Best family hotels in Gran Canaria for your next holiday with the kids

If one swimming pool simply isn’t enough for you and your little waterbabies, don’t fret. This African themed resort in Meloneras has an incredible seven - yes, you read that right - swimming pools to choose from. There are two dedicated kids pools along with a lazy river which wends its way through scenic jungle gardens.

Maspalomas beach is a mere 10 minute walk away but if you’d rather stay in the complex, there’s a lake style artificial beach where your little ones can dig and build sandcastles. There’s a range of family rooms to book, including the very popular Swim Up Family Rooms, located beside a pool. As you’d expect from a large resort, there’s plenty going on both day and night, with kids’ clubs and entertainment for all the family to enjoy including a mini disco.

Self-catering can often be more straightforward when you have little fussy eaters in tow. Each of the 303 spacious one and two bedroom apartments in this chic complex has a kitchenette with microwave, coffee-machine, fridge, toaster and kettle. Located in Puerto de Mogan, a fishing area known as ‘Little Venice’, Apartamentos Cordial Mogan Valle is a 10 minute walk from the beach, fishing quay and marina.

Unlike Lopesan Baobab Resort with its seven pools, there are ‘only’ three pools here but toddlers are sure to love the splash park which boasts water buckets, sprays and fountains. Back on dry land, there’s a soft play area and outdoor playground There is also a restaurant, a mini disco, fitness centre and spa. The only downside is the relatively long transfer time from the airport - the best part of an hour.

Ultra chic and stylish, the all-inclusive Tabaiba Princess is ideal for families. You can have plenty of fun in the sun with one of Gran Canaria's largest pool areas and man-made beaches along with a splash park for the entire family. You can enjoy plenty of downtime in your air conditioned suite or room too, with each space offering Wi-Fi and a satellite smart-television.

Dining won’t be a hassle - you can choose from restaurants serving a selection of al fresco buffet and snacks along with Italian and Asian fine dining. If you do manage to sneak away from the kids for a bit of ‘me time’, the spa, gym and adults only pool come well recommended. The complex is located in beautiful Maspalomas, in the south, where the sandy beaches are beautiful, albeit busy, and you can visit the historic Maspalomas Lighthouse and do some souvenir shopping too.

Only a short transfer journey from the airport and a mere six minutes walk away from Las Burras Beach in Gran Canaria, this stylish family-friendly hotel was renovated in 2021. The hotel offers outdoor pools for children and adults. There’s even a rooftop pool, although you might not want to chance that with a toddler, however glorious the sea views, and it requires payment on entry anyway.

All rooms have air conditioning, free WiFi and most offer sea views and a balcony. If you don’t want to spend all your time lazing around the pool, you can rent a bicycle from the on-site cycle hire shop, vist the gym or play tennis - all at an additional cost. There’s also evening entertainment, if that’s your sort of thing. The nearest sandy beach, Las Burras, isn’t as jam packed as some beaches in high season. If you fancy heading to the bright lights of the buzzing beaches at Playa del Inglés and Maspalomas, you can hop on a free shuttle bus from the hotel.

The truth is that not all Mumsnetters are fans of Playa del Inglés. It’s one of the busiest and most well-known of Gran Canaria’s resorts, located in the southern part of the island. If you prefer quiet resorts without nightclubs, casinos and stag parties in the vicinity then it’s best avoided. That said, there’s plenty to love here, such as the buzz, entertainment and gorgeous wide sandy beaches. It’s a short transfer from the airport too.

Parque Cristobal is a vast holiday complex offering family friendly bungalows. Set in the heart of Playa del Inglés, a short stroll from the gorgeous beaches, each bungalow has a private terrace and kitchen so you can self cater on your own schedule. There are even special two bed kids suites and baby packs containing blender, highchair, bottle warmer and games console for the parents. Palm trees and tropical gardens surround the four outdoor pools - two for adults only and two for families, which are heated during winter. There’s daily and nightly entertainment along with a mini disco to keep little party animals busy, too.

Distance from Gran Canaria airport: 17 miles

If you have slightly older kids who need their own space and entertainment, this hotel in Maspalomas is ideal because it offers modern one and two bedroom family rooms. There’s also a kids club offering activities for all age groups, including teens.

There’s plenty of opportunity for fun in that famous Gran Canaria sunshine with three pools, one of which is designed for kids with slides and a splash area. The hotel has direct access to the sandy beach too so you can head off for paddling and sand castle action whenever you like. This isn’t a secluded type of getaway - it’s only a short walk from boutiques, restaurants and cocktail bars if you, or any older teens in your group, fancy a night out. The airport transfer is short too.

Another hotel which caters just as well for older children as it does for babies and toddlers, the Mirador del Atlantico in ABemadores offers teen-friendly activities along with a dedicated chill out lounge for teenage guests. You can divide your time between Amadores beach, a mere 200 metres away from the hotel, and the large outdoor pools, which include a kids’ pool, although be aware that the pools are only open between 10am and 6pm which may be a bit late or early depending on your schedule.

Other activities to be enjoyed at the hotel include squash, table tennis, sauna and whirlpool. The hotel’s spacious family-friendly rooms all have kitchenettes - useful if you decide to self-cater. There are also plenty of restaurants and cafes in the resort of Amadores to keep you well fed. Alternatively, you may prefer to go all-inclusive and eat all your meals in the complex’s buffet restaurant.

The TUI BLUE Playa Feliz is one of two TUI BLUE For Families hotels in the quaint resort of Bahia Feliz, which is also one of the closest resorts to the airport, meaning that you can enjoy a super short transfer journey. The neighbouring hotel is the TUI BLUE Orquidea. You can use all the facilities onsite, whichever accommodation you choose.

Designed for families, there are kids’ clubs and child-friendly shows along with a variety of pools, splash parks and swimming lessons along with a go-karting track. Well-being is encouraged, with mindfulness classes for all ages and a Healthy Eating Challenge, which encourages junior diners to try new foods. A sand and shingle beach is a short walk away.

Who says you can’t live stylishly once you have a baby? This Radisson Blu hotel in pretty Puerto Mogan offers minimalistic surroundings and chic rooms with plenty of fun too. There are two separate pool areas, a mini disco and toddler-friendly splash park decorated in rainbow colours.

Unlike some hotels on our list, the beach isn’t right on your doorstep. In fact, it’s almost a mile away from the hotel which could be a struggle for very little legs and may require a buggy. However, there’s loads to do onsite here, including a children’s club, entertainment, outdoor exercise area, 800m running track and a luxury spa along with a disco, snack bar, pool bar and two restaurants.