10 Best Family Things to Do in the Canary Islands

Timanfaya National Park is an unearthly landscape of bare red rock and volcanic formations. The last volcanic eruption was in the 18th century, which formed the dramatic scenery where only a handful of rare plants can survive the harsh conditions. Volcanic activity continues underground, producing huge jets of steam called geysers.

The best way for children to see the park is on a bus tour, which includes inspiring commentary on the wonders of the park and regular stops for photographs. Pop into the Visitor Centre afterwards to see a simulated volcanic eruption. At the park's barbeque restaurant, El Diablo, food is cooked outdoors in the heat of the volcano.

Acua Water Park is spread across 25,000 square metres with various slides and rides. Test your courage on the twists and turns of The Rapids, throw yourself down the steep Kamikaze slides, or explore the hidden curves of the Dark Cave. For a more relaxing afternoon, glide down the Slow River or have a gentle paddle in the Wave Pool.

The amusement park also has a children's club, where the little ones can play board games, learn a new dance, or get their faces painted. Meanwhile, adults can relax in peace in the Big Jacuzzi – this pool bar serves a wide range of drinks and overlooks the children's play area, so you can keep an eye on them in comfort.

Sioux City Park is a little slice of the Wild West transported straight to the Canary Islands. The theme park allows visitors to live out their cowboy fantasies with bank robberies, duels, and herds of cows stampeding through the streets. Grab your Stetson and stroll down the main street, where you can visit an Old West-style blacksmith, barber, or recruitment office.

Sensational performances include knife-throwing, whip-handling, dancing, and horse shows, plus recreations of dramatic stories of robberies and fights. You can give lassoing a try with guidance from an expert, or learn more about westerns at the Lee Van Cleef Museum. The lounge has a kid-friendly lunch menu and you can visit at the weekend for their tasty barbeque buffet.

The Teide Cable Car is a thrilling aerial ride over the highest volcano in the Canary Islands, taking in huge craters and strange volcanic rock formations. As you soar over the dramatic landscape of Tenerife, you'll likely spot outcrops of red rock, blankets of blooming flowers, and a bank of clouds below you, as well as the vast blue expanse of the Atlantic.

Start by taking the brief ride from the Base Station to the Upper Station, then choose between 3 routes that take you either up to the highest peak or to awe-inspiring viewpoints to the north and south. The cafe and restaurant at the Base Station are great for enjoying modest views with a refreshing drink or slice of cake.

Aqualand Maspalomas is the biggest waterpark in the Canary Islands, with over a dozen rides and 33 different slides, all surrounded by palm trees and beautiful Gran Canaria scenery. Take a spin on the Racer Twin Turbolance, a high-speed slide full of intricate twists and turns, or grab a 4-person floater with your family and whoosh down the 200-metre-long Anaconda slide.

On the Pirate's River, you can glide along in comfort on a rubber ring, or head for the Bubble Pool to relax and unwind. A more laidback area for younger kids includes a fun waterfall, scaled-down slides, and water games. Parents can enjoy the solarium or grab a drink from the cafe and relax poolside.

Siam Park is a Thai-themed waterpark that mixes rip-roaring rides with more sedate fun. Take a spin on the fearsome 'Dragon', where you plunge down a vertical tunnel, or try an adrenaline-fuelled trip down the 28-metre Tower of Power. Younger kids will love The Lost City, an adventure playground featuring bridges, slides, and water cascades.

Shop for souvenirs at the Floating Market, which imitates markets found in Thai villages, or ride some of the world's biggest artificial waves at the Wave Palace. Parents will enjoy relaxing on Balinese beds with a cold drink at the Champagne Club, or the hammocks, TV, and minibar in the private cabanas.

The Gran Karting Club is one of the longest go-kart tracks in Europe. Here, you can compete with your family for the fastest time around the course. For kids under 10, there's a special slowed-down Kids' Track. They can have a go with a radio-controlled car on the mini track. Two-seater karts mean younger kids can ride with mum or dad.

Once you've proven your driving skills, marshals will let you race on the special Competition Karts, which go at speeds of up to 80 km/h. The 1.3-km-long World Championship Circuit lets you experience how the professionals do it. There's also a bar and restaurant where you can relax after your race.

The Cueva de los Verdes is a vast passageway formed thousands of years ago by flowing lava. Also known as the Green Cave, it extends underground for around 6 km. Locals used it as a refuge from pirates in the 17th century. The cave is lit by white and coloured lights, highlighting its remarkable rock formations and deep layers of lava from multiple eruptions.

Look out for the lakes inside, which reflect the colours of the cave roof. One area serves an auditorium, hosting classical music concerts, jazz, and opera. The walk is relatively smooth, though there are steep steps in places.

The Museo de la Piratería (Museum of Piracy) is housed in an imposing 15th-century fortress, overlooking the sweeping volcanic landscape of Lanzarote. It was originally built to protect the island from marauding pirates, but now showcases the history of piracy in the Canary Islands. Models, videos, and interactive exhibits bring to life the historic towns and the ships that stopped here on the Atlantic crossing.

See ancient sailing vessels, learn about politics and religion in the area, or take a photo with the figures of famous pirates like John Hawkins and Francis Drake. In the weapons hall, you can see recreations of the guns, cannons and sabres used by Spanish ships and pirates alike.

The Castillo San Miguel is a medieval-themed restaurant where fearless knights joust for their team as you tuck into a feast. Horses and riders are dressed in team colours, so you can cheer for your side during the sword fights. The performance is followed by capoeira dancers, acrobats, and a terrifying fire-breathing show.

Families will love the clowns and court jesters, who do their best to make you laugh. The castle is impressively kitted out with suits of armour, tapestries and chests for a genuine period feel. However, the menu skips traditional medieval fare in favour of more kid-friendly dishes like chicken breast and ice cream cake.