Gran Canaria stands out as Europe's premier year-round family destination, offering guaranteed sunshine, world-class attractions, and comprehensive facilities designed specifically for families with children of all ages. With average temperatures of 25°C throughout the year, this Canary Island paradise provides the perfect backdrop for creating lasting family memories.
From the iconic golden dunes of Maspalomas to the bustling capital of Las Palmas, Gran Canaria combines natural wonders with modern family-friendly infrastructure. The island's diverse landscape offers everything from gentle toddler-friendly beaches to challenging teenage adventures, making it the ideal destination for multi-generational family holidays.
This comprehensive guide covers current 2025 information including updated prices, opening hours, and practical tips gathered from official tourism sources, recent visitor reviews, and local experts. Whether you're planning your first family trip or returning to explore new adventures, this guide will help you make the most of your Gran Canaria experience.
Family Attractions by Age Group
👶 Toddlers (0-3 years)
Gentle Beaches
Perfect calm water beaches with shallow areas and excellent facilities for families with young children.
- Playa de Amadores: Artificial white sand, crystal-clear calm waters, extensive amenities
- Puerto Rico Beach: Sheltered bay with gentle waves, lifeguards, family facilities
- Playa de Mogán: Harbor location with plate-like calm waters, perfect for toddlers
Aqualand Toddler Area
Dedicated toddler water park section with shallow pools and safe play areas.
- Location: Maspalomas
- Hours: Daily 10am-5pm
- Admission: FREE for under 2 years
- Features: Kidzworld section, mini-slides, splash pads, baby-changing areas
LEGO Fan Factory
FREE play space in Centro Comercial Siete Palmas with supervised LEGO activities for ages 3+.
- Location: Centro Comercial Siete Palmas, Las Palmas
- Hours: Mon-Fri 5-8pm, Sat 11am-2pm & 5-8pm, Sun 1-4pm
- Cost: FREE - 1 hour per day
- Age Groups: 3-4 years and 5-12 years (separate areas)
🧒 Young Children (4-8 years)
Palmitos Park
Comprehensive zoo, botanical garden, and aquarium with spectacular shows perfect for young children.
- Hours: Daily 10am-6pm
- Admission: Adults €31, Children 5-10 €22, Ages 3-4 €13
- Shows: Dolphin shows, exotic birds, birds of prey
- Special: Swimming with dolphins experience (€90 extra)
Poema del Mar Aquarium
World-class aquarium with 550+ species and the world's largest curved aquarium window.
- Hours: Daily 9am-6pm
- Admission: Adults €27, Children reduced rates
- Features: 35 ecosystems, electric eels, sharks, reef exhibits
- Duration: 2-hour visit recommended
Angry Birds Activity Park
5,000m² of colorful activities including zip lines, trampolines, climbing, mini golf, and 10D cinema.
- Location: Puerto Rico, Gran Canaria
- Pricing: Under 3 FREE, Ages 3-4 €8, Ages 5-13 €16, Adults €12
- Features: 20+ attractions, splash zone, laser maze, racing circuit
- Special: Leave and re-enter same day
🎒 School Age (9-12 years)
Holiday World Maspalomas
The largest entertainment center in the Canary Islands with 30+ rides, bowling, escape rooms, and more.
- Hours: Tue-Thu 5-11pm, Fri-Sat 5pm-12am, Sun 5-11pm
- Residents: Child €12, Adult €8, Senior €3
- Features: Roller coaster, 26m big wheel, pirate ship, sky drop
- Extras: Bowling, karaoke, escape rooms, gastro market
Sioux City Park
Wild West theme park with authentic cowboy shows, bank robberies, saloon entertainment, and horseback riding.
- Hours: Tue-Sun 10am-5pm (Closed Mondays)
- Location: San Agustín, Cañón del Águila
- Shows: Bank robbery, sheriff duels, can-can shows, Indian performances
- Features: Animal farm, cactus garden, horseback riding, Mexican village
Go-Kart Racing
Multiple professional karting circuits suitable for children aged 5+ with junior karts and safety equipment.
- Gran Karting Club: 1281m track, Mon-Thu 10am-8pm, Fri-Sun 10am-9pm
- Racing Kart Maspalomas: 972m track, family-friendly, junior karts available
- Indoor Karting Gran Canaria: Weather-protected racing
- Age Requirements: Children 5+ with junior karts, adults 16+
Urban Planet Trampoline Park
Gran Canaria's largest trampoline park located in Centro Comercial Siete Palmas with free jump zones and birthday party facilities.
