Consider a Mediterranean vacation spot with a few of Europeโs greatest diving, a captivating historical past that may be traced again to earlier than the pyramids, picturesque cities, plus sunshine, seashores, attractive fishing villages and a mini movie business โ is that what you image while you think about visiting Malta with youngsters?
comprises affiliate hyperlinks*
The Mediterranean island is someplace Iโve travelled to some instances and love โ and someplace I believe is each enormously underrated and an awesome place to go to for households.
Better of all, Malta (and sister islands Gozo and Comino) is simply over three hours away from the UK, which is good for a sunny household vacation โ listed here are my tips about the highest issues to do in Malta with youngsters.
Hit the seaside
Lots of Maltaโs seashores are pebbly however there are some pretty sandy ones to be discovered on the island, significantly within the north. Ghadira (or Mellieha) Bay is the longest with a delicate slope into the water and loads of services.
The well-named Golden Bay Seaside is one other pretty spot when youโre on the lookout for sandy seashores in Malta: itโs widespread so anticipate to show up early to get an area in summer time although.
For someplace quieter, Ghajn Tuffieha is a smaller and quieter, though there are 100 stairs down (and again up, extra to the purpose) so this isnโt one to attempt when youโre visiting Malta with toddlers!
Even higher, Maltaโs place within the Mediterranean means you get an extended season too โ itโs nonetheless heat sufficient to swim into October, Iโve even dived there in November (admittedly in a brief wetsuit!)
Take a ship journey across the island
Thereโs no higher technique to uncover the attractive turquoise waters of Malta with youngsters than on a ship journey.
There are quite a few half-day or full-day boat journeys to select from, with most heading up towards the smaller Maltese islands, Gozo and Comino, and the crystal clear azure waters of the well-known Blue Lagoon.ย
In addition to exploring the islandโs many lovely bays and superb sea caves, most boat journeys additionally embody the chance to swim and snorkel within the scenic bays or loosen up on the beautiful seashores. Plus lunch is usually included on board. Thereโs one thing for the entire household to take pleasure in!
Try what we considered our Malta boat journey with youngsters, visiting Gozo and Comino
Go to a water park
There are a number of waterparks on Malta as a substitute for the ocean โ SplashโnโEnjoyable is without doubt one of the greatest (and hottest), though itโs closed exterior peak season, often from late October till mid Might.
In addition to a string of enjoyable water slides, thereโs a lazy river and wave pool to take pleasure in, plus a splash zone and childrenโ pool thatโs nice when youโre visiting Malta with toddlers and youthful kids.ย
Thereโs additionally Bugibba Water park in St Paulโs Bay, with totally different zones for various ages, though once more that is open in the course of the summer time months solely (June/July to September).
Maltaโs latest water park, itโs not large however has its personal number of slides and splash zone, plus water cannons and different enjoyable water actions. choice for youthful kids and toddlers.
Head underwater on a diving course
For those whoโre visiting with older youngsters, Malta has unbelievable diving and itโs a superb place to get your first style or to high quality, because of a wide range of websites for rookies and a few nice English-speaking instructors.
In contrast to loads of diving locations, you’ll be able to discover among the string of wrecks near shore in Malta โ not as deep or inaccessible as most shipwrecks, itโs a enjoyable different to reefs and fish (although you will discover these too).
I realized with Maltaqua dive college however youโll additionally discover others providing Bubblemaker intro periods for eight and up, reminiscent of Divewise and Aquaventure Malta in addition to newbie dives for 10+
Go to the Aquarium
In case your youngsters are too younger to dive, you’ll be able to nonetheless get a glimpse of Maltaโs marine life with out having to get your toes moist, with a go to toย Malta Nationwide Aquarium.
The Malta Multi Go contains entry to the aquarium, in addition to over 20 museums and heritage websites, the hop-on hop-off buses, a cruise and different sights โ 3, 6 and seven day passes accessible
Thereโs a walkthrough tunnel the place you’ll be able to spot zebra sharks and leopard sharks, in addition to among the sealife dwelling off the island coast, with 41 tanks in all โ together with replicas of historic artefacts in addition to fish.
