Where to stay in Gran Canaria for Families (Baby to Teenager)

The quick answer

The best hotels for families in Gran Canaria
Babies and toddlers – Abora Continental by Lopesan
Children up to 8 years old – Servatur Waikiki
Children up to 12 years old – Riu Papayas All Inclusive
Teenagers – Gloria Palace Amadores

Best family holiday areas and hotels in Gran Canaria

Playa del Ingles

Playa del Ingles is the biggest and most popular holiday destination in Gran Canaria. With so many different things to do and experience, it is ideal for children of all ages.

• Lots of fun things to do, like arcades, mini-golf and trampolines.
• Many more attractions near the resort include camel rides, Aqualand Maspalomas waterpark, Sioux City Wild West shows, karting and the Palmitos Park Zoo.
• All restaurants, bars and shops are grouped together in open-air shopping centres. They make it easy to find what you want without too much walking around.
• It has the most extensive choice of restaurants on the island.
• Lots of family-friendly nightlife with shows and karaoke.
• Pricing ranges from budget-friendly to luxurious for restaurants, bars and accommodation.
• Large white sandy beach.
• Lifts take you up and down to the beach in some places, ideal for parents with children in strollers.
• There are two other resorts nearby, Meloneras and San Agustin, for those who like to explore a lot.
• A large selection of watersports is possible, both relaxing and active.

Best family holiday hotels in Playa del Ingles
€ – Servatur Waikiki – This colourful hotel has a lot of family-oriented services and amenities. For the kids, there is an adventure park, small water park, kids club and playgrounds. For the adults, there is also an adults-only area for some relaxing time. This hotel can often be found cheaply compared to everything it offers.
€€ – Riu Papayas All Inclusive – This hotel is ideal for families who like to spend most of their time in and near the pool enjoying an excellent all-inclusive experience. It is very similar to the Servatur Waikiki next to it. But since this hotel is all-inclusive, it costs a bit more but is also great value for money.
€€ – Sol Barbacan and HD Parque Cristobal Gran Canaria – If you like the bungalow park feel, both these hotels offer a great family holiday.
€€ – Abora Continental by Lopesan – If you want to be close to the beach, this is the best choice for a family holiday hotel in Playa del Ingles.

Taurito

Taurito is a small beach holiday destination between Gran Canaria’s mountains, with a waterpark in the middle of the resort. While you can visit this resort with children of all ages, it is more interesting for babies and children up to 12 years old. There are things to do for teenagers, but most are for younger children.

• The Lago Taurito waterpark is located in the middle of the resort, less than 100 meters from all the hotels.
• Entrance tickets to Lago Taurito are included for free with some hotels.
• There are fantastic views over the resort and sea from the hotels located against the mountain.
• Mini disco and shows in the evening on the central square for children and adults.
• Short walks to everywhere, because the area is small.
• Lifts in most locations to quickly get you to the beach.
• Even though it is a small area, there is mini golf, arcades, bowling and much more.

Best family holiday hotels in Taurito
€ – Hotel LIVVO Costa Taurito & Aquapark – If you want a cheap budget holiday with unlimited free entrance to the waterpark in the centre of the resort, this is the best hotel for your family.
€ – Taurito Princess – A great all-inclusive holiday and not too pricey. The hotel has everything you need for a great family holiday… kids pool, mini clubs for all ages and a playground.

Las Palmas

Las Palmas is the capital of Gran Canaria, and while you might not think of such a big city as a great holiday destination for families, it is. Especially if you select the right place to stay near the beach. While for babies and toddlers, this area might not have much to offer, for older children and teenagers, there is lots to do, see and experience here.

• Beautiful long, stretched, white sandy beach.
• Relaxed and safe promenade without traffic.
• It is very popular with older children and teenagers for learning how to surf.
• Budget-friendly both for accommodation, drinks, dining out and shopping.
• Aquarium Poema del Mar, located here, is the biggest and best aquarium in the Canary Islands.
• Culture, parks and fascinating museums can also be found here for those who are not only looking for beaches and sunshine.
• There are many shopping opportunities and shopping centres for teenage girls (and boys) at often lower prices than the rest of Europe.
• Easy public transportation to parks and other resorts on the island for those who like to explore.

