The best things to do in Gran Canaria with kids

Year-round sunshine, a family-friendly welcome and a chance of camels? With so many things to do in Gran Canaria with kids, the Canary Islands are always one of my favourite family travel destinations – my daughter’s very first trip was to Lanzarote, which I’ve visited repeatedly along with Tenerife.

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Forget the old-fashioned reputation of high-rise hotels and towels on the loungers at dawn – there are always far more things to do in the Canary Islands than sunbathe (though plenty of that too). Staying near Maspalomas, we explored as far west as Puerto Mogan, beyond Puerto Rico, north to Arucas and heaqded into the mountains.

So if you’re wondering what to do in Gran Canaria, here are my top 19 suggestions, including ideas if you’re visiting Gran Canaria with a toddler.

The beaches

With 60km of coastline, there are far more beaches to discover than you could try in one holiday (although it’s a fun challenge to take on).

From the golden sand dunes of Maspalomas to the black sand of Arguineguin, surfer and windsurfer favourite Pozo Izquierdo and Las Canteras city beach, known for its sandcastle sculptors, spots like San Agustin, which has been called Playa del Ingles in miniature and quieter coves such as Pasito Bea…

Basically, you’ll be spoiled for choice, so don’t forget to pack a bucket and spade.

It’s worth knowing that nudist sunbathing for adults is common but usually restricted to certain areas, particularly one stretch near Maspalomas – another stretch here is aimed at families.

Dolphin/whale-watching boat trips 

Around a third of the world’s whales and dolphins can be seen swimming off the coast here and several companies run trips to spot them, like this whale-watching boat tour. Lasting two to three hours, this is one of the activities in Gran Canaria that’s best for older children though.

If you’d like a boat trip alternative, water taxis/ferries run along the south coast, from pretty Puerto Mogan to Arguineguín, including half-hours hops like our trip. Under fives ride free.

Check out our experience and more ideas of things to do in Puerto Mogan.

Take a submarine tour

As well as boat tours above the waves, you can head down under the sea on a submarine tour from Puerto Mogan, suitable for kids aged 2+.

As well as the chance to see fish and marine vegetation, you can also spot shipwrecks from the windows of the Golden Shark submarine.

Heading down to 25 metres, it’s a unique chance to discover life under the Atlantic Ocean, spending around 40 minutes under water.

Poema del Mar aquarium

If you’d like to discover some of the world’s undersea wonders without getting wet, then the Poema del Mar aquarium, set on the waterfront in the capital Las Palmas is perfect.

Divided into several different zones – including deep ocean, reef and jungle – you can discover 35 separate ecosystems, including local Canary Islands species.

But there’s also the chance to get a taste of the Amazon jungle and dive down to the dark waters of the deepest ocean during your visit.

Buy skip-the-line tickets with free cancellation here

Aqualand water park

There are several water parks in Gran Canaria but Aqualand in Maspalomas is a great option as it has different areas for different ages.

There are several separate areas aimed at kids, including one for the youngest, sealions to spot and huge waterslides for more adventurous children.

Under threes, or those under 90cm, get free entry and as well as individual tickets with free cancellation, you can get joint entry with Palmitos Park if you book direct.

Check out my review of our day at Aqualand

Palmitos Park

Home to the biggest butterfly venue in Europe, Palmitos Park is also famous for its birds as well as animals from orang-utans to komodo dragons.

It’s worth knowing that the Palmitos Park site also has a dolphinarium with three pools of around 3,000m squared containing over four million litres of water – and five dolphins.

While it’s an added attraction for some families, others will prefer to avoid anywhere with dolphins in captivity and it’s not something I personally recommend – you can visit and avoid this area.

Individual tickets with free cancellation are available, or you can get a joint ticket to this zoo and dolphinarium with Aqualand.

Read more about our visit to Palmitos Park with a toddler

Camel safari

In the protected dunes of Maspalomas, you can only travel by foot or by camel, and 65 dromedaries give rides and tours across the sand.

Children under three can share camels with their parents (although I’m not sure I’d recommend a camel ride with toddlers), while the trips last around half an hour. Book tickets with free cancellation here

Longer options, such as this camel ride through the Oasis of the 1000 Palms and separate donkey treks are also an option on the island.

Easily one of the most unusual things to do in Maspalomas, click here to see what I thought.

Angry Birds Activity Park

This huge playground in Puerto Rico has everything from climbing frames to zip wires, go karts and scooters – more than 20 attractions in all.

There’s plenty for different ages (or adrenaline thrills) so you could bounce on trampolines or fly on the giant swing, play mini golf or practice parkour, plus there’s even an LED wall to help hone your football skills.

Best for pre-teens. Bear in mind that while there’s plenty to entertain pre-schoolers, it can get very hot in the middle of the day.

Get a small discount if you book through my link using the code MUMMYTRAVELS6

Parque de los cocodrilo

The Cocodrilo Park is home to rescued wild animals, including around 300 crocodiles making it the largest collection in Europe.