The aquarium has a string of various themed zones, so you’ll be able to perceive a few of Maltaโs historical past in addition to the islands marine life โ anticipate to wander between Roman Instances and Tropical Oceans alongside the best way.
Discover the capital metropolis of Valletta
Regardless of being the smallest capital metropolis within the European Union, Valletta not solely makes an awesome base when staying in Malta, however it additionally has lots to see and do to maintain the entire household entertained for a day or two.
You possibly can take a step again in time on the Grand Graspโs Palace, stroll by the spectacular St Johnโs Co-Cathedral, admire the coastal views from the Higher Barrakka Gardens, the place a cannon is fired from the Saluting Battery at midday daily.
You may get a 6-day Malta heritage go together with entry to the Nationwide Museum of Archaeology in addition to Fort St Elmo, the temples and limitless use of the hop-on hop-off routes
Then wander the winding streets previous the auberges, grand mansions which housed the totally different orders of knights, in addition to loads of busy streets stuffed with outlets, cafes, and eating places (Republic Road is a must-visit), and nice coastal walks alongside the fortified metropolis partitions and harbour.ย
Or relaxation your legs and embark on an audiovisual journey by the islandโs previous at The Malta Expertise.
For those whoโre staying at St Julians or Sliema, thereโs a ferry to Valletta, which must be some of the enjoyable methods for teenagers to reach within the metropolis โ get there early although, and chances are you’ll want money for tickets
Hear the midday gun fireplace
Day-after-day at midday and 4pm (besides Sunday), the cannon on the saluting battery of the Higher Barrakka Gardens in Valletta is fired- and also you neednโt pay a penny to see it when you watch from the balcony above.
Be certain that to get there early โ we arrived round half an hour earlier than and there was solely simply house for my daughter on the entrance. For those whoโre visiting in peak summer time, the 4pm firing often means youโll keep away from the most popular solar.
You may as well get tickets to go onto the battery itself however I do just like the view from above. And regardless that I do know itโs coming, I at all times leap!
There are additionally some superb views down onto the harbour and the Three Cities reverse when the crowds disperse too, in addition to some shady benches by the fountain and just a little cafe to loosen up in.
Try my video of the midday day gun being fired
Malta 5D
To essentially get youngsters engaged with Maltaโs historical past and tradition, begin your journey with a go to to Malta 5D in Valletta, a singular 5D cinema expertise that introduces the island with a brief movie accompanied by some enjoyable particular results.
The cool interactive cinema expertise helps deliver Maltaโs historical past to life with a 3D movie, shifting seats, water spray, air blasts, and leg ticklers.ย
The movie is proven each half-hour from 10am to 4pm (earlier on Sundays) and lasts simply 18 minutes, making it appropriate for youthful kids as nicely.ย
Go to the Three Cities
Sitting throughout the bay from Maltaโs capital of Valletta, the historic fortified cities of Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua are higher identified by their collective nickname; โThe Three Cities.โ
The traditionally necessary cities are identified for his or her picturesque slim streets and plenty of historic palaces, church buildings, and forts. They provide a extra genuine slice of Maltese life and a extra peaceable expertise with youthful youngsters than the busy vacationer crowds of close by Valletta.
One of the best ways to achieve The Three Cities is to leap on an area ferry or a standard water taxi, which cross the harbour in as little as 10 minutes. You possibly can then discover the cities on foot.
For those whoโre travelling with little legs that get drained simply, another choice is a harbour cruise which takes you to discover the numerous creeks and historic forts on a standard Maltese boat.
High tip: Donโt be confused when you additionally hear among the Three Cities referred to by different names โ Vittoriosa is often known as Birgu, whereas Senglea has the official title Citta Invicta
Go to the Nationwide Museum of Archaeology
Sitting within the coronary heart of bustling Valletta, the Nationwide Museum of Archaeology is a good family-friendly museum in Malta for when it’s worthwhile to escape the scorching solar exterior.ย
Housed inside a gorgeous baroque constructing on central Republic Road, the museum has an enormous assortment of artefacts relationship again to the Neolithic Interval (5000 BC), together with Bronze Age daggers, Tarxien temples, and Phoenician sarcophaguses.ย
Whereas itโs not essentially the most hands-on museum, there are many detailed info boards with cartoons and graphics to maintain kids engaged. Youโll most likely want round an hour earlier than the little ones are prepared to maneuver on.
