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A family holiday to Tenerife offers so many benefits. First and foremost, it’s a chance to get away and spend some quality time with your loved ones. All being well, you’ll be able to soak up some sun and take a break from the stresses and strains of everyday life. Of course, a family trip may not be quite as relaxing as a child-free holiday for just you and your partner, but seeing the kids enjoy themselves can be far more rewarding than any week spent on a sun lounger.
And as much as the little ones love splashing around in the pool, making sandcastles or paddling in the sea, it also makes sense to have some activities lined up to keep them entertained. On that front, Tenerife has plenty to offer – especially when it comes to zoos and wildlife parks. In fact, the hardest decision might be choosing which one to visit. To help you, here’s a rundown of some of the potential options – all guaranteed to deliver a fun day out for all the family.
Loro Parque
Describing itself as “the best modern zoo in the world”, Loro Parque is situated on the island’s northern coast and is home to all manner of exotic birds and animals. With more than 400 species, you’ll be thrilled by the likes of orcas, dolphins and otters not to mention gorillas, red pandas and lions. It’s perfectly easy to get to, with the park even putting on a free express train that runs every 20 minutes from Plaza de los Reyes Catolicos. And its immersive experiences ensure the kids will learn plenty. These include cave tours to see bats, a visit to Planet Penguin and a spectacular underwater display of jellyfish in all their fluorescent magnificence.
Jungle Park
For just over €100, a family of two adults and two children can spend the day at Jungle Park. And a day might not feel long enough, based on how much there is to see and do here. The animals alone offer plenty of entertainment – from gibbons, ring-tailed lemurs and Bornean orangutans in the mammals’ section to crocodiles, alligators and pythons in the reptiles’ area. For any keen horticulturalists there’s also a cactus garden and mushroom farm while for an additional cost you can book the one-of-a-kind bob slide experience. The 800-metre track takes you around the park and offers a truly unique perspective on all the attractions.
Teide National Park
As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Teide National Park is a must-not-miss – especially for families with older children. A spectacular volcanic landscape, it sits right in the heart of Tenerife and features Spain’s highest peak at 3,718 metres. With the impressive Mount Teide volcano and countless other caves and lava tongues, it’s easy to see why it proves so popular, attracting around three million visitors each year. One of the easiest ways to see it is by car, with the road in and out offering breathtaking views. And for an elevated perspective, you can ride the eight-minute cable car that takes you up to an outlook post at 3,555 metres. Those who don’t have a head for heights may feel unsure at first, but the rewards are worth it when you get there!
Monkey Park
As the name suggests, Monkey Park is the place to go to see all manner of fascinating primates. In close proximity to the major tourist resort of Los Cristianos, it’s home to the likes of squirrel monkeys, marmosets, lemurs and tamarins. The park is open 365 days a year, and there’s much more than just primates for you to see. Keep an eye out for the Cuban crocodiles, see the spectacular star tortoise and be bowled over by the immense power of the Boa constrictor. A family of four can get in for just €30, and your little ones will love the chance to enter the cages to touch and feed some of the friendly primates on show.
Siam Park
If it’s an award-winning water park you want, look no further than Siam Park. Located in the southwest corner of the island, it’s ideally placed for airport taxis from Tenerife South if you want to start or finish your holiday in style. You’ll be greeted by the fun-loving sea lions as soon as you arrive, and from there the kids will be thrilled to see the rest of what the park has to offer. Adrenaline junkies will love the slides that include The Jungle Snake, The Giant, The Dragon and The Tower of Power. The names alone are enough to get you excited! But if you do want something a little bit more relaxing, Siam Beach is the perfect place to unwind while the kids are off playing.