Consider a Mediterranean vacation spot with a few of Europe’s finest 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 occasions and love – and someplace I feel is each enormously underrated and a great spot 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 beautiful sandy ones to be discovered on the island, notably within the north. Ghadira (or Mellieha) Bay is the longest with a mild slope into the water and loads of services.
The well-named Golden Bay Seashore is one other beautiful spot for those who’re searching for sandy seashores in Malta: it’s common so count on to show up early to get an area in summer season 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 for those who’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 method 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 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. There’s one thing for the entire household to get pleasure from!
Take a look at what we considered our Malta boat journey with children, visiting Gozo and Comino
Go to a water park
There are a number of waterparks on Malta as an alternative choice to the ocean – Splash’n’Enjoyable is likely one of the finest (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 get pleasure from, plus a splash zone and youngsters’ pool that’s nice for those who’re visiting Malta with toddlers and youthful kids.
There’s additionally Bugibba Water park in St Paul’s Bay, with totally different zones for various ages, though once more that is open through the summer season months solely (June/July to September).
Malta’s latest water park, it’s not big however has its personal number of slides and splash zone, plus water cannons and different enjoyable water actions. A very good possibility for youthful kids and toddlers.
Head underwater on a diving course
When you’re visiting with older children, Malta has unbelievable diving and it’s a superb place to get your first style or to high quality, because of quite a lot of websites for novices and a few nice English-speaking instructors.
In contrast to a variety of diving locations, you possibly can discover a number of the string of wrecks near shore in Malta – not as deep or inaccessible as most shipwrecks, it’s a enjoyable different to reefs and fish (although you will discover these too).
I discovered with Maltaqua dive faculty however you’ll additionally discover others providing Bubblemaker intro classes for eight and up, corresponding to 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 possibly can nonetheless get a glimpse of Malta’s marine life with out having to get your toes 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 possibly can spot zebra sharks and leopard sharks, in addition to a number of the sealife residing 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 possibly can perceive a few of Malta’s historical past in addition to the islands marine life – count on to wander between Roman Occasions and Tropical Oceans alongside the way in which.
Discover the capital metropolis of Valletta
Regardless of being the smallest capital metropolis within the European Union, Valletta not solely makes a terrific base when staying in Malta, nevertheless it additionally has loads 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 via 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 day-after-day.
You will 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 crammed with 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 via the island’s previous at The Malta Expertise.
When you’re staying at St Julians or Sliema, there’s a ferry to Valletta, which needs to be one of the vital enjoyable methods for teenagers to reach within the metropolis – get there early although, and you could want money for tickets
Hear the midday gun fireplace
On daily basis at midday and 4pm (besides Sunday), the cannon on the saluting battery of the Higher Barrakka Gardens in Valletta is fired- and also you needn’t pay a penny to see it for those who watch from the balcony above.
Be certain that to get there early – we arrived round half an hour earlier than and there was solely simply house for my daughter on the entrance. When you’re visiting in peak summer season, the 4pm firing often means you’ll keep away from the most well liked solar.
You may also get tickets to go onto the battery itself however I do just like the view from above. And despite the fact that I do know it’s 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.
Take a look at my video of the midday day gun being fired
Malta 5D
To essentially 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, transferring 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 recognized by their collective nickname; “The Three Cities.”
The traditionally necessary cities are recognized for his or her picturesque slim 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 best ways to achieve The Three Cities is to leap on a native ferry or a standard water taxi, which cross the harbour in as little as 10 minutes. You may then discover the cities on foot.
When you’re 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.
Prime tip: Don’t be confused for those who additionally hear a number of the Three Cities referred to by different names – 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 you might want to escape the scorching solar outdoors.
Housed inside an exquisite 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.
Whereas it’s not probably 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 will 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 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 first visited, there wasn’t a lot details about the Unesco World Heritage websites however there’s now a customer centre with 3D video and interactive space for teenagers so you possibly can study just a little extra in addition to marvelling on the historical web site.
Hagar Qim is the oldest, over 5,000 years outdated, made up of a bunch of megalithic buildings, whereas Mnajdra accommodates three major buildings, one in every 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.
