Consider a Mediterranean vacation spot with a few of Europe’s greatest diving, an interesting historical past that may be traced again to earlier than the pyramids, picturesque cities, plus sunshine, seashores, attractive fishing villages and a mini movie trade – is that what you image whenever you think about visiting Malta with children?
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The Mediterranean island is someplace I’ve travelled to a couple instances and love – and someplace I feel is each enormously underrated and a excellent 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 – listed here are my tips about the highest issues to do in Malta with children.
Hit the seaside
A lot of Malta’s 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 mild slope into the water and loads of amenities.
The well-named Golden Bay Seashore is one other pretty spot in the event you’re in search of sandy seashores in Malta: it’s common 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 isn’t one to strive in the event you’re visiting Malta with toddlers!
Even higher, Malta’s place within the Mediterranean means you get an extended season too – it’s nonetheless heat sufficient to swim into October, I’ve even dived there in November (admittedly in a brief wetsuit!)
Take a ship journey across the island
There’s no higher strategy to uncover the gorgeous turquoise waters of Malta with children 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.
In addition to exploring the island’s many stunning bays and wonderful sea caves, most boat journeys additionally embody the chance to swim and snorkel within the scenic bays or chill out on the beautiful seashores. Plus lunch is commonly included on board. There’s one thing for the entire household to take pleasure in!
Go to a water park
There are a number of waterparks on Malta as a substitute for the ocean – Splash’n’Enjoyable is without doubt one of the greatest (and hottest), though it’s closed outdoors peak season, often from late October till mid Could.
In addition to a string of enjoyable water slides, there’s a lazy river and wave pool to take pleasure in, plus a splash zone and youngsters’ pool that’s nice in the event you’re visiting Malta with toddlers and youthful kids.
There’s additionally Bugibba Water park in St Paul’s Bay, with completely different zones for various ages, though once more that is open in the course of the summer time months solely (June/July to September).
Malta’s latest water park, it’s not big however has its personal choice of slides and splash zone, plus water cannons and different enjoyable water actions. An excellent possibility for youthful kids and toddlers.
Head underwater on a diving course
In the event you’re visiting with older children, Malta has unimaginable diving and it’s a superb place to get your first style or to high quality, because of a wide range of websites for freshmen and a few nice English-speaking instructors.
Not like quite a lot of diving locations, you’ll be able to discover among the string of wrecks near shore in Malta – not as deep or inaccessible as most shipwrecks, it’s a enjoyable various to reefs and fish (although yow will discover these too).
I realized with Maltaqua dive faculty however you’ll additionally discover others providing Bubblemaker intro classes for eight and up, reminiscent of Divewise and Aquaventure Malta in addition to newbie dives for 10+
Go to the Aquarium
In case your children are too younger to dive, you’ll be able to nonetheless get a glimpse of Malta’s marine life with out having to get your ft moist, with a go to to 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 points of interest – 3, 6 and seven day passes accessible
There’s 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 – 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 Malta’s historical past in addition to the islands marine life – 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 incredible base when staying in Malta, but it surely additionally has lots to see and do to maintain the entire household entertained for a day or two.
You may take a step again in time on the Grand Grasp’s Palace, stroll by way of the spectacular St John’s Co-Cathedral, admire the coastal views from the Higher Barrakka Gardens, the place a cannon is fired from the Saluting Battery at midday daily.
Then wander the winding streets previous the auberges, grand mansions which housed the completely different orders of knights, in addition to loads of busy streets full of outlets, cafes, and eating places (Republic Road is a must-visit), and nice coastal walks alongside the fortified metropolis partitions and harbour.
Or relaxation your legs and embark on an audiovisual journey by way of the island’s previous at The Malta Expertise.
In the event you’re staying at St Julians or Sliema, there’s a boat to Valletta, which needs to be some of the enjoyable methods for youths to reach within the metropolis
Malta 5D
To actually get children engaged with Malta’s 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 convey Malta’s historical past to life with a 3D movie, shifting seats, water spray, air blasts, and leg ticklers.
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.
Go to the Three Cities
Sitting throughout the bay from Malta’s capital of Valletta, the historic fortified cities of Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua are higher identified by their collective nickname; “The Three Cities.”
