Embarking on a family holiday to Lanzarote offers a unique opportunity to introduce children to the wonders of volcanic landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and diverse coastal environments. This Canary Island destination provides an exceptional blend of educational experiences and fun-filled adventures. Proper preparation can significantly enhance your family’s appreciation of Lanzarote’s distinct features and ensure a smooth, enjoyable trip for all.
From understanding the island’s geological marvels to embracing local customs, there are numerous aspects to consider when readying your children for this exciting journey. By focusing on key areas such as pre-trip education, cultural awareness, safety considerations, and interactive learning opportunities, you can lay the groundwork for a truly enriching family experience on this captivating island.
Pre-trip education: lanzarote’s unique volcanic landscape
Before setting foot on Lanzarote’s otherworldly terrain, it’s essential to familiarise your children with the island’s volcanic origins. This knowledge will not only pique their curiosity but also deepen their appreciation for the extraordinary sights they’ll encounter. Begin by explaining that Lanzarote is part of the Canary Islands, an archipelago formed by volcanic activity millions of years ago.
Use age-appropriate resources such as picture books, documentaries, or interactive online tools to illustrate the concept of volcanoes and their impact on shaping landscapes. Emphasise that while Lanzarote’s volcanoes are currently dormant, their influence is visible everywhere on the island, from the black sand beaches to the striking rock formations.
Timanfaya national park: explaining geothermal activity
Timanfaya National Park is a highlight of any visit to Lanzarote, and preparing your children for this experience can greatly enhance their enjoyment. Introduce the concept of geothermal activity by comparing it to something familiar, like a kettle boiling water. Explain that in Timanfaya, heat from deep within the Earth causes phenomena such as steaming vents and hot springs.
You might conduct a simple experiment at home to demonstrate geothermal principles. For instance, create a ‘volcano’ using baking soda and vinegar, adding red food colouring to represent lava. This hands-on activity can help children visualise the processes they’ll learn about in Timanfaya.
Los hervideros: teaching coastal erosion dynamics
Los Hervideros offers a dramatic example of how volcanic landscapes interact with the ocean. To prepare children for this sight, introduce the concept of coastal erosion. You could demonstrate this process using a sandcastle at the beach or in a sandbox, showing how water gradually wears away the structure.
Explain that at Los Hervideros, the sea has carved intricate caves and blowholes into the volcanic rock over thousands of years. This ongoing process creates the spectacular ‘boiling’ effect when waves crash into the cavities, which gives Los Hervideros its name (meaning ‘boiling pots’ in Spanish).
Cueva de los verdes: exploring lava tube formation
The Cueva de los Verdes provides an excellent opportunity to teach children about lava tube formation. Explain that when a volcano erupts, the outer layer of lava cools and hardens while the molten rock inside continues to flow, eventually draining out to leave a hollow tube.
To illustrate this concept, you might use the analogy of a straw in a thick milkshake. As you suck the milkshake through the straw, it leaves a hollow tube behind. Similarly, as lava flows downhill, it can leave behind these fascinating underground passages that children will get to explore in person.
Cultural preparation: canarian heritage and césar manrique’s influence
Lanzarote’s rich cultural tapestry is as captivating as its natural wonders. Preparing your children for the island’s unique heritage will deepen their appreciation of the sights and experiences awaiting them. A key figure in understanding Lanzarote’s cultural landscape is César Manrique, the renowned artist and architect who played a pivotal role in shaping the island’s development while preserving its natural beauty.
Introduce your children to Manrique’s philosophy of harmonising art with nature. Show them images of his works, such as the Cactus Garden or the Jameos del Agua, to illustrate how he integrated artistic elements into the volcanic landscape. This preparation will help them recognise and appreciate Manrique’s influence as they explore the island.
Jameos del agua: introducing biosphere reserve concepts
Jameos del Agua is not only a stunning example of Manrique’s vision but also part of Lanzarote’s UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. To prepare children for this site, introduce the concept of a biosphere reserve as a special area where people work to protect nature while also living and working sustainably.
Explain that at Jameos del Agua, they’ll see a unique underground lake home to tiny, blind albino crabs found nowhere else in the world. This can lead to discussions about adaptation and the importance of preserving delicate ecosystems. Encourage children to think about how they can be respectful visitors to such a special place.
