CHILDREN’S ATTRACTIONS
1. Water Parks
Aqualand Maspalomas, Ctra Palmitos Park, km 3 • 928 14 05 25 • Open 10am–5pm daily (Jul & Aug: 10am–6pm) • Adm • www.aqualand.es/maspalomas
There are 33 slides at Aqualand Maspalomas, the largest water park on the island. There is a smaller water park in the southwestern resort of Taurito.
2. Palmitos Park
The Chamoriscan ravine provides a marvellous setting for this tropical paradise (see Palmitos Park), home to primates, reptiles and countless exotic birds. Regular shows feature parrots and enormous birds of prey. Other options include the aquarium, butterfly house and a large walk-through birdcage. The restaurant serves traditional Canarian food alongside more international offerings.
3. Sioux City Park, San Agustín
Spend a day in the Wild West and experience daring bank hold-ups, stampeding cattle and sudden shoot-outs. Friday night is barbecue night, when parents can enjoy the saloon and dancing girls, while the children are treated to a lasso show (see Sioux City Park).
4. Poema del Mar
Parcela C-2, Muelle Sanapú • 928 01 03 50 • Open 9am–6pm daily • Adm • www.poema-del-mar.com
This aquarium (see Poema del Mar, Las Palmas) is the perfect blend of education and entertainment. It is divided into three areas – Jungle, Reef and Deep Sea – and each area houses more than 350 species of flora and fauna. Kids will especially enjoy Deep Sea, which has the largest curved window in the world.
The unique Deep Sea exhibit at the Poema del Mar aquarium
5. Yellow Submarine, Puerto de Mogán
928 56 51 08 • Boats leave hourly 10am–5pm daily • Adm • www.atlantidasubmarine.com
Descend 25 m (82 ft) below the surface of the waves on a 45-minute journey that takes in a shipwreck and diverse marine life.
6. Angry Birds Activity Park
Avenida la Cornisa, 2, Puerto Rico • 928 15 39 76 • Open 10am–8pm Mon–Fri, 11am–9pm Fri–Sat • Adm
A theme park based on the popular video game, featuring an adventure playground with trampolines, mini go-karts, rides and arcade games. An ideal spot for younger children.
7. Cocodrilo Park, Corralillos
GC-104, Ctra Los Coralillos, km 5 • 928 78 47 25 • Open 10am–5pm Sun–Fri (parrot show: noon; crocodile feeding: 1pm) • Adm
Europe’s largest crocodile sanctuary is also a haven for other mistreated animals. There are over 300 crocodiles, tropical and Canarian fish, other reptiles, tarantulas, a parrot show and a family of tigers.
8. Hangar37
Ctra General del Sur km 45 (behind Gran Karting Club), Tarajalillo • 669 82 92 33 • Open 10am–8pm Sat–Mon, 3–8pm Tue–Fri • Adm
Airsoft combat in a realistic war zone with tanks, jeeps, aircraft and an assortment of tunnels and bunkers.
9. Gran Karting Club
Ctra General del Sur, km 46 • 928 15 71 90 • Open 11am–10pm daily • Adm • www.grankartingclub.es
Family fun with everything from mini cars for toddlers to pint-sized motorbikes and full-size go-karts.
10. Holiday World, Maspalomas
Avda Touroperador Tui • 928 73 04 98 • Open summer: 6–11pm Sun–Thu, 6pm–midnight Fri–Sat; winter: 5–11pm Sun–Thu, 5pm–midnight Fri–Sat • Adm
A funfair with carousels, bumper cars and a roller coaster that lights up the sky in the south of the island.
Lights of Holiday World, Maspalomas
TOP 10 TIPS FOR FAMILIES
1. Beaches
For a safer swim, head for the calm waters off the resorts of Las Canteras and Arguineguín.
Children playing on the beach
2. Sightseeing
Under-12s often get half-price entry, and children under the age of 5 go free. Ask about family tickets.
3. Sun
Use high-factor sunblock and keep kids out of the midday sun.
4. Noise
Canarians are incredibly tolerant of noise, so don’t worry about your kids getting rowdy – except in churches.
5. Car Hire
If you need a child or baby seat, book in advance, as smaller companies may have limited numbers available.
6. Escape the Resorts
As an alternative to resort attractions, consider horse riding in the mountains, or visiting the capital’s parks.
7. Boat Trips
The best options are glass-bottomed vessels or those that offer watersports.
8. Accommodation
An extra bed for a child under 12 is usually half price and a cot is usually gratis. Younger children often go free.
9. Restaurants
Canarians love children, although upmarket places may be wary of accepting them, especially in the evening. Children’s portions aren’t usually available.
10. Quiet Towns
Small town centres such as Teror, Firgas and Agüimes are virtually traffic-free, so you can feel safer about your children wandering around.
