The positioning of my daughter’s first abroad vacation – and someplace we’ve visited repeatedly since – the combination of issues to see in Lanzarote with children and the dramatic lava-blasted panorama makes it maybe my favorite island in the Canary Islands.
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And whether or not you’re visiting with a child or a toddler, as I’ve achieved, or with older children who’re in search of extra lively pleasure, you’ll get the same old heat Spanish welcome in Lanzarote for households.
So should you’re planning any Lanzarote household holidays, take a look at my high issues to do in Lanzarote with children, together with a number of the greatest family-friendly actions for all ages.
Go to Timanfaya Nationwide Park
In the event you solely get off your sunlounger to do one factor, make it this. I’m eternally fascinated by volcanoes, however everybody from toddlers to youngsters might be mesmerised by this lava-blasted panorama, created in eruptions almost 300 years in the past.
The magma underneath the floor remains to be so sizzling, it turns water into steam in seconds – guides commonly show the trick and I by no means become bored with watching the sudden eruption of mist.
Greatest to do with older preschoolers and up, to understand a few of what you’re seeing or with a child (at three months, my daughter was joyful to snooze and gaze out of the window).
There are paths to wander and you’re required to hitch the coach tour to discover additional, so it’s potential with toddlers however not fairly as simple.
You possibly can go to independently, purchase a ticket that features lodge pick-up or there are a number of day excursions together with entry to Timanfaya.
Questioning what to do in Lanzarote with a child? Take a look at my evaluation of our go to to Timanfaya with a child…
Wine tasting in La Geria
Whenever you consider a valley dotted with vineyards, you’re unlikely to image La Geria. However Lanzarote has a flourishing wine trade that dates again centuries, with excursions and tastings as effectively.
Enterprise down into the cellars with their big barrels stacked to 1 aspect, earlier than taking a look at the distinctive sight of inexperienced shoots of vines in opposition to the black volcanic earth, all surrounded by a protecting horseshoe of rocks.
Many vineyards have eating places if you wish to mix wine tasting with lunch – Bodega Stratvs has its personal cheese as effectively. El Grifo is the oldest, whereas I’ve additionally visited Bodega La Geria, simply off the LZ30, and Bodega Rubicon.
Undoubtedly one in every of my high issues to do in Lanzarote.
César Manrique tradition
We’ve the native artist to thank for serving to restrict excessive rises and encourage the normal white and blues of the structure throughout Lanzarote.
His model is characterised by the mixing collectively of nature, artwork, and structure in a inventive and trendy manner. And his quirky and distinctive artworks are a sure-fire hit with children of all ages.
You’ll uncover the artist has left his mark all around the island, from the artworks you’ll discover throughout Lanzarote to his dwelling to quirky sculptures at most essential vacationer spots, together with an enormous lobster close to Jameos del Agua and ‘wind toys’ dotted throughout the island together with roundabouts in Tahiche and Puerto del Carmen.
The Cesar Manrique Basis
The César Manrique Basis is a museum situated inside one of many artist’s distinctive former houses.
The home is about inside a collection of volcanic rock bubbles and showcases Manrique’s distinctive model – suppose retro-chic with a futuristic contact. At the moment, the museum is a captivating tribute to the artist’s life and work.
You possibly can discover the galleries, which characteristic a spread of Manrique’s work and sculptures, and study his life and legacy.
Mirador del Rio
Mirador del Río is one other excellent place to see Manrique’s work. Positioned on a cliff overlooking the ocean, in addition to the big viewpoint (scroll down for extra on what you possibly can see) there are a number of sculptures and artworks, all designed by the artist himself.
Not solely are the views wonderful, however – in true Manrique model – all the viewpoint blends seamlessly into the character surrounding it.
Set within the northernmost level of the island, 474m up, don’t miss the sculpture by Manrique on the entrance representing a chook and a fish.
Go to the Jardin de Cactus
El Jardin de Cactus is one other of César Manrique’s works, however as one of many largest and most iconic works – to not point out faintly surreal – it simply deserves to have its personal part
Positioned in Guatiza, the cactus backyard options 1000’s of cacti belonging to over 500 totally different species from all world wide.
Wandering by way of the backyard, children will really feel like they’ve set foot onto one other planet – or into a wierd wild west film. Be sure to don’t neglect the digicam – there are some nice household picture ops!
Whereas the cactus vegetation are the principle draw, El Jardín de Cactus additionally has a historic windmill, some quirky artwork installations, a fish pond, and a restaurant with a beautiful terrace boasting panoramic views over the backyard.
Head underground at Jameos del Agua
The crab-filled subterranean lake and underground live performance corridor with unimaginable acoustics at Jameos del Agua are one other of Lanzarote’s quirkier household points of interest.
