The best family activities and days out in Gran Canaria

Gran Canaria offers a variety of family-friendly activities and attractions.

A popular year-round holiday destination, Gran Canaria offers plenty of great activities and days out to keep families entertained and creating memories for the duration of their stay. Whilst the South of the island is the main draw for tourists, the North also offers a number of fantastic experiences such as the Poema del Mar Aquarium, Historic Shopping Districts and modern shopping centres.

Of course, most of the excursions that run on the island are family friendly. So if it's a boat trip or buggy tour you're looking for then you won't have to search too far to find the right one for you. Dolphin and Whale spotting excursions are extremely popular with families and Gran Canaria has a high success rate of seeing the majestic mammals in the natural environment.

Here is the TravelON World list of best family activities and days out in Gran Canaria.

Poema del Mar Aquarium

If you've got an interest in the ocean and marine life then the Poema del Mar Aquarium is definitely a great place for families to visit when in Gran Canaria.

Situated in Las Palmas, the aquarium is split into different zonal areas where you can explore and discover marine ecosystems.

Not only does the attraction boast a huge 350 different species on site, its also the home of the largest curved window ever built, creating a huge viewing screen of marine landscapes.

Palmitos Park

Palmitos Park is a popular botanical and zoological park with a wide range of plant and animal species. It features entertaining shows, a butterfly house, birds of prey, parrots, crocodiles, meerkats and a dolphinarium. It's described as a subtropical oasis nestled in a wonderful natural environment of the island and one of the best days out for families in Gran Canaria.

You can find Palmitos Park about 10 km from the Faro de Maspalomas on the GC-503.

Enjoy family time on the stunning Gran Canaria Beaches

Gran Canaria has beautiful beaches such as Playa de las Canteras and Playa de Maspalomas. Families can relax on the sandy shores, play in the gentle waves, and engage in water sports.

Family Fun in Gran Canaria at Night

As you might expect here is plenty to do at night time in the main resorts of Gran Canaria. You'll find a large selection of bars and restaurants and entertainment such as Karaoke and live music to satisfy all tastes.

Visit the Dunas de Maspalomas (Sand Dunes)

Take time to explore the vast and stunning sand dunes of Maspalomas. Kids will enjoy playing in the sand, and to make the dunes even more memorable families can take a camel ride through the undulating sands.

Water-sports and Activities

Water-sports are a great way to have fun and create family memories of your holiday in Gran Canaria.

Enjoy Banana Boats, Parasailing and Jet Skis in one day, or split the activities over separate days. The waters around Gran Canaria are also great for snorkelling and swimming.

Sioux City Park

Sioux City Park is a western-themed theme park, offering families a taste of the Wild West with shows, activities, and cowboy performances. It's an entertaining and educational experience for families that includes typical western town scenes (saloon included), Country Music, Cowboys, Wild Horses and more.

Aqualand Maspalomas

Every family loves a water park, and Aqualand is just that! With a variety of slides, pools, and water attractions suitable for all ages. It's a great way for families to cool off and have fun together.

Not only can you experience 40 water rides and attractions, but also get up close and personal with the Sea Lions.

The slides are designer for guests of different ages and thrill levels, from the tranquil Crazy Race to the adrenaline inducing Kamikaze there is an attraction for all generations.

The Aqualand Waterpark is open 365 days a year and can be found just off the GC-503

Holiday World Maspalomas

Holiday World is Maspalomas is an amusement park with a variety of rides, games, and entertainment options for the whole family. It's a lively place with a festive atmosphere that offers 10 pin bowling, fair ground rides, Karaoke and more. Its located near the heart of Maspalomas so easy to get to for anyone staying in the area.

Family Boat Trips in Gran Canaria

Gran Canaria is a great location for boat trips and is popular destination for dolphin and whale watching. Gran Canaria and Tenerife are the two best Canary Islands for Dolphin and Whale spotting, and at most times of the year sightings are virtually guaranteed.

If relaxing is more your family vibe, jump on a Gran Canaria Catamaran and sail around under the blue Canarian skies and enjoy time chilling in the crystal clear waters at your leisure.

Horse Riding

If your family are into horse riding then Gran Canaria provides a fantastic landscape for a trek. Explore the rocky surrounds and sand dunes of Maspalomas with the ocean on one side and mountain vistas on the other.

Visit Roque Nublo

Roque Nublo is, quite literally, the centre piece of the island of Gran Canaria. Whilst you have to drive or take an excursion, and then take a reasonable hike through pine forests to get there, if you're an active and able family it really is worth the effort.

On a clear day the view from Roque Nublo stretches for miles and it might just be possible to catch a glimpse of Mount Teide on the neighbouring island of Tenerife.