Lanzarote does not always get the credit it deserves as a family destination. Most people picture all-inclusive sun holidays when they think of the Canary Islands, and while that option certainly exists here, the island offers something considerably more interesting for families who look beyond the pool. Volcanic craters, underground caves, wild camels, natural rock pools, and some of the clearest water in the Atlantic — Lanzarote has the kind of variety that keeps children genuinely engaged rather than just occupied.
The island is compact, safe, and straightforward to navigate. English is widely spoken in resort areas, the food is approachable, and the infrastructure for visitors is well established. Whether you are travelling with toddlers who need calm, shallow water or teenagers who want something more adventurous, Lanzarote with kids delivers across the full range. For a complete overview of everything the island has to offer, the Ultimate Guide to Lanzarote covers every aspect of planning your trip in detail. This article focuses specifically on making it work brilliantly with kids in tow.
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Contents – Lanzarote For Kids
Best Resorts for Families in Lanzarote
Where you base yourself shapes the entire holiday, and the three main resorts each suit different types of family.
Playa Blanca
Playa Blanca is the top choice for most families. Situated on the southern tip of the island, it offers a calmer, more relaxed atmosphere than Puerto del Carmen, a pleasant seafront promenade that is safe for young children to walk and cycle along, and easy access to the Papagayo beaches — widely regarded as the finest on the island. The resort is quieter in the evenings, which suits families with younger children who need early nights. Hotels and apartment complexes here tend to have excellent pool facilities, and the compact town centre makes everything feel manageable.
Puerto del Carmen
Puerto del Carmen is the island’s largest resort and sits just ten minutes from the airport. It has the widest range of accommodation and the most restaurants, making it a solid base for families who want maximum convenience. Playa Grande, the main beach, is wide, well-serviced and sheltered — ideal for young children. The resort is livelier in the evenings, which suits families with older children or teenagers, though it can feel busy during school holidays.
Costa Teguise
Costa Teguise appeals particularly to families with active older children or teenagers. The trade winds that blow through here make it one of the best locations in the Canary Islands for windsurfing and kitesurfing, and there are excellent water sports schools catering to younger learners. The resort has a more open, breezy feel than Puerto del Carmen and is well-placed for day trips to the north of the island.
Best Beaches for Kids in Lanzarote
Lanzarote has over 200 kilometres of coastline, but not all beaches are suitable for families with children. Here are the ones that genuinely deliver.
Papagayo Beaches
The Papagayo coves near Playa Blanca are the headline act for families. These south-facing, sheltered bays offer golden sand, clear turquoise water and natural protection from the wind. The calm conditions make them ideal for young children and confident swimmers alike. Several of the coves have sunbed hire, basic facilities and a beach bar during peak season. The access road is unpaved and bumpy, so take it slowly in your hire car. Arrive before 10am in July and August to secure space without stress.
Playa Grande, Puerto del Carmen
The most accessible family beach on the island. Wide, sheltered and well-serviced with lifeguards, sunbed hire and beach bars right along the front. The sea here is calm and suitable for young children. It gets busy, but the sheer size of the beach means there is always space.
Playa Dorada, Playa Blanca
A smaller, sheltered beach within easy walking distance of Playa Blanca’s centre. The calm, clear water makes it particularly good for young children and nervous swimmers. Lifeguard presence in peak season adds reassurance.
Charcones Natural Rock Pools
For something a little different, the natural volcanic rock pools near Playa Blanca offer a fascinating alternative to a traditional sandy beach. Children tend to love the enclosed pools and the volcanic scenery. The access path is uneven, so this suits older children rather than toddlers in pushchairs.
Top Family-Friendly Attractions
The volcanic landscape is Lanzarote’s greatest selling point, and the good news is that children tend to find it as extraordinary as adults do.
Timanfaya National Park
A visit to the Fire Mountains is genuinely one of the most exciting things you can do with children on the island. The guided bus tour takes you through a landscape that looks like the surface of another planet — black and red hills with no vegetation, volcanic craters stretching in every direction. At the visitor centre, staff demonstrate the geothermal heat just below the surface by pouring water into a borehole and watching it erupt as steam. Children are usually captivated. You cannot hike independently inside the park, but the tour is well-run and takes around 45 minutes. The camel ride excursion operating just outside the park boundary is a firm favourite with younger children.
