Fuerteventura is one of the Canary Islands most focused on the sea: lagoon-like beaches with shallow waters, sand dunes, a water park, a wildlife park, and boat tours to see dolphins. We found it well-suited for families who love the water and the outdoors, but much less so for those looking for amusement rides, since the island doesn’t have an amusement park.
Check out our ideas for things to do in Fuerteventura with kids, illustrated with photos. Bonus: useful tips for organizing your family holiday.
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Visiting Fuerteventura with kids: Is it a good idea?
What age group is this island suitable for?
In our opinion, Fuerteventura is suitable for people of all ages, as long as you choose the right activities.
- Young children especially enjoy the lagoon beaches, where the water remains shallow. At Acua Water Park, some of the slides are off-limits to children under 1.20 meters tall: we want to let families with younger children know this.
- Teens will also find plenty to enjoy: surfing, riding as a passenger in a buggy, or hiking to the top of a volcano.
Why visit Fuerteventura with your family?
We love the variety the island has to offer: a day at the beach, a day seeing animals at Oasis Park, a morning at the cheese museum, and a boat trip. The distances are reasonable, even though the drive from Corralejo to Morro Jable takes 1 hour and 40 minutes. It’s easy to set your own pace, and you can alternate between active days and breaks by the water. We’ve also noticed that many activities take place outdoors, which appeals to children who need to move around.
Our Tips Before Traveling to Fuerteventura with Your Family
The sun is beating down, and there’s hardly any shade anywhere: we recommend wearing hats, bringing plenty of water, and visiting early in the morning. A car makes getting around much easier (seeour driving tips here). We also recommend checking the opening days: the water park is closed in the winter, and Oasis Park is closed on Mondays.
Check out our selection of the best family-friendly hotels in Fuerteventura.
CHOOSING A HOTEL IN Fuerteventura
Choosing where to stay:
Choose by hotel type:
- 5-star hotels
- Best boutique-hotels
- Best adults-only hotels
- Best all-inclusive hotels
- Best hotels for families
- Best resorts (quiet or lively)
Our favorite: Hotel INNSide – See prices, photos and availability
Select by city:
1. Splash around on the beaches and in the lagoons
Why visit with children?
For families traveling with young children, the lagoon beaches are Fuerteventura’s biggest draw. To the south, the Sotavento de Jandia lagoon features wide stretches of sand: the little ones play in the shallow water while the older kids head out into the waves.
In Corralejo, at Playa de Corralejo Viejo, you can walk far out from the shore with the water only reaching your knees or waist, depending on the tide. We also discovered the lagoon beaches ofEl Cotillo, to the northwest. However, we recommend that you keep an eye on the tides, which significantly change the appearance of these beaches throughout the day.
What we liked
We loved the feeling of space at Sotavento: no need to look for a spot on the sand—there are plenty of them. The elevated vantage point also helps you understand the shape of the lagoon before heading down. In Corralejo, we enjoyed the atmosphere of the beaches in the town center at different times of the day, and the view of the volcano on Lobos Island from Corralejo Viejo. Find more ideas in our list of the most beautiful beaches in Fuerteventura.
Practical advice
- Duration of visit: half a day or a full day, depending on the children’s ages
- Opening hours: free access
- Challenges and Access for People with Disabilities: In Corralejo, Playa de Corralejo is accessible via a ramp or stairs; it is not very wide and fills up quickly. Playa de los Verilitos alternates between sandy stretches and rocky sections. The water level in the lagoons varies with the tides. Access for People with Disabilities: Not specified
2. Acua Water Park
Why visit with children?
It’s the only water park on Fuerteventura, located in Corralejo, and one of the best places for people of all ages to enjoy together. The park features 14 main attractions: Rio Rapido, Rio Lento (for floating on a tube), straight and serpentine slides of various speeds, a wave pool, and slides for younger children. There is a pool for toddlers equipped with mini-slides and colorful toys.
Please be aware of an important restriction: some of the attractions are not accessible to children under 1.20 meters tall. We therefore recommend this park to families with children who love the water, keeping in mind that the youngest children won’t have access to everything.
What we liked
We really enjoyed the view from the top of the slides, looking out toward Montaña San Rafael and the beginning of the volcanic range. The Rio Lento offers a nice, peaceful break between runs. We’ve also noticed that many families arrive at 10:00 a.m., even though the park doesn’t open until 10:30 a.m., and that the line is long when it opens: buying tickets in advance lets you skip the line.