The traditionally necessary cities are identified for his or her picturesque slender streets and lots of historical palaces, church buildings, and forts. They provide a extra genuine slice of Maltese life and a extra peaceable expertise with youthful children than the busy vacationer crowds of close by Valletta.
One of the simplest ways to succeed in The Three Cities is to leap on a native ferry or a conventional water taxi, which cross the harbour in as little as 10 minutes. You may then discover the cities on foot.
In the event you’re travelling with little legs that get drained simply, another choice is a harbour cruise which takes you to discover the various creeks and historic forts on a conventional Maltese boat.
High tip: Don’t be confused in the event you additionally hear among the Three Cities referred to by different names – Vittoriosa is also referred to 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 you might want to escape the scorching solar outdoors.
Housed inside a gorgeous baroque constructing on central Republic Road, the museum has an enormous assortment of artefacts courting again to the Neolithic Interval (5000 BC), together with Bronze Age daggers, Tarxien temples, and Phoenician sarcophaguses.
Whereas it’s not essentially the most hands-on museum, there are many detailed info boards with cartoons and graphics to maintain kids engaged. You’ll most likely want round an hour earlier than the little ones are prepared to maneuver on.
You may get a 5 attraction cross together with entry to the Nationwide Museum of Archaeology in addition to Malta 5D and Fort St Elmo
Unearth historical historical past
Older than the pyramids, the Hagar Qim and Mnajdra temples date again to round 3600BC – a millennium earlier than the better-known iconic tombs had been constructed at Giza.
After I final visited, there wasn’t a lot details about the Unesco World Heritage websites however there’s now a customer centre with kids’s interactive space so you’ll be able to be taught a little bit extra in addition to marvelling on the historical web site.
Hagar Qim is the oldest, over 5,000 years previous, made up of a gaggle of megalithic buildings, whereas Mnajdra accommodates three fundamental buildings, certainly one of which is designed to align with the dawn on the spring and autumn equinoxes, whereas on the solstices, the rising solar illuminates adorned slabs.
In the event you’re visiting with older children, contemplate a visit to the Hal Saflieni Hypogeum – kids underneath 6 can’t go in in any respect and it’s aimed extra at adults than youthful children who may be bored, however might be attention-grabbing for teenagers who love historical past. Locations are very restricted so guide 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, dwelling to the town of Valletta. The historic fort instructions the entrances to each of Malta’s main harbours and was integral within the Nice Siege of Malta.
At present the massive fort is dwelling to Malta’s Nationwide Conflict Museum, which presents an academic journey by way of Malta’s army previous for youths and adults alike.
You may wander across the fortress’s historic partitions, previous historical cannons and wartime memorabilia, imagining the lengthy gruelling battles that had been fought proper the place you’re standing.
The museum has numerous fascinating artefacts, costumes, images, and multimedia shows. The shows are very detailed and there aren’t many interactive displays, so it’s greatest suited to older kids and teenagers with an curiosity in historical past.
You may get a 5 attraction cross together with entry to the Fort St Elmo in addition to Malta 5D and the Nationwide Museum of Archaeology
Benefit from the Esplora Science Centre
Positioned simply throughout the Grand Harbour from Valletta, the Esplora Science Centre is a large indoor and outside area providing a great deal of enjoyable and interactive studying experiences for kids of all ages.
The centre has over 200 interactive science displays overlaying the likes of physics, biology, and know-how, in addition to a variety of instructional actions, hands-on experiments, partaking workshops, and entertaining science exhibits.
It’s troublesome to pull the children away from Esplora when you’re inside, so we’d suggest scheduling a minimum of a number of hours to go to.
Don’t neglect to test the weekly schedule to search out out which exhibits and workshops will likely be going down throughout your go to – it’s greatest to guide the Planetarium present as quickly as you arrive because it usually 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 points of interest – 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 fairly enjoyable household attraction in the event you’re in search of issues to do with children in Malta.
The theme park was constructed on the sting of Anchor Bay and you may nonetheless take a ship trip round, in addition to swimming and bouncing on water trampolines, plus puppet exhibits, rides and play areas.
