Winter Family Holidays in the Canary Islands
Travel Guides
21 November 2025
Winter Family Holidays in the Canary Islands
Fancy escaping the cold this winter? A trip to the Canary Islands could be just what you need. With mild temperatures and endless sunshine, this beautiful archipelago is one of the most popular winter holiday destinations.
But it's not just the weather that makes the Canary Islands so inviting - there are also heaps of activities that make holidays here suitable for every age group. Whether that's swimming, stargazing, whale watching, diving or exploring volcanic landscapes, winter in the Canary Islands offers an abundance of adventures!
So, if you're ready to trade your jumpers for swimwear, here's everything you need to know about family holidays in the Canary Islands in winter.
Why visit the Canary Islands in Winter?
You don’t have to save your Canary Island holiday until the summer. With great weather and plenty of things to see and do, the Canary Islands are perfect for a winter getaway.
Here are just some of the reasons why you should holiday in the Canary Islands in winter:
- The weather: the weather in the Canary Islands tends to be the main draw. With highs of 22 degrees and lows of around 16 degrees, it's popular with those seeking some winter sun.
- Sea temperatures: the sea temperatures in winter also stay pretty warm, so you can swim in the sea even in December!
- Cheaper prices: travelling out of the peak summer months can also save you a fortune, especially if you have a big family. Not only are flights and ferries usually cheaper in winter compared to summer, but accommodation is often cheaper too. So, if you want to bag a bargain, the Canary Islands in winter may suit you best.
- Less crowds: if you prefer a quieter holiday or just one where you don't need to queue for attractions, can easily find a spot on the beach and don't have to spend ages waiting for a table in a restaurant, then travelling to the Canary Islands in winter is a great option.
- Outdoor adventures: scorching heat and outdoor adventures don’t always go hand in hand. In winter, the temperatures are a little cooler which makes some outdoor activities much more enjoyable. Find out more about activities in the Canary Islands below.
Family Holidays to the Canary Islands
There are 8 main islands in the archipelago, along with smaller islands and islets. So, how do you choose which is the best Canary Island for families? If you're travelling with little ones, there are some Canary Islands we'd recommend over others, especially if you're travelling in winter.
The Best Canary Islands for Families in Winter
In our opinion, the best Canary Islands for families in winter are Tenerife, Fuerteventura, Lanzarote and Gran Canaria. These are the largest islands in the archipelago and have the most to offer in terms of family-friendly facilities.
As these are the most popular Canary Islands, there's plenty going on, even in the winter months. From waterparks to zoos and exciting excursions, you don't need to worry about running out of things to do.
The beaches on these islands are also ideal for children - think sheltered bays with soft sands and shallow waters where they can splash around safely whilst you sunbathe.
These Canary Islands also offer a wide range of accommodation options. Whether you're looking for a 5-star family resort in the Canary Islands with pools, kids clubs and on-site entertainment or just a basic apartment, there's something to suit all kinds of budgets. If you don't opt for an all-inclusive hotel, you'll also find many dining options scattered across the islands with kids menus too.
Although the other Canary Islands such as La Gomera, El Hierro and La Palma are beautiful and have so much to offer, they’re not quite as family-friendly as the rest. These islands tend to be quieter with not as many child-friendly attractions. They're also harder to get around, especially if you don't have a car.
Best things to do in winter in the Canary Islands with family
Tenerife
Tenerife makes a great choice for a winter holiday in the Canary Islands. It’s one of the warmest Canary Islands in winter, making it perfect for outdoor activities. The higher temperatures mean it’s often warm enough to swim in the sea too, so you can enjoy beach days with the family. For the best weather, we’d recommend heading to the south. Here you’ll find many family-friendly resorts including Costa Adeje, Los Cristianos and Playa de las Américas.
The fun literally doesn’t stop in Tenerife. When you’re not building sandcastles on the beach or racing in the pool, there are tons of activities right on your doorstep. The kids will love Siam Park. Based in Adeje, it’s the perfect place to spend the day – let them whizz down the water slides whilst you relax in the lazy river.
Loro Parque is another popular family-friendly attraction in Tenerife. You can get up close to incredible wildlife including orcas and lions, watch amazing exhibits and the kids can enjoy Kinderlandia, an exciting children's playground.
In Tenerife, you'll also find dolphin and whale-watching tours along with activities like mini golf and go karting. If you’re travelling with older children, we’d also recommend heading to Teide National Park where you can explore the volcanic landscapes, take a cable car up the mountain and go stargazing.
