Lanzarote with kids is the ultimate family-friendly destination, especially for those seeking a winter holiday escape. With its breathtaking volcanic landscapes, golden beaches, and mild weather, this Canary Island is perfect for creating unforgettable memories with your little ones. This December marked our third trip to Lanzarote, a place we love returning to year after year. It’s not every holiday where you can beach-hop, hike, and enjoy wine-tasting in landscapes formed millions of years ago.
When the weather is warm and sunny, there’s nothing better than heading to one of Lanzarote’s many beautiful beaches. And if it happens to be a windy day in paradise, there are plenty of inland activities and attractions to enjoy with kids. Be sure to hire a car in Lanzarote, at least for a few days, so you can explore the island’s stunning natural spots at your own pace.
Where to stay in Lanzarote with kids
We like to stay in southern Lanzarote, near Playa Blanca, at Sun Grove Villas & Spa. During our last visit, our villa was clean, comfortable, quiet, and very budget-friendly. Each villa features a private pool (which can be heated on request), air conditioning, and a well-equipped kitchen. The beaches are just a 10-minute drive from the villas, making it a convenient base for exploring the island. If you’re visiting Lanzarote with kids, I believe Playa Blanca is by far the best area to stay.
For those who prefer staying at a hotel, here are three excellent options in Playa Blanca that I recommend:
- Princess Yaiza Suite Hotel Resort
This five-star luxury hotel is at the higher price point but is well worth it. Named Best Family Resort in Spain, it offers incredible amenities for families. The hotel’s Kikoland is a paradise for kids, with activities and sports for children aged 0 to 18. Highlights include drawing sessions, playgrounds, a games zone, a soft play area, sports facilities, and even a cinema. Meanwhile, parents can unwind at the exceptional Thalasso spa or dine at one of the many on-site restaurants. - Iberostar Lanzarote Park
A fantastic hotel close to the beaches, Iberostar offers a dedicated family area with a children’s pool and slides. There’s also a playground for younger kids, a spa for adults, and a variety of activities tailored for different age groups, including teenagers. - MYND Yaiza
A modern, high-quality hotel at a more affordable price point, MYND Lanzarote is popular with families. It features a heated swimming pool (even during winter), slides, a splash park, and a kids’ club.
What to pack when travelling to Lanzarote with kids
Opting for a winter sun getaway in Lanzarote with kids means enjoying mild temperatures, perfect for younger children and those who prefer to avoid the intense heat of summer. While most days in Lanzarote are sunny, you may encounter some windy days when the weather feels noticeably cooler, so it’s important to pack accordingly. On each of our trips to Lanzarote in December, we experienced a couple of very windy days, but the majority were warm and pleasant. Daytime temperatures typically average around 21°C, dropping to 15°C at night.
Remember to pack:
- Wetsuits for children, like these ones on Amazon. It will keep the kids warm when splashing about in the sea/pool
- Sun cream, at least SPF 50, and sunglasses
- Insect repellent (for evening/night time use)
- Layers: Short sleeves for daytime (shorts, T-shirts) and long sleeves, light jacket/cardigans and jeans/long trousers for evenings
- Sandals for the beach and trainers for walking/hiking
What to do in Lanzarote with kids
Here are my top recommendations for kid-friendly activities in Lanzarote.
1. Spend the day on the beach
The island of Lanzarote offers a variety of beaches, but the smaller beaches in the Playa Blanca area are the best for families with kids. Our favourites were Playa Flamingo and Playa Dorada.
Playa Flamingo
This small but lovely beach is ideal for younger children. Protected by two breakwaters, it offers calm, safe waters for swimming. Just behind the sandy beach, you’ll find cafes, restaurants, and a supermarket, making it convenient for families. However, there are no sunbeds or parasols available here. It’s best to visit in the morning when the tide is out and leave by mid-afternoon as the tide comes in, significantly reducing the size of the beach. Besides swimming, kids can try stand-up paddleboarding and other water sports.
Playa Dorada
Playa Dorada is another excellent beach in the Playa Blanca area, perfect for families. Here, you can rent sun loungers and parasols for just €4 each for the entire day, making it comfortable for a long beach outing. A short walk from the beach, you’ll find plenty of shops, cafes, and restaurants, so you can easily grab a snack or meal without venturing far.
