Gran Canaria is not just sun and beach. The island has a volcanic soul, a remarkable north covered in laurel forests and a south that looks like the Sahara. For children, this is anything but an ordinary holiday island — it is an adventure playground with genuine educational value.
This guide covers the best family attractions: from the Poema del Mar aquarium to the Maspalomas dunes, from Palmitos Park to the quiet beaches of the north.
Gran Canaria receives over 2,800 hours of sunshine per year. For families travelling from the UK, Ireland or Northern Europe, the island is one of the most complete year-round destinations in the Atlantic.
Poema del Mar Aquarium — a must for families
The Poema del Mar aquarium is located in Las Palmas harbour and is one of the most significant marine aquariums in Europe. Spread across more than 8,000 square metres, the aquarium houses over 350 marine species — from sharks and sea turtles to colourful tropical coral fish.
The underwater tunnels are the centrepiece of the visit: you walk through glass tubes while sharks and rays glide overhead. For children, it produces a different kind of silence — genuine, wide-eyed wonder.
The aquarium is very popular in summer. Book tickets online in advance and arrive early. The first two hours of the day are the quietest and most enjoyable.
Palmitos Park — Tropical Wildlife Park
Palmitos Park
Palmitos Park sits in a ravine between Maspalomas and San Bartolomé de Tirajana. Home to over 1,500 bird species, dolphins, flamingos and exotic reptiles. The dolphin show and parrot displays are particularly popular with children. The park also features botanical gardens with cacti and tropical plants native to the Canary Islands.
Maspalomas Dunes — Sahara meets Atlantic
Dunas de Maspalomas
Three kilometres of sand dunes between the Atlantic Ocean and a natural lagoon. For children who have never seen a desert landscape next to the sea, this is an unforgettable experience found nowhere else in Europe. Go early in the morning before the heat sets in. The lagoon at the end is a protected nature reserve with numerous bird species.
Best family beaches
Playa de Las Canteras
The best city beach for families. A natural rock reef protects against Atlantic waves and creates a calm lagoon, ideal for young children. Restaurants, playgrounds and diving schools line the promenade. Walkable from the harbour and the Poema del Mar aquarium.
Playa del Inglés
Gran Canaria's best-known tourist beach with shallow, warm water. Plenty of water sports for older children and promenades lined with restaurants. Very busy in summer; more relaxed outside peak season.
Inland: Roque Nublo
The island's interior surprises most beach visitors. Roque Nublo — a volcanic monolith at nearly 1,800 metres above sea level — is reached via a 40-minute walk from the car park that children manage easily. The views over the entire island, with Teide on Tenerife visible in the distance, are exceptional. Always bring a jacket.
Casa de Colón — history brought to life
The building where Christopher Columbus stayed in 1492 on his first voyage to America is today one of the finest maritime history museums in the archipelago. For children aged 7 and above, the navigation instruments, old sea charts and story of the discovery voyages are genuinely fascinating.
Practical information
Getting there: Gran Canaria Airport (LPA) has direct flights from London Gatwick, Manchester, Birmingham, Dublin and Edinburgh with easyJet, Ryanair, Jet2 and TUI.
Where to stay: The south (Maspalomas, Playa del Inglés) suits families looking for beach holidays with children's clubs and pools. Las Palmas offers a more urban, cultural experience with the aquarium within walking distance.
Getting around: The public bus (Guagua) connects the main attractions cheaply. For the interior and flexible day trips, a hire car is recommended.