A playful guide to the Canary Islands in February, with kids

In February, experience the enchanting blend of sun, sea and sand on the idyllic islands of Lanzarote, Fuerteventura and Gran Canaria. Here, temperatures oscillate between 18º and 22ºC with lows of 14º at night. Even in the slightly cooler Tenerife, beach days are common in February with highs of 21º. Yet, with all islands, it is worth noting that there are large regional variations with the coastal, southern areas reaching scorching temperatures even in the winter months. On average, the Canary Islands have seven hours of sunshine every day, so you’ll be lucky enough to soak up the half-term sun on whichever island you head to. With delicious cuisine, well over 500 beaches, a flight time of three to four hours and plenty of family-friendly accommodation, it’s no surprise that British holidaymakers continue to flock to the Canary Islands year after year, in search of the perfect half-term school holidays. Yet, if the idea of winter sun hasn’t convinced you to book a trip, here are some of the top hotels and experiences in the Canary Islands that you can indulge in during the February half-term holidays.

One of the things that the Canary Islands does well is provide endless dreamy settings for some time out. From the sunlounger of your hotel to the sun-drenched shoreline of a secluded beach, you are never far away from peace and tranquillity. 

The Occidental Margaritas, in Playa Inglés, is ideal for families and couples alike seeking refuge in sun and sand, making it the best resort in Gran Canaria in February. With two swimming pools, a beauty salon, an entertainment programme, a tennis court and a fitness studio, you can expect impeccable services and entertainment both day and night. For little ones aged 4 to 12 years old, there’s a playground and Mini Club with plenty of activities, where kids will have non-stop fun, all supervised by the entertainment team.

Fuerteventura is one of the warmest of the Canary Islands in February and an ideal spot for a relaxing family holiday. The Barceló Fuerteventura Castillo is the ultimate all-inclusive hotel in Fuerteventura that lies right on the beach in the beautiful Caleta de Fuste. The hotel is a family hub boasting water sports such as scuba diving and windsurfing, golf, beach volleyball and other thrill-seeking sports. 

Children can enjoy the hotel’s kids’ club which offers an endless range of activities and three swimming pool areas for adults and children alike. The U-Spa is also a fantastic place to relax and unwind so that adults can enjoy their half-term sun holidays just as much as their kids. Or, if you’re looking for some family entertainment you can head to the hotel’s theatre to enjoy live shows and performances.

While a relaxing holiday and children may not seem like a match made in heaven, in Tenerife, everything is possible. The Royal Hideaway Corales Suites is a family resort on a privileged seafront on the Costa Adeje. This fabulous contemporary hotel does nothing by halves. Its luxurious installations such as the rooftop infinity pool, and massive bedrooms with expansive views of the Atlantic and the hot tubs on the balconies are just a hint of what a stay here is like. It is worth mentioning that the hotel is home to one of the island’s top Michelin-starred restaurants, El Rincón de Juan Carlos. However, for young diners, there are plenty of food options available. Yet, what makes this an ideal place for kids is the extensive list of activities and excursions to enjoy as a family and its proximity to one of the island’s best beaches. 

Looking for tropical weather and beautiful beaches for your half-term getaway? Occidental Lanzarote Mar guarantees an unforgettable family holiday thanks to its three adult swimming pools, two kids’ swimming pools, children’s playground and kids’ club. Thanks to the temperate climate in Lanzarote in February, you can almost guarantee long days at the beach and hours lounging by the pool. During the day, families can enjoy surfing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, rock climbing and golf. Come the evening, you can enjoy fun-packed live and animated shows put on by the entertainment team. 

If your brood has a taste for adrenaline-filled escapes, the Canary Islands in February offer endless opportunities for little ones to burn off steam. From exploring the Dunes of Maspalomas in Gran Canaria to travelling to the top of the highest mountain in Spain, El Teide in Tenerife, you won’t be short of plans for your half-term escape.

Whilst you’re in Maspalomas, there’s something else you just have to see. The Maspalomas Dunes are stunning dunes located on the south coast of the island, with a beautiful beach, palm grove and lagoon. There’s plenty of family fun to be had in the dunes, but one of the hottest experiences is the 30-minute camel rides across the beautiful landscape. Longer journeys are also available, including some food and a visit to a camel park where you can admire some baby camels.