Fundación césar manrique: appreciating Art-Nature symbiosis
The Fundación César Manrique offers a perfect opportunity to explore the artist’s vision of integrating art and architecture with the natural environment. Before visiting, engage children in activities that blend art and nature. For example, create collages using leaves and flowers, or design a ‘dream house’ that incorporates natural elements.
Discuss how Manrique’s home, now the foundation’s headquarters, was built into volcanic bubbles. Encourage children to imagine what it would be like to live in a house that’s part of a lava flow. This preparation will help them appreciate the innovative design when they visit the site.
La geria: understanding unique volcanic viticulture
La Geria’s distinctive vineyard landscape offers a fascinating insight into how Lanzarote’s people have adapted to their volcanic environment. To prepare children for this sight, explain the challenges of growing plants in volcanic soil and limited rainfall. You might set up a small gardening experiment at home, planting seeds in different types of soil to demonstrate the difficulties plants face in harsh conditions.
Describe how farmers in La Geria create semi-circular walls around each vine to protect it from wind and trap moisture. This unique method has created a striking landscape that children will find memorable. Discussing these agricultural techniques can also lead to conversations about sustainability and human ingenuity in the face of environmental challenges.
Beach safety: navigating lanzarote’s diverse coastal areas
Lanzarote’s coastline offers a variety of beach experiences, from tranquil family-friendly coves to dramatic surf spots. Preparing your children for these different environments is crucial for ensuring a safe and enjoyable beach experience. Begin by discussing general beach safety rules, such as always swimming with adult supervision, staying within designated areas, and understanding flag systems used on beaches.
Introduce the concept of different types of beaches, explaining that some are better suited for swimming and sandcastle building, while others might have strong currents or rocky shores better for exploration. Emphasise the importance of respecting the sea and understanding its power.
Playa blanca: shallow waters and Family-Friendly facilities
Playa Blanca is known for its calm, shallow waters, making it an ideal spot for families with young children. When preparing kids for this beach, focus on the positive aspects of a safe swimming environment. Explain that the gentle slope of the beach means they can wade out quite far while still standing, but remind them to always stay within sight of adults.
Discuss the facilities available, such as showers and beach umbrellas, and how these contribute to a comfortable day out. You might role-play a beach trip at home, practising applying sunscreen, setting up a beach area, and following safety rules. This preparation can help children feel more confident and responsible when they arrive at the real beach.
Famara beach: surf safety and tidal awareness
Famara Beach presents a different coastal environment, known for its surfing conditions and strong tides. While this might not be suitable for swimming with young children, it offers an excellent opportunity to teach about ocean dynamics. Explain the concept of tides, perhaps using a simple demonstration with a basin of water and a toy boat to show how water levels change.
Discuss surf safety, even if your children won’t be surfing. Explain why surfers wear wetsuits and use boards, and how they study the waves before entering the water. This can lead to broader conversations about respecting the ocean’s power and the importance of proper training and equipment for water sports.
Papagayo beaches: Eco-Sensitive behaviour in protected areas
The Papagayo Beaches, located in a protected natural park, offer a chance to discuss responsible tourism and eco-sensitive behaviour. Before visiting, talk to your children about the importance of leaving no trace in natural areas. You might organise a ‘clean-up’ activity in your local park or beach to demonstrate the impact of litter on the environment.
Explain that these beaches have limited facilities to preserve their natural beauty. Discuss what this means for your visit – bringing your own water, snacks, and sun protection, and taking all rubbish away with you. Encourage children to think about how their actions can help protect special places like Papagayo for future generations to enjoy.
Practical preparations: climate considerations and local customs
Preparing children for Lanzarote’s climate and local customs is essential for a comfortable and respectful visit. The island’s subtropical climate, with its year-round sunshine and minimal rainfall, requires specific considerations, especially for families accustomed to cooler or more variable weather conditions.
Begin by discussing the expected weather during your visit. Explain that Lanzarote is known as the ‘Island of Eternal Spring’ due to its consistently mild temperatures. However, emphasise that the sun’s intensity can be deceptive, even on cooler or cloudy days.