When you’re visiting with older children, think about a visit to the Hal Saflieni Hypogeum – kids beneath 6 can’t go in in any respect and it’s aimed extra at adults than youthful children who is perhaps bored, however may very well be attention-grabbing for teenagers who love historical past. Locations are very restricted so ebook nicely prematurely.
Nationwide Battle 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 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 this time the big fort is dwelling to Malta’s Nationwide Battle Museum, which affords an academic journey via Malta’s navy previous for teenagers 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 finest fitted to older kids and youths with an curiosity in historical past.
You will 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 youngsters of all ages.
The centre has over 200 interactive science displays masking the likes of physics, biology, and know-how, in addition to a spread of instructional actions, hands-on experiments, partaking workshops, and entertaining science reveals.
It’s tough to pull the children away from Esplora when you’re inside, so we’d suggest scheduling a minimum of just a few hours to go to.
Don’t neglect to verify the weekly schedule to seek out out which reveals and workshops will probably be going down throughout your go to – it’s finest to ebook the Planetarium present as quickly as you arrive because it usually sells out throughout peak occasions.
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 reasonably enjoyable household attraction for those who’re searching for issues to do with children in Malta.
The theme park was constructed on the sting of Anchor Bay and you’ll nonetheless take a ship experience round, in addition to swimming and bouncing on water trampolines, plus puppet reveals, 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 like a reasonably image excellent village, plus a mini documentary on the filming of the film.
There are totally different seasonal points of interest so it’s price checking earlier than you go to to see precisely what’s on.
You may also get tickets together with non-public transfers for those who don’t have your individual automotive.
Playmobil Enjoyable Park
The Playmobil FunPark is one in every of Malta’s prime household points of interest and a haven for toddlers and younger kids, crammed with imaginative play and thrilling actions.
Children can discover the assorted 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 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.
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 a journey into Malta’s previous and the 200-year rule of the Knights of Saint John.
Beginning with a 3D video telling the story of Malta’s highly effective knights and their Ottoman enemy, you possibly can then stroll via recreated hitoric scenes, with full-size figures of the Knights and Grandmasters. A bit kitschy at occasions, nevertheless it’s an entertaining method to study in regards to the metropolis’s previous.
Apart from the museum, you possibly can spend a while wandering round and exploring Mdina’s distinctive mixture of mediaeval and baroque structure. It’s possible you’ll even recognise a number of the streets and buildings from Recreation of Thrones, as Mdina was the filming location for a number of scenes.
When you’re in Mdina with older children and youths, you may also cease by The Mdina Dungeons, which affords a barely extra grotesque look into the island’s darkish previous, or head to the Mdina Expertise, a 30-minute video that’s much 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 – the best level on the Maltese Islands, there’s probably the greatest views of the Mediterranean sea from right here, 253 metres above sea stage. 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 fans.
Set inside an exquisite 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 is perhaps just a little fundamental for older kids and youths, youthful children can have enjoyable recognizing the totally different animal species from all the world over. Plus children beneath 5 go to free of charge, making it an academic and reasonably priced household exercise in Malta.
Though the museum is just a little dated in the meanwhile, with out the interactive displays you may discover in different comparable museums, authorities funding in 2023 to rejoice its fiftieth anniversary means it’s best to count on loads of updates over the following couple of years
See the normal fishing boats of Marsaxlokk
Marsaxlokk is a vibrant fishing village within the southeast of Malta, recognized for its vibrant fishing boats and native market.
Little ones are certain to like the normal Maltese boats, often known as Luzzus, adorned with shiny shades of yellow, crimson, 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 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 recent seafood, native crafts, and enjoyable energetic ambiance.
Go to the Blue Grotto
Not removed from Marsaxlokk and Hagar Qim, the Blue Grotto is likely 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 best ways to go to the sequence of caves, and get the views of the intense 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 totally different colors, together with inexperienced, purple and orange because of the minerals within the rocks and the flora rising on them.
If in case you have your individual automotive, otherwise you’re taking a tour, make time to cease on the viewing platform by the principle highway to Wied iż-Żurrieq to look down onto the arch. When you’re utilizing public transport, there are additionally buses operating from the principle 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 Traditional Automobile Assortment
For kids with an curiosity in vehicles and autos, the Malta Traditional 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 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 assorted fashions for extra educated automotive fans.
