10 top things to do on a family holiday in Gran Canaria
Gran Canaria is a popular choice if you’re looking for some fun in the Spanish sun, especially if you’ve got little ones in tow.
The third largest of the Canary Islands, behind Tenerife and Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria is an ideal holiday destination for families, due to its many kid-friendly hotels and attractions.
Most families with children stay on the south of the island, where there are lots of child-friendly beaches and comfortable temperatures all year round.
But Gran Canaria is not just for kids. From beaches and water parks, to camel rides and shopping, there’s something for everyone!
With this in mind, here are our top ten things to see and do on a family trip to Gran Canaria.
Tip: If you’re looking forward to a holiday but thinking about the challenges of a plane ride with tots, then check out our tips on how to do air travel with kids (and no stress).
Also, don’t forget, Norwegian offers a range of flexible ticket options, so if you need to change your flights or cancel at the last minute, you can quickly and easily do so – for free!
Fly to Gran Canaria
1. Water parks
This one is mandatory. Gran Canaria, children, and holidays mean playtime and fun in the water. Where better to do that than at a water park?
In Gran Canaria, the two best water parks are Aqualand Maspalomas and Lago Taurito Water Park. The latter is located in a large complex with a hotel, mini golf, and spa centre … perhaps dad or the grandparents could look after the kids for an hour or two?!
Both Aqualand Maspalomas and Lago Taurito have everything you could want from a water park, including fast rides, pools for the little ones, and plenty of excitement! Don’t forget to pack sunscreen!
Reward tip: Book your tickets to Aqualand Maspalomas via GetYourGuide and earn CashPoints towards your future flights with Norwegian!
2. Holiday World Maspalomas
Holiday World Maspalomas is a small amusement park that has everything you’d expect: Ferris wheels, roller coasters, dodgems, a rocking boat, a children’s carousel, and more.
Next to the amusement park, you’ll also find a bowling alley.
Other attractions here include four different escape rooms, where you have to solve tasks to get out. This is a popular activity among older children and is also well-suited for adults. If you’ve not done it before, you may want to start with the beginner’s room, “Around the World in 80 Days”.
3. Hangar 37
This Gran Canaria activity is great for adults and kids. At Hangar 37 you’re essentially immersed in a videogame. Fast-paced and exciting, you’ll get a full-body workout as teams battle it out with airsoft balls (a variant of paintballs).
There’s no age limit to enter Hangar 37, but it’s not something for the very young. Smaller children can try their hand at target practice in the shooting gallery instead.
4. Sioux City Park
Looking for a fun, family day out? Take a trip back to the Wild West at Sioux City theme park! Originally built as a western film set, Sioux City now hosts daily shows and interactive exhibits for the whole family.
From cattle walking and knife throwing to bank robberies and shootouts between bandits and the sheriff, the entertainment is non-stop. The little ones can even ride ponies through town.
There’s also an on-site zoo, where kids can see some Cachena Cattle, emus, meerkats, and dwarf crocodiles.
Other attractions include a Wild West museum and gift shop, complete with replica cowboy guns, sheriff badges, and wanted posters.
5. Angry Birds Activity Park
Want an easy way to occupy the kids on the plane to Gran Canaria? Download the Angry Birds app – they won’t move until you land.
If they can’t get enough of Terence, Mighty Eagle and the gang, they can continue the fun at the Angry Birds Activity Park.
There’s no time for apps here – there’s too much fun to be had. For the sports-mad, there are football pitches and basketball courts. For acrobats, there are trampolines, skating ramps and a padded Parkour circuit. There are even air cannons where kids can fire rubber balls at thieving piglets.
It’s just like the original game, but life-sized and in the open Spanish air!
6. Camel rides
Fancy something a bit different? How about a camel ride across the Gran Canaria desert?
This is a wonderful experience to enjoy as a family, and something the kids are likely to remember for the rest of their lives.
With GetYourGuide, you can book a camel ride in the dunes of Maspalomas, and earn CashPoints for doing so!
7. Take a trip in a submarine
Fancy an exhilarating trip to the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean? Book a Submarine Adventure in Puerto de Mogán and that’s exactly what you’ll do.
A top excursion for little (and big) kids, you’ll board the vessel and dive to a depth of 25 meters during this 40-minute tour. You’ll see two sunken shipwrecks, various marine species, and the crystal clear waters of the Atlantic through large windows on the submarine.
A once-in-a-lifetime experience for the whole family – it’s not to be missed!
8. Shopping at Mogan Mall
In need of some retail therapy? Mogan Mall will hit the spot. A large shopping centre on the south side of the island, it boasts more than 40 shops. And the best bit? The Canary Islands have their own sales tax rules, equivalent to around 7% VAT, which means you can save on your purchases!
Puerto de Mógan is one of the most idyllic spots in all of Gran Canaria, so if the rest of the family aren’t in the mood for shopping, a pleasant stroll along the promenade or a quiet drink by the marina will make for an ideal alternative.
9. Sightseeing in Las Palmas
Las Palmas is the capital of Gran Canaria. And, as like any bustling capital, there’s no shortage of things to do.
Start with a stroll around the beautiful Vegueta area. This is the oldest part of the city where there’s plenty to see, such as the Canary Islands Cathedral, which dates back to 1497, the Vegueta market, and some picturesque squares to stop and have an ice cream.
Las Palmas is home to Pueblo Canario, a recreation of a traditional Canarian village. There are free live performances of Canarian folk music here every Thursday afternoon and Sunday morning which you can watch from the comfort of a table on the outdoor terrace, although you’ll need to arrive early to secure a seat.
The Pueblo Canario also houses the Museo Néstor, one of the city’s art galleries.
If you’re a fan of vintage shops, head to Polonium 209 on Carretera del rincón to check out their quirky upcycled furniture from the 1940s to 1980s. For vintage clothing, stop by Flamingos Vintage Kilo Las Palmas on Avenida Rafael Cabrera 7 where you’ll find pieces ranging from the 50s to the 80s.
If you want to get away from the hustble and bustle, head to Las Canteras beach to soak up some rays.
10. Try some Canary Islands bananas
Taking a bite of a Canary Islands banana, or ‘plátano canario’ is a must. They’re sweeter than the ones sold here. They’re also smaller, making them an ideal kid-friendly snack.
Unlike the bananas we buy at the supermarket, the production of Canary Islands bananas isn’t controlled by large multinational corporations, but by 8,000 independent farmers.
Another Canary Islands delicacy to try is ‘mojo picón’: a delicious sauce made from garlic, olive oil, peppers, cumin, salt and vinegar, that’s served at all the local restaurants. If you like it, you can buy a jar to take home with you.
Book your family holiday in Gran Canaria
Gran Canaria is not that big – you can get almost anywhere in an hour by car. All the main attractions except Las Palmas are located on the south side of the island and are a short drive from one another.
Hire a car through Avis, and earn CashPoints with Norwegian Reward.