You may get a 6-day Malta heritage go together with entry to the Nationwide Museum of Archaeology in addition to Fort St Elmo, the temples and limitless use of the hop-on hop-off routes
Unearth historic historical past
Older than the pyramids, the Hagar Qimย and Mnajdra temples date again to round 3600BC โ a millennium earlier than the better-known iconic tombs have been constructed at Giza.
Once I first visited, there wasnโt a lot details about the Unesco World Heritage websites however thereโs now a customer centre with 3D video and interactive space for teenagers so you’ll be able to be taught just a little extra in addition to marvelling on the historic web site.
Hagar Qim is the oldest, over 5,000 years outdated, made up of a bunch of megalithic buildings, whereas Mnajdra comprises three most important buildings, considered one of which is designed to align with the dawn on the spring and autumn equinoxes, whereas on the solstices, the rising solar illuminates embellished slabs.
For those whoโre visiting with older youngsters, take into account a visit to the Hal Saflieni Hypogeum โ kids below 6 canโt go in in any respect and itโs aimed extra at adults than youthful youngsters who is likely to be bored, however could possibly be attention-grabbing for teenagers who love historical past. Locations are very restricted so ebook nicely prematurely.
Nationwide Conflict Museum in Fort St Elmo
Fort St Elmo is a large Fifteenth-century fort sitting on the very finish of the Sciberras Peninsula, residence to the town of Valletta. The historic fort instructions the entrances to each of Maltaโs main harbours and was integral within the Nice Siege of Malta.
As we speak the massive fort is residence to Maltaโs Nationwide Conflict Museum, which provides an academic journey by Maltaโs navy previous for teenagers and adults alike.ย
You possibly can wander across the fortressโs historic partitions, previous historic cannons and wartime memorabilia, imagining the lengthy gruelling battles that have been fought proper the place youโre standing.ย
The museum has numerous fascinating artefacts, costumes, images, and multimedia shows. The shows are very detailed and there arenโt many interactive displays, so itโs greatest suited to older kids and youths with an curiosity in historical past.ย
You may get a 6-day Malta heritage go together with entry to the Nationwide Museum of Archaeology in addition to Fort St Elmo, the temples and limitless use of the hop-on hop-off routes
Benefit from the Esplora Science Centre
Positioned simply throughout the Grand Harbour from Valletta, the Esplora Science Centre is a large indoor and out of doors house providing a great deal of enjoyable and interactive studying experiences for kids of all ages.ย
The centre has over 200 interactive science displays overlaying the likes of physics, biology, and know-how, in addition to a spread of instructional actions, hands-on experiments, participating workshops, and entertaining science reveals.
Itโs tough to tug the youngsters away from Esplora when youโre inside, so weโd advocate scheduling a minimum of a number of hours to go to.ย
Donโt overlook to verify the weekly schedule to search out out which reveals and workshops will likely be going down throughout your go to โ itโs greatest to ebook the Planetarium present as quickly as you arrive because it typically sells out throughout peak instances.
The Malta Multi Go contains entry to the Esplora Science Centre, in addition to over 20 museums and heritage websites, the aquarium, hop-on hop-off buses, a cruise and different sights โ 3, 6 and seven day passes accessible
Discover Popeye Village
As soon as the movie set of the 1980 musical movie starring Robin Williams, Popeye Village has been transformed into a really uncommon and moderately enjoyable household attraction when youโre on the lookout for issues to do with youngsters in Malta.
The theme park was constructed on the sting of Anchor Bay and you’ll nonetheless take a ship trip round, in addition to swimming and bouncing on water trampolines, plus puppet reveals, rides and play areas.
You possibly can even meet Popeye, Olive Oyl and the remainder of the crew, as you wander around the movie set, designed to appear like a moderately image excellent village, plus a mini documentary on the filming of the film.
