Malta is a sun-soaked Mediterranean archipelago between Sicily and North Africa, renowned for its ancient fortified cities, crystal-clear waters, and 7,000 years of history. This UNESCO World Heritage jewel blends baroque architecture, prehistoric temples, and vibrant coastal life into one of Europe's most captivating destinations.
Family activities
Engaging experiences for travellers of every age.
Popeye Village, Anchor Bay
The preserved 1980 film set for the Robin Williams Popeye musical is now a colorful theme park with boat rides, water trampolines, swimming area, and character meet-and-greets. Enormously popular with young children who love the whimsical village.
Duration: 2-3 hours
Malta National Aquarium, Qawra
Malta's largest aquarium featuring Mediterranean and tropical species in themed zones, with a touch pool, shark tunnel, and outdoor terrapins. The interactive exhibits engage children while parents learn about Maltese marine ecosystems.
Duration: 2 hours
Playmobil FunPark, Hal Far
A huge indoor and outdoor play facility adjacent to the Playmobil manufacturing plant, with themed play areas, life-size Playmobil figures, and a shop. One of Malta's best free family attractions — just pay for parking.
Duration: 2-3 hours
Splash & Fun Water Park, Bahar ic-Caghaq
Malta's main water park with slides, wave pool, lazy river, and dedicated toddler areas. Open May to October with season-long passes available; popular with local families and visitors.
Duration: 4-6 hours
Blue Lagoon, Comino
The shallow crystal-clear lagoon is perfect for families teaching children to swim and snorkel. The calm, protected waters and sandy seabed make it safer than open beaches for young swimmers.
Duration: 4-5 hours
Esplora Interactive Science Centre, Kalkara
Malta's hands-on science museum and planetarium with interactive exhibits covering space, environment, and technology. The planetarium shows are suitable for children from age 5 upwards.
Duration: 2-3 hours
Mediterraneo Marine Park, Bahar ic-Caghaq
Marine park featuring dolphin shows, parrot shows, reptile enclosures, and sea lion presentations. An educational park that combines entertainment with conservation messages for children.
Duration: 3-4 hours
Family-friendly hotels
Accommodation designed with families in mind.
Radisson Blu Resort, Malta Golden Sands
Malta's premier family beach resort directly on Golden Bay with multiple pools, kids club (4-12), private beach, water sports, and spacious family rooms. All-inclusive packages available.
Family features: Dedicated kids club, waterslides, children's pool, babysitting service, family suites, connecting rooms
The Westin Dragonara Resort
A five-star peninsula resort in St Julians with multiple pools, private rocky beach, casino, and spacious family suites. Kids love the private cove for swimming and the extensive pool area.
Family features: Multiple pools, kids club, private beach cove, family rooms up to 6, babysitting, children's menus
db San Antonio Hotel & Spa, Qawra
A large all-inclusive resort in northern Malta with dedicated waterpark, multiple pools, entertainment programs, and three restaurants. Excellent value for families wanting an all-inclusive base.
Family features: On-site waterpark, kids animation team, all-inclusive dining, large family rooms, kids pools
Hotel Valentina, St Julians
A modern boutique hotel near Paceville with rooftop pool, family rooms with extra beds, and Italian restaurant. More compact and personal than large resorts, well-located for Valletta day trips.
Family features: Family rooms available, cot on request, rooftop pool, central location for beaches and restaurants
Dining with kids
Eating out as a family.
Most Maltese restaurants warmly welcome children — the culture is very family-oriented and children staying up late for dinner is perfectly normal
Ask for high chairs in advance — most mid-range and upscale restaurants have them but supply is limited
Kids menus typically offer pasta, pizza, and chicken at €5-8; alternatively order pastizzi and bread for budget toddler meals
Sunday lunch out is a Maltese family tradition — arrive by 12:30pm for best seating or book ahead
Pastizzerias are universally child-friendly: cheap, quick, and kids love the flaky pastries
Family travel tips
Practical advice for stress-free family trips.
Children under 12 travel FREE on all Malta Public Transport buses — just say so when boarding
Beaches have lifeguards June-September from 9am-6pm; follow the flag system (red = no swimming)
Plan indoor activities 12pm-3pm in July-August as temperatures regularly exceed 33°C — Malta National Aquarium, Esplora Science Centre, or hotel pool are ideal
Valletta has steep steps throughout — a baby carrier is far more practical than a stroller for the capital