Jameos del Agua
One of artist César Manrique’s most spectacular creations, Jameos del Agua transforms a volcanic tunnel into a concert hall, gardens, a restaurant and a uniquely beautiful underground lake. The lake is home to a tiny blind albino crab — Munidopsis polymorpha — found nowhere else on earth. Children find this genuinely fascinating, and the dramatic lighting and cave atmosphere create a memorable experience.
Cueva de los Verdes
One of the longest volcanic tunnels in the world, Cueva de los Verdes offers a guided tour through dramatically lit lava tubes deep inside the earth. The tunnels are atmospheric and awe-inspiring. There is a surprise waiting at the end of the tour that we will not spoil here — children tend to love it. Older children in particular find this one of the highlights of the whole island.
Jardín de Cactus
César Manrique’s cactus garden, built inside a former quarry near Guatiza, is a surprisingly engaging stop for children. Over 4,500 cacti from around the world are arranged in an extraordinary amphitheatre setting, with a traditional windmill at the entrance. It is visually striking, and children enjoy spotting the different shapes and sizes. A good one to combine with a drive through the northern part of the island.
La Graciosa Day Trip
The small island visible from the northern cliffs is one of Lanzarote’s best-kept secrets. A 25-minute ferry from Órzola takes you to an island with no paved roads, a handful of restaurants, extraordinary beaches and crystal-clear water. You can explore by foot or hire bikes on the island. Older children and teenagers find this genuinely exciting — it has a real sense of adventure and discovery that is hard to replicate elsewhere.
Outdoor Activities Kids Will Love
Snorkelling
The volcanic coastline creates exceptional conditions for snorkelling, with lava arches, underwater caves and abundant marine life. Playa Chica in Puerto del Carmen is one of the best spots for beginners, and the calmer Papagayo coves are ideal for children snorkelling for the first time. Hire equipment is widely available in all major resorts.
Cycling and E-Bikes
Lanzarote’s quieter inland roads and coastal paths are well suited to family cycling. Several companies offer guided family bike rides through the wine country of La Geria and the volcanic interior. E-bike hire is widely available, making the terrain accessible even for younger riders.
Easy Hikes
The coastal path between Playa Blanca and the Papagayo beaches is a gentle, scenic walk that children manage comfortably. The Caldera Blanca hike — a circular route to the rim of a large volcanic crater — suits older, more active children and takes around two to three hours. Wear proper shoes on all volcanic paths, as the lava rock is sharp.
Camel Rides
The camel excursion operating near Timanfaya is a perennial favourite with younger children. The rides are short and well-managed, and the views across the volcanic landscape from camel-back are memorable.
Food Tips for Families
Canarian food is honest and straightforward, which makes it naturally family-friendly. The local speciality of papas arrugadas — small wrinkled potatoes served with mojo dipping sauces — tends to be a hit with children of all ages. Fresh fish, grilled chicken and simple pasta dishes appear on most menus, and portions are generally generous.
Village restaurants in places like Yaiza, Haría and Arrieta offer better quality and lower prices than resort-front establishments, and the atmosphere is more relaxed and genuinely local. Most restaurants are welcoming to families, and eating later in the evening — in keeping with Canarian custom — is worth trying even with children, as the atmosphere improves considerably after 8pm. Children are generally made to feel very welcome in local restaurants.
For fussy eaters, the standard resort restaurant menus cover pizza, pasta and grilled dishes without any difficulty.
Practical Tips for Travelling to Lanzarote with Kids
Hire a car. With children, this is not optional. The best beaches, volcanic landscapes and village restaurants are not accessible by bus. A medium-sized car handles everything including the unpaved road to Papagayo without any issues. Book in advance during school holidays, as availability drops quickly and prices rise.
Sun protection is essential. The Canarian sun is considerably stronger than most northern European visitors expect, even in spring and autumn. Factor 50 sunscreen, UV-protective swimwear and rash vests for children are strongly recommended. Reapply sunscreen every two hours without exception, and keep young children in the shade between 11am and 3pm.
Wind awareness. Lanzarote is one of the windiest islands in the Canaries. On some beaches, particularly in the north and east, the wind can blow sand with enough force to sting exposed skin. Check wind conditions before choosing your beach for the day, and pack a simple windbreak if you are travelling with babies or toddlers.
