Think of a Mediterranean destination with some of Europe’s best diving, a fascinating history that can be traced back to before the pyramids, picturesque cities, plus sunshine, beaches, gorgeous fishing villages and a mini film industry – is that what you picture when you imagine visiting Malta with kids?
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The Mediterranean island is somewhere I’ve travelled to a few times and love – and somewhere I think is both enormously underrated and a great place to visit for families.
Best of all, Malta (and sister islands Gozo and Comino) is just over three hours away from the UK, which is ideal for a sunny family holiday – here are my tips on the top things to do in Malta with kids.
Hit the beach
Many of Malta’s beaches are pebbly but there are some lovely sandy ones to be found on the island, particularly in the north. Ghadira (or Mellieha) Bay is the longest with a gentle slope into the water and plenty of facilities.
The well-named Golden Bay Beach is another lovely spot if you’re looking for sandy beaches in Malta: it’s popular so expect to turn up early to get a space in summer though.
For somewhere quieter, Ghajn Tuffieha is a smaller and quieter, although there are a hundred stairs down (and back up, more to the point) so this isn’t one to try if you’re visiting Malta with toddlers!
Even better, Malta’s position in the Mediterranean means you get a longer season too – it’s still warm enough to swim into October, I’ve even dived there in November (admittedly in a short wetsuit!)
Take a boat trip around the island
There’s no better way to discover the beautiful turquoise waters of Malta with kids than on a boat trip.
There are numerous half-day or full-day boat trips to choose from, with most heading up toward the smaller Maltese islands, Gozo and Comino, and the crystal clear azure waters of the famous Blue Lagoon.
As well as exploring the island’s many beautiful bays and amazing sea caves, most boat trips also include the opportunity to swim and snorkel in the scenic bays or relax on the stunning beaches. Plus lunch is often included on board. There’s something for the whole family to enjoy!
Check out what we thought of our Malta boat trip with kids, visiting Gozo and Comino
Visit a water park
There are several waterparks on Malta as an alternative to the sea – Splash’n’Fun is one of the best (and most popular), although it’s closed outside peak season, usually from late October until mid May.
As well as a string of fun water slides, there’s a lazy river and wave pool to enjoy, plus a splash zone and kids’ pool that’s great if you’re visiting Malta with toddlers and younger children.
There’s also Bugibba Water park in St Paul’s Bay, with different zones for different ages, although again this is open during the summer months only (June/July to September).
Malta’s newest water park, it’s not huge but has its own selection of slides and splash zone, plus water cannons and other fun water activities. A good option for younger children and toddlers.
Head underwater on a diving course
If you’re visiting with older kids, Malta has incredible diving and it’s a brilliant place to get your first taste or to quality, thanks to a variety of sites for beginners and some great English-speaking instructors.
Unlike a lot of diving destinations, you can explore some of the string of wrecks close to shore in Malta – not as deep or inaccessible as most shipwrecks, it’s a fun alternative to reefs and fish (though you can find those too).
I learned with Maltaqua dive school but you’ll also find others offering Bubblemaker intro sessions for eight and up, such as Divewise and Aquaventure Malta as well as beginner dives for 10+
Visit the Aquarium
If your kids are too young to dive, you can still get a glimpse of Malta’s marine life without having to get your feet wet, with a visit to Malta National Aquarium.
The Malta Multi Pass includes entry to the aquarium, as well as over 20 museums and heritage sites, the hop-on hop-off buses, a cruise and other attractions – 3, 6 and 7 day passes available
There’s a walkthrough tunnel where you can spot zebra sharks and leopard sharks, as well as some of the sealife living off the island coast, with 41 tanks in all – including replicas of historical artefacts as well as fish.
The aquarium has a string of different themed zones, so you can understand some of Malta’s history as well as the islands marine life – expect to wander between Roman Times and Tropical Oceans along the way.
Explore the capital city of Valletta
Despite being the smallest capital city in the European Union, Valletta not only makes a great base when staying in Malta, but it also has plenty to see and do to keep the whole family entertained for a day or two.
