La Palma is the perfect place for families looking for more than just a simple holiday.
Here, children can learn to love and respect nature, geology and astronomy, while enjoying unforgettable moments surrounded by the island’s authentic beauty.
15 Things to do in La Palma with kids
1. Swim in Charco Azul
Its calm and crystal-clear waters are perfect for little ones to enjoy a safe swim in the midst of nature. Additionally, there are beaches especially suited for families and young children. Discover the safest beaches in La Palma here.
2. Explore the San Antonio Volcano and the Salt Flats
Kids can get a close look at the inside of a crater and learn how sea salt is naturally produced at the salt flats. A fascinating visit for little explorers.
3. Try local delights
You can’t leave without letting the kids enjoy Bienmesabe or Príncipe Alberto, traditional sweets made with almonds, chocolate, and cream. A real treat for those with a sweet tooth!
4.Visit Maropark
This special zoo is also a rescue center, where children can get up close to the animals and attend educational sessions. An experience that combines fun and learning about conservation.
5. Visit a Banana Cultivation
Here, children can meet farm animals and learn all about banana cultivation while tasting tropical fruits. An ideal visit for kids to have fun while learning.
6. Hike in Cubo de La Galga
Take a self-guided trail that highlights the importance of laurel forests in La Palma and around the world. Perfect for introducing children to the value of nature. The short hike in Cubo de La Galga is not the only easy trail for hiking with kids in La Palma. Discover other simple walks perfect for enjoying with the family.
7. Drink fresh sugarcane juice
Stop by one of the local markets and let the children see how sugarcane is pressed in a trapiche. Then, savor the fresh juice, a unique experience connecting with local traditions.
8. Visit the Los Tilos waterfall
One of La Palma’s most magical spots, loved by all. The walk to the waterfall is short and easy, making it an accessible adventure for the whole family.
9. Walk through Buracas
Here, kids can see centuries-old dragon trees and petroglyphs, carvings made by the island’s ancient inhabitants. They can also learn about gofio at the mill museum.
10. Boat trip to see dolphins and whales
This is a must-do experience if you’ve never done it before. From the boat, you can admire marine life and see the lava fajana from the Tajogaite volcano, as well as the picturesque Poris de Candelaria.
11. Visit Gómez Felipe Park and La Glorieta Square
Gomez Felipe Park will captivate children right from the entrance, where two enormous mosaic lizards welcome them. Surrounded by native flowers and plants, it’s the perfect place for outdoor fun.
La Glorieta is another beautiful work of art by the artist Luis Morera. It is a square designed in the same style as Gomez Park, with mosaics and artistic details.
12. Pilar Area
Located in the midst of a beautiful pine forest, this is the ideal spot for a small outdoor picnic. The tranquility of the pines and the wide-open space for play allow children to run around and enjoy nature. This area has comfortable facilities for spending time with the family, surrounded by greenery.
13. Barlovento lagoon
A charming place where children can enjoy watching ducks and ducklings in the pond. This natural area is perfect for walking around the lagoon, breathing in fresh air, and relaxing in a peaceful setting while the little ones explore the local wildlife.
14. Museums and visitor centers
La Palma offers museums that are perfect for young visitors. Highlights include the Naval Museum, located in a replica of a caravel, the Science Museum where they can learn about space through experiments, and the Benahoarita Museum, which showcases the history of the island’s ancient inhabitants.
15. Enjoy a stargazing excursion
This is an unforgettable experience for children. They can enjoy unique moments as they observe the night sky through telescopes and laser pointers, learning how to identify stars and planets. This type of activity, in a privileged natural setting, is not only entertaining but also enriching, sparking curiosity and knowledge about the universe.
Family Plans in La Palma: Fun for All Ages
Each age experiences the island differently.
In La Palma, there are activities for everyone, from toddlers to teenagers.
Nature, the sea and culture blend together to create unforgettable family moments.
With Little Kids (0–6 years)
- Splash at Charco Azul (San Andrés y Sauces)
It has a small, safe pool for the youngest children, with facilities, shade and easy access. - Enjoy safe, family-friendly beaches
At the beaches of Santa Cruz, Los Cancajos, Tazacorte and Bajamar, the water is calm and the environment peaceful. - Stroll along accessible seafronts
The promenades of Los Cancajos, Puerto Naos, Tazacorte and Santa Cruz are perfect for strollers and small bikes. - Playgrounds by the sea
The beaches of Santa Cruz, Bajamar and Tazacorte have play areas with slides and tunnels.
They’re places where children play happily and parents can relax enjoying the ocean view. - During local festivals, children are always the stars, with bouncy castles, foam cannons, workshops, face painting, storytelling and even parades with Disney characters.
- Family-friendly accommodations usually offer cribs, highchairs and extra beds.
You’ll also find pharmacies, supermarkets and health centers in every main town.
With Adventurous Teenagers (13+ years)
- Hike through the Caldera de Taburiente
One of the most spectacular trails in the Canary Islands, perfect for young adventurers full of curiosity and energy. - Go snorkelling
If the sea is calm, enjoy exploring the waters of Los Cancajos or La Zamora with a mask and fins. - Try a buggy adventure
Take a few hours to explore La Palma’s volcanic landscapes on a buggy tour, fun, adrenaline and freedom guaranteed. - Stargaze under one of the world’s clearest skies
Join an astronomy excursion and observe constellations and planets while learning about the universe. - Explore the Roque de los Muchachos
The island’s highest point impresses with its viewpoints and observatories.
Ideal for those who love astronomy and photography. - Walk inside a volcanic tube
An exciting experience where teenagers can walk through tunnels formed by ancient lava flows, a mix of science and adventure.
Playgrounds in La Palma
In La Palma, playgrounds are part of each neighbourhood’s heart and soul.
Almost every town square has a small play area where children can have fun while parents enjoy the surroundings.
In larger towns such as Santa Cruz de La Palma and Los Llanos de Aridane, playgrounds are bigger, more modern and inclusive, designed for children of all abilities.
They include adapted swings, shaded areas, comfortable benches and safe zones where kids can explore freely.
In Santa Cruz de La Palma, there are four large playgrounds.
The newest one is located in the Multipurpose Leisure Park (Parque de Ocio Polivalente), in the northern part of the capital, a wide, colourful, accessible space where fun meets the sea breeze and family spirit.
Main Playgrounds in La Palma
| Playground | Municipality | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Parque El Césped | Santa Cruz de La Palma | Next to Casa del Césped, Avenida Marítima |
| Parque Llano de Las Monjas | Santa Cruz de La Palma | Calle Ramón y Cajal, city centre |
| Parque Infantil Playa de Santa Cruz | Santa Cruz de La Palma | On Santa Cruz beach |
| Parque Infantil Centro de Ocio Polivalente | Santa Cruz de La Palma | Northern area of the capital, inside the leisure park |
| Parque de Los Álamos | Breña Alta | San Pedro, next to the Museo del Puro Palmero |
| Parque Infantil Barbarroja | Tijarafe | In front of the Tijarafe school |
| Parque Infantil de Fuencaliente | Fuencaliente de La Palma | Near the town centre |
| Parque Infantil de Los Llanos de Aridane | Los Llanos de Aridane | City centre, near Avenida Doctor Fleming |
| Parque “Las Piñas” | Puntagorda | Upper part of the village, near the farmers’ market |