Shaped from lava tubes which collapsed throughout one other eruption to the one which created Timanfaya, you possibly can wander from one cave (with a restaurant) previous the lake, which is dwelling to albino crabs, and onwards to the second cave housing the live performance corridor.
Exterior, it’s a complete distinction with vivid white environment housing the glowing turquoise of one other pool – supposedly solely the king of Spain can swim within the underground pool (though I’d favor to go away it to the crabs!) and there’s now not swimming within the out of doors pool both.
Uncover how my go to to Jameos del Agua with a child went – click on right here
Discover Cueva de los Verdes
For one thing much more lively, you can even scramble by way of the volcanic tunnels of Cueva de los Verdes, which stretch for round 5 miles from the crater to the ocean, with tales of native inhabitants hiding right here from pirates over the centuries.
Shaped by La Corona volcano, there are at the very least 16 lava caves – or Jameos – within the tunnel which leads all the way in which underwater. You’ll want to hitch a guided tour, and permit round an hour.
This isn’t one to strive with infants or toddlers for sure, nevertheless it’s an incredible adventurous choice for older children and simply probably the most uncommon issues to do in Lanzarote.
See the lagoon at El Golfo
The right spot to take a seat and luxuriate in seafood proper on the ocean (so contemporary, I’ve seen somebody filleting fish on the seaside beneath our restaurant greater than as soon as), El Golfo is only a brief drive from Playa Blanca should you’re questioning the place to go in Lanzarote for a simple day journey out.
Take pleasure in a lazy lunch within the sunshine with improbable fish and seafood from a string of seafront eating places – all very child-friendly however you possibly can uncover my favorite restaurant in El Golfo right here – then head off on a relaxed stroll to Charco de Los Clicos, the emerald lagoon.
Algae turns the water vivid inexperienced in opposition to the black sand seaside, only a brief stroll from the village, and you may uncover some fabulously dramatic shoreline on this a part of the island.
There’s a playground not removed from the principle seafront eating places to place in your checklist of Lanzarote toddler-friendly actions too.
The perfect seashores in Lanzarote with children
Not like the volcanic black seashores throughout lots of the Canary islands (or the golden dunes shipped in from the Sahara), you’ll discover pure white sand on Lanzarote, and a alternative of nice seashores for households.
Playa Blanca
Playa Blanca within the south of the island has pure white sand, and breakwaters to maintain the waves calm as effectively.
The promenade right here stretches round from the quieter part within the west previous the resorts, eating places and outlets of the principle stretch and onwards to Marina Rubicon the place there’s a market on Wednesdays and Saturdays (nice for souvenirs and jewelry).
Alongside the way in which, the protected stretches of sand are excellent for paddling, lounging or having fun with an enormous ice cream – in typical Spanish model, the workers all the time appear to soften on the sight of small children, who find yourself with supercharged cones larger than the adults.
Playa Blanca Lanzarote: issues to do – for extra concepts together with the perfect locations to eat, click on right here
Playa de Papagayo
Additional alongside from Playa Blanca itself, you possibly can benefit from the extra remoted protected dunes of the Papagayo seashores – the Playa de Papagayo is a beautiful curve of sand surrounded by cliffs (with a restaurant on the high) and a carpark close by. There’s a dust observe to succeed in it and chances are you’ll must pay a payment although.
Busy in summer time, it’s a beautiful spot for households, though the stroll down is less complicated with older children than little or no ones.
For a quieter various, head throughout the headland to Caleta Del Congrio – you’ll discover even fewer amenities as at Papagayo, however you can even escape the crowds right here
Playa de Famara
Playa de Famara is among the longest seashores in Lanzarote, stretching six kilometres alongside the island’s northern coast. Surrounded by volcanic cliffs, the big golden sand seaside is a superb spot for teenagers to run round and play.
As a result of its robust wind and waves, Playa de Famara isn’t the most secure seaside for paddling or swimming with little ones. However it’s nice for taking older youngsters and teenagers to get pleasure from a day of water sports activities comparable to browsing or windsurfing. There are a number of surf faculties and rental spots alongside the seaside.
Flamingo Seaside
In order for you white sand with all of the important amenities, Flamingo Seaside ticks the containers – there are eating places plus showers and bogs, deck chairs and sunshades to rent, plus calm clear waters to swim and snorkel in.
Just a little manner alongside from the small seashores of Playa Blanca, there are outlets in strolling distance – not someplace to get away from all of it because it’s a highly regarded spot, it’s simple choice with youthful children although.
Playa Grande
In Puerto del Carmen, Playa Grande lives as much as its title – huge seaside. Greater than a kilometre of golden sand, it’s unsurprisingly probably the most fashionable seashores on the island and simply the preferred on this space.