Papagayo Beach
While the scenic Papagayo Beach is undeniably beautiful and less crowded, it’s not as suitable for kids compared to the other two beaches. There are no amenities nearby, so you’ll need to bring your own food, drinks, and shade. Additionally, the waters here can have strong undercurrents, making it less ideal for swimming with children.
2. Visit Timanfaya National Park
Timanfaya National Park is a must-visit during your trip to Lanzarote. Volcanic eruptions between 1730 and 1736, and more recently in 1824, shaped the park’s unique landscape. The result is an otherworldly, almost lunar-like surface with sprawling lava fields that serve as a stark reminder of the powerful forces that created the Canary Islands. Although the volcano is dormant, geothermal activity continues to this day. Temperatures as high as 610ºC are recorded at a depth of just 13 meters, while surface temperatures range between 100 and 200ºC.
Access to the park is strictly regulated, and only specific areas are open to visitors. The admission fee includes parking, geothermal demonstrations, and a guided bus tour along the Volcano Route. The tour lasts 30–40 minutes and features pre-recorded audio in several languages. For the best views, sit by the window. While you can take photos through the glass, the bus does not stop for passengers to get out and explore.
I recommend visiting the park in the morning and having lunch at El Diablo restaurant, conveniently located near the departure point for the bus tours. The restaurant uses geothermal heat to cook food, such as chicken, on a large grill over a volcanic pit. Admittedly, the chicken tastes like any other, but it’s undeniably cool to know your meal was cooked by a volcano! The restaurant also features a large bay window with panoramic views of the park and its volcanoes.
Be sure to catch the geothermal demonstrations, which are entertaining for both kids and adults. One highlight is watching a guide pour water into a hole, resulting in a dramatic geyser.
For those interested in learning more about the park’s history, consider taking a guided tour that can be combined with visits to other Lanzarote attractions.
3. Visit Aqualava
Lanzarote offers several waterparks for kids, whether you’re staying near Costa Teguise or in Playa Blanca. We particularly enjoy Aqualava in Playa Blanca. This smaller waterpark features volcano-themed attractions, a wave pool, and a relaxing lazy river where you can float on rubber rings. Open year-round, Aqualava’s pools are heated using geothermal energy, making it suitable for all ages, with splash play areas for the little ones. Arrive early, as sunbeds fill up quickly during busy periods. There’s also an on-site café offering ice cream and basic hot food.
4. Visit Rancho Texas Park
A visit to this animal park and water park while in Lanzarote with kids is a must We drove to the park in our rental car, but complimentary bus service is available from bus stops in Teguise, Playa Blanca, and Puerto del Carmen. You can find further details on the Rancho Texas Lanzarote‘s website.
The kids enjoyed exploring the animal enclosures and observing fascinating creatures such as tortoises, snakes, crocodiles, and even a rare white tiger. The park schedules several animal shows throughout the day, including remarkable performances by dolphins and sea lions, our favourites. Although these shows are included in the ticket price, interactions with the dolphins or sea lions for souvenir photos come at an additional cost.
The water park is really great and you can easily spend a couple of hours here after the zoo. With several pools of varying depths and giant water slides, it was a hit for young and older kids alike. Remember to bring your swimsuits and towels if you plan to visit Rancho Texas Park when staying in Lanzarote with kids.
We purchased our tickets on the day of arrival, and there were no queues at all at the ticket desk (in December). The zoo was relatively calm, but the water park became busier as the afternoon approached.
5. Visit El Golfo village and El Lago Verde (the “Green Lagoon”)
To the east of Lanzarote lies a small fishing village called El Golfo, surrounded by dramatic lava fields. Just a 5-minute walk from the village, you’ll discover a stunning green lake nestled within a volcanic crater. This emerald lagoon, formed by a high concentration of algae, contrasts beautifully with the black sand beach and creates a breathtaking landscape. Follow the designated path to reach an observation platform, where you can take in views of the lagoon, the black sand, and the surrounding volcano. For a closer experience, head down to the small beach below the lagoon, where kids can enjoy throwing stones and getting close to the water.
El Golfo is also known for its excellent seafood restaurants, serving fresh local fish. Enjoy lunch right on the waterfront while taking in the magnificent scenery.
For families with older children, consider a short hike on the opposite side of the village, near the green lagoon. Walk along the stones to admire unique rock formations and watch waves crashing dramatically against the cliffs. If you’re visiting in the late afternoon, stay to watch a spectacular sunset near the green lagoon.