You can take a step back in time at the Grand Master’s Palace, stroll through the impressive St John’s Co-Cathedral, admire the coastal views from the Upper Barrakka Gardens, where a cannon is fired from the Saluting Battery at noon every day.
You can get a 6-day Malta heritage pass including entry to the National Museum of Archaeology as well as Fort St Elmo, the temples and unlimited use of the hop-on hop-off routes
Then wander the winding streets past the auberges, grand mansions which housed the different orders of knights, as well as plenty of busy streets filled with shops, cafes, and restaurants (Republic Street is a must-visit), and great coastal walks along the fortified city walls and harbour.
Or rest your legs and embark on an audiovisual journey through the island’s past at The Malta Experience.
If you’re staying at St Julians or Sliema, there’s a ferry to Valletta, which has to be one of the most fun ways for kids to arrive in the city – get there early though, and you may need cash for tickets
Hear the noon gun fire
Every day at noon and 4pm (except Sunday), the cannon on the saluting battery of the Upper Barrakka Gardens in Valletta is fired- and you needn’t pay a penny to see it if you watch from the balcony above.
Make sure to get there early – we arrived around half an hour before and there was only just space for my daughter at the front. If you’re visiting in peak summer, the 4pm firing usually means you’ll avoid the hottest sun.
You can also get tickets to go onto the battery itself but I do like the view from above. And even though I know it’s coming, I always jump!
There are also some amazing views down onto the harbour and the Three Cities opposite when the crowds disperse too, as well as some shady benches by the fountain and a little cafe to relax in.
Check out my video of the noon day gun being fired
Malta 5D
To really get kids engaged with Malta’s history and culture, start your trip with a visit to Malta 5D in Valletta, a unique 5D cinema experience that introduces the island with a short film accompanied by some fun special effects.
The cool interactive cinema experience helps bring Malta’s history to life with a 3D film, moving seats, water spray, air blasts, and leg ticklers.
The film is shown every 30 minutes from 10am to 4pm (earlier on Sundays) and lasts just 18 minutes, making it suitable for younger children as well.
Visit the Three Cities
Sitting across the bay from Malta’s capital of Valletta, the historic fortified cities of Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua are better known by their collective nickname; “The Three Cities.”
The historically important cities are known for their picturesque narrow streets and many ancient palaces, churches, and forts. They offer a more authentic slice of Maltese life and a more peaceful experience with younger kids than the busy tourist crowds of nearby Valletta.
The best way to reach The Three Cities is to jump on a local ferry or a traditional water taxi, which cross the harbour in as little as 10 minutes. You can then explore the cities on foot.
If you’re travelling with little legs that get tired easily, another option is a harbour cruise which takes you to explore the many creeks and historic forts on a traditional Maltese boat.
Top tip: Don’t be confused if you also hear some of the Three Cities referred to by other names – Vittoriosa is also known as Birgu, while Senglea has the official title Citta Invicta
Visit the National Museum of Archaeology
Sitting in the heart of bustling Valletta, the National Museum of Archaeology is a great family-friendly museum in Malta for when you need to escape the scorching sun outside.
Housed inside a beautiful baroque building on central Republic Street, the museum has a huge collection of artefacts dating back to the Neolithic Period (5000 BC), including Bronze Age daggers, Tarxien temples, and Phoenician sarcophaguses.
While it’s not the most hands-on museum, there are plenty of detailed information boards with cartoons and graphics to keep children engaged. You’ll probably need around an hour before the little ones are ready to move on.
You can get a 6-day Malta heritage pass including entry to the National Museum of Archaeology as well as Fort St Elmo, the temples and unlimited use of the hop-on hop-off routes
Unearth ancient history
Older than the pyramids, the Hagar Qim and Mnajdra temples date back to around 3600BC – a millennium before the better-known iconic tombs were constructed at Giza.