Discover a play space
There’s 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 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 totally different areas so there’s one thing for teenagers of all ages.
There’s restricted shade however for those who’re visiting outdoors the height summer season months with younger children, or plan a go to early or late, it’s a enjoyable method to whereas away an hour or so.
Within the north of the island, there are just a few enjoyable out of doors play areas to think about 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, there’s a enjoyable pirate ship play space with slides as nicely in order for you a brief break between historic points of interest or a little bit of free household enjoyable.
Get pleasure from a festa
In summer season, you’ll discover a celebration each weekend with villages marking their saints’ days to the sound of brass bands – it’s a enjoyable method to see one facet of native life and free to look at.
And wherever you keep on the island, you’ve bought a great likelihood to stumbling throughout one in every 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: count on fireworks, music and loads of sweets and meals in addition to the spiritual processions.
Discover out which festas are finest for households and what dates they happen on.
Keep in mind that roads will probably be closed for the occasion, so for those who’re not staying in or close to the village, do verify 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 likelihood to experience one any extra.
As a substitute, for a scenic bus tour of the island, the hop-on hop-off excursions are a simple method to discover a number of the highlights, particularly for those who don’t wish to maintain 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 outdated capital Mdina.
When you’re visiting outdoors peak season, there are restricted buses operating, so at all times verify the timetables – we nonetheless discovered them a great way to discover with out hiring a automotive, though positively not the quickest!
When you 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 Maltesers… Don’t go dwelling with out grabbing just a few pastizzi, mini tacky pastries (there’s additionally a pea model though which may go down rather less nicely with children).
The Crystal Palace, simply outdoors the partitions of Mdina in Rabat is likely one of the most well-known (and has the crowds you’d count on in consequence) however you’ll discover them throughout the island.
Choose up a Kinnie to go along with it, the native herby fizzy bitter orange drink that’s unexpectedly scrumptious.
Then end with imqaret – 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
It’s at all times enjoyable to get fingers on with some type of inventive workshop whenever you’re travelling with children – we’ve joined numerous cooking lessons, in addition to creative ones over time.
So my daughter jumped on the likelihood to affix a two-hour tile-painting workshop in Malta with an area artist, in Marsa a brief drive from Sliema and Valletta.
There’s a short introduction in regards to the historical past of tile-making within the nation, in addition to an opportunity to have a look at some conventional designs. You then select your favorite, choose the colors you wish to use, and begin portray. It’s fairly exact work, so not one thing for very younger children nevertheless it’s supreme for inventive tweens and youths.
Plus you get your individual particular person memento to convey dwelling on the finish!
In case your children choose one thing food-focused, how a couple of chocolate monster-making class – 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 quick journey over to sister island Gozo – often known 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 children is utilizing the Hop-on Hop-off buses, which might take you between lots of the island’s major sights, particularly for those who solely have someday to discover.
The open-top bus is an effective way to discover Gozo’s pure magnificence, whereas the informative on-board audio information can assist you delve deeper into the island’s wealthy historical past and tradition – plus you get your ferry ticket included. There’s additionally a catamaran from Valletta with bus tour 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 or Xlendi Bay.
In case your children love historical past, the Ggantija temple complicated on Gozo was created within the Neolithic age and is over 5,500 years outdated – making the prehistoric temples on the principle island of Malta appear virtually younger.
You may also ebook day excursions to Gozo which go to the Ggantija temples amongst different stops on the island
It’s additionally dwelling to the fascinating Marsalforn salt pans in addition to the crimson sand seaside of Ramla Bay – the shallow waters are excellent with children, though count on it to get busy through the summer season.
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 via 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 (recognized for its Blue Lagoon) and Gozo in a day from Malta. Best for those who’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 foul storm
The place to remain in Malta with children
You’ll be spoiled for selection in relation to locations to remain in Malta with children – from large household pleasant resorts to self-catering lodging.
I’m an enormous fan of Plum Information which vets all its flats and villas, in addition to giving tips about that are finest for households, together with youthful children and infants.
When you choose a resort, 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.
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Photographs: lady in Higher Barrakka Gardens/tiles copyright MummyTravels, all others courtesy Depositphotos