Where to Stay in Tenerife With Kids: Best Resorts & Areas for Families

Choosing where to stay in Tenerife with kids can feel overwhelming, with dozens of resorts, towns and areas all claiming to be family-friendly. Get it right, and you'll have easy access to beaches, attractions and everything you need for a stress-free holiday. Get it wrong, and you could face long transfers or a resort that doesn't suit your family.

Having visited Tenerife with our 7-year-old son Joshua, I've put together this honest guide to the best areas and resorts in Tenerife for families, based on real experience and research.

This article is for parents trying to decide which part of the island to base themselves in, whether you want beaches, water parks, a lively resort or somewhere quieter. I'll break down the best areas by suitability and budget, recommend family hotels and share practical tips to help you choose.

Some links in this article may be affiliate links. If you choose to book through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Quick Answer: Where Is the Best Place to Stay in Tenerife With Kids?

For most families, the south and south-west of Tenerife are the best areas to stay, thanks to the reliable sunshine, calm beaches and proximity to attractions like Siam Park.

Here's a quick summary of the best areas:

• Costa Adeje – Best for families wanting upmarket resorts with kids clubs, big pools and slides, great beaches and easy access to Tenerifes famous waterparks

• Los Cristianos – Best for a traditional, relaxed feel with a fantastic family beach

• Playa de las Américas – Best for lively resorts, entertainment and nightlife nearby

• Callao Salvaje & Playa Paraíso – Best for quieter, more laid-back family holidays

• Puerto de la Cruz (north) – Best for culture, Loro Parque and a more authentic feel

• Best Family Resorts with Kids Clubs: start with the hotels around Costa Adeje or our top pick Bahia Principe Fantasia Tenerife

If you're specifically looking for a family-friendly all-inclusive stay, we can't recommend Bahia Principe Fantasia Tenerife highly enough. We stayed here with our son and loved it, thanks to its fantastic pools, kids' entertainment, family rooms and superb food. You can read all about it in our full Hotel Bahia Principe Fantasia Tenerife Review With Kids, and if it's caught your eye, it's well worth taking a look at the different room options to see if it's the right fit for your family.

The south generally offers the warmest, driest weather, which is why it's so popular with families, particularly during October half term. For more on the seasonal weather, see Tenerife in October Half Term With Kids: Is It Worth It?

Why Location Matters When Visiting Tenerife With Kids

Where you stay makes a big difference to your holiday.

Tenerife is a relatively small island, but the north and south have noticeably different climates. The south is warmer, sunnier and drier, making it the top choice for beach and pool holidays. The north is greener and more cultural, but sees more cloud and rain.

Most of the major family attractions, including Siam Park, are in the south-west, so basing yourself here keeps travel times short. That said, having a car opens up the whole island. For our honest take on getting around, see Driving in Tenerife With Kids: Easy Family Holiday or Unnecessary Stress?

Ultimately, the right base depends on the type of holiday you want and how much you plan to explore. For inspiration on what's out there, see 21 Best Things to Do in Tenerife With Kids: Our Complete Family Guide.

Costa Adeje: Best for Families Overall

Best for: Upmarket resorts, great beaches, Siam Park access

Costa Adeje is widely considered the best area to stay in Tenerife with kids, and it's easy to see why.

This polished, purpose-built resort area is home to some of the island's best hotels, calm Blue Flag beaches and excellent restaurants. It's clean, safe and well set up for families, with gentle waters ideal for younger children.

Costa Adeje is also where you'll find many of the best all-inclusive family resorts in Tenerife with kids' clubs, pools, water slides and entertainment. If you're travelling as a family of three or four and want everything on your doorstep, an all-inclusive base here is hard to beat.

Costa Adeje's best family hotels book up quickly, especially over October half term, so I'd recommend checking availability early rather than leaving it to the last minute.

Crucially, it's also the closest areas to Siam Park, making it perfect if a water park day is high on your list. For everything you need to know, see Siam Park Tenerife Review With Kids: Is It Really Worth the Hype? and don't miss our guide on whether Siam Park Fast Passes are worth the money.

Our Top Family Hotels Picks in Costa Adeje by Budget

Higher-end

Bahia Principe Fantasia Tenerife is our top luxury pick and the hotel we personally stayed in. This castle-themed all-inclusive resort is a genuine hit with children, thanks to its fairytale theming, splash park, kids' clubs, family rooms and fantastic entertainment. It ticks every box for a family-friendly all-inclusive stay. For our full experience, see our Hotel Bahia Principe Fantasia Tenerife Review With Kids.

