The positioning of my daughter’s first abroad vacation – and someplace we’ve visited repeatedly since – the combo of issues to see in Lanzarote with youngsters 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 youngsters who’re in search of extra energetic pleasure, you’ll get the standard heat Spanish welcome in Lanzarote for households.
So should you’re planning any Lanzarote household holidays, try my prime issues to do in Lanzarote with youngsters, together with among the finest family-friendly actions for all ages.
Go to Timanfaya Nationwide Park
If you happen to 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 practically 300 years in the past.
The magma beneath the floor remains to be so sizzling, it turns water into steam in seconds – guides frequently show the trick and I by no means get tired of watching the sudden eruption of mist.
Finest 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 completely satisfied to snooze and gaze out of the window).
There are paths to wander and you might be required to hitch the coach tour to discover additional, so it’s potential with toddlers however not fairly as simple.
You’ll be able to go to independently, purchase a ticket that features resort 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 nicely.
Enterprise down into the cellars with their big barrels stacked to at least one facet, earlier than the distinctive sight of inexperienced shoots of vines towards 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 nicely. El Grifo is the oldest, whereas I’ve additionally visited Bodega La Geria, simply off the LZ30, and Bodega Rubicon.
Undoubtedly one among my prime issues to do in Lanzarote.
César Manrique tradition
We now have the native artist to thank for serving to restrict excessive rises and encourage the standard 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 fashionable method. And his quirky and distinctive artworks are a sure-fire hit with youngsters 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 foremost vacationer spots, together with a large 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 properties.
The home is about inside a sequence of volcanic rock bubbles and showcases Manrique’s distinctive model – assume retro-chic with a futuristic contact. Immediately, the museum is an interesting tribute to the artist’s life and work.
You’ll be able to 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 great spot to see Manrique’s work. Positioned on a cliff overlooking the ocean, in addition to the massive viewpoint (scroll down for extra on what you may see) there are a number of sculptures and artworks, all designed by the artist himself.
Not solely are the views superb, 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 hen 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 hundreds of cacti belonging to over 500 totally different species from all around the globe.
Wandering via the backyard, youngsters will really feel like they’ve set foot onto one other planet – or into a wierd wild west film. Ensure you don’t overlook 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 stunning terrace boasting panoramic views over the backyard.
Head underground at Jameos del Agua
The crab-filled subterranean lake and underground live performance corridor with unbelievable acoustics at Jameos del Agua are one other of Lanzarote’s quirkier household sights.
Fashioned from lava tubes which collapsed throughout one other eruption to the one which created Timanfaya, you may 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 vibrant 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 want to depart it to the crabs!) and there’s not swimming within the outside 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 energetic, it’s also possible to scramble via 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.
Fashioned by La Corona volcano, there are a minimum of 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 youngsters and simply one of the vital uncommon issues to do in Lanzarote.
See the lagoon at El Golfo
The proper spot to sit down and revel in seafood proper on the ocean (so contemporary, I’ve seen somebody filleting fish on the seashore beneath our restaurant greater than as soon as), El Golfo is only a quick 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 implausible fish and seafood from a string of seafront eating places – all very child-friendly however you may 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 vibrant inexperienced towards the black sand seashore, only a quick stroll from the village, and you’ll 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 listing of Lanzarote toddler-friendly actions too.
The perfect seashores in Lanzarote with youngsters
In contrast to 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 nicely.
The promenade right here stretches round from the quieter part within the west previous the lodges, 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 good 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 youngsters, 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 may 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 prime) and a carpark close by. There’s a dust monitor to succeed in it and you could must pay a charge although.
Busy in summer time, it’s a stunning spot for households, though the stroll down is less complicated with older youngsters than little or no ones.
For a quieter different, head throughout the headland to Caleta Del Congrio – you’ll discover even fewer services as at Papagayo, however it’s also possible to 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 massive golden sand seashore is a good spot for teenagers to run round and play.
On account of its robust wind and waves, Playa de Famara isn’t the most secure seashore for paddling or swimming with little ones. However it’s nice for taking older youngsters and youths to take pleasure in a day of water sports activities akin to browsing or windsurfing. There are a number of surf faculties and rental spots alongside the seashore.
Flamingo Seashore
If you’d like white sand with all of the important services, Flamingo Seashore 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 method 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 a very good simple choice with youthful youngsters although.
