Tenerife has plenty of beautiful places to picnic, but not all of them work well with kids and pushchairs.

If you want a low-stress family day out, prioritise reliable shade, toilets nearby, safe spaces to play, and locations that stay comfortable when the trade winds pick up.

Below you’ll find a practical way to choose, plus several proven picnic spots where families typically do best for shade, parking, and room to run.

How to choose a family-friendly picnic spot in Tenerife (the practical criteria)

Before you commit to a drive, do a quick “four checks” scan.

• Reliable shade: Trees, pergolas, or a forest canopy matter more than a single small shelter.
• Toilets nearby: Aim for toilets on-site or within a short, flat walk (especially with toddlers).
• Safe play area: Look for fenced playgrounds, open lawns away from traffic, or wide forest clearings.
• Minimal wind exposure: Choose sheltered valleys, forests, or parks with vegetation and walls rather than exposed coastal promontories.

Two extra checks make the day smoother.

• Parking ease: If you’re arriving after 11:00 on a weekend, avoid tiny car parks unless you have a backup plan.
• Surface and access: Forest tracks can be dusty or uneven, and some sites are better with closed shoes and a carrier than a buggy.

Best family-friendly picnic spots with shade, parking, and space to run

Tenerife’s “zonas recreativas” (managed recreational areas) are often the easiest choice for families because they’re designed for day-use with tables, parking, and basic facilities.

Conditions can change with maintenance, fire-risk restrictions, and seasonal rules, so it’s smart to check official updates (TenerifeON) before you go.

• Zona Recreativa Las Raíces (Las Lagunetas / El Rosario): A classic pine-forest picnic area with a strong “under the trees” feel and toilets on-site, so it’s a solid choice when you want shade and a calmer wind profile than the coast.
• Área Recreativa de Chío (Guía de Isora): Picnic tables among pine trees, a good pick if you’re based in the southwest and want forest shade without driving across the island.
• Área Recreativa El Lagar (La Guancha): A higher, greener picnic zone with a designated parking area; great for a cooler day out when the coast feels too hot.
• Área Recreativa Arenas Negras (Garachico area): A memorable landscape near Chinyero with a recreational area and parking; best for families with kids who love “adventure terrain” (black volcanic ground) and space to roam.

If you prefer an urban park picnic (easier with strollers and quick exits), Santa Cruz and La Laguna have good options with play areas and nearby services.

• Parque La Granja (Santa Cruz): Large lawns and family infrastructure in the city; ideal for a short, easy picnic day with plenty of space for kids to run.
• Parque La Vega (San Cristóbal de La Laguna): A central, spacious park that works well for a “picnic + playground + coffee nearby” plan.

And if you want a “nature walk + picnic” combo without a steep hike, Cruz del Carmen in Anaga is one of the most family-friendly entry points to the laurel forest, with short accessible trail options like the Sendero de los Sentidos.

• Cruz del Carmen (Anaga) + Sendero de los Sentidos: Visitor-centre area with parking and facilities nearby, and a short family-friendly forest walk that feels like a mini adventure.

What each spot is best for (quick match guide)

Use this section to match the vibe to your family’s age and energy level.

• Need dependable shade and a “contained” feel: Las Raíces, Chío, El Lagar.
• Want a cooler day in summer: El Lagar, Las Raíces, Anaga (Cruz del Carmen) can feel much cooler than the coast.
• Kids who love to explore: Arenas Negras (bring closed shoes and keep an eye on uneven ground).
• Pushchair-friendly and easiest logistics: Parque La Granja, Parque La Vega.
• Short walk + picnic without “a big hike”: Cruz del Carmen + Sendero de los Sentidos.

Family picnic packing checklist (Tenerife edition)

Tenerife’s microclimates are real: it can be windy on the coast and chilly under forest canopy even when the sun is out.

• Shade and comfort: Picnic blanket, small pop-up shade (if allowed/feasible), hats, sunglasses.
• Warm layer: Light jacket or fleece for forest areas and late afternoons.
• Food and drink: Plenty of water, easy finger foods, fruit, and a small cool bag.
• Kid essentials: Wet wipes, spare clothes, nappy kit, hand sanitiser.
• Safety basics: Small first-aid kit, plasters, antiseptic wipes, children’s sunscreen.
• Play items: Ball, frisbee, bubbles, chalk (for paved areas), or a small kite only in low-wind parks.
• Footwear: Closed shoes for forest recreational areas and volcanic terrain.
• Rubbish & clean-up: Two rubbish bags (one for recycling if possible), a few zip bags for messy items.

If you’re heading to a managed recreational area, consider bringing small coins or tissues just in case toilet paper runs out on busy days.

Rubbish disposal and “leave no trace” tips for Tenerife picnics

A family picnic is more enjoyable when you don’t end the day with a messy car and a litter problem.

Many picnic areas have bins, but bin capacity and collection schedules don’t always match weekend crowds, especially in popular nature areas.

• Pack it in, pack it out: If bins are full, take your rubbish with you and dispose of it in town.
• Separate wet waste: Put fruit peels, leftovers, and nappies in a sealed bag to avoid smells and insects.
• Don’t feed animals: It’s tempting, but it can harm wildlife and teaches animals to approach families for food.
• Stick to paths: In forest and protected areas, avoid trampling vegetation to “make your own play zone.”
• Leave what you find: Don’t take rocks, pinecones, or plants from protected areas as souvenirs.

If you use disposable plates, choose lightweight recyclable options and bring a bag to keep everything contained on the way home.

What to ask before booking help (or before you commit to a spot)

If you’re planning a bigger family gathering, a birthday picnic, or you just want the day to run smoothly, these questions prevent most surprises.

• Is there reliable shade at the time we plan to eat (not just early morning)?
• How close are the toilets, and are they open all day?
• Is the play area fenced or separated from roads/parking?
• How is the wind in this spot compared to nearby beaches or viewpoints?
• Is the access road suitable for a normal car, and is parking easy on weekends?
• Are barbecues allowed right now, or are there seasonal fire restrictions?
• Is there a nearby café/supermarket for forgotten items, or should we plan to be fully self-sufficient?
• What’s the best backup spot if this one is full when we arrive?

If you’d rather not juggle logistics—especially with visiting family—MiTenerife can help you organise transport, catering, or family-friendly activities around your day out.

Post your request on MiTenerife to get the best offers within 1 hour.