When I first visited, there wasn’t much information about the Unesco World Heritage sites but there’s now a visitor centre with 3D video and interactive area for kids so you can learn a little more as well as marvelling at the ancient site.
Hagar Qim is the oldest, over 5,000 years old, made up of a group of megalithic buildings, while Mnajdra contains three main buildings, one of which is designed to align with the sunrise at the spring and autumn equinoxes, while at the solstices, the rising sun illuminates decorated slabs.
If you’re visiting with older kids, consider a trip to the Hal Saflieni Hypogeum – children under 6 can’t go in at all and it’s aimed more at adults than younger kids who might be bored, but could be interesting for teens who love history. Places are very limited so book well in advance.
National War Museum in Fort St Elmo
Fort St Elmo is a huge 15th-century fort sitting on the very end of the Sciberras Peninsula, home to the city of Valletta. The historic fort commands the entrances to both of Malta’s major harbours and was integral in the Great Siege of Malta.
Today the large fort is home to Malta’s National War Museum, which offers an educational journey through Malta’s military past for kids and adults alike.
You can wander around the fortress’s historic walls, past ancient cannons and wartime memorabilia, imagining the long gruelling battles that were fought right where you’re standing.
The museum has countless fascinating artefacts, costumes, photos, and multimedia presentations. The displays are very detailed and there aren’t many interactive exhibits, so it’s best suited for older children and teens with an interest in history.
You can get a 6-day Malta heritage pass including entry to the National Museum of Archaeology as well as Fort St Elmo, the temples and unlimited use of the hop-on hop-off routes
Enjoy the Esplora Science Centre
Located just across the Grand Harbour from Valletta, the Esplora Science Centre is a huge indoor and outdoor space offering loads of fun and interactive learning experiences for children of all ages.
The centre has over 200 interactive science exhibits covering the likes of physics, biology, and technology, as well as a range of educational activities, hands-on experiments, engaging workshops, and entertaining science shows.
It’s difficult to drag the kids away from Esplora once you’re inside, so we’d recommend scheduling at least a few hours to visit.
Don’t forget to check the weekly schedule to find out which shows and workshops will be taking place during your visit – it’s best to book the Planetarium show as soon as you arrive as it often sells out during peak times.
The Malta Multi Pass includes entry to the Esplora Science Centre, as well as over 20 museums and heritage sites, the aquarium, hop-on hop-off buses, a cruise and other attractions – 3, 6 and 7 day passes available
Explore Popeye Village
Once the film set of the 1980 musical film starring Robin Williams, Popeye Village has been converted into a very unusual and rather fun family attraction if you’re looking for things to do with kids in Malta.
The theme park was built on the edge of Anchor Bay and you can still take a boat ride around, as well as swimming and bouncing on water trampolines, plus puppet shows, rides and play areas.
You can even meet Popeye, Olive Oyl and the rest of the crew, as you wander round the film set, designed to look like a rather picture perfect village, plus a mini documentary on the filming of the movie.
There are different seasonal attractions so it’s worth checking before you visit to see exactly what’s on.
You can also get tickets including private transfers if you don’t have your own car.
Playmobil Fun Park
The Playmobil FunPark is one of Malta’s top family attractions and a haven for toddlers and young children, filled with imaginative play and exciting activities.
Kids can explore the various themed play zones, from pirate ships to castles, and get imaginative with familiar Playmobil toys and characters, including many full-sized figurines.
With both indoor and outdoor play areas, including slides, climbing frames, and interactive exhibits, as well as a dedicated 123 play area for toddlers, the park makes a fun half-day out for families in Malta.
Visit Mdina & Knights of Malta Museum
Step back 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 past and the 200-year rule of the Knights of Saint John.
Starting with a 3D video telling the story of Malta’s powerful knights and their Ottoman enemy, you can then walk through recreated hitoric scenes, with full-size figures of the Knights and Grandmasters. A bit kitschy at times, but it’s an entertaining way to learn about the city’s past.