Volcanic terrain warnings. The lava fields covering much of the island look walkable but the surface is razor-sharp and highly uneven. Keep children on marked paths at all times, particularly around Timanfaya and the volcanic trails near Tinajo. Closed-toe shoes or trainers are strongly recommended for any excursion away from beach or resort areas.
Timing your visit. Late April through June and September through October offer the best balance of warm temperatures, manageable crowds and lower prices. July and August are peak season — hot, busy and more expensive, though the beaches are at their most vibrant. Winter visits (November through February) are mild and quiet, but sea temperatures drop and some beach facilities close.
Flight times. Lanzarote is well served from most major UK and European airports, with flight times of approximately four hours from the UK. This is manageable with children and far less demanding than long-haul travel.
Pushchair and buggy users. The main resort promenades in Playa Blanca and Puerto del Carmen are smooth and pushchair-friendly. Village streets and volcanic paths are far less accommodating. A compact, foldable buggy is preferable to a large travel system, and a baby carrier is worth packing for any excursion beyond resort areas.
For a broader overview of how to plan your time on the island efficiently, including transport, currency, and seasonal advice, visit our Lanzarote Travel Tips guide, which covers all the practical essentials in one place.
Health and Safety for Families
Lanzarote is a safe and well-regulated destination. The island operates under Spanish and EU health and safety standards, and medical facilities are readily available. The main hospital is in Arrecife, and there are medical centres in all major resorts that are accustomed to treating visiting tourists.
The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or its UK equivalent (GHIC) provides access to state healthcare for EU and UK visitors respectively, but comprehensive travel insurance with medical cover is strongly recommended regardless.
Ocean currents can be unexpectedly strong on certain beaches, particularly on the northern and western coasts. Always swim on beaches with lifeguard cover and observe the flag system:
- Green flag — safe to swim
- Yellow flag — swim with caution
- Red flag — do not enter the water
The Spanish Red Cross Beach Safety service operates on many of Lanzarote’s main beaches during peak season, providing lifeguard cover and first aid support, making the island’s most popular family beaches among the safest in Europe.
Packing Checklist for Families
A quick reference for what to bring:
- Factor 50 sunscreen (buy extra on arrival — it is competitively priced in local supermarkets)
- UV-protective swimwear and rash vests for children
- Lightweight, closed-toe shoes for volcanic excursions
- Reusable water bottles — staying hydrated in the Canarian heat is essential
- Compact windbreak for beach days
- Portable baby carrier or compact buggy
- Snorkelling masks (cheaper to bring your own than to hire daily)
- A light layer for evenings — temperatures drop more than expected after sunset, particularly from September onwards
- Travel insurance documents and GHIC/EHIC cards
- Car seats for young children — confirm in advance with your hire car company whether these are included or need to be booked separately
Day Trip Ideas for Families
Lanzarote’s compact size — roughly 60 kilometres from north to south — means that almost every corner of the island is reachable on a day trip from any of the main resorts.
The North: Haría and Mirador del Río
The valley town of Haría, surrounded by palm trees and known as the Valley of a Thousand Palms, is one of the most picturesque spots on the island. Children enjoy the change of scenery from the volcanic south, and there are several good family restaurants here. From Haría, the short drive to Mirador del Río rewards with one of the most spectacular viewpoints in the Canary Islands — a César Manrique-designed lookout perched high above the cliffs with views across to La Graciosa. The café inside is an excellent stop.
The Wine Country: La Geria
The vineyards of La Geria, where individual vines are planted in hollows in the volcanic ash and protected by low stone walls, create a landscape unlike anything else in the world. This is more of a scenic drive than an active excursion, but older children find it fascinating, and several of the local bodegas offer grape juice and Canarian snacks alongside their wine tastings for adults.
Arrecife
The island’s capital is often overlooked by visitors who stick to the resorts, but Arrecife has a genuine, unhurried local charm. The seafront promenade is pleasant for an evening stroll, the Castillo de San Gabriel offers a small free museum, and the covered market in the centre of town is a good spot for local food and produce. Children enjoy the walk across the small bridge to the castle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lanzarote a good holiday destination for young children and babies?