If you are planning to visit Tenerife in February, don’t pass up the opportunity to enjoy an excursion to El Teide. This is a great day out for nature enthusiasts and explorers alike. You can reach the El Teide National Park by car from your hotel, yet to get the most out of your visit, it is worth booking an organised tour, complete with a guide. The natural scenery invites visitors to explore the many hiking routes through the park and if you want to explore from a new perspective, a trip to the top of the volcano in the cable car makes for a memorable experience.

If you are visiting the Canary Islands in February, surfing is one way to enjoy the force of the Atlantic Ocean. The windy island of Fuerteventura has become a hotspot for bohemian surfers and watersports enthusiasts. 

It is no surprise that its shores are now dotted with boutique surf schools offering classes to avid surfers young and old. Head to El Cotillo, Flag Beach or Rocky Point for top beginner surf spots. 

The best way to keep kids occupied? Head to the beach! From secluded coves to urban beaches, there is no shortage of sandy shorelines in the Canary Islands. Here are the best beaches for kids of all ages.

If you are planning your holidays in Tenerife in February you are spoilt for choice when it comes to beaches. From the sunbaked sand of the south to the rugged coastline of the North, there are endless places for kids to run wild. Yet, there are none quite like Las Teresitas Beach, just a stone’s throw from the Occidental Santa Cruz Contemporaneo in Santa Cruz, the island’s capital. With golden sand, shallow water and endless choices for mealtimes, this beach is a firm favourite for families. Don’t forget to try paddleboarding or play on the sea slides while you spend your day at this urban beach.

El Castillo Beach is an oasis of soft golden sands and tranquil waters where you can relax and unwind in the island sunshine which makes this one of the best warm destinations. The beach offers sunbed and parasol hire, plus a beach promenade with restaurants and a shopping centre. You can also enjoy a spot of windsurfing and scuba diving, or swim with sea lions in the crystal waters.

If you want to make the most of the February Gran Canaria weather, the best place to catch some rays is Las Canteras Beach, the city centre beach in the island’s capital of Las Palmas. This golden stretch of coastline is an ideal spot for families as it backs onto a promenade full of delicious restaurants and coffee shops - ideal for bathroom breaks and instant hunger pangs. The ocean is relatively calm, perfect for little ones who want to play on the shoreline. For older kids, beach volleyball, snorkelling and bodyboarding are all fun ways to pass the time.

Unlike the rest of Lanzarote’s beaches, Playa Blanca boasts a golden sand shoreline. This idyllic beach is ideal for families thanks to the soft sand and gentle waters offering the perfect conditions for sandcastles and paddling. There is also a children’s play area complete with a pirate ship for when kids get bored of the beach. And, best of all, the hotel is a stone’s throw from the Barceló Playa Blanca, a recently refurbished family-friendly hotel. 

Even in paradise, the weather is not always perfect. While the weather in February generally tends to remain warm and sunny, a few rainy days are not unheard of. Yet, don’t let a short shower put a spanner in the works. Here are some rainy-day plans packed full of culture for when you visit the Canary Islands in February.

Set within the impressive Santa Barbara Castle, the Museo de Piratería is sure to be a top choice for pirate lovers young and old. The island’s fascinating history of piracy is brought to life with a range of interactive exhibits that will enchant little ones. The views from the castle grounds are also well worth the visit.

For curious minds, young and old, a day spent at the Elder Museum of Science and Technology in the Plaza Santa Catalina in Las Palmas is the perfect plan. This multi-storey museum is jam-packed full of exciting exhibits ranging from a planetarium to an interactive exhibition inviting you to discover the story of the Canary Islands’ aboriginal settlers, the Guanches. 

For fans of the night sky, a trip to the Science and Cosmos Museum in the historical city of La Laguna is an ideal way to shelter from the rain. Expect a wide range of engaging and interactive exhibits that teach kids about the world around them. Plus, there are additional, seasonal exhibits that educate about the natural world in the Canary Islands. The city of La Laguna is also well worth a visit and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.