Playa Grande
In Puerto del Carmen, Playa Grande lives as much as its title – large seashore. Greater than a kilometre of golden sand, it’s unsurprisingly one of the vital common seashores on the island and simply the preferred on this space.
For good motive: whether or not you’re trying 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 acquired every thing you may want.
Caleton Blanco
If you happen to’re trying to head off the overwhelmed monitor and discover a household pleasant different 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 numerous rock swimming pools for teenagers to discover at low tide. Standard with locals, should you’re in search of a tranquil stretch of sand, you may 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 most important waterpark in Lanzarote, Aquapark is in Costa Teguise, with an entire string of rides and sights for teenagers and adults of all ages, nice should you’re in search of one thing to go well with the entire household.
For little ones, there’s a devoted youngsters’s lake, a splash zone for beneath 8s, and a few smaller slides for teenagers beneath 1.2 metres. In the meantime, larger youngsters and adults can benefit from the adrenaline-fueled Kamikaze or race towards 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 kids. There’s greater than sufficient to do to fill a whole day trip!
It’s price understanding 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 large 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 take pleasure in amongst its volcano-themed sights. 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 operating 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 friends, it’s also possible to 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 take pleasure in.
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 youngsters entertained, plus a separate youngsters’s space which is gorgeous for youthful youngsters.
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 an effective way to spend a enjoyable and academic day with youngsters.
The aquarium is dwelling to a powerful number of thrilling marine species, with every thing from sharks, turtles, and rays, to fireplace dragons, puffer fish, and hermit crabs. Youngsters will love the interactive reveals too, the place they will contact creatures akin to sea urchins and sea cucumbers, whereas studying in regards to 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 in regards to 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 youngsters too.
Lanzarote boat journeys with youngsters
Lanzarote has a beautiful shoreline, dotted with lovely seashores, quaint coves, rocky outcrops, and towering cliffs. And the most effective methods to discover the coast is on a ship journey.
There are numerous boat excursions which can be good for households, akin to this 90-minute dolphin and whale recognizing journey from Puerto del Carmen marina.
Or for one thing a bit of 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. Youngsters can take pleasure in 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. Choose-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 bit of bit totally different out of your common boat tour of Lanzarote, you may 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 right down to the ocean ground to discover shipwrecks and uncover extra about among the marine lifetime of the Canary Islands.
The 106-ton Finnish submarine has TV screens to provide 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). Youngsters over two are welcome as nicely.
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 want 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 whilst you solely want a brief go to, it ought to undoubtedly make the listing of enjoyable issues to do in Lanzarote with youngsters.
View the minor islands
There are 13 Canary islands in whole, and from the Mirador del Rio, you may 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 reasonably than making a particular go to to the north, particularly as most Lanzarote household lodges are based mostly additional south.
If you happen to’re unfortunate sufficient to time your go to for when a coach tour stops by – not unusual in peak season – you could possibly additionally head 10 minutes away to Mirador de Guinate, which has its personal equally nice views with out the crowds.
If you happen to’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 right 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 – it’s also possible to discover skip the road tickets – and it’s very near the lodges 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 suggest these.
For these additionally involved about animal welfare, the undertaking has been authorised by the European Program of Protected Species and people dolphins within the park had 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 vital ones that stay right this moment are situated on the south of the island. Often called Salinas de Janubio, these 120-year-old salt flats supply an interesting perception into the island’s historical past of salt manufacturing.
You’ll be able to take a guided tour of the Salt Flats to be taught in regards to the conventional strategies of salt extraction and the significance of the salt commerce within the Canary Islands.
Youngsters will take pleasure in seeing the weird salt ponds and studying in regards to the pure processes that make the salt crystals kind. You’ll be able to even pattern among the website’s uniquely flavoured salts.
Take a day journey to Fuerteventura
Fuerteventura is one other of the preferred Canary Islands, situated only a quick 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 possibly can 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 operating between the islands, you may examine ferry costs from Lanzarote to Fuerteventura on the Ferryhopper website.
For extra concepts, try my information to the Canary Islands with youngsters
*First printed 2013, up to date 2023*
PIN FOR LATER: THINGS TO DO IN LANZAROTE WITH KIDS
Photos: El Golfo lagoon/Playa Blanca/boats/Mirador view copyright MummyTravels, all different photos courtesy of Depositphotos
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