Gran Meliá Palacio de Isora is another stunning five-star option on the west coast, famous for having Europe's longest saltwater infinity pool (around 400 metres). It offers a range of board options including all-inclusive, plus a dedicated pirate-themed kids' pool with slides, a Kidsdom children's programme, family suites and even a kids' restaurant with healthier options.

Mid-range

GF Victoria in Costa Adeje is a superb five-star family choice, offering both half-board and all-inclusive options. Its biggest draw is the excellent on-site water park, complete with slides and a surf pool, alongside a Baby Club, Mini Club and Teen Club.

Bahia Principe Costa Adeje is a reliable mid-range all-inclusive choice from the same group as our castle-themed pick. It offers spacious grounds, multiple pools, good food and evening entertainment, making it a solid, family-friendly base close to the beach and Siam Park.

Budget-Friendly

Europe Villa Cortés in Playa de las Américas is a beautiful Mexican-themed beachfront hotel. While it leans more towards half-board than all-inclusive, it's beachfront, has a children's pool and offers excellent value for a five-star stay, particularly for families wanting a central location near shops, restaurants and the beach.

Alternatively, self-catering apartments slightly inland can offer fantastic value and flexibility, especially for families who don't need the full all-inclusive experience and are happy to explore local restaurants and supermarkets.

Los Cristianos: Best for a Relaxed Family Feel

Best for: Traditional charm, calm beaches, easy walking

Just along the coast from Costa Adeje, Los Cristianos offers a more traditional, laid-back atmosphere while still being extremely family-friendly.

Its sheltered, gently sloping beach is one of the best on the island for young children, and the flat, walkable promenade makes it easy to get around with a pushchair. There's a lovely mix of local shops, restaurants and a genuine town feel that's slightly less "resort-like" than its neighbours.

It's also a departure point for many boat trips, including whale and dolphin watching.

Los Cristianos is home to one of the best beaches in Tenerife for families with small children, thanks to its calm, shallow, gently sloping water.

Family Hotels in Los Cristianos by Budget

Higher-end

Set slightly above Los Cristianos with fantastic views over the coast, Hotel Paradise Park Fun Lifestyle is a firm favourite with families. It's known for its extensive facilities, including multiple pools, water slides, a kids' club and a lively entertainment programme, making it ideal if you want plenty to do without leaving the resort. It's a great choice for families happy to pay a little more for an all-inclusive, activity-packed base.

Mid-range

For a comfortable stay without the premium price tag, Hotel Reverón Plaza offers a central location in the heart of Los Cristianos, within easy walking distance of the beach, harbour and plenty of family-friendly restaurants.

Alternatively, Optim Hotels Villa Adeje Beach is a solid mid-range option close to the coast, offering good facilities and easy access to both Los Cristianos and Costa Adeje. Both strike a nice balance between comfort, convenience and value.

Budget-Friendly

If you'd rather keep costs down or prefer the flexibility of self-catering, Apartamentos Marola Portosín is a popular budget-friendly choice, offering simple, practical apartments close to the beach and town. There are also plenty of other local self-catering apartments in Los Cristianos, which are ideal for families who want to prepare their own meals, come and go as they please and save money by eating in. This option works particularly well if you're planning to explore the island and won't be spending all day at the hotel.

Playa de las Américas: Best for Lively Family Holidays

Best for: Entertainment, buzz, beaches and amenities

Playa de las Américas is Tenerife's most famous resort and a great choice if you want plenty of buzz, entertainment and amenities on your doorstep.

While it's known for its nightlife, large sections are very family-friendly, with sandy beaches, water sports and endless dining options. It suits families who like a lively atmosphere and don't mind being in the heart of the action.

It's also well connected, making it easy to reach attractions and go on excursions like family go karting or kayaking and snorkelling.

Several hotels here offer kids' entertainment and childcare services, making it a strong choice for families who want plenty of on-site activities.

Wherever you stay in Playa de las Américas, you'll be well placed to explore the island's best family activities.

From here, it's easy to reach experiences like Family Go Karting in Tenerife and our memorable Kayaking and Snorkelling in Tenerife Review, both of which are within easy reach of the southern resorts.

