Gran Canaria definitely caters to children on holiday. With many fantastic family attractions, kids will have a great time exploring this island. There are a number of good beaches for kids, although families may prefer to seek out the sandy stretches instead of the dramatically beautiful black beaches, which can be a bit pebbly.Take a day trip to Palmitos Park for an interesting day out with birds and orchids, or for thrills, Parque de los Cocodrilo is great for those with a love of predators, while the zoo on the other side is perfect for younger kids to explore. Playa del Ingles is brimming with kid's activities, with everything from amusement arcades and mini-golf to water parks and go-karting, children will find something to keep them entertained.Another fun day out in Gran Canaria is a visit to Sioux City, which was built originally as a stage set for an American western film in 1972, but developed into a Wild West theme park complete with cowboys, Native Americans, Mexicans, and, of course, a sheriff. There are shows throughout the day, featuring bank robberies, saloon fights, cattle stampedes, rodeos, and gunfights at the OK Corral. Between shows visitors can enjoy a barbeque or taste the culinary delights of the Three Star Saloon.
Aqualand is a must for all families visiting Gran Canaria, especially those with children. The wide range of slides, pools, and rides will keep the young and the young at heart happily entertained for hours. Those looking for an injection of adrenalin should try the wide array of thrill rides, while young children have their own water playground with fun mini slides and swings. There is a surf beach and a lazy river which families can enjoy together, while there are plenty of benches and beach areas for relaxing and picnicking. Lockers and sun loungers cost a little extra, but visitors do get free bags to keep their towels and other belongings in. The park is clean and well-maintained, generally receiving rave reviews from tourists. It is open all year, but does close if the weather is very bad. Queues are usually not too long, but it is worth arriving early in the day in peak season to get a jump on the crowds.
Address : Ctra. Palmitos Park, Km 3
Website : www.aqualand.es
Telephone : +34 928 140 525
Opening times : 10am to 5pm (September to June); 10am to 6pm (July to August).
Admission : €29 (adults); €20 (children aged 5 - 10); €12 (children aged 3 - 4). Family package deals available. Discounts for booking online.
Featuring a wide variety of activities, Holiday World is a fun park which caters specifically to families on holiday in Gran Canaria. Kids of all ages can enjoy rides such as bumper cars, a Ferris wheel, roller coasters, and a pirate ship, as well as games such as ten-pin bowling and things like pony rides and a parrot show. There is a playground area for children too young to enjoy the rides. A range of restaurants and fast-food outlets are available and after dark there are some nighttime entertainment options, with frequent live shows and music concerts, an Irish pub, and some other drinking and dancing venues. Adults who don't want to partake in the funfair attractions can luxuriate in the wellness centre, which offers gym facilities and spa treatments. On Tuesdays there is a craft fair, with stalls showcasing the local handicrafts and cuisine of Gran Canaria, as well as traditional dance, music, and folklore performances, making this the best day of the week to visit.
Address : Avda. Touroperador Tui, Maspalomas.
E-mail : [email protected]
Website : www.holidayworld-maspalomas.com
Telephone : +34 928 73 04 98
Transport : Holiday World is easily reached by car, or else there is a bus service to Holiday World from each of the major towns and resort areas in Gran Canaria. Global bus lines 25, 30, 32, 36, 45, 52, 66 and 70.
Opening times : The Funfair is open in autumn and winter from 5pm to 11pm, and open until midnight on weekends. During spring and summer, the Funfair is open every day from 6pm to midnight.
This crocodile park is home to more than 300 crocodiles and alligators from all over the world. Visitors shouldn't miss the crocodiles' feeding times, which occur daily at about 12pm, 2pm, and 4.15pm, during which the animals are at their most active. The other half of the park is a zoo, which houses other reptiles, various birds, monkeys, chimpanzees, tigers, jaguars, camels, and more. There is a restaurant in the centre of the park where visitors can see a show where parrots perform various tricks, while the educational crocodile show is the main attraction. The park is near the town of Aguímes, a few miles southwest of the airport. Those with a soft spot for reptiles should also consider visiting Reptilandia, situated a little off the beaten track near Agaete, in the northwest of the island. This park houses a collection of snakes, tortoises, turtles, spiders, monkeys, and lizards. The Komodo Dragon here is believed to be the largest lizard in the world. Kids are bound to love both attractions, and they are good options for families wanting a short break from the beach.
Address : Villa de Aguímes.
Telephone : +34 928 784 725
Transport : Hourly bus between 9am and 3pm from near the fun fair in Maspalomas. Alternatively, the park operates a service from Puerto Rico, picking up outside the Jamaica Supermarket, at 10.30am on Thursdays and Sundays
Opening times : Sunday to Friday from 10am to 6pm
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