Best family holiday hotels in Las Palmas
€€ – Bull Reina Isabel – While not specifically for families, this is one of the best hotels to stay in Las Palmas for families. The hotel has a great rooftop pool with amazing views, but otherwise, there are no specific amenities for families. It is in a great location close to the city’s heart, the beach, museums, aquariums, shopping and everything else.

Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico is the larger and busier version of Taurito. It is also a beach resort between 2 mountains, with most hotels built onto them. While some lifts can take you from and to your hotel, most places are connected by stairs. For this reason, it is not advised for families who still have strollers, babies and younger children. For older children and teenagers, there is a lot to see and do here.

• It has an ideal beach, sheltered from the sea and only small waves.
• The Playa de Amadores beach is within walking distance for a change of scenery.
• Most of the tourist boats leave from the harbour here. To explore or go whale and dolphin watching.
• Fun attractions like the Angry Birds Activity Park, minigolf and trampolines can also be found here.
• Easy resort to navigate and find your way.
• Most of the restaurants, bars, nightlife and shops are located in the shopping centre in the valley of this area.
• There are fantastic views over the area and sea from the hotels located against the mountain.

Best family holiday hotels in Puerto Rico
€€ – Riu Vistamar All-inclusive – Located on top of the mountain between Puerto Rico and Playa de Amadores, this hotel is excellent for families. While its location might not sound good, it offers incredible views and lots of space for sports facilities, pools and children’s activities. A minibus is available to take you up and down to the beach of Playa de Amadores.
€€ – Gloria Palace Amadores – This hotel is very similar to the Riu Vistamar, also with excellent all-inclusive and similar services and amenities, but located closer to Puerto Rico and with a lift down from the mountain within easy walking distance from Puerto Rico.

Meloneras

Meloneras is ideal for those families looking for luxurious all-inclusive holidays. This is the newest resort in Gran Canaria, with many new and modern hotels full of fun things for children of all ages.

• Lots of huge hotels with many different pools, amenities and mini-clubs for children.
• 2 large sand beaches to enjoy on the edges of the resort.
• Major attractions like Palmitos Park Zoo, Sioux City Western Park, Camel Safari Park and Aqualand The Maspalomas Waterpark is less than a few kilometres away.
• Easy public transportation connections to many nearby resorts.
• Central location on the islands, not far from most popular resorts and attractions.

Best family holiday hotels in Meloneras
€€€ – Riu Gran Canaria – This hotel is excellent for those who love all-inclusive time by the pool. This hotel has it all. Relaxing pools, children’s and baby’s pools, or even your own suite with a swim-up pool. But of course, all the other things you would expect in a great family holiday hotel, like different age kids clubs, entertainment and themed parties. To make sure you always find something tasty to eat, even with picky eaters, this hotel also has 4 different themed cuisines and restaurants.
€€€ – Lopesan Baobab Resort – This hotel is a fantastic, somewhat jungle-themed, and African-style hotel. It is truly one of the more unique ones I have been to while travelling around Gran Canaria. It is excellent for older teenagers or if you are a couple that wants to relax with a baby.

Bonus tips for perfect family holidays in Gran Canaria

• Most Gran Canaria activities, parks and attractions are near Meloneras, Maspalomas and Playa del Ingles. If you like lots of experiences during your holidays, these 3 are your best choices.
• Gran Canaria has good weather most of the year, so if you have non-school-aged children, book your holiday outside the school holidays. This will save lots on flights and accommodation, but some holiday destinations will feel more empty or crowded with retirees in winter. Check here for the complete guide on when it is best to visit Gran Canaria.
• Radisson Blu Resort & Spa in Puerto de Mogan is also great for families, especially with babies and younger children, but Puerto de Mogan, in general, is not very interesting for children. It is more oriented toward adults.