When most people think of Tenerife, they picture endless beaches and all-inclusive resorts. But during our recent family trip with our 8 and 10-year-old, we discovered something far more exciting: this Canary Island is an adventure playground that keeps active families constantly engaged.
A Natural Adventure Park
Tenerife’s dramatic landscape offers something rare—genuine outdoor adventures suitable for children. The island’s diverse terrain means families can hike through ancient laurel forests in the morning and explore volcanic landscapes in the afternoon. We used the Tenerife Hiking ebook from theonly.guide to navigate trails ranging from easy coastal walks to more challenging mountain paths. The variety kept both kids excited throughout our stay, with each trail offering completely different scenery and difficulty levels.
What surprised us most was how accessible these adventures are. Most trailheads have proper parking, clear signage, and facilities—crucial when traveling with children. The year-round mild climate means you’re not restricted to summer months, and the infrastructure genuinely supports families rather than just hardcore hikers.
More Than Just Walking
Beyond hiking, Tenerife delivers active experiences that appeal to different interests and energy levels. Water sports, adventure parks, cycling routes, and wildlife encounters create a diverse itinerary. For families wanting a comprehensive overview of what’s available, this detailed guide to the best attractions for kids in Tenerife breaks down options by age group and activity type—something we wish we’d found earlier in our planning process.
The mix of activities means every family member stays engaged. While our 10-year-old loved the challenging forest trails, our 8-year-old preferred the adventure parks and coastal paths. This flexibility is what makes Tenerife work so well for active families.
Choosing Your Base
One practical consideration we hadn’t initially thought through was location. The island’s north and south offer distinctly different experiences for active families. Comparing the north and south of Tenerife helped us understand that the greener north suits hiking enthusiasts, while the sunnier south works better if you want to mix activities with beach time. We split our stay between both areas, which maximized our adventure options.
Making It Work
Pack layers—mountain temperatures differ significantly from coastal areas. Start hikes early before midday heat, and always carry more water than you think necessary. Most importantly, let kids help choose activities. When children feel involved in planning, they’re far more enthusiastic about early morning starts and challenging trails.
Tenerife proved that family holidays don’t need to revolve around swimming pools and buffets. For families seeking genuine adventures without sacrificing comfort or safety, this island delivers an experience that keeps everyone talking long after returning home.