But you can also spot everything from monkeys to meerkats, plus turtles, lizards, llamas, birds and more, with 500 different animals at the zoo.

Entrance fees going to support the inhabitants, which also currently includes a family of Bengal tigers.

Buy tickets including a transfer with free cancellation here.

Sioux City Park

A recreation of the Wild West near Maspalomas, Sioux City is a slightly unexpected slice of America in the Canary Islands.

Created in the 70s as a filming location for westerns, this typical Old West town includes a ranch, bank and saloon, so you can interact with the sheriff and townspeople – plus more than a few outlaws.

You can even saddle up in the land of horses, or just watch out for the gunfights as the sheriff takes on bank robbers.

It’s not your traditional theme park, but still a fun day for kids – expect gunfights, sheriffs and barbecue.

Get a small discount if you book through my link using the code MUMMYTRAVELS6

City sightseeing bus tour of Las Palmas

The traditional city hop-on, hop-off bus tour takes you around Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, the islands’ largest city. It’s an open top double decker bus, with a single route lasting around 90 minutes.

If you’re staying in or near the city, it’s a good way to get your bearings, as well as taking you between some of the main attractions including Vegueta, the capital’s old town and Parque Santa Catalina where you’ll find the Elder Science Museum.

Botanic Gardens, Las Palmas

Quiet and peaceful, with plenty of shade, I love a wander around botanic gardens when I’m travelling with a toddler.

This one is home to around 500 different plans from the islands as well as the Azores, Madeira and Cape Verde.

It’s around a 20-minute drive from Las Palmas and Arucas, or around 20 minutes from the airport so easy to combine with another stop on a day out in Gran Canaria with kids.

Mini Tren, Playa del Ingles

Another essential for family travel in Spain with younger kids, I adored pootling around on these mini trains on family holidays when I was little myself.

The short trip around Playa del Ingles won’t take long – around 45 minutes – so it’s probably best for pre-schoolers, but a fun alternative to walking in the sun. Pick it up on the Avenida de Italia.

Holiday World Amusement Park

Holiday World Maspalomas, close to Gran Canaria’s biggest tourist resorts, is an amusement park with ferris wheel, bumper cars and a rollercoaster as well as bowling, pony riding and Formula 1 simulator.

You can buy tickets with fast-track admission here – the previous system which allowed you to buy points for the various attractions is not now available.

Tejeda National Park

In the mountainous centre of the island, Tejeda is 1km above sea level, with its highest peak almost another 1,000m higher.

Best for older children as you’ll need to drive to get there, but the scenery is beautiful and you’ll pass mountain villages to explore – and possibly some very hardcore cyclists on the way up.

Mundo Aborigen

A reconstructed village showing how the original Canarian islanders, the Guanche, would have lived, with figures dotted around to describe scenes of everyday life – some rather gory, including a convict being executed. There’s also a small archaeological museum.

On the road to Fataga, Mundo Aborigen also overlooks the Barranco de Fataga gorge if you want ideas of things to see in Gran Canaria as you drive around.

Guayadeque National Park

One of the strongholds of the island’s original inhabitants, Guayadeque is another fascinating part of the island to discover some history and fantastic scenery.

Known as the village of the caves, the natural caverns have been converted into houses, as well as a church and in one case a restaurant, Restaurante Tagoror, where tables and chairs are carved from oak trees.

The visitor centre gives some more information on the area, as well as tips on where to walk if you want to discover more of the island’s mountain scenery.

Get a taste of life and lunch with our day out in the mountains

Museo Elder de la Ciencia y la Tecnología

The Elder Museum of Science and Technology is a great option if you find yourself looking for things to do in Gran Canaria in the rain – or have kids who love science.

Set in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, in the north, the interactive displays feature everything from a 19th century train to a fighter jet, and kids are encouraged to touch all the exhibits – in fact you’ll spot notices warning everyone that it’s forbidden not to touch!

As well as a planetarium, the different collections are themed around all the sciences, including physics, geology, biology, technology, maths and medicine.

Casa De Colon, Las Palmas

Columbus House in Las Palmas was home to one of the first governors of Gran Canaria, and Christopher Columbus stayed here on his way to the New World – hence its name.

With exhibitions on the explorer’s visits to the islands, it’s great for kids who love (or are studying) this period of history.

It’s an easy one to fit into a day out in Las Palmas, along with the Elder Museum and the open-top bus tour.

For more inspiration on things to do in Gran Canaria with kids, check out my guide to Gran Canaria with children and my guide to the Canary Islands with kids

*First published 2016, updated 2023*

PIN FOR LATER: GRAN CANARIA WITH KIDS

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links – any purchases you make are unaffected but I may receive a small commission. All opinions on the best things to do in Gran Canaria with kids are my own

Images: Palmitos Park image copyright MummyTravels, all others courtesy Depositphotos.

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