Practical advice
- Duration of the visit: between 4 and 8 hours, depending on your family’s pace
- Hours: 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. from June through August); normally open from April through early November; sometimes closed on Wednesdays and Thursdays during the off-season
- Accessibility and Challenges: Some attractions are not accessible to children under 1.20 meters tall; there are changing rooms and lockers for storing personal belongings; certain sections are wheelchair accessible
- Rates: payable
- Directions:
in the town of Corralejo;
less than a 10-minute drive from all the hotels in Corralejo;
Caleta de Fuste to Acua Water Park = 40-minute drive;
Morro Jable to Acua Water Park = 1h40 drive - Parking: Free and easy parking nearby
- Dining: On-site restaurants; outside food is not permitted
- Book your ticket now to save time!
OUR TIPS FOR RENTING A CAR IN Fuerteventura
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- A small car is all you need.
- But you can also choose a larger one if you wish, as the parking spaces are rather large.
- Demand is high, so book early.
3. Head out to sea to see the dolphins
Why visit with children?
A boat trip is often one of the highlights of a family vacation. Most dolphin-watching tours depart from Morro Jable, in the south of the island; there is also a tour in Corralejo and one in Caleta de Fuste. You can choose between a catamaran, a speedboat, or a more traditional boat.
We chose this one for its comfort and the ability to move around inside—two features that come in handy when traveling with children. We would like to remind you, however, that sightings are never guaranteed, so it’s best to explain this to the children before you leave.
What we liked
We had high hopes, and we were lucky enough to spot a species we had never seen before: the black pilot whale, also known as the pilot whale, which is actually a dolphin. Bottlenose dolphins are also frequently seen in the Canary Islands. In this part of Fuerteventura, the conditions are excellent, and the island’s scenery in the background really enhances the outing. On very hot days, the sea breeze also makes the day more bearable.
These are very popular tours— book your ticket now!
4. Watch the animals at Oasis Park
Why visit with children?
If your children love animals, Oasis Park, near La Lajita, is worth spending a whole day there. The park is home to 3,000 animals representing 250 species and offers interactive experiences with camels, giraffes, and elephants. It also features a botanical garden—a real surprise in this arid landscape.
We especially recommend it to families staying in the south: Costa Calma is only 10 minutes away, while Corralejo is a 1-hour-and-20-minute drive away. As for restrictions, the optional camel ride is not available to children under 3 years of age. We also recommend that you bring something to protect yourself from the sun, since the park is very large.
What we liked
We found the idea of such a park a bit surprising on an island where water is scarce. But we recognize that this is one of the few excursions on Fuerteventura that offers some greenery, which is a welcome change after several days of desert landscapes. The park also has the advantage of being open year-round, making it a great option in the winter when the water park is closed. Check out the other options in our article on parks in Fuerteventura.
Practical advice
- Duration of visit: one day
- Hours: Tuesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., closed on Mondays; normally open year-round (please check hours before your visit)
- Challenges and Accessibility for People with Limited Mobility: electric scooter rental service for people with limited mobility; camel rides (optional) are not permitted for children under 3 years of age; children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult
- Prices: tourist admission fees noted during our visit: €39.50 for adults, €25 for children under 12, free for children under 4
- Directions:
Corralejo to Oasis Park = 1 hour and 20 minutes by car;
Caleta de Fuste to Oasis Park = 40 min; Costa Calma to Oasis Park = 10 min; Morro Jable to Oasis Park = 30 min;
The park also has a shuttle system - Dining: 3 restaurants and 2 snack bars on site; outside food is not allowed
- Book your ticket now to save time!
5. Explore Lobos Island
Why visit with children?
A 15-minute boat ride from Corralejo, Lobos Island is a small, protected island with no roads or residents. For a family, the appeal lies in its size: you can explore it on foot and then go for a swim. The natural pools of Las Lagunitas are less than a 30-minute walk from the landing stage; their waters are calm, sheltered by volcanic rocks.
We recommend it mainly for children who can walk without difficulty, since the terrain is dry, exposed, and has no shade. The climb up the volcano, which is steeper, is better suited for teenagers. Finally, we would like to remind you that access is limited and requires authorization.
What we liked
Lobos is one of our favorite things to do on Fuerteventura. The many small cones of volcanic rock made it feel like we had arrived on another planet, and we loved that feeling. We recommend that you first take a tour of the island, then finish with a swim in the lagoon to cool off before heading back. The lighthouse offers a view of the entire island, and a lagoon is home to migratory birds.
