The Maltese islands are well known by diving enthusiasts for offering some of the best waters in the world, but Malta family holidays are increasingly popular too. Check out our top family-friendly activities in Malta.
Here’s our list of the Top 10 family-friendly activities on offer throughout the islands.
1. Bird Park Malta, Salina
Tucked away from view, this park offers the perfect family day out in Malta and an educational tour for kids, featuring over 200 species of birds and animals. From swans and parrots to owls and even flamingos, this is a popular location for things to do in Malta that kids and the whole family will enjoy. Facilities include a cafe and restroom.
2. Popeye Village, Mellieha
Open all year round, Popeye Village Malta became famous when built as the set for the 1980 musical production of Popeye, featuring Robin Williams. Today it offers plenty of kid-friendly activities including inside play areas, an outside mini fair, a lido and animated shows throughout the film set, complemented by a boat trip around the picturesque Anchor Bay. Two on-site restaurants serve a selection of pasta, salad and meat dishes.
3. Playmobil Factory Malta, Hal Far (near Birżebbuġa)
The Playmobil factory in Malta is responsible for the production of every single one of the miniature figurines sold across the world. Visit the factory and experience the behind-the-scenes production, the real-life Santa’s workshop! A visit to the Fun Park on site will offer hours of fun at workstations full of the latest sets – allowing the kids’ imagination to come to life. An on-site cafe and restrooms, together with an outside sand pit and water area, complete the facilities, giving you time to fully enjoy your visit. You enter and exit through the Playmobil shop which stocks a full range of all the latest exciting Playmobil sets.
4. Mediterraneo Marine Park, Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq
Malta’s Marine Park offers families an alternative day out for the entire family away from the Malta hotel swimming pools, and sandy beaches. Home to a variety of marine life species, including sea lions and dolphins as well as parrots and reptiles, Mediterraneo runs educational programmes for kids and offers interaction with the animals too. Shows and demonstrations run throughout the day and are pre-bookable.
5. Splash and Fun Water Park Malta, Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq
While Malta doesn’t have theme parks, the Splash and Fun park present the Black Hole slide, Lazy River, and Wave Pool, with a separate pool for the little ones. Restrooms, lockers, and an on-site restaurant complete the facilities at Malta’s largest water park, situated adjacent to the Mediterraneao Marine Park.
6. Fort Rinella, Kalkara
Acknowledged on TripAdvisor as one of Malta’s top attractions, Fort Rinella was one of four 100-ton gun batteries built in Malta and Gibraltar. Built to protect the country’s harbours, today, families can enjoy a guided tour and film showing the history of the fort. Located In the Maltese town of Kalkara, Fort Rinella offers an informative and fun re-enactment by costumed soldiers. Outside, a display on horseback and a live firing of an original Victorian British Howitzer canon will entertain all ages.
7. Malta National Aquarium, Qawra
Malta’s well-liked attraction proves a popular place on the list of top family-friendly activities in Malta. Friendly staff share their knowledge of the aquarium’s inhabitants – which include sharks, seahorses and turtles among its 100 different species – against a backdrop of the colourful history of Malta and Gozo. The coffee shop and restaurant offer stunning views of St Paul’s Islands and the sparkling Mediterranean bay. There is also free Wi-Fi and a varied menu. To further enjoy their time here, children can enjoy a nautical-themed kid’s play area and a further cafe serving refreshments in the piazza.
8. Malta 5D, Valletta
Relive Malta’s impressive history and ‘feel’ the emotion during this dazzling 5D new generation theatre experience. Billed as one of Malta’s must-see Malta attractions, here you will get to feel the thrill of the 3D movie on seats that move. More than a museum, Malta 5D promises to impress with its unique effects that spectacularly transport you through events in time that have shaped Malta’s colourful past, allowing you to soak up the sights, sounds, and smells. This impressive show runs every 30 minutes throughout the day and is located in Valletta, Malta’s capital city, and unique UNESCO World Heritage site.
9. Velocity Trampoline Park, Tarxien
Malta’s only trampoline park, Velocity Malta entertains children with its jump free zone, tumble track and giant airbag. Located in Tarxien in the south of Malta, tie in a visit to the Tarxien Temples or incredible underground Hypogeum – one of Malta’s three UNESCO World Heritage sites.
10. Esplora Centre, Kalkara
Check out one of Malta’s most fun places for kids, and top family-friendly activities in Malta. Located in Kalkara, one of Malta’s three cities, and a mere 25-minute drive from Valletta, this interactive science centre offers informative hands-on activities for children of all ages. The fun approach is a theme carried all the way through the centre. Don’t forget to visit the Planetarium and 4K theatre adjacent to the centre, and end with a light refreshment or cooling beverage at the Esplora café. You can book tickets online or purchase at the door. Check Esplora’s opening hours on their website as days and times vary throughout the year.
