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 youngsters and the dramatic lava-blasted panorama makes it maybe my favorite island within the Canary Islands.
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And whether or not you’re visiting with a child or a toddler, as I’ve executed, or with older youngsters who’re searching for extra lively pleasure, you’ll get the same old heat Spanish welcome in Lanzarote for households.
So for those who’re planning any Lanzarote household holidays, take a look at my high issues to do in Lanzarote with youngsters, together with among the greatest 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 almost 300 years in the past.
The magma beneath the floor remains to be so sizzling, it turns water into steam in seconds – guides often show the trick and I by no means get tired of 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 completely satisfied 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 doable 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 evaluate of our go to to Timanfaya with a child…
Wine tasting in La Geria
While you consider a valley dotted with vineyards, you’re unlikely to image La Geria. However Lanzarote has a flourishing wine business that dates again centuries, with excursions and tastings as properly.
Enterprise down into the cellars with their large barrels stacked to 1 aspect, earlier than taking a look at 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 properly. El Grifo is the oldest, whereas I’ve additionally visited Bodega La Geria, simply off the LZ30, and Bodega Rubicon.
Undoubtedly certainly one of my high issues to do in Lanzarote.
César Manrique tradition
Now we 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 type is characterised by the mixing collectively of nature, artwork, and structure in a inventive and trendy approach. 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 everywhere in the island, from the artworks you’ll discover throughout Lanzarote to his dwelling to quirky sculptures at most fundamental 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 properties.
The home is about inside a sequence of volcanic rock bubbles and showcases Manrique’s distinctive type – suppose retro-chic with a futuristic contact. At present, the museum is an interesting tribute to the artist’s life and work.
You possibly can discover the galleries, which function a spread of Manrique’s work and sculptures, and find out about his life and legacy.
Mirador del Rio
Mirador del Río is one other great spot to see Manrique’s work. Situated on a cliff overlooking the ocean, in addition to the big viewpoint (scroll down for extra on what you’ll be able to 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 type – the complete 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 fowl 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 greatest and most iconic works – to not point out faintly surreal – it simply deserves to have its personal part
Situated in Guatiza, the cactus backyard options 1000’s 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 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.
Fashioned from lava tubes which collapsed throughout one other eruption to the one which created Timanfaya, you’ll be able to 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 brilliant 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 desire to depart it to the crabs!) and there’s 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 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 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, however it’s an ideal adventurous choice for older youngsters and simply one of the crucial uncommon issues to do in Lanzarote.
See the lagoon at El Golfo
The right spot to sit down and revel in seafood proper on the ocean (so contemporary, I’ve seen somebody filleting fish on the seashore under our restaurant greater than as soon as), El Golfo is only a brief drive from Playa Blanca for those who’re questioning the place to go in Lanzarote for a straightforward day journey out.
Get pleasure from a lazy lunch within the sunshine with improbable fish and seafood from a string of seafront eating places – all very child-friendly however you’ll be able to 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 brilliant inexperienced towards the black sand seashore, 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 record of Lanzarote toddler-friendly actions too.
The most effective seashores in Lanzarote with youngsters
Not like the volcanic black seashores throughout most of the Canary islands (or the golden dunes shipped in from the Sahara), you’ll discover pure white sand on Lanzarote, and a selection 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 properly.
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 excellent for paddling, lounging or having fun with an enormous ice cream – in typical Spanish type, 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 most effective locations to eat, click on right here
Playa de Papagayo
Additional alongside from Playa Blanca itself, you’ll be able to 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 monitor to succeed in it and it’s possible you’ll must pay a charge although.
Busy in summer season, it’s a beautiful 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 you can even escape the crowds right here
Playa de Famara
Playa de Famara is without doubt one of the longest seashores in Lanzarote, stretching six kilometres alongside the island’s northern coast. Surrounded by volcanic cliffs, the big golden sand seashore is a superb spot for teenagers to run round and play.