For good cause: whether or not you’re seeking to swim within the calm waters, sunbathe or take a stroll alongside the promenade to the bars, eating places and outlets – add in deck chairs and sunshades to rent, a lifeguard service, showers and a playground, and also you’ve bought all the things you would possibly want.
Caleton Blanco
In the event you’re seeking to head off the overwhelmed observe and discover a household pleasant various to the principle vacationer seashores, Caleton Blanco within the north of the island is a beautiful spot.
With white sand, turquoise water and black volcanic rocks, it’s immediately eye-catching, plus you’ll discover plenty of rock swimming pools for teenagers to discover at low tide. Common with locals, should you’re in search of a tranquil stretch of sand, you would possibly even have this to your self!
Go to a waterpark
You’ll discover a number of waterparks in Lanzarote for teenagers, whether or not you’re staying within the southern a part of the island or close to Costa Teguise.
Aquapark
The largest waterpark in Lanzarote, Aquapark is in Costa Teguise, with an entire string of rides and points of interest for teenagers and adults of all ages, nice should you’re in search of one thing to swimsuit the entire household.
For little ones, there’s a devoted youngsters’s lake, a splash zone for underneath 8s, and a few smaller slides for teenagers underneath 1.2 metres. In the meantime, larger children and adults can benefit from the adrenaline-fueled Kamikaze or race in opposition to one another on the Multipista.
In addition to all of the water rides, Aquapark additionally has an indoor paintball court docket, mini go-karts, and an thrilling journey path for youngsters. There’s greater than sufficient to do to fill a complete time out!
It’s price realizing that Aquapark isn’t removed from Rancho Texas animal park – which has its personal waterpark areas should you’re in search of a Lanzarote zoo and waterpark in a single.
Aqualava
Playa Blanca is dwelling to 2 of Lanzarote’s smaller waterparks, together with Aqualava waterpark – not as huge as Aquapark, there’s nonetheless with sufficient to maintain everybody entertained.
In addition to the slides, the waterpark has a wave pool and Magma lazy river to get pleasure from amongst its volcano-themed points of interest. Open year-round, there are additionally heated swimming pools utilizing geothermal vitality.
It’s price getting there early too as sunbeds do refill quick. There’s an choice to get a switch included together with your ticket should you’re not staying close by too, though there’s additionally a bus route working a number of days per week.
Dino Water Park
Not removed from Aqualava, Dino Water park is a part of the HL Paradise Island resort advanced – free for visitors, you can even usually pay to go to even should you’re not staying there.
Smaller than the opposite two waterparks, there are round a dozen slides and splash space, all with a dinosaur theme. There’s additionally a small lazy river to get pleasure from.
Even the very best ‘Kamikaze’ grownup slide is 12.5 metres so this isn’t someplace for critical adrenaline thrills, although there’s sufficient to maintain larger children entertained, plus a separate youngsters’s space which is gorgeous for youthful children.
See Lanzarote Aquarium
Sat within the coastal resort of Costa Teguise, Lanzarote’s Aquarium is the biggest of its sort within the Canary Islands and a good way to spend a enjoyable and academic day with children.
The aquarium is dwelling to a powerful number of thrilling marine species, with all the things from sharks, turtles, and rays, to fireside dragons, puffer fish, and hermit crabs. Children will love the interactive reveals too, the place they will contact creatures comparable to sea urchins and sea cucumbers, whereas studying concerning the species and their habitats.
A novel characteristic of the aquarium is its “rubbish aquarium,” a small recreation of the present state of sure areas of our coasts, which goals to show youngsters concerning the hazard of ocean air pollution and promote environmental consciousness.
Nice should you’re unfortunate sufficient to be confronted with a wet day in Lanzarote with children too.
Lanzarote boat journeys with children
Lanzarote has a beautiful shoreline, dotted with lovely seashores, quaint coves, rocky outcrops, and towering cliffs. And among the best methods to discover the coast is on a ship journey.
There are numerous boat excursions which might be excellent for households, comparable to this 90-minute dolphin and whale recognizing journey from Puerto del Carmen marina.
Or for one thing a little bit longer, this chilled-out coastal cruise from Playa Blanca takes you alongside the southwest coast of Lanzarote to see the seashores of the Costa de Papagayo. Children can get pleasure from swimming, snorkelling, paddle boarding, and different water actions, whereas dad and mom take part or sit again within the solar and benefit from the views. There’s even a tasty BBQ on board the boat for lunch.
One other enjoyable choice is a ship journey from Lanzarote to discover one of many Canaries’ smaller islands, like this full-day crusing journey round La Graciosa. Decide-up included from across the island, in addition to the ferry from Orzola to La Graciosa.