At the far end of the village, beyond the restaurants, you’ll find a small playground for kids. It’s conveniently located just before the hiking path that leads to the rock formations, making it a perfect stop for families.
6. Visit Cueva de los Verdes
Having explored many caves during my travels, Cueva de los Verdes stands out as one of my favourites. Carved by ancient lava flows, this exceptional cave system showcases intricate rock formations, expansive chambers and winding lava tubes. Buy your ticket on arrival or book a tour that includes other nearby attractions.
The tours are on the hour, each hour, and the entry is only with a guided tour. Our youngest was four years old at the time of our visit there and had no problem navigating the caves. We lifted her occasionally, but the cave was generally easy to walk through. I wouldn’t recommend it though for babies and toddlers under the age of four.
The highlight of the cave for me was a jaw-dropping view with a surprising twist at the end of the tour. We’ve all promised not to reveal the surprise – you’ll have to visit to find out!
There is an auditorium inside Cueva de los Verdes where live musical performances sometimes take place. Witnessing them must be such a magical experience. Perhaps next time!
7. Have fun climbing Las Grietas
Climbing Las Grietas in Lanzarote is a fun adventure for families with kids who enjoy exploring nature. The rock formations, created by volcanic activity, look like giant cracks in the ground and are exciting to climb. The trail is easy enough for kids with sturdy shoes, though some parts involve a little scrambling, which adds to the adventure. Along the way, kids will love walking between the tall rock walls and exploring the narrow paths. At the top, you’ll be rewarded with amazing views of Lanzarote’s volcanic landscape. Don’t forget to bring water, sunscreen, and hats, as there’s little shade along the way.
8. Watch the waves at Los Hervideros
A few minutes’ drive from El Golfo village are “Los Hervideros”, translated from Spanish as “boiling pots”. Stop here to watch the turbulent waters as waves crash against the rocky coastline. There is a footpath you can follow towards the coast and it’s safe to visit with children, assuming they can stay close to you. It’s completely free and you can stay for as long as you want to admire the power of the sea.
9. Take a ferry to La Graciosa Island
If you want to get off the beaten track in Lanzarote, consider visiting the island of La Graciosa. Nestled just north of Lanzarote, this compact island stretches out over 8 km in length and 4 km in width. Click here to purchase your return ferry ticket from Órzola (north coast of Lanzarote) to La Graciosa. The ferry takes about 25 minutes to reach the island. It gets pretty windy on the boat, so take an extra layer of clothes to keep yourself warm.
With no paved roads and only 700 residents, La Graciosa offers a truly unique and tranquil experience. You can explore the island in three ways: on foot, by bicycle, or by 4×4 Jeep. Since the nearest beach is about a 45-minute walk from the harbor, walking isn’t ideal for young children. While our 8-year-old managed to walk for a few hours, we ended up carrying our 4-year-old back to the port because she was too tired. If your child can cycle, I recommend renting a bike upon arrival. You’ll find several bike rental shops near the ferry terminal, offering children’s bikes and bikes equipped with baby seats.
Although car rentals aren’t available on the island, you can hire a taxi Jeep to tour La Graciosa. A full tour of the island takes about 1–1.5 hours, or you can arrange for the driver to drop you off at a specific location and schedule a pickup time that suits you.
10. Visit the Jardin de Cactus
Visiting the Jardín de Cactus in Lanzarote with kids is a unique and enjoyable experience. Designed by the famous artist César Manrique, this stunning cactus garden features over 4,500 cacti from more than 450 species around the world, creating a fascinating landscape for children to explore. Kids will love wandering through the winding paths, spotting quirky cactus shapes, and watching the fish in the pond near the entrance. The garden’s layout is compact and stroller-friendly, making it easy for families with younger children. There’s also a café on-site where you can enjoy a snack while taking in the beautiful surroundings. Don’t forget to stop by the restored windmill at the top of the garden for fantastic views of the area.
Have you ever visited Lanzarote with kids or want to go? Share in the comments below and join me on Instagram to get more inspiration for travel with kids.
During one of our trips to Lanzarote, we hopped on a ferry with our rental car to explore the neighbouring island, Fuerteventura. Read “How to spend 3 days in Fuerteventura with kids” for more ideas on places to visit in Canary Islands.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links and I receive a commission if you visit a link and buy something on my recommendation. Purchasing via an affiliate link doesn’t cost you any extra, and I only recommend products and services I trust. All opinions are my own. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. For more details see my disclaimer and privacy policy.