Family Hotels in Playa de las Américas by Budget

Playa de las Américas is one of the liveliest resorts in the south, making it a great base for families who want plenty of restaurants, entertainment and beaches on the doorstep, while still being close to attractions like Siam Park. Here are our top picks by budget:

Higher-end

Alexandre Hotel Troya is a fantastic four-star beachfront option right on Playa de Troya. It's directly opposite the sea, has a children's pool, a lovely infinity pool and offers family rooms sleeping up to four. Its location is excellent for families, with Siam Park just a 15-minute walk away and Aqualand around a mile up the road.

Europe Villa Cortés, on the border with Costa Adeje, is another upmarket choice, offering a beautiful Mexican-themed beachfront setting.

Mid-range

Spring Hotel Vulcano is a modern, family-friendly four-star hotel set in lush botanical gardens, just a short walk from the beach. It has two large outdoor pools, a children's pool, daily entertainment and activities such as aqua aerobics, making it a solid choice for families. Siam Park is only around 2.4km away.

Budget-friendly

Parque Santiago apartments are ideal for families wanting flexibility and value. This large aparthotel complex feels like a small village, with self-catering apartments, multiple pools, minigolf, a dedicated children's water park with slides (suitable for kids aged 4-12), shops and restaurants, all just steps from El Camisón beach. The self-catering setup is perfect for families who want the freedom to prepare their own meals and set their own schedule.

Callao Salvaje & Playa Paraíso: Best for Quieter Holidays

Best for: Peaceful, laid-back family time

If you'd prefer somewhere calmer and less crowded, the smaller resorts of Callao Salvaje and Playa Paraíso are worth considering.

These quieter areas sit just north of Costa Adeje and offer a more relaxed pace, while still being within easy reach of the main attractions by car. They're ideal for families with younger children who prioritise downtime over a lively resort scene.

Because they're a little more spread out, this is an area where having a car is particularly useful. See Driving in Tenerife With Kids for our honest verdict.

Family Hotels in Callao Salvaje & Playa Paraíso by Budget

Higher-end

Bahia Principe Sunlight Tenerife is a fantastic all-inclusive resort set on the clifftops of Costa Adeje, perfect for families wanting plenty on-site. It boasts multiple pools, water slides and a well-run kids' club with organised activities and entertainment, meaning children are kept busy while parents relax. The sea views and spacious grounds make it feel like a proper resort escape.

Mid-range

Adrián Hoteles Roca Nivaria – A stylish beachfront hotel in Playa Paraíso that strikes a great balance between quality and value. Families love its large pool complex, direct access to a small cove beach and its Mini Club for younger children. It's calmer than the big southern resorts, making it ideal for families with little ones who want a more relaxed pace.

Budget-friendly

Self-catering apartments and aparthotels – This area has plenty of well-equipped apartments and aparthotels, many with shared pools and family-sized rooms. Self-catering is a great option for families who prefer flexibility around mealtimes and fussy eaters, and it often works out significantly cheaper, especially for a family of four. Just note that facilities like kids' clubs and slides are less common in smaller complexes, so check before booking if these matter to you.

Puerto de la Cruz: Best for the North of Tenerife

Best for: Culture, Loro Parque, authentic Tenerife

For families wanting a more authentic experience, Puerto de la Cruz in the north is a fantastic alternative to the southern resorts.

This charming, traditional town offers a real slice of Canarian life, with historic streets, black-sand beaches and the famous Lago Martiánez lido complex. It's also home to Loro Parque, one of the island's top family attractions.

The trade-off is the weather. The north is greener but cloudier and wetter than the south, so it's a better choice for families who want culture and sightseeing rather than guaranteed beach days.

Family Hotels in Puerto de la Cruz by Budget

Higher-end

Hotel Botánico & The Oriental Spa Garden – One of the most prestigious hotels in the north, set within beautiful subtropical gardens. While it's known for its luxury and spa, it welcomes families and offers elegant surroundings, excellent service and easy access to Puerto de la Cruz's attractions. It's best suited to families wanting a refined, relaxing base rather than a lively resort with slides and clubs.

Mid-range

Hotel Las Águilas or Precise Resort Tenerife – Both offer great value for families. Precise Resort Tenerife is particularly popular thanks to its large pools, tropical gardens and family-friendly facilities, while Hotel Las Águilas boasts stunning views over the town and coastline. These hotels suit families who want comfort and good facilities without paying top-end prices.

Budget-friendly

Apartments in the town centre - Puerto de la Cruz has a wide range of affordable apartments and aparthotels, many within walking distance of the beaches, Lago Martiánez lido and Loro Parque. Self-catering here is ideal for families who want flexibility and a more authentic, local base.

