

Bodhi Trail – if you want a break from the water, this adventure in the trees takes you along bridges, past towers, through obstacles and nets, all surrounded by jungle-style vegetation.

Siam Park rides: more adventurous options

Siam Beach – the white sand beach is lined with loungers and stretches around the Palace of Waves wave pool, with a water temperature of 24C.

Wave Palace – the park’s famous wave pool, with the biggest artificial waves in the world. Some are up to 3m high but they’re smaller around the edges if you want to paddle. Or head to Coco Beach for a gentler version.

Mekong Rapids – for kids 1.1m tall and above, with up to four in the inflatable. It does get quite some speed up as you head down the slide – a great mix of adrenaline-fuelled and fun.

The Giant – for kids over 1.25m tall, ‘El Gigante’ has a fantasy adventure theme with a huge funnel section, where you’re shot out of the slide into a pool before falling down the plughole.

Kinnaree – another option for kids over 1.25m tall, this falls into Siam Park’s adrenaline category. The tubes seat four, so families can go down together, plus there’s a funnel before the final drop to a big wave.

Siam Park rides: for the brave

Patong Rapids – this one is also suitable for kids over 1.1m tall with several people allowed in the float. Expect twists and turns and being plunged into complete darkness, as well as reaching high speeds along the way.

The Dragon – there are four to a float again for this ride, only for those over 1.25m, including a totally vertical funnel for a heart-racing zero gravity sensation. If you’re not a group of four, you may share with others.

The Volcano – for those over 1.25m, the tubes seat four as you speed down a dark water slide before falling into a volcano for a laser light show. If you’re not a group of four, you may share with others.

Singha – Siam Park’s newest ride (for those over 1.25m), it promises to be a water rollercoaster rather than just a water slide – with 14 changes of direction, and falling at a rate of 18m per second. Needless to say, you’ll go fast!

The Tower of Power – you’ve got to be 14+ and at least 1.4m tall to go on the Tower of Power, so only for teens (or parents). Starting 28m high, you reach speeds of up to 80km per hour, finishing as you pass through an aquarium full of sharks and rays.

Are there height restrictions?

Yes, and these are strictly enforced for safety, so younger/shorter kids will be limited as to what they can enjoy.

Of the family attractions and slides, several are for a minimum height of 1.1m, a couple for 1.25m – see above for the full list.

If you’re visiting Siam Park with toddlers and younger kids, the Lost City and Sawasdee have no minimums, while there’s also no minimum for the wave pools at Coco Beach and Siam Beach.

If you’ve got a thrill seeker in the family, the minimum height to go on Tower of Power is 1.4m and it’s for 14 years + only. To check out the Siam Park height restrictions, visit their website and click on each individual ride for more details.

Is Siam Park suitable for kids?

Absolutely – you don’t have to be a thrill-seeker to have a great day at Siam Park with kids.

You can lounge on the white sand of Siam Beach with its large open-air pool, or family area Coco Beach, as well as cruising the Mai Thai river, floating down the lazy river in a huge inner tube soaking in the tropical surroundings.

If you fancy a little taste of adrenaline, there are slides and rides for kids over 1.1m so you’re not limited to splash zones once you’ve reached that height.

Or the Wave Palace pool has 42 different types of waves – although some are up to 3m so they get pretty big in the centre of the pool. For gentle waves, hang out around the edge.

There are lifejackets available at Siam Park as well, if you have kids who can’t swim or are new to swimming, just for peace of mind.

To really treat yourself for a family day out, you can book one of the VIP packages with your own private space and all-inclusive drinks and food (in selected bars) as well as floats. There are various options, including some with Balinese beds and fast passes also thrown in, as well as your own bathroom, some with minibar.

Is Siam Park suitable for toddlers?

You’ll find plenty to keep everyone entertained if you’re visiting Siam Park with toddlers, babies or younger children.

Sawasdee includes a toddler area for kids under 4 with shallow pools and splash zones, and there is a separate area for the youngest kids near Lost City, where parents can go in with little ones.