You may even meet Popeye, Olive Oyl and the remainder of the crew, as you wander around the movie set, designed to appear to be a fairly image good village, plus a mini documentary on the filming of the film.
There are completely different seasonal points of interest so it’s value checking earlier than you go to to see precisely what’s on.
You may also get tickets together with personal transfers in the event you don’t have your personal automobile.
Playmobil Enjoyable Park
The Playmobil FunPark is certainly one of Malta’s high household points of interest and a haven for toddlers and younger kids, full of imaginative play and thrilling actions.
Youngsters 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.
With each indoor and outside 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.
Go to Mdina & Knights of Malta Museum
Step again in time at the Knights of Malta Museum in historic Mdina, the medieval capital of Malta. The immersive child-friendly museum takes you on an thrilling journey into Malta’s previous and the 200-year rule of the Knights of Saint John.
Youngsters will take pleasure in strolling by way of the reimagined historic scenes, with full-size figures of the Knights and Grandmasters, whereas a powerful 3D digital audio-visual presentation tells the story of Malta’s highly effective knights and their Ottoman enemy.
Aside from the museum, you’ll be able to spend a while wandering round and exploring Mdina’s distinctive mixture of mediaeval and baroque structure. You could even recognise among the streets and buildings from Sport of Thrones, as Mdina was the filming location for a number of scenes.
In the event you’re in Mdina with older children and teenagers, you can even cease by The Mdina Dungeons, which presents a barely extra grotesque look into the island’s darkish previous.
Round a 10-minute drive from Mdina are the Dingli Cliffs, on the west coast of Malta – the very best level on the Maltese Islands, there’s top-of-the-line views of the Mediterranean sea from right here, 253 metres above sea degree. It’s additionally a brief drive from right here to the Blue Grotto if you wish to mix two stunning pure spots
Nationwide Museum of Pure Historical past
Positioned simply outskirts Mdina’s historic gate, the Nationwide Museum of Pure Historical past is a good place to spend an hour with younger nature lovers.
Set inside a gorgeous 18th-century palace, the museum was opened to showcase the island’s biodiversity. It homes a powerful rock and fossil assortment, in addition to many fowl, mammal, fish, and bug specimens from Malta and additional afield.
Whereas the shows may be a little bit fundamental for older kids and teenagers, youthful children may have enjoyable recognizing the completely different animal species from all internationally. Plus children underneath 5 go to without spending a dime, making it an academic and reasonably priced household exercise in Malta.
Though the museum is a little bit dated in the intervening time, with out the interactive displays you may discover in different comparable museums, authorities funding in 2023 to have fun its fiftieth anniversary means you’ll be able 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, often known as Luzzus, adorned with brilliant shades of yellow, pink, inexperienced, and blue. Every of the boats has a pair of eyes on its bow. These eyes are an historical Phoenician custom and are believed to guard the fishermen from hurt whereas out at sea.
You may take a brief journey alongside the shoreline on a conventional Luzzus 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 energetic 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 – to not be confused with the Blue Lagoon within the north, close to Camino.
One of the simplest ways to go to the sequence 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 iż-Żurrieq in addition to Marsaxlokk – lots of the cave partitions look completely 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 automobile, otherwise you’re taking a tour, make time to cease on the viewing platform by the primary street to Wied iż-Żurrieq to look down onto the arch. In the event you’re utilizing public transport, there are additionally buses operating from the primary cities on Valletta, whereas the southern hop-on hop-off bus route additionally stops there.
You may also discover half-day excursions from Valletta taking you to Marsaxlokk and the Blue Grotto
Malta Basic Automotive Assortment
For kids with an curiosity in vehicles and autos, the Malta Basic Automotive Assortment within the city of Qawra is certain to be the spotlight of their journey.
The distinctive museum homes a powerful assortment of over 100 basic and classic vehicles, scooters, motorbikes, and even a motorboat, all of which have been restored to pristine situation.
You’ll additionally discover classic jukeboxes, gramophones, and different memorabilia from the 40s, 50s, and 60s across the gallery that assist set the scene.
There’s additionally a small cinema and a library of details about the varied fashions for extra educated automobile lovers.