Practical advice
- Duration of visit: half a day per tour (the permit covers 4 hours); full-day tours are available depending on the package
- Challenges and Accessibility for People with Disabilities: There are no roads on the island; walking on volcanic terrain with no shade; Las Lagunitas is less than a 30-minute walk from the landing site; the climb up the volcano is steeper; wear sturdy hiking shoes and swim shoes for entering the water. Access for People with Disabilities: Not specified
- Access: 15-minute boat ride from Corralejo (small ferries or water taxis); access is limited to 400 visitors per day, in two groups of 200 people;
- Book your ticket now to save time!
HAVE FUN WITH THESE activities
- Dolphin watching
- Boat to Lobos Island
- Buggy tour
- But also; surfing lessons, 4WD tour in Cofete, windsurfing, scuba diving…
6. Play in the dunes of Corralejo
Why visit with children?
The Corralejo Dunes Natural Park is a vast sandy playground right next to the sea. Children climb there, run down the slopes, and take in the contrast between the turquoise water, the dark volcanic rock, and the light-colored sand. You can explain to them that this sand doesn’t come from the Sahara—it formed naturally on the island.
We recommend that you get your bearings, because it’s easy to get lost there. As for the beaches, the Playas Grandes—located around the Riu Palace Tres Islas hotel—have waves: we recommend them mainly for children who are comfortable in the water, in the supervised areas near the hotels.
What we liked
We found this landscape fascinating—it was very different from the rest of the island. We also really enjoyed the views from Playa del Pozo, north of the hotels, right across from the volcano on Lobos Island. You have to walk a short distance from the road to reach the beach, which young children should be able to do.
Practical advice
- Opening hours: free access
- Directions: A 10-minute drive south of Corralejo; you can rent a bike in Corralejo
- Parking: Several parking areas along Route FV1
7. Explore the Ajuy sea caves
Why visit with children?
The Ajuy Caves are a hit with kids who love adventure and pirate stories. The tour begins on a black-sand beach and continues with a walk along the cliff. Here we can see rock that is about a million years old—the former ocean floor—whose details are still visible.
At the end, a staircase leads down to some giant sea caves. We recommend this activity for children who can walk for a while and go down stairs, keeping the younger children’s hands close to the edge of the cliff. We think it’s the perfect way to spark children’s curiosity about geology.
Practical advice
- Duration of visit: Not disclosed
- Opening hours: free access
- Difficulty Level and Access for People with Limited Mobility: a walk along the cliff, followed by stairs leading down to the caves.
- Rates: free of charge
- Directions: the village of Ajuy, on the west coast
- Easy parking
8. Learn about goats at the Museo del Queso Majorero
Why visit with children?
The Museo del Queso Majorero in Antigua goes far beyond the topic of cheese. There you’ll find a restored mill, videos about the island’s geology, a cactus garden, and information about the goats’ lives on the island, including some interactive activities that children will enjoy. The tour ends with a cheese tasting.
We recommend it for curious children who can handle a museum visit—ideally starting around the age when they begin to take an interest in explanations. We also find it convenient during hot weather, as a change of pace from a day at the beach.
What we liked
We fell in love with this museum in the center of the island and with the warm welcome we received. We enjoyed the beautiful, traditional Canarian-style house, the views from the roof, and the stunning specimens in the cactus garden.
Practical advice
- Hours: Daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the summer and from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. in the winter (November through April)
- Accessibility and Challenges: Easy access. Access for People with Disabilities: Not specified
- Prices: €4
- Directions: In the town of Antigua, in the center of Fuerteventura; from Corralejo to the Cheese Museum = 45 min; from Morro Jable to the Cheese Museum = 1-hour drive; Visit the official website for more information here.
- Parking: large parking lot
9. Take a Trip Back in Time at the La Alcogida Ecomuseum
Why visit with children?
In this open-air museum, north of Antigua, you’ll move from one group of buildings to another to discover what life was like in a traditional rural village during the last century: houses and farms reflecting the families’ wealth, as well as tools and techniques used in embroidery and pottery. There are also a few animals on the site.
For a family, the outdoor setting is an advantage: the children move from house to house rather than staying in one room. We especially recommend it for children old enough to be interested in life in the past.