The main Lost City area has much shallower pools plus wooden walkways and a regular drenching from a water-filled monkey head but some areas are strictly for kids though, so parents can’t go on to help them.

It’s ideal if you have younger kids who are happy to go off alone, or older siblings to go in with them though (and you can keep an eye on kids from the loungers and the water) but not ideal for toddlers.

Coco Beach is a better wave pool option than the Palace of Waves if you’re visiting Siam Park with toddlers – the artificial waves here are much gentler than by Siam Beach, where the waves can go up to 3m high (although you can stay around the edge to paddle). Both have lovely white sand beaches too.

If your adventurous preschoolers are under 1.1m talle, it’s worth checking out the Siam Park rules on minimum heights as they’ll be limited when it comes to slides, although there’s still lots to keep them entertained.

What is there for adventurous kids at Siam Park?

If you’re worried about your children getting bored, there is still some kid-friendly adventure at Siam Park.

In the children’s area called Sawasdee, you’ll find a ‘water jungle’ with slides and racers. Here you’ve got the same style of attractions as for adults, including a version of The Dragon adapted for smaller kids.

The Naga Racer is suitable for kids over 1.1m and you can challenge your family, while those over 1.1m can try Jungle Snake (if accompanied by an adult).

And the Mekong Rapids is an option for kids 1.1m tall and above, which is definitely a more adrenaline-fuelled choice for kids who want to get their heart racing.

Can I picnic at Siam Park?

Previously you couldn’t bring your own food and drink in to the park (except for water), and bags were searched on entry (with any picnics held for collection or to be eaten outside).

Now you can bring your own food and drink with you, but you’ll be charged three Euros to store it, and you can only eat your lunch at the picnic area – be warned, it’s not big though.

If you’d rather not bother, there are various snack bars and restaurants, as well as shops in the Floating Market. Water can be pricy so it’s well worth bringing a bottle, while some tickets include a free burger as well.

If you’re looking for some sweet treats, the Tea House sells crepes, while Sweet Siam has cakes and ice cream. The Beach Bar and The Beach Club have food such as hotdogs, burgers, barbecue as well as Thai dishes.

There are some vegetarian options (though you may need to ask for a separate menu) though vegan choices are more limited.

Do you need water shoes?

It’s a huge park so expect a fair amount of walking as well as climbing a few big slopes to get to some of the bigger slides so some kind of footwear is essential.

The ground can get very hot, so you’re unlikely to be able to wander around barefoot for much of the year – especially if you’re visiting with kids.

But only water shoes can be worn on the rides. You can bring your own or buy Siam Park water shoes while you’re there – some local supermarkets will stock them, although the quality and price will vary.

You won’t be allowed with ordinary sandals or flipflops, so if you plan to wear these, you’ll need to leave those at the bottom and collect afterwards – and unfortunately they aren’t always safe.

More Siam Park tips: What else should I bring to Siam Park?

Don’t forget plenty of sun protection. The combination of nice cool water plus plenty to discover and the hot African sun means it’s very easy to get burned.

The park is designed so that you’ll be queuing in the shade as much as possible though, which is ideal if you’re visiting Siam Park with kids, but you can’t avoid the sun altogether.

Ultrasun is my favourite as the once-a-day formula means you don’t have to keep reapplying (although you may want to top up) and it doesn’t irritate sensitive skin. A rash vest is a good idea too, especially for younger kids.

Do consider your swimwear carefully as well – not just in terms of sun protection, but how it’s going to stand up to the faster rides. If you’re only lounging in the sun or on the lazy river, wear what you want, but otherwise flimsy bikinis might lead to a few red faces!

If you’re planning to bring a Go Pro or similar, you’ll need a chest strap or head strap (and you can’t have them on the Tower of Power at all). Don’t expect to be able to hold your Go Pro in your hand as you slide down (or your normal camera or phone, even in a waterproof case). You may be able to find some straps in the shops at the waterpark, but you’ll pay a premium.