Just note that facilities like kids' clubs and water slides are less common in the north, so check individual properties if these are important to you.

Best Tenerife Resorts With Kids' Clubs and Family Facilities

If keeping the children entertained is a priority, it's worth choosing a resort with a dedicated kids' club, splash pool and family entertainment. These facilities can make a huge difference, giving children a chance to play and make friends while parents enjoy some downtime.

We experienced this first-hand at Bahia Principe Fantasia, which has one of the best kids' clubs we've come across. Alongside its castle theme, it offers organised activities, entertainment and childcare-style sessions that Joshua absolutely loved, meaning we could relax knowing he was happy and safe.

Top family resorts with excellent kids' clubs include:

• Bahia Principe Fantasia (Costa Adeje) – castle theme, superb kids' club, splash areas

• GF Victoria (Costa Adeje) – standout kids' zone and water park facilities

• Bahia Principe Sunlight Tenerife (Costa Adeje) – great all-inclusive with kids' club

• Hotel Paradise Park Fun Lifestyle (Los Cristianos) – strong entertainment programme

• Adrián Hoteles Roca Nivaria (Playa Paraíso) – family-friendly with childcare-style activities

Which Area Should Families Choose?

To make it simple, here's our quick recommendation based on family type:

• Best all-rounder: Costa Adeje

• Best for young children: Los Cristianos

• Best for lively holidays: Playa de las Américas

• Best for peace and quiet: Callao Salvaje / Playa Paraíso

• Best for culture & the north: Puerto de la Cruz

For most first-time families, especially those visiting in October half term, we'd recommend Costa Adeje for its unbeatable combination of weather, beaches, hotels and attractions.

Practical Tips for Choosing a Family Hotel in Tenerife

Before you book, keep these tips in mind:

• Check the transfer time from the airport (Tenerife South serves the main resorts)

• Look for kids' clubs, splash pools and family rooms if that matters to you

• Consider all-inclusive vs self-catering based on how much you'll eat out

• Read recent reviews to check for renovations or issues

• Book early for October half term, as the best family hotels sell out fast

Once you've sorted your hotel, don't forget to pack properly. See Tenerife Packing List for October With Kids: What We Packed, Used and Wish We'd Brought for our real-world advice.

Final Verdict: The Best Place to Stay in Tenerife With Kids

There's no single "best" place to stay in Tenerife, but for most families, the south and south-west offer the ideal combination of sunshine, beaches, hotels and attractions.

If you want our top recommendation, Costa Adeje is hard to beat, particularly for first-time visitors and anyone planning a trip to Siam Park. For a more relaxed feel, Los Cristianos is wonderful, while Puerto de la Cruz offers a completely different, more cultural experience in the north.

Whichever area you choose, base your decision on the type of holiday you want, your budget and how much you plan to explore. Get that right, and Tenerife makes for a fantastic family destination.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Best Area to Stay in Tenerife With Kids?

Costa Adeje is generally considered the best area to stay in Tenerife with kids, thanks to its calm beaches, excellent family hotels and proximity to Siam Park. Los Cristianos is another great option for a more relaxed atmosphere.

Is the North or South of Tenerife Better for Families?

The south is better for beach and pool holidays thanks to warmer, drier weather. The north (such as Puerto de la Cruz) is greener and more cultural but sees more cloud and rain, making it better for sightseeing.

Where Should I Stay in Tenerife for Siam Park?

Costa Adeje is the closest and most convenient area for Siam Park.

For more, see Siam park review with kids.

Which Tenerife Hotels Have the Best Kids' Clubs?

Bahia Principe Fantasia is one of our top picks for kids' clubs, offering supervised activities, entertainment and a fantastic castle theme. Other great options include GF Victoria and Hotel Paradise Park Fun Lifestyle, all of which offer strong children's entertainment programmes.

Are There Good All-Inclusive Family Resorts in Tenerife?

Yes. Costa Adeje in particular is packed with all-inclusive family resorts offering kids' clubs, pools, entertainment and family rooms ideal for a family of four. Bahia Principe Fantasia is a standout choice.

plan your TRIP TO tenerife

If you’re planning your family trip to the Tenerife, these guides will help you pull everything together:

About Plan Family Escapes

We’re a UK-based family sharing real, experience-led travel guides based on trips we’ve taken with our school-age son Joshua across destinations like Lapland, Turkey and India.

Everything we share is based on what we’ve personally experienced — with honest advice on what actually works when travelling with kids, focusing on making family travel easier, more comfortable and genuinely enjoyable.