Lanzarote
Lanzarote is another great choice for a Canary Islands family holiday in winter. Not only are there highs of 22 degrees, but the diverse landscapes offer so many opportunities for family-friendly adventures.
The beaches here are beautiful with golden sands and turquoise waters. Playa Blanca is a popular place for families, with sheltered beaches like Playa Dorada and Playa Flamingo where you can enjoy swimming and water sports. Other family-friendly resorts in Lanzarote include Costa Teguise and Puerto del Carmen.
Along with its beaches, Lanzarote is also known for its incredible volcanic landscapes. Timanfaya National Park makes such a fun day out for all the family. Take a bus tour or ride a camel through the unique landscapes and watch the geothermal activity.
Other family-friendly things to do in winter in Lanzarote include Rancho Texas Lanzarote Park. You can witness amazing wildlife, watch live feeding shows and relax in the heated swimming pools. There’s also Aquapark in Costa Teguise which is the biggest on the island with lazy rivers, water slides and wave pools.
Fuerteventura
Not only are the temperatures lovely in Fuerteventura in winter, but it’s also one of the Canary Islands with the lowest rainfall.
There are so many family-friendly resorts here with multiple pools and on-site activities. But when you're not in your hotel, the island has plenty to keep you and the kids entertained.
A visit to Corralejo Dunes & Natural Park is a must. It’s a playground for adventure-seekers with incredible sand dunes and glorious beaches. Ride 4x4s across the dunes or let the kids run up and down them whilst you soak up the views. The beaches here are great for swimming and snorkelling. In the north, they're a little less sheltered and may be best suited to older children who fancy trying kite or windsurfing. On the north coast of Fuerteventura, around 4 miles from Corralejo, you'll also find the amazing Popcorn Beach.
Oasis Wildlife Park in La Lajita makes a fun day out. It’s a big zoo and botanical garden with thousands of animals including elephants and hippos. You can enjoy a range of experiences, educational exhibitions and wander through the beautiful botanical garden.
The Aqua Water Park in Corralejo is also a must on a family holiday to Fuerteventura. There's so many slides, pools and places for you to soak up the winter sun whilst the kids have fun!
Once you’ve explored Fuerteventura, why not hop on a ferry to Lobos Island?It’s a great place for a change of scenery with lovely beaches perfect for water sports. Plus, the ferry journey adds to the fun!
Gran Canaria
Last but not least…Gran Canaria. Just like the other Canary Islands, Gran Canaria has so much to offer for families in winter.
The best beaches in Gran Canaria for families are located in the south. You can expect golden sands perfect for relaxing and calm waters that provide a safe base for children to splash about. Family-friendly beaches include Playa de Mogán, Playa de Amadores and Maspalomas, where you can also ride across the sand dunes.
Palmitos Park is a great place for families. You can see so many amazing animals at this zoo and botanical garden. There are also dolphin and parrot shows sure to keep the little ones entertained for hours.
Aqualand Maspalomas is also a must. It’s the biggest water park on the island with countless slides and pools – just grab a rubber ring and have fun!
There are also plenty of boat excursions on offer in Gran Canaria, from snorkelling trips to whale and dolphin watching tours.
Travelling to the Canary Islands in winter with family
Although there’s no direct ferry from the UK to the Canary Islands, you can get a direct flight from the UK to Tenerife, Lanzarote, Gran Canaria and Fuerteventura in just a few hours.
Fancy combining more than one island? You can easily travel between the Canary Islands by ferry with regular sailings operated by Naviera Armas, Fred Olsen Express and Lineas Maritimas Romero.
Canary Islands day trips
Here are some possible day trips you can do when visiting the Canary Islands with family:
- Route: Playa Blanca - Corralejo
- Operators: Naviera Armas, Fred Olsen Express, Lineas Maritimas Romero
- Duration: 25 minutes
- Route: Morro Jable – Las Palmas
- Operators: Fred Olsen Express, Naviera Armas
- Duration: 2 hours
- Route: Las Palmas – Santa Cruz de Tenerife / Agaete – Santa Cruz de Tenerife
- Operators: Naviera Armas / Fred Olsen Express
- Duration: 1 hour 40 minutes / 1 hour 20 minutes
Ready for your family adventure in the winter sun? Book your trip to the Canary Islands today!