There are totally different seasonal sights so itโs price checking earlier than you go to to see precisely whatโs on.
You may as well get tickets together with non-public transfers when you donโt have your personal automotive.
Playmobil Enjoyable Park
The Playmobil FunPark is considered one of Maltaโs high household sights and a haven for toddlers and younger kids, stuffed with imaginative play and thrilling actions.ย
Children can discover the varied themed play zones, from pirate ships to castles, and get imaginative with acquainted Playmobil toys and characters, together with many full-sized collectible figurines.ย
With each indoor and out of doors play areas, together with slides, climbing frames, and interactive displays, in addition to a devoted 123 play space for toddlers, the park makes a enjoyable half-day out for households in Malta.ย
Go to Mdina & Knights of Malta Museum
Step again in time on the Knights of Malta Museum in historic Mdina, the medieval capital of Malta. The immersive child-friendly museum takes you on a journey into Maltaโs previous and the 200-year rule of the Knights of Saint John.
Beginning with a 3D video telling the story of Maltaโs highly effective knights and their Ottoman enemy, you’ll be able to then stroll by recreated hitoric scenes, with full-size figures of the Knights and Grandmasters. A bit kitschy at instances, however itโs an entertaining technique to be taught in regards to the metropolisโs previous.
Apart from the museum, you’ll be able to spend a while wandering round and exploring Mdinaโs distinctive mixture of mediaeval and baroque structure. Chances are you’ll even recognise among the streets and buildings from Recreation of Thrones, as Mdina was the filming location for a number of scenes.ย
For those whoโre in Mdina with older youngsters and youths, you can too cease by The Mdina Dungeons, which provides a barely extra ugly look into the islandโs darkish previous, or head to the Mdina Expertise, a 30-minute video thatโs just like the Malta Expertise however specializing in Mdina.
Round a 10-minute drive from Mdina are the Dingli Cliffs, on the west coast of Malta โ the best level on the Maltese Islands, thereโs probably the greatest views of the Mediterranean sea from right here, 253 metres above sea stage. Itโs additionally a brief drive from right here to the Blue Grotto if you wish to mix two lovely pure spots
Nationwide Museum of Pure Historical past
Positioned simply outskirts Mdinaโs historic gate, the Nationwide Museum of Pure Historical past is a good place to spend an hour with younger nature fans.
Set inside a gorgeous 18th-century palace, the museum was opened to showcase the islandโs biodiversity. It homes a powerful rock and fossil assortment, in addition to many chicken, mammal, fish, and bug specimens from Malta and additional afield.ย
Whereas the shows is likely to be just a little fundamental for older kids and youths, youthful youngsters can have enjoyable recognizing the totally different animal species from all the world over. Plus youngsters below 5 go to at no cost, making it an academic and reasonably priced household exercise in Malta.
Though the museum is just a little dated in the mean time, with out the interactive displays you may discover in different related museums, authorities funding in 2023 to have fun its fiftieth anniversary means it is best to anticipate loads of updates over the subsequent couple of years
See the standard fishing boats of Marsaxlokk
Marsaxlokk is a vibrant fishing village within the southeast of Malta, identified for its vibrant fishing boats and native market.
Little ones are certain to like the standard Maltese boats, referred to as Luzzus, embellished with brilliant shades of yellow, crimson, inexperienced, and blue. Every of the boats has a pair of eyes on its bow. These eyes are an historic Phoenician custom and are believed to guard the fishermen from hurt whereas out at sea.
You possibly can take a brief journey alongside the shoreline on a standard Luzzu boat, passing by sea caves and pure coastal swimming pools. Then as soon as again on land, head to the native market, with its contemporary seafood, native crafts, and enjoyable vigorous environment.
Go to the Blue Grotto
Not removed from Marsaxlokk and Hagar Qim, the Blue Grotto is without doubt one of the most spectacular sights within the south of Malta โ to not be confused with the Blue Lagoon within the north, close to Camino.