Attributable to its sturdy 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 kids and teenagers to take pleasure in a day of water sports activities similar to browsing or windsurfing. There are a number of surf colleges and rental spots alongside the seashore.
Flamingo Seaside
If you’d like white sand with all of the important services, 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.
A little bit approach 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 extremely popular spot, it’s a great simple choice with youthful youngsters although.
Playa Grande
In Puerto del Carmen, Playa Grande lives as much as its title – huge seashore. Greater than a kilometre of golden sand, it’s unsurprisingly one of the crucial standard seashores on the island and simply the most well-liked on this space.
For good motive: 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 every little thing you would possibly want.
Caleton Blanco
If you happen to’re seeking to head off the crushed 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. Fashionable with locals, for those who’re searching for 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 for those who’re searching for one thing to go well with the entire household.
For little ones, there’s a devoted kids’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 youngsters. There’s greater than sufficient to do to fill a whole time out!
It’s value figuring out that Aquapark isn’t removed from Rancho Texas animal park – which has its personal waterpark areas for those who’re searching for 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 take pleasure in amongst its volcano-themed points of interest. Open year-round, there are additionally heated swimming pools utilizing geothermal power.
It’s value getting there early too as sunbeds do replenish quick. There’s an choice to get a switch included together with your ticket for those who’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 for those who’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 best ‘Kamikaze’ grownup slide is 12.5 metres so this isn’t someplace for severe adrenaline thrills, although there’s sufficient to maintain larger youngsters entertained, plus a separate kids’s space which is beautiful for youthful youngsters.
See Lanzarote Aquarium
Sat within the coastal resort of Costa Teguise, Lanzarote’s Aquarium is the most important of its type 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 little thing from sharks, turtles, and rays, to fireplace dragons, puffer fish, and hermit crabs. Children will love the interactive reveals too, the place they’ll contact creatures similar to sea urchins and sea cucumbers, whereas studying concerning the species and their habitats.
A singular function of the aquarium is its “rubbish aquarium,” a small recreation of the present state of sure areas of our coasts, which goals to show kids concerning the hazard of ocean air pollution and promote environmental consciousness.
Nice for those who’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 stunning 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 are excellent for households, similar to this 90-minute dolphin and whale recognizing journey from Puerto del Carmen marina.
Or for one thing a 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 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. 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 bit bit totally different out of your common boat tour of Lanzarote, you’ll be able to dive to round 30m under 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 among the marine lifetime of the Canary Islands.
The 106-ton Finnish submarine has TV displays to present you totally different views, in addition to the principle submarine viewing ports, so that you received’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 properly.
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 desire to do each or keep away from the crowds).
Set within the Santa Barbara fort, 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 record 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’ll be able to 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 moderately than making a particular go to to the north, particularly as most Lanzarote household lodges are primarily based 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 can 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 truth, for those who’re searching for 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 reveals, some waterslides and loads of areas to play – you can even 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 reveals and interplay experiences (in addition to with sea lions) – though I don’t personally suggest these.
For these additionally involved about animal welfare, the mission has been accredited 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 most important and most vital ones that stay at the moment are situated on the south of the island. Referred to as Salinas de Janubio, these 120-year-old salt flats provide an interesting 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 take pleasure in seeing the weird salt ponds and studying concerning the pure processes that make the salt crystals type. You possibly can even pattern among the web site’s uniquely flavoured salts.
Take a day journey to Fuerteventura
Fuerteventura is one other of the most well-liked 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 occasions a day, making it the best 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 may 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 crammed with strolling trails and charming hidden lagoons.
With a number of firms working between the islands, you’ll be able to examine 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 youngsters
*First printed 2013, up to date 2023*
PIN FOR LATER: THINGS TO DO IN LANZAROTE WITH KIDS
Photographs: El Golfo lagoon/Playa Blanca/boats/Mirador view copyright MummyTravels, all different photos courtesy of Depositphotos
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