Family adventures on La Palma: 10 places your kids will love
July 18, 2025
La Palma, known as 'La Isla Bonita' (the Beautiful Island), is a true paradise for families seeking unforgettable adventures. Part of the Canary Islands archipelago, this picturesque island offers a unique combination of natural beauty, fascinating history and modern attractions that are sure to delight children and adults alike. From spectacular national parks to fascinating astronomical observatories, La Palma has everything you need to create the perfect family vacation. In this article, we'll highlight 10 unique destinations that will make your kids love the island at first sight. Get ready for an unforgettable trip full of adventure, learning and fun!
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Exploring nature and science
The first item on our list is the Caldera de Taburiente National Park, a true paradise for nature lovers. This huge volcanic crater with a diameter of 8 km offers families countless opportunities for exploration. Children will enjoy hiking on scenic trails, observing diverse flora and fauna, and swimming in crystal clear streams. The park also offers educational programs for the little ones to learn more about the island's geology and ecosystem. Be sure to wear comfortable footwear and bring plenty of water, especially on warmer days.
Another fascinating attraction is StArt La Palma, an astronomical observatory that will introduce your family to the mysteries of the cosmos. This place offers an unforgettable experience of observing stars, planets and other celestial bodies. Children will have the opportunity to look through professional telescopes and learn more about astronomy from astronomy enthusiasts. The evening observing sessions are especially magical and are sure to be remembered for a long time. Remember to dress warmly, as it can be chilly even in summer at the height of the observatory.
In contrast, Plaza La Glorieta in Los Llanos offers a more peaceful but equally fascinating experience. This charming plaza, designed by local artist Luis Morera, is a true work of art. Colorful mosaics, fountains and exotic plants create a magical atmosphere that will delight children and adults alike. It's the perfect place to relax and have fun searching for hidden details in the mosaics. There is also a wine museum nearby that may be of interest to adult family members.
Comparing the three attractions, the Caldera de Taburiente National Park offers the most active and educational experience, perfect for families who enjoy hiking and getting in touch with nature. StArt La Palma is an excellent choice for families interested in science and space, offering unique nighttime attractions. Plaza La Glorieta, on the other hand, is ideal for a quieter afternoon, combining art with relaxation. All of these places are kid-friendly, but require varying levels of preparation - from sturdy footwear and water supplies at the national park, to warm clothing for nighttime sightings at StArt La Palma.
Education through fun and adventure
As we continue our family adventure on La Palma, we can't leave out Ecofinca Platanológico, a fascinating organic banana farm. This place is a true paradise for little explorers and nature lovers. Children will have the opportunity to see how bananas grow, learn about the banana growing process and learn more about sustainable agriculture. Interactive tours and workshops make learning fun. Remember to wear comfortable shoes, as the farm's terrain can be uneven.
For families looking for a more exciting experience, Enjoy The Island JET SKI offers unforgettable adventures on the water. This is a great opportunity for older children and teens to feel the thrill of riding jet skis under the guidance of experienced instructors. Safety is a priority here, and each tour is tailored to the participants' abilities. Remember to bring sunscreen and towels.
Another spot worth visiting is Mirador de La Cumbrecita, a spectacular viewpoint offering breathtaking views of the Taburiente caldera. It's the perfect place for a family picnic and taking souvenir photos. The short, easy trails around the viewpoint are accessible even to the youngest hikers. Be sure to reserve a parking space in advance, especially during high season.
Centro de Visitantes Volcán San Antonio is another educational attraction that will introduce your family to the fascinating geology of La Palma. Interactive exhibits and an earthquake simulator are sure to keep the kids curious. A walk around the volcano's crater is an unforgettable experience that will give you a better understanding of the natural forces shaping the island.
Comparing these attractions, Ecofinca Platanológico offers the most educational experience, ideal for families with younger children interested in nature and agriculture. Enjoy The Island JET SKI is for families with older children looking for an adrenaline-pumping, active vacation. Mirador de La Cumbrecita is accessible to all and offers a quieter but equally fascinating experience of enjoying the beauty of nature. Centro de Visitantes Volcán San Antonio combines education with adventure, and is ideal for families interested in geology and volcanoes.
Each attraction requires different preparation - from comfortable footwear and clothing for the banana farm, to swimsuits and sunscreen for the jet skis, to warmer clothes for the high altitude viewpoint. Prices also vary, from free admission to Mirador de La Cumbrecita (subject to parking reservations) to more expensive water attractions. It's worth checking opening hours and any age restrictions in advance, especially for water activities.
History, culture and modern science
To conclude our family tour of La Palma, we suggest visiting a couple of places that combine history, culture and modern science. The first is Lighthouse Fuencaliente, a historic lighthouse that not only offers breathtaking ocean views, but is also located adjacent to fascinating salinas. It's the perfect place to tell children about the island's maritime history and traditional salt extraction methods. There are also black volcanic beaches nearby that are sure to intrigue the little ones. Admission to the lighthouse is free, making it an attractive option for families traveling on a budget.
Another item on our list is the Grand Canary Telescope - one of the largest and most modern optical telescopes in the world. Although the observatory itself is not open to the public, the area around it offers incredible views and the opportunity to tell your children about the advanced space research being conducted on La Palma. This is a great opportunity to spark an interest in science and astronomy in the little ones. It's worth remembering to wear warm clothes, as it can be chilly even during the day at this altitude.
Finally, we suggest a visit to the Museo de Interpretación del Gofio (MIGO), a small but fascinating museum dedicated to gofio, a traditional Canarian food product. This place offers interactive experiences, such as grinding grains on traditional stones, which is sure to appeal to children. It's a great opportunity to learn about local culture and culinary traditions. The museum is inexpensive (€2.50 per adult, children's admission is free), making it accessible to families of all budgets.
Comparing the three attractions, Lighthouse Fuencaliente offers the most diverse experience, from maritime history to geology and traditional crafts. It is also the most budget-friendly option. The Grand Canary Telescope, while you can't visit it from the inside, provides unforgettable views and the opportunity for inspiring talks about space and science. It is, however, a site that may require a longer commute. The Museo de Interpretación del Gofio offers the most hands-on experience, ideal for younger children who like to actively participate in the exhibits.
Each attraction requires different preparation, from comfortable shoes for a walk around the lighthouse, to warm clothes for a visit to the telescope area, to cash for gofio museum tickets. It's also worth checking opening hours, especially for a museum that may have limited hours.
All in all, La Palma offers an incredible variety of attractions for families with children. From spectacular natural wonders to fascinating museums to state-of-the-art astronomical observatories, there is something for every family. Whether your children are interested in science, history or simply enjoy active recreation, La Palma has everything you need to create unforgettable family memories. Remember to tailor your sightseeing itinerary to your children's ages and interests, as well as your budget and the time you have available. You are sure to discover that La Palma is the perfect destination for a family vacation full of adventure, learning and fun!
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