Discover a play space
There’s loads of alternative for youths to play in Malta, but when your kids are craving a correct playground, there are some nice ones to look out for.
In Ta’ 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 completely different areas so there’s one thing for youths of all ages.
There’s restricted shade however in the event you’re visiting outdoors the height summer time months with younger children, or plan a go to early or late, it’s a enjoyable strategy to whereas away an hour or so.
Within the north of the island, there are a number of enjoyable outside play areas to contemplate as nicely. Kennedy Grove has a synthetic 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, there’s a enjoyable pirate ship play space with slides as nicely if you need a brief break between historic points of interest or a little bit of free household enjoyable.
Get pleasure from a festa
In summer time, you’ll discover a celebration each weekend with villages marking their saints’ days to the sound of brass bands – it’s a enjoyable strategy to see one facet of native life and free to look at.
And wherever you keep on the island, you’ve received a great probability to stumbling throughout certainly one of these family-friendly festas (or festi), with some bigger villages marking multiple saint’s day if they’ve two or extra church buildings – and a few main saints being celebrated in a number of locations on the identical day.
Most happen between Could and September: anticipate fireworks, music and loads of sweets and meals in addition to the non secular 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 in the event you’re not staying in or close to the village, do test that you just’ll be capable to attain it (and get again to your lodging) once more.
Discover the island
Malta’s photogenic however rattly classic buses are enjoyable to identify though newer fashions imply you’re 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 strategy to discover among the highlights, particularly in the event you don’t wish to hold altering in Valletta the place many public bus routes terminate.
There are two circuits to decide on between – the South Route goes by way of picturesque fishing village Marsaxlokk whereas the North Route stops at peaceable pedestrianized previous capital Mdina.
In the event you really need the correct retro expertise, this classic bus to Valletta, Sliema, Mdina and Rabat is a enjoyable various hop-on hop-off journey.
Have a Maltese snack
No, not Maltesers… Don’t go dwelling with out grabbing a number of pastizzi, mini tacky pastries (there’s additionally a pea model though that may go down rather less nicely with children).
The Crystal Palace, simply outdoors the partitions of Mdina in Rabat is without doubt one of the most well-known (and has the crowds you’d anticipate consequently) however you’ll discover them throughout the island.
Decide up a Kinnie to go together with it, the native herby fizzy bitter orange drink that’s unexpectedly scrumptious.
Then end with imqaret – dates wrapped in pastry then deep-fried. Yow will discover them bought on the streets (or with ice cream in eating places).
Take a day journey to Gozo
From Sliema or from Cirkewwa within the north of Malta, soar on a ferry and make the quick journey over to sister island Gozo – often known as the place the place the laid-back Maltese go if they should chill out.
One of the simplest ways to journey round Gozo with children is utilizing the Hop-on Hop-off buses, which may take you between lots of the island’s fundamental sights, particularly in the event you solely have at some point to discover.
The open-top bus is an effective way to discover Gozo’s pure magnificence, whereas the informative on-board audio information may help you delve deeper into the island’s wealthy historical past and tradition – plus you get your ferry ticket included.
Whereas in Gozo, don’t miss the large fortified Citadel of Victoria, the gorgeous Ta’ Pinu Nationwide Shrine, and the dramatic coastal surroundings of Dwejra Bay. In case your children love historical past, the Ggantija temple advanced on Gozo was created within the Neolithic age and is over 5,500 years previous – making the prehistoric temples on the primary island of Malta appear virtually younger.
It’s additionally dwelling to the fascinating Marsalforn salt pans in addition to the pink sand seaside of Ramla Bay – the shallow waters are good with children, though anticipate it to get busy in the course of the summer time.
Another enjoyable actions on Gozo with children 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 way of 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 in the event you’re restricted on time
Or if a brief ferry journey isn’t sufficient, there are full-day boat journeys to Gozo and Comino as nicely – sadly the well-known arch often known as the Azure window is not there, having collapsed in a nasty storm
The place to remain in Malta with children
You’ll be spoiled for selection in the case of locations to remain in Malta with children – from massive household pleasant accommodations to self-catering lodging.
I’m 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 children and infants.
In the event you desire a lodge, there’s a complete selection 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 2023*
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