Other than the museum, you can spend some time wandering around and exploring Mdina’s unique mix of mediaeval and baroque architecture. You may even recognise some of the streets and buildings from Game of Thrones, as Mdina was the filming location for several scenes.
If you’re in Mdina with older kids and teens, you can also stop by The Mdina Dungeons, which offers a slightly more gruesome look into the island’s dark past, or head to the Mdina Experience, a 30-minute video that’s similar to the Malta Experience but focusing on Mdina.
Around a 10-minute drive from Mdina are the Dingli Cliffs, on the west coast of Malta – the highest point on the Maltese Islands, there’s one of the best views of the Mediterranean sea from here, 253 metres above sea level. It’s also a short drive from here to the Blue Grotto if you want to combine two beautiful natural spots
National Museum of Natural History
Located just outskirts Mdina’s historic gate, the National Museum of Natural History is a great place to spend an hour with young nature enthusiasts.
Set inside a beautiful 18th-century palace, the museum was opened to showcase the island’s biodiversity. It houses an impressive rock and fossil collection, as well as many bird, mammal, fish, and insect specimens from Malta and further afield.
While the displays might be a little basic for older children and teens, younger kids will have fun spotting the different animal species from all across the world. Plus kids under 5 visit for free, making it an educational and affordable family activity in Malta.
Although the museum is a little dated at the moment, without the interactive exhibits you might find in other similar museums, government investment in 2023 to celebrate its 50th anniversary means you should expect plenty of updates over the next couple of years
See the traditional fishing boats of Marsaxlokk
Marsaxlokk is a vibrant fishing village in the southeast of Malta, known for its colourful fishing boats and local market.
Little ones are sure to love the traditional Maltese boats, known as Luzzus, decorated with bright shades of yellow, red, green, and blue. Each of the boats has a pair of eyes on its bow. These eyes are an ancient Phoenician tradition and are believed to protect the fishermen from harm while out at sea.
You can take a short trip along the coastline on a traditional Luzzu boat, passing by sea caves and natural coastal pools. Then once back on land, head to the local market, with its fresh seafood, local crafts, and fun lively atmosphere.
Visit the Blue Grotto
Not far from Marsaxlokk and Hagar Qim, the Blue Grotto is one of the most spectacular sights in the south of Malta – not to be confused with the Blue Lagoon in the north, near Camino.
The best way to visit the series of caves, and get the views of the bright blue water and rock arches is by boat, with boat tours leaving from nearby Wied iż-Żurrieq as well as Marsaxlokk – many of the cave walls look different colours, including green, purple and orange thanks to the minerals in the rocks and the flora growing on them.
If you have your own car, or you’re taking a tour, make time to stop at the viewing platform by the main road to Wied iż-Żurrieq to look down onto the arch. If you’re using public transport, there are also buses running from the main towns on Valletta, while the southern hop-on hop-off bus route also stops there.
You can also find half-day tours from Valletta taking you to Marsaxlokk and the Blue Grotto
Malta Classic Car Collection
For children with an interest in cars and vehicles, the Malta Classic Car Collection in the town of Qawra is sure to be the highlight of their trip.
The unique museum houses an impressive collection of over 100 classic and vintage cars, scooters, motorbikes, and even a motorboat, all of which have been restored to pristine condition.
You’ll also find vintage jukeboxes, gramophones, and other memorabilia from the 40s, 50s, and 60s around the gallery that help set the scene.
There’s also a small cinema and a library of information about the various models for more knowledgeable car enthusiasts.
Find a play area
There’s plenty of opportunity for kids to play in Malta, but if your children are craving a proper playground, there are some great ones to look out for.
In Ta’ Qali, BOV Adventure Park is a great little spot with splash zones as well as traditional slides and swings, plus climbing frames and other play equipment split into five different areas so there’s something for kids of all ages.
There’s limited shade but if you’re visiting outside the peak summer months with young kids, or plan a visit early or late, it’s a fun way to while away an hour or so.