UV protection: strategies for lanzarote’s high solar radiation
Lanzarote’s proximity to the equator means higher levels of UV radiation than many visitors are used to. To prepare children for this, conduct a simple UV experiment at home. Use UV-sensitive beads or paper that change colour in sunlight to demonstrate how UV rays can affect us even when we can’t see them.
Discuss the importance of comprehensive sun protection, including high-SPF sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, and protective clothing. Make sunscreen application a fun routine by using colourful zinc sticks or letting children help apply it to parents. Emphasise the need to reapply sunscreen regularly, especially after swimming or sweating.
Siesta culture: adapting daily routines for spanish timings
Introduce children to the concept of siesta, explaining that many businesses in Lanzarote close in the early afternoon for a few hours. This can be an excellent opportunity to discuss cultural differences and the importance of respecting local customs. You might adjust your home schedule for a few days before the trip, incorporating a quiet time after lunch to mimic the siesta routine.
Explain that this midday break means that evenings are often livelier, with families out enjoying dinner much later than they might be used to. Prepare children for later mealtimes and discuss how this might affect your daily schedule during the holiday. This preparation can help prevent frustration or confusion when encountering closed shops or restaurants during siesta hours.
Water conservation: teaching responsible tourism practices
Lanzarote’s arid climate means that water is a precious resource on the island. Use this as an opportunity to teach children about water conservation and responsible tourism. You might set up a water-saving challenge at home, seeing who can use the least water while brushing teeth or taking a quick shower.
Explain that in Lanzarote, they might encounter water-saving measures like low-flow taps or notices about reusing towels in hotels. Discuss why these practices are important and how they can contribute to water conservation during their stay. This preparation not only helps children understand local practices but also instils valuable lessons about environmental responsibility.
Interactive learning: hands-on activities for young explorers
Engaging children in hands-on activities before and during the trip can significantly enhance their understanding and enjoyment of Lanzarote’s unique features. These interactive experiences not only make learning fun but also create lasting memories and a deeper connection to the island’s natural and cultural heritage.
Consider creating a ‘Lanzarote Explorer’s Kit’ for each child, filled with items like a small notebook, coloured pencils, a magnifying glass, and a simple identification guide for local plants or marine life. This kit can encourage observation and documentation throughout the trip, turning every outing into an exciting expedition.
Janubio salt flats: DIY salt crystallization experiments
Before visiting the Janubio Salt Flats, conduct a simple salt crystallization experiment at home. Dissolve salt in warm water, then hang a string in the solution and observe over several days as crystals form. This activity demonstrates the process of evaporation and crystallization that occurs naturally at the salt flats.
When visiting Janubio, encourage children to compare their homemade crystals with the salt harvested there. Discuss the importance of salt throughout history and how the unique climate of Lanzarote makes it an ideal location for salt production. This hands-on preparation will make the visit to the salt flats more meaningful and engaging for young explorers.
Cactus garden: succulent care and desert adaptation lessons
In preparation for visiting the Cactus Garden, set up a small cactus or succulent garden at home. This activity can teach children about plant care and water conservation. Discuss how cacti and succulents have adapted to store water and survive in arid conditions, drawing parallels to Lanzarote’s climate.
Create a simple game where children match different cactus species to their native environments. This can introduce the concept of biodiversity and adaptation. When visiting the Cactus Garden, encourage children to identify species they’ve learned about and observe the innovative irrigation system designed by César Manrique.
Underwater photography at playa chica: marine life documentation
If your family plans to snorkel at Playa Chica or other suitable locations, prepare children by practising underwater photography in a pool or even a bathtub. Use waterproof disposable cameras or waterproof phone cases to teach basic underwater photography techniques.
Create a marine life bingo card with common species found in Lanzarote’s waters. Encourage children to ‘collect’ photos of different fish, plants, or other marine life during their snorkelling adventure. This activity not only makes the underwater experience more engaging but also promotes careful observation and respect for marine ecosystems.
By incorporating these interactive learning activities into your preparation and trip, you’ll foster a sense of curiosity and engagement that will make your family’s visit to Lanzarote a truly enriching experience. These hands-on approaches not only educate but also create lasting memories of discovery and wonder in this unique island environment.