Take a submarine safari
Dive, dive, dive – with out getting moist… For one thing a little bit bit totally different out of your common boat tour of Lanzarote, you possibly can dive to round 30m beneath the floor with out even dipping a toe within the water on one of many submarine safaris.
The hour-long expertise takes you all the way down to the ocean flooring to discover shipwrecks and uncover extra about a number of the marine lifetime of the Canary Islands.
The 106-ton Finnish submarine has TV screens to offer you totally different views, in addition to the principle submarine viewing ports, so that you gained’t miss out on any of the underwater sights.
As a result of the cabin is pressurised to maintain it at regular atmospheric situations, it’s appropriate for pregnant ladies (in addition to these with coronary heart situations and ear issues). Children over two are welcome as effectively.
Discover pirate historical past on the Pirate Museum
The previous capital of Teguise is dwelling to the island’s pirate museum (in addition to an enormous Sunday market, so make your plans relying whether or not you’d favor to do each or keep away from the crowds).
Set within the Santa Barbara citadel, the small museum mixes tales of the pirates which threatened the island with historical past about its inhabitants and when you solely want a brief go to, it ought to undoubtedly make the checklist of enjoyable issues to do in Lanzarote with children.
View the minor islands
There are 13 Canary islands in complete, and from the Mirador del Rio, you possibly can look out onto La Graciosa, and even Montana Clara and Alegranza – there are telescopes on the viewing platform – or simply watch the boats zipping throughout the blue sea.
It’s solely round quarter-hour from the Jameos del Agua and Cueva de los Verdes, really easy to mix with these fairly than making a particular go to to the north, particularly as most Lanzarote household resorts are primarily based additional south.
In the event you’re unfortunate sufficient to time your go to for when a coach tour stops by – not unusual in peak season – you may additionally head 10 minutes away to Mirador de Guinate, which has its personal equally nice views with out the crowds.
In the event you’d love to do extra than simply look, the ferry to La Graciosa solely takes Half-hour, so it’s simple to go to for the day
Head to the zoo at Rancho Texas animal park
Rancho Texas animal park is the closest factor the island has to a zoo – in reality, should you’re in search of a Lanzarote theme park, the selection boils all the way down to Rancho Texas Lanzarote Park and the water parks.
Themed across the US state, you’ll discover cowboys and a gold mine, together with animal exhibits, some waterslides and loads of areas to play – you can even discover skip the road tickets – and it’s very near the resorts of Puerto del Carmen, or round 20-Half-hour from Costa Teguise and Playa Blanca
There are additionally dolphin exhibits and interplay experiences (in addition to with sea lions) – though I don’t personally advocate these.
For these additionally involved about animal welfare, the venture has been accepted by the European Program of Protected Species and people dolphins within the park have been born in captivity and can’t be launched into the wild).
See the Janubio Salt Flats
Whereas there have been as soon as salt flats all throughout Lanzarote, the biggest and most necessary ones that stay right now are situated on the south of the island. Often known as Salinas de Janubio, these 120-year-old salt flats supply a captivating perception into the island’s historical past of salt manufacturing.
You possibly can take a guided tour of the Salt Flats to be taught concerning the conventional strategies of salt extraction and the significance of the salt commerce within the Canary Islands.
Children will get pleasure from seeing the bizarre salt ponds and studying concerning the pure processes that make the salt crystals kind. You possibly can even pattern a number of the web site’s uniquely flavoured salts.
Take a day journey to Fuerteventura
Fuerteventura is one other of the preferred Canary Islands, situated only a brief distance to the south of Lanzarote.
The 2 islands are separated by solely a 30-minute ferry experience that runs a number of instances a day, making it the perfect vacation spot for a day journey.
When you arrive in Fuerteventura, you’ll discover loads of issues to see and do. The ferry arrives within the city of Corralejo, which is dwelling to the Acua Water Park and the towering sand dunes of the Parque Pure de Corralejo.
You might even take the speedy water taxi, or one other 15-minute ferry, out to Isla de Lobos. This tiny island is an incredible nature reserve stuffed with strolling trails and charming hidden lagoons.
With a number of corporations working between the islands, you possibly can evaluate ferry costs from Lanzarote to Fuerteventura on the Ferryhopper web site.
For extra concepts, take a look at my information to the Canary Islands with children
*First printed 2013, up to date 2023*
PIN FOR LATER: THINGS TO DO IN LANZAROTE WITH KIDS
Pictures: El Golfo lagoon/Playa Blanca/boats/Mirador view copyright MummyTravels, all different photos courtesy of Depositphotos
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