Yes, absolutely. Lanzarote is one of the best Canary Island destinations for very young children. The sheltered, calm beaches at Playa Blanca and Puerto del Carmen are ideal for toddlers, the infrastructure is well-developed, medical facilities are easily accessible, and the flight time from the UK is short enough to be manageable with babies. The year-round warm climate also means you are unlikely to encounter the unpredictable weather that can frustrate holidays in northern Europe.
What is the best time of year to visit Lanzarote with children?
Late April through June and September through October are the ideal windows for families. Temperatures sit comfortably between 22°C and 27°C, the sea is warm, crowds are lighter than peak summer, and prices are more competitive. July and August are perfectly manageable but significantly busier and more expensive. Winter visits from November to February are mild (around 18–20°C) and very quiet, though some beach facilities and smaller attractions operate reduced hours.
Do I need to hire a car in Lanzarote with children?
Yes, a hire car is strongly recommended for families. The best family beaches — particularly Papagayo — are not accessible by public transport, and the most interesting parts of the island (Timanfaya, the north, La Geria wine country) require independent transport. Roads are well-maintained and driving on the island is straightforward. Book in advance during peak season.
Are the volcanic areas safe for children?
The main volcanic attractions — Timanfaya National Park, Jameos del Agua, Cueva de los Verdes — are all well-managed, safe, and genuinely fascinating for children. The guided bus tour inside Timanfaya keeps visitors on a set route, and all attractions meet EU safety standards. The key precaution is to keep children on marked paths at all times in volcanic areas, as the lava rock is extremely sharp and the terrain is uneven. Proper footwear is essential.
Which resort in Lanzarote is best for families?
Playa Blanca is the most consistently recommended resort for families, particularly those with younger children. It offers a calm atmosphere, a safe and pleasant promenade, easy access to the Papagayo beaches, and a wide range of family-friendly accommodation. Puerto del Carmen suits families wanting maximum convenience and the widest choice of restaurants and activities. Costa Teguise is the best option for families with teenagers who want water sports.
Are the beaches in Lanzarote safe for swimming?
The sheltered south-facing beaches — particularly Papagayo, Playa Grande and Playa Dorada — offer calm, safe swimming conditions for children. Always check the flag system before entering the water. Lifeguard cover is available on the main resort beaches during peak season. Avoid swimming on exposed northern and western beaches unless conditions are clearly calm and flags confirm it is safe.
What should we do if a child needs medical attention in Lanzarote?
Medical centres in all major resorts are experienced in treating visiting tourists and English-speaking staff are generally available. For non-urgent matters, the resort medical centres are the first port of call. For emergencies, the main hospital is Hospital Doctor José Molina Orosa in Arrecife. Ensure your travel insurance includes comprehensive medical cover, and carry your GHIC or EHIC card for access to state healthcare.
Is Lanzarote suitable for teenagers, or is it only good for young children?
Lanzarote works well for teenagers too, though it requires some planning. Costa Teguise offers windsurfing and kitesurfing schools tailored to younger learners. The volcanic landscape is genuinely dramatic and different from anywhere else in Europe. La Graciosa day trip provides a real sense of adventure. Snorkelling, cycling, jeep safaris and coasteering tours all appeal to the teenage market. The resorts themselves are quieter and more family-oriented than Tenerife or Gran Canaria, which suits some teenagers more than others.
Conclusion
Lanzarote genuinely earns its place among Europe’s best family holiday destinations. It combines the reliable sunshine and calm beaches that make a family holiday logistically straightforward with a volcanic landscape dramatic enough to keep children of every age genuinely interested. The island is safe, compact and well-organised — three qualities that matter enormously when you are travelling with children.
The key to making it work is choosing the right resort for your family’s needs, hiring a car to unlock the best of what the island offers, and mixing beach days with at least a handful of the extraordinary natural and cultural attractions that set Lanzarote apart from a conventional sun-and-sand holiday. Timanfaya, Jameos del Agua and Cueva de los Verdes alone justify the trip for many families.
Whether you are introducing a toddler to their first overseas holiday or looking for a destination that genuinely engages teenagers as much as parents, Lanzarote delivers with remarkable consistency. For everything you need to plan your trip from start to finish, the Ultimate Guide to Lanzarote is the complete resource.