Incidentally, you can’t wear your glasses or sunglasses on the faster slides and rides either. If you’ve got contact lenses, you won’t be allowed to wear goggles (or prescription goggles if you have them)

Some tickets will include a towel as well – if not, you’ll want one of those… You can hire them at Siam Park, or just bring your own.

Bring cash for the lockers. It’s 3 Euros for a small one, 5 Euros for a bigger one and you can leave everything, including towels there – unless you have someone keeping an eye on all your belongings by some loungers or in your private cabana.

You won’t be able to pop back every five minutes (it’s a big water park) so that bear in mind when you’re deciding what to bring with you. If you do want to be able to keep some essentials with you, bring a waterproof pouch which goes securely round your waist.

Don’t plan to leave things in your car, if you’re driving – if you leave the water park, you won’t be allowed back in.

Do I really need a fast pass?

It depends when you’re visiting – in peak season, Siam Park gets very busy, so unless you’re prepared to spend a lot of your time queueing, they’re worth having.

The water park is busier in the afternoon, so you may want to wait in the shorter queues in the morning, then save the fast pass for later in the day when waits can be as long as an hour.

Bear in mind that the standard fast pass can only be used once per ride or slide (plus one bonus extra), so you can’t just jump the queue for your favourite over and over again. Plus it’s not an option for Tower of Power, so it’s well worth going there early on if it’s on your list.

Some of the VIP tickets include an unlimited fast pass, other tickets include the standard fast pass or you can buy a fast pass on arrival (there are limited numbers available).

If you’re visiting with younger kids, you’ll be restricted to the rides you can go on, so if you’re going to be hanging out by the wave pool and lazy river all day, it’s not worth it.

And if you get there before opening to be one of the first in, you can often fit in a few rides before the first shuttle bus turns up and the park fills up if you want to cram them in then just relax.

Can I skip the entry queues without paying extra?

Actually, yes. Get the combined ticket for Siam Park and Loro Park Zoo – if you visit the animal park first, you can flash your ticket to get straight in to the water park.

If you’ve bought yours directly from Siam Park, there’s also a separate line to go in – other websites may get checked separately.

Don’t try to do both attractions on the same day though, Loro Parque is at the opposite end of the island from Siam Park.

You can also buy combined tickets from AttractionTickets.com

How to get to Siam Park water park?

Siam Park is in Costa Adeje on the south coast, just outside Playa de las Americas and Los Cristianos. There’s some parking available, which costs 7 Euros.

If you don’t have a car, there’s a free shuttle from the three nearby areas of Los Cristianos, Playa de las Americas and Fanabe every hour, although these quickly get full in peak season – the earliest bus will also get you there around 10.30am, after the park opens.

Bear in mind that there are no buses at lunchtime, from 13.30 to 15.30, while the last bus heads back at 18.00 and is – unsurprisingly – busy.

Consider a taxi if you want to get there ahead of the crowds – from Playa de las Americas, you can expect to pay 5-8 Euros.

There are also buses which leave from other locations around the island including Los Gigantes but these aren’t free. You need to buy a ticket from the Siam Park website to use these and reserve in advance.

How much does Siam Park cost?

Tickets cost from 42 Euros for adults (around 45 Euros at peak times), from 30 Euros for children aged three to 11 (under-threes are free).

A twin ticket costs from 74 Euros for adults, 53 for children, as well as options including transport.

You can also find cheap tickets to Siam Park online, so it’s worth keeping an eye out for discounts and park offers on sites like AttractionTickets.com,  Attractiontix, Get Your Guide and tiqets (with a small discount if you book through my link).

For more things to do in Tenerife with kids, from theme park ideas to family attractions, check out my pick of the days out.

**First published 2016, updated 2023**

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links – any purchase you make is unaffected but I may receive a small commission. All tips for visiting Siam Park with kids are my own

Lost City image courtesy Picfair, all other images courtesy Depositphotos

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