Things to do in Tenerife...

[MissBetsyTrotwood]

We're off to Tenerife this summer with DS1 (4) and DS2 (2). Any recommendations for things to do/see? Tips? Advice?

TIA

The North is lush and tropical so nice temperature for the young ones_ they have a cute parrot park plus lovely cafes for the parents . The South is drier and more touristy Rather brash and caters for all but attracts disco lovers . Do not go to Gigantes as nothing for kids though attractive area. There is an Aquapark and the bus serice is okish but recommend car hire as good roads The beaches are not v good so v much round the pool etc but this island is so developed you will be fine

We go every year as mil has a place out there and we love it. I completely disagree about the beaches. The sand is black rather than yellow as the island is volcanic but other than that they are lovely. A lot of money has been spent on Playa Las Americas recently. While we wouldn't go for a night out there the beaches are great as it is a very gentle slope in to the water and lots of showers. There are also wooden walkways on the sand which make pushing a pushchair much easier. If you go to the left oar right of Playa you will find lots of child friendly restaurants and it is quite easy to eat out early too.
Off the beaten track Il meadino is a lovely little town with the most fantastic beach. It goes for miles and they kite surf and wind surf there which my boys love to watch.
In terms of water parks the new one is awesome for adults but too much for my 1 and 3 year old last year (pregnancy brain and can't remember name but it is something to do with a snake). Th kids bit is fab though and for 6/7 year olds they would happily play there all day. Aqua land is much better ( and cheaper) for the little ones with more shade. It is Looking a bit dated but there are more things their size and a dolphin show. Look out for money off vouchers at the airport.
Other tips I can think of; always a breeze which can fool you into thinking it's not that hot so be careful of burning. Cheapest car hire is auto reisen. You can book on line for free and with no deposit. We have paid £150 for two weeks. Getting more expensive over there but I guess like the whole of Europe. Pools are never heated and therefore much nicer in the afternoon when the sun has warmed them up. Quite a lot of playgrounds which is good. Food isn't brilliant in a lot of places so ask for local recommendations.
Hope that helps. Any other questions please ask.
Oh just re read your post and your boys are exactly the same age as mine!

Yes we had a place in Los Gigantes- pain getting from N to S till they did new road.The view from LG hotel just fab over the cliffs> Agree about food in PDLA but up North they have such charming places ,genteel piano bars and cafes with fab cakes and even the hotels do good food compared with the usual "Spanish" fare in the av hotel.

Los Gigantes is lovely. We went for a boat ride and watched dolphins - fab!

Also we went to Aqualand with the girls. We would have gone to Siam park as it is meant to be better, but it is more for older children I gather. Our girls are actually 9 and 10 but they are very small for their age and wouldnt have been able to go on some of the slides at Siam we were told. We had a lovely day out at Aqualand and they put on a dolphin show which was great.

We stayed at costa adeje. The beach was lovely, although the sea is very choppy and the waves were much too strong for our girls to go into the water. They had to just paddle at the edge. We spent a day at Los Cristianos and the beach there was much better for them - gently sloping and beautiful, soft sand.

And would second having a car. There are LOTS of hills in tenerife and it's hard work walking if your apartment is relatively far from the beaches and towns. We became quite fit walking back and forward to our villa

We had a lovely time (went in December) and would definitely go back again.

Oh thanks all, so much. We're actually booked in a villa in El Medano, which seems to be lovely so we're really looking forward to it. Aqualand gets pretty much slated on Trip Advisor but we'll be going anyway as the DSs are a bit small for the wondrous Siam Park!

Enjoy your summer all and thanks once again!

Go whale watching from Los Gigantes - the cliffs are breathtaking and we saw a pod of porpoises.

Go up Mount Teide.

Try and go on a Spanish Knight Jousting evening if they still have them. Brilliant fun and most of the Knights are very dishy!