One of the best ways to go to the collection of caves, and get the views of the brilliant blue water and rock arches is by boat, with boat excursions leaving from close by Wied iลผ-ลปurrieq in addition to Marsaxlokk โ lots of the cave partitions look totally different colors, together with inexperienced, purple and orange because of the minerals within the rocks and the flora rising on them.
In case you have your personal automotive, otherwise youโre taking a tour, make time to cease on the viewing platform by the principle highway to Wied iลผ-ลปurrieq to look down onto the arch. For those whoโre utilizing public transport, there are additionally buses working from the principle cities on Valletta, whereas the southern hop-on hop-off bus route additionally stops there.
You may as well discover half-day excursions from Valletta taking you to Marsaxlokk and the Blue Grotto
Malta Basic Automobile Assortmentย
For kids with an curiosity in vehicles and autos, the Malta Basic Automobile Assortment within the city of Qawra is bound to be the spotlight of their journey.
The distinctive museum homes a powerful assortment of over 100 traditional and classic vehicles, scooters, motorbikes, and even a motorboat, all of which have been restored to pristine situation.
Youโll additionally discover classic jukeboxes, gramophones, and different memorabilia from the 40s, 50s, and 60s across the gallery that assist set the scene.ย
Thereโs additionally a small cinema and a library of details about the varied fashions for extra educated automotive fans.ย
Discover a play space
Thereโs loads of alternative for teenagers to play in Malta, but when your kids are craving a correct playground, there are some nice ones to look out for.
In Taโ Qali, BOV Journey Park is a good little spot with splash zones in addition to conventional slides and swings, plus climbing frames and different play gear cut up into 5 totally different areas so thereโs one thing for teenagers of all ages.
Thereโs restricted shade however when youโre visiting exterior the height summer time months with younger youngsters, or plan a go to early or late, itโs a enjoyable technique to whereas away an hour or so.
Within the north of the island, there are a number of enjoyable out of doors play areas to contemplate as nicely. Kennedy Grove has a man-made grassy space with a fountain, loads of locations to picnic and play areas for various ages dotted round.
Or barely additional north, at Gnien il-Qighan, Mellieha, thereโs a enjoyable pirate ship play space with slides as nicely if you would like a brief break between historic sights or a little bit of free household enjoyable.
Take pleasure in a festa
In summer time, youโll discover a celebration each weekend with villages marking their saintsโ days to the sound of brass bands โ itโs a enjoyable technique to see oneย aspect of native life and free to look at.
And wherever you keep on the island, youโve received an excellent probability to stumbling throughout considered one of these family-friendly festas (or festi), with some bigger villages marking a couple of saintโs day if they’ve two or extra church buildings โ and a few main saints being celebrated in a number of locations on the identical day.
Most happen between Might and September: anticipate fireworks, music and loads of sweets and meals in addition to the spiritual processions.
Discover out which festas are greatest for households and what dates they happen on.
Keep in mind that roads will likely be closed for the occasion, so when youโre not staying in or close to the village, do verify that you simplyโll be capable to attain it (and get again to your lodging) once more.
Discover the island
Maltaโs photogenic however rattly classic buses are enjoyable to identify though newer fashions imply youโre unlikely to get probability to trip one any extra.
As a substitute, for a scenic bus tour of the island, the hop-on hop-off excursions are a simple technique to discover among the highlights, particularly when you donโt need to maintain altering in Valletta the place many public bus routes terminate.
There are two circuits to decide on between โ the South Route goes by way of picturesque fishing village Marsaxlokk whereas the North Route stops at peaceable pedestrianized outdated capital Mdina.
For those whoโre visiting exterior peak season, there are restricted buses working, so at all times verify the timetables โ we nonetheless discovered them a great way to discover with out hiring a automotive, though undoubtedly not the quickest!
For those who really need the correct retro expertise, this classic bus to Valletta, Sliema, Mdina and Rabat is a enjoyable different hop-on hop-off journey.
Have a Maltese snack
No, not Maltesersโฆ Donโt go residence with out grabbing a number of pastizzi, mini tacky pastries (thereโs additionally a pea model though which may go down rather less nicely with youngsters).
The Crystal Palace, simply exterior the partitions of Mdina in Rabat is without doubt one of the most well-known (and has the crowds youโd anticipate consequently) however youโll discover them throughout the island.