- Location: Centro Comercial Siete Palmas, Las Palmas
- Features: Free jump area, basketball trampolines, target games
- Birthday Parties: Dedicated party rooms available
- Suitable: All ages, encourages physical activity
🎮 Teenagers (13-17 years)
Aqualand Extreme Slides
Adrenaline-pumping water slides, wave pools, and the Congo River for thrill-seeking teens.
- Extreme Slides: Kamikaze, Anaconda, Tornado multi-slide
- Wave Pool: Artificial waves up to 1.5m high
- Congo River: Fast-flowing lazy river adventure
- Age Suitability: Perfect for confident swimmers 12+
Professional Karting
High-speed karting with adult karts, timing systems, and competitive racing for teenagers 16+.
- Gran Karting Club: 1281m professional circuit, 200cc-400cc karts
- Timing System: Tag Heuer lap timing for competitive racing
- Speed: Karts reach 60+ km/h on straightaways
- Group Events: Perfect for birthday parties and challenges
Tandem Skydiving
Ultimate adrenaline experience jumping from 10,000 feet over Maspalomas with professional instructors.
- Age Requirement: 16+ with parental consent, 18+ independent
- Experience: Freefall at 200km/h, 60 seconds freefall time
- Landing: Soft sand landing on Maspalomas Beach
- Safety: Professional instructors with 18+ years experience
👨👩👧👦 Multi-Generational Activities (All Ages)
Maspalomas Dunes & Camel Safari
400-hectare natural reserve with golden sand dunes, lighthouse, and gentle camel rides suitable for all family members.
- Size: 400-hectare protected UNESCO Biosphere Reserve
- Camel Rides: 30-minute trips suitable for children 4+
- Walking Trails: Pushchair-friendly paths available
- Best Time: Early morning or late afternoon for cooler temperatures
Dolphin & Whale Watching
Glass-bottom boat excursions with excellent opportunities to see dolphins and pilot whales in their natural habitat.
- Departure Ports: Puerto Rico, Puerto de Mogán, Maspalomas
- Success Rate: 90%+ dolphin sightings, 70%+ whale sightings
- Boat Features: Glass-bottom viewing, sun protection, refreshments
- Duration: 2-3 hours, family-friendly timing
Practical Family Travel Tips
🏨 Family Accommodations
Gran Canaria offers excellent family-friendly accommodations with specialized children's facilities.
- Dunas Hotels Group: Comprehensive family facilities, kids' clubs, up to 100% discount for first child
- HD Parque Cristóbal: #1 family value, children's splash park, all-inclusive options
- Budget Options: Self-catering apartments from €53/night
- All-Inclusive Resorts: From €205/night including meals and activities
🚗 Transportation
Multiple transportation options cater to families with different needs and budgets.
- Car Rental: Recommended for families, from €4.79/day, child seats available
- Public Transport: Children under 4 free, families with 4+ children get 20% extra discount
- Airport Transfers: Bus €2.90-6.90, private transfers recommended with young children
- Taxi Services: Available from all tourist areas, child seats on request
💰 Budget Tips
Smart strategies to maximize your family vacation budget in Gran Canaria.
- Low Season: November-March offers best value - warm weather, lower prices
- Free Activities: All beaches, hiking trails, markets, Sunday museum entries
- Dining: Menú del Día €8-12, local markets, self-catering saves significantly
- Multi-attraction Passes: Save with combined tickets to theme parks
🚨 Emergency Information
Emergency Contacts
- Emergency Number: 112
- British Medical Clinic: +34 928 560 016
- Hospital Doctor Negrín: Las Palmas
- Tourist Police: Available in all tourist areas
Safety Tips
- Sun protection essential - UV index reaches 11
- Respect beach flag system for swimming safety
- EHIC cards accepted at public hospitals
- Most attractions have height restrictions for safety
🌟 Best Times to Visit with Children
Spring (Mar-May)
20-25°C, minimal rain
Perfect for outdoor activities with fewer crowds and pleasant temperatures for all ages.
Summer (Jun-Sep)
25-30°C, school holidays
Peak season with extended hours at attractions, perfect for beach activities and water sports.
Autumn (Sep-Nov)
22-27°C, reduced crowds
Ideal balance of warm weather and fewer tourists, with sea still warm from summer.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
18-22°C, mild weather
Escape cold weather elsewhere, perfect for families seeking warm winter getaways.
Your Gran Canaria Family Adventure Awaits
Gran Canaria offers the perfect blend of guaranteed sunshine, world-class family attractions, and practical infrastructure that makes traveling with children not just possible, but genuinely enjoyable.
From toddler-friendly beaches to teenage adventures, from budget-conscious tips to luxury experiences, this island paradise provides memorable experiences for every family member while maintaining the safety and comfort that parents need.