Playa de las Americas is one of my favourite family friendly destinations, mainly because there is so much to do, especially for those kids entering their teenage years. This can be a tough age for kids, who are on the cusp of wanting independence but who still need supervision, so the activities I have chosen all encourage them to spread their wings yet still remain under your watchful eyes.
Fun for Water Lovers
Submarine Safaris
This is a truly magnificent place offering the opportunity to explore the depths of the ocean on one of the world’s only 15 commercial submarines. There is no need to get wet at all: you can cruise in air-conditioned comfort all the way down to 30m to settle on the bottom of the sea. Everyone has their own porthole window from which to gaze at the magic of the deep.
An expert diver points out the main attractions, such as stingrays, eels, barracudas, starfish and plenty more finned creatures. With the water so crystal clear, you won’t miss a thing.
Located in the San Miguel Marina, Submarine Safaris offer return transfers to hotels in resort. Ideal when you want to take the family. Prices are €45 for adults and €27.20 for kids, if you book online here.
Whale and Dolphin Watching from a Catamaran
I don’t know many kids who would refuse the chance to do a spot of whale and dolphin watching, and Tenerife’s biodiverse waters are the ideal spot. This experience is one that will never be forgotten. There are 30 different species of whales and dolphins that inhabit these waters, including pilot and killer whales, and having the chance to watch them in their own environment is truly magical. Kids are bound to have lots of questions for the guide on the boat.
Prices vary and can be booked online starting from €20. A bargain day out!
Fun on Dry Land
Segway Tour
Segways are all the rage and are a fantastic way to explore for all the family. Kids ride their own so they have a little independence, which is great for confidence building. These tours take you along the southern coastline of Tenerife, showing you the natural wonders of this beautiful place. Don’t worry about never having ridden one either as there is time to practice before you set off. I love the fact that these are environmentally sound too, and they make a great change from exploring in a hot car or bus. Tours start at €25 and you can enjoy your trip at any time of the day between 9.30am and 10pm.
Recommended read: How to Ride a Segway Safely.
Jungle Park Las Aguilas
Definitely worth a full day out, you and the kids will have a ball here. Tenerife is blessed with a subtropical climate that makes it ideal for a more than 500 different animals to live in their natural world within the confines of this enormous park. Lions and tigers, leopards and pumas are the stars of the show but the monkeys, penguins and pigmy hippos are utterly charming too. Daredevil kids will love trying out the Jungle Raid rope swing and bridge course or the ‘Bob’ (sleigh) through the trees! Excitement is on offer in droves on a visit to this park.
Open everyday from 10am-5.30pm, tickets are only €25! Free transport from the resort hotels is offered too. Another great day out and a fabulous deal too!
Megabowl Tenerife
This is a great option for an evening’s entertainment and a good opportunity for some family friendly competition. You can make it even more of a night and enjoy some food and drinks at the venue too. Every youngster loves the chance to beat their mum and dad at something and this is the place to do it. With music and big screens showing all the big sporting events, a night out at the Megabowl is always a hit.
Read up on the Rules of Tenpin bowling here.
How To Get to Playa de las Americas
The airport at Tenerife is well served by plenty of budget airlines flying in from London, and for families paying adult fairs for kids, I appreciate that budget airlines are the preferred option. Monarch and easyJet fly from London Gatwick, with Iberia offering some good priced flights from Heathrow. The journey takes 4 ½ hours, which is not quite long enough for the kids to get bored.
When you are travelling with teenagers, you will no doubt have lots of luggage that you don’t want to have to battle with on your onward journey from Tenerife Airport to Playa de las Americas. Booking in advance with Shuttle Direct means you don’t have to. Pay a fixed price for a private vehicle, a personal meeting on arrival and extra hands to help with your suitcases. With prices starting at £12.47 per person for your 20-minute transfer from Tenerife Airport to Playa de las Americas, it is a bargain for a hassle free trip to your hotel. As a mum myself, I know that convenience is paramount, so choose a prearranged transfer and your holiday will be off to a great start.
Where to Stay
Catalonia Oro Negro – Travelling with older kids means that you will be looking for certain facilities at your hotel. Catalonia Oro Negro is a great choice for teenagers. Satellite TV and Wi-Fi go without saying, as does an outdoor pool and gym. Kids can burn off some energy on the volleyball court or enjoy a table tennis match, while adults indulge in a drink at one of the two bars. The buffet style restaurant is laid back and perfect for kids who can first see what’s on offer before they choose and try a bit of whatever they fancy.
Apartamentos Caribe – Booking an individual apartment is a good option when you are on holiday with teenagers. You have plenty of space to spread out and have a kitchenette to hand in case you want to save some cash and self-cater once in a while. With an outdoor pool and tennis court, mini golf and a games room, the kids will have plenty to keep them occupied while the adults are relaxing. All of the expeditions I outlined above can be booked at the tour desk at Apartamentos Caribe.
Family Garden Compostella Beach – I think this place is a star contender for family groups. Surrounded by lovely gardens but close to the main town, the rooms all have private balcony or terrace and a kitchen too, so you can stock up and store all those snacks your kids might need. I love the fact that Family Garden Compostella Beach has an à la carte restaurant but also a snack bar, so you can feed the youngsters early occasionally, and then enjoy some adult time too.
About Shuttle Direct:
Even when you are travelling with older kids, you will probably find that you are juggling luggage and constantly reminding them to keep an eye on things. That is why booking your onward travel to resort with Shuttle Direct is a good option. Let this number one provider of airport transfers across Europe and North Africa get you from you arrival airport to your accommodation in a relaxed and hassle free manner. No matter where you are going, book in advance, and you are guaranteed a great start to your holiday.