Choose up a Kinnie to go together with it, the native herby fizzy bitter orange drink thatโs unexpectedly scrumptious.
Then end with imqaret โ dates wrapped in pastry then deep-fried. You could find them offered on the streets (or with ice cream in eating places).
Make a memento tile
Itโs at all times enjoyable to get palms on with some form of inventive workshop while youโre travelling with youngsters โ weโve joined numerous cooking lessons, in addition to creative ones through the years.
So my daughter jumped on the probability to affix a two-hour tile-painting workshop in Malta with an area artist, in Marsa a brief drive from Sliema and Valletta.
Thereโs a short introduction in regards to the historical past of tile-making within the nation, in addition to an opportunity to take a look at some conventional designs. You then select your favorite, decide the colors you need to use, and begin portray. Itโs fairly exact work, so not one thing for very younger youngsters however itโs ideally suited for inventive tweens and youths.
Plus you get your personal particular person memento to deliver residence on the finish!
In case your youngsters choose one thing food-focused, how a couple of chocolate monster-making class โ appropriate for age 5+
Take a day journey to Gozo
From Sliema or from Cirkewwa within the north of Malta, leap on a ferry and make the brief journey over to sister island Gozo โ referred to as the place the place the laid-back Maltese go if they should loosen up.
One of the best ways to journey round Gozo with youngsters is utilizing the Hop-on Hop-off buses, which may take you between lots of the islandโs most important sights, particularly when you solely have someday to discover.
The open-top bus is an effective way to discover Gozoโs pure magnificence, whereas the informative on-board audio information will help you delve deeper into the islandโs wealthy historical past and tradition โ plus you get your ferry ticket included. Thereโs additionally a catamaran from Valletta with bus tour included.
Whereas in Gozo, donโt miss the massive fortified Citadel of Victoria, the attractive Taโ Pinu Nationwide Shrine, and the dramatic coastal surroundings of Dwejra Bay or Xlendi Bay.
In case your youngsters love historical past, the Ggantija temple advanced on Gozo was created within the Neolithic age and is over 5,500 years outdated โ making the prehistoric temples on the principle island of Malta appear nearly younger.
You may as well ebook day excursions to Gozo which go to the Ggantija temples amongst different stops on the island
Itโs additionally residence to the fascinating Marsalforn salt pans in addition to the crimson sand seaside of Ramla Bay โ the shallow waters are excellent with youngsters, though anticipate it to get busy in the course of the summer time.
Another enjoyable actions on Gozo with youngsters embody exploring the island by quad bike or buggy (have to be 21+ to drive and eight+ to be a passenger), or heading out on an Alpaca Stroll by the scenic countryside.
An alternative choice for visiting Gozo from Malta is the Hop-On Hop-Off Ferry, which lets you go to each Comino (identified for its Blue Lagoon) and Gozo in a day from Malta. Best when youโre restricted on time
Or if a brief ferry journey isnโt sufficient, there are full-day boat journeys to Gozo and Comino as nicely โ sadly the well-known arch referred to as the Azure window is now not there, having collapsed in a nasty storm
The place to remain in Malta with youngsters
Youโll be spoiled for alternative with regards to locations to remain in Malta with youngsters โ from huge household pleasant inns to self-catering lodging.
Iโm a giant fan of Plum Information which vets all its flats and villas, in addition to giving tips about that are greatest for households, together with youthful youngsters and infants.
For those who choose a resort, thereโs an entire alternative of family-friendly locations to remain in Malta on Reserving.com, in addition to lodging on Gozo.
Or TUI and Jet2Holidays each have some nice household vacation packages to select from.
*Final up to date 2025*
PIN FOR LATER: THINGS TO DO IN MALTA WITH KIDS
Disclosure: This submit comprises affiliate hyperlinks โ any purchases you make are unaffected however I could obtain a small fee
Pictures: woman in Higher Barrakka Gardens/tiles copyright MummyTravels, all others courtesy Depositphotos
LIKED THIS? SIGN UP FOR MY EMAIL NEWSLETTER