Practical advice
- Duration of visit: Not disclosed
- Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; closed on Sundays and Mondays
- Accessibility and Challenges: Easy Access
- Price: €5
- Directions: north of Antigua; Corralejo to La Alcogida = 30 min; Morro Jable to La Alcogida = 1 hr 15 min by car; Visit the official website for more information here.
- Parking: large parking lot, across the street
- We recommend combining this with a visit to the beach and the nearby village of Puertito de los Molinos. More photos in our article.
10. Watch salt being produced at the Salinas del Carmen
Why visit with children?
Las Salinas del Carmen, south of Caleta de Fuste, are salt flats established in the 18th century that are still in operation today. Salt workers there produce salt using traditional methods, which helps children understand where this everyday product comes from.
The site also features a whale skeleton, which often makes the biggest impression on the youngest visitors. We find it more engaging for children who ask questions than for toddlers.
Practical advice
- Opening hours: open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Easy tour
- Prices: €6
- Directions: on the east coast, south of Caleta de Fuste;
Corralejo to Caleta de Fuste = 40-minute drive;
Morro Jable to Caleta de Fuste = 1-hour drive; - Visit the official website for more info here.
- Easy parking
11. Bounce Around at Guay Parque
Why visit with children?
Guay Parque, in Corralejo, is clearly geared toward kids who love to burn off energy. There, they’ll find plenty of trampolines, jump ropes, bouncy castles, a merry-go-round, and some calmer games. We see this as a good option at the end of the day, when the heat has subsided and the kids still have energy.
Please note two things: the park doesn’t open until late afternoon, and everything is in Spanish. The information we have does not specify a minimum age; please check with each attraction for details.
We noticed that the park offers a wide variety of jumping activities all in one place, which makes it easy to plan a short outing. It’s a great way to round out a day at the beach in Corralejo.
Practical advice
- Hours: Tuesday through Sunday in the late afternoon; closed on Mondays
- Challenges and Accessibility for People with Disabilities: Everything is in Spanish.
- Directions: in the town of Corralejo;
- Parking: Free and easy parking nearby
12. Play a round of mini-golf at Minigolf Fantasia
Located right next to the Corralejo Water Park, Minigolf Fantasia has 18 holes and offers a view of one of the water slides. It’s a simple activity that people of all ages can enjoy together, as long as the child can hold a club. We’d like to point out a real drawback: there’s no shade. We therefore recommend that you go there at the end of the day and bring hats and water. Depending on the number of players, a game lasts between 1 hour and 1 hour and 30 minutes, which is a great way to spend an afternoon without a long commute.
13. Go on an adventure in a buggy or on an e-bike with teens
Why visit with children?
For families traveling with teenagers, venturing off the paved roads offers a chance to explore remote corners of the island: desert hills and dry riverbeds. There are several options available from Corralejo: buggy, e-bike, or Segway. Please note an important restriction: You must be at least 18 years old to drive a vehicle, but young people may ride as passengers.
We also recommend wearing a bandana or a piece of cloth to cover your mouth, as there is a lot of dust in the air during the ride. The age requirements for e-bikes and Segways are not specified in our data: please check them before booking. It’s one of the most popular excursions on the island.
Practical advice
- Challenges: Drivers must be at least 18 years old; young people are allowed as passengers; a lot of dust. Access
- Directions: Departures from Corralejo
- Book your ticket now here: buggy, e-bike, Segway
Things to Do in Fuerteventura with Kids: Other Ideas
Looking for Squirrels in La Pared
Kids love spotting squirrels on Fuerteventura. You can see them on the beach, at La Pared or Playa Esmeralda Norte, as well as at the lookout points in the mountains and on the volcanoes. Local residents consider them a nuisance; therefore, we ask that you observe them but never feed them.
Learn to surf or windsurf
Fuerteventura is known for its water sports, and Corralejo offers surfing lessons, windsurfing lessons, snorkeling, and scuba diving. Playa de los Verilitos is also a hotspot for stand-up paddleboarding and windsurfing. Our data does not specify a minimum age; we recommend that you check the requirements with each school before enrolling a child.
Picking up “popcorn” on the beaches
Near Corralejo, several beaches are covered with small corals that look like popcorn. The best-known one, Playa del Bajo de la Burra, is a 15-minute drive down an unpaved road from the town. You can also find them south of the main beaches in Corralejo. A fun shape hunt for kids—come see it in person.
Where to Eat in Fuerteventura with Kids
The Canary Islands are part of Spain, and tapas are everywhere: shrimp, potatoes, cheese. This format of small plates meant for sharing allows children to try several dishes. Please note that Acua Water Park and Oasis Park do not allow visitors to bring in food: please plan to have lunch there. Check out our selection of the best restaurants in Fuerteventura and Corralejo.
Where to Stay in Fuerteventura with Your Family
For a family vacation, we recommend choosing your base based on the activities you plan to do. Corralejo is one of our favorite places to stay: you can walk around the town center, the beaches are right in town, and the water park, Guay Parque, the mini-golf course, and the ferry to Lobos are all nearby. We also enjoy the evening atmosphere in its old town. See our hotels in Corralejo.
In the south, Morro Jable is a great base for dolphin-watching trips and is just 30 minutes from Oasis Park (our hotels in Morro Jable). Costa Calma is 10 minutes from Oasis Park, and Caleta de Fuste, located in the center of the east coast, serves as a hub for trips both north and south. Near the dunes, we noticed that the sections of the beach near the Riu Palace Tres Islas Hotel are patrolled.
We recommend that you check with each hotel to see what family-friendly amenities they offer and whether they have a pool, which can be helpful when it gets too hot.
Or check out our selection of the best family-friendly hotels in Fuerteventura.
Visiting Fuerteventura with Children, Depending on the Season
Spring (March–May)
Acua Water Park reopens in April, from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., but it may be closed on certain days of the week depending on the season. Museums follow their summer hours starting in May—including the Cheese Museum. We find this season ideal for combining beach time, hiking at Calderon Hondo, and sightseeing—as long as you take precautions against the sun.
Summer (June – August)
This is the time of year when the water park is open every day from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The sun is strong and shade is scarce: we recommend that you plan your hikes and outdoor activities for early in the morning. A boat ride, cooled by the breeze, and the museums help pass the hottest hours of the day.
Fall (September–November)
Acua Water Park remains open until early November, but it may be closed on Wednesdays and Thursdays during the off-season. In mid-November, Corralejo hosts an international kite festival on its beach—a fun family outing. We find this season to be a good balance between spending time at the beach and going on sightseeing trips.
Winter (December–February)
The water park is closed, but Oasis Park remains open year-round. Museums are switching to their winter hours; for example, the Cheese Museum is open from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. We recommend this time of year for families who prefer sightseeing, animals, and walks to long days at the beach.
Frequently asked questions
Is Fuerteventura stroller-friendly?
Partly. You can explore downtown Corralejo on foot, and Playa de Corralejo has a ramp. However, the dunes, Lobos Island, the Ajuy Caves (staircase), the natural rock pools, and the hiking trails are not suitable. For these outings, we recommend using a baby carrier. At Oasis Park, electric scooters are available for people with limited mobility.
How many days should you plan to spend in Fuerteventura with children?
We recommend spending at least a week on the island so you can enjoy it without having to make too many trips back and forth. Plan to spend one day at Oasis Park and another at the water park, half a day at Lobos, and then spread out your visits to the beaches, museums, and boat trips. Since it’s a 1-hour-40-minute drive from Corralejo to Morro Jable, it’s best to group your activities by area.
When is the best time to visit Fuerteventura with your family?
From April through early November, if the water park is high on your list, since it’s closed the rest of the year. The other attractions, including Oasis Park, are open year-round. In the summer, plan your outings for early in the morning because of the sun.
What can you do in Fuerteventura if it rains or if it’s too hot?
In Corralejo, you’ll find air-conditioned game rooms, such as Gambito Games. You can also visit one of the museums: the Museo del Queso Majorero, Salinas del Carmen, or the La Alcogida Ecomuseum. On hot days, a boat trip, a visit to the water park, or the hotel pool are other options.
Should you rent a car in Fuerteventura as a family?
We recommend it. The distances between the north and the south are significant, and many attractions (Ajuy, the museums in Antigua, natural pools) are located outside the cities. Driving is fairly easy, on winding roads that are in good condition. The only exception: the Cofete trail, which is not recommended for standard cars because rental car insurance does not cover you. Read our tips for renting a car.
Lanzarote or Fuerteventura with kids?
Fuerteventura is known primarily for its lagoon-like beaches and wide-open spaces, while Lanzarote has preserved more of its traditional architecture. To help you choose, check out our comparison article.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO Fuerteventura
- Practical advice
25 tips for a successful trip to Fuerteventura
How to get around
How to rent a car in Fuerteventura
Driving tips
Best excursions
Itineraries: 3 days – 4 days – 5 days – 1 week – 10 days