In the north of the island, there are a few fun outdoor play areas to consider as well. Kennedy Grove has an artificial grassy area with a fountain, plenty of places to picnic and play areas for different ages dotted around.
Or slightly further north, at Gnien il-Qighan, Mellieha, there’s a fun pirate ship play area with slides as well if you want a short break between historical attractions or a bit of free family fun.
Enjoy a festa
In summer, you’ll find a celebration every weekend with villages marking their saints’ days to the sound of brass bands – it’s a fun way to see one side of local life and free to watch.
And wherever you stay on the island, you’ve got a good chance to stumbling across one of these family-friendly festas (or festi), with some larger villages marking more than one saint’s day if they have two or more churches – and some major saints being celebrated in several places on the same day.
Most take place between May and September: expect fireworks, music and plenty of sweets and food as well as the religious processions.
Find out which festas are best for families and what dates they take place on.
Bear in mind that roads will be closed for the event, so if you’re not staying in or near the village, do check that you’ll be able to reach it (and get back to your accommodation) again.
Explore the island
Malta’s photogenic but rattly vintage buses are fun to spot although newer models mean you’re unlikely to get chance to ride one any more.
Instead, for a scenic bus tour of the island, the hop-on hop-off tours are an easy way to explore some of the highlights, especially if you don’t want to keep changing in Valletta where many public bus routes terminate.
There are two circuits to choose between – the South Route goes via picturesque fishing village Marsaxlokk while the North Route stops at peaceful pedestrianized old capital Mdina.
If you’re visiting outside peak season, there are limited buses running, so always check the timetables – we still found them a good way to explore without hiring a car, although definitely not the fastest!
If you really want the proper retro experience, this vintage bus to Valletta, Sliema, Mdina and Rabat is a fun alternative hop-on hop-off trip.
Have a Maltese snack
No, not Maltesers… Don’t go home without grabbing a few pastizzi, mini cheesy pastries (there’s also a pea version although that might go down a little less well with kids).
The Crystal Palace, just outside the walls of Mdina in Rabat is one of the most famous (and has the crowds you’d expect as a result) but you’ll find them across the island.
Pick up a Kinnie to go with it, the local herby fizzy bitter orange drink that’s unexpectedly delicious.
Then finish with imqaret – dates wrapped in pastry then deep-fried. You can find them sold on the streets (or with ice cream in restaurants).
Make a souvenir tile
It’s always fun to get hands on with some kind of creative workshop when you’re travelling with kids – we’ve joined countless cooking classes, as well as artistic ones over the years.
So my daughter jumped at the chance to join a two-hour tile-painting workshop in Malta with a local artist, in Marsa a short drive from Sliema and Valletta.
There’s a brief introduction about the history of tile-making in the country, as well as a chance to look at some traditional designs. Then you choose your favourite, pick the colours you want to use, and start painting. It’s quite precise work, so not something for very young kids but it’s ideal for creative tweens and teens.
Plus you get your own individual souvenir to bring home at the end!
If your kids prefer something food-focused, how about a chocolate monster-making class – suitable for age 5+
Take a day trip to Gozo
From Sliema or from Cirkewwa in the north of Malta, jump on a ferry and make the short trip over to sister island Gozo – known as the place where the laid-back Maltese go if they need to relax.
The best way to travel around Gozo with kids is using the Hop-on Hop-off buses, which can take you between many of the island’s main sights, especially if you only have one day to explore.
The open-top bus is a great way to explore Gozo’s natural beauty, while the informative on-board audio guide can help you delve deeper into the island’s rich history and culture – plus you get your ferry ticket included. There’s also a catamaran from Valletta with bus tour included.
While in Gozo, don’t miss the huge fortified Citadel of Victoria, the beautiful Ta’ Pinu National Shrine, and the dramatic coastal scenery of Dwejra Bay or Xlendi Bay.
If your kids love history, the Ggantija temple complex on Gozo was created in the Neolithic age and is over 5,500 years old – making the prehistoric temples on the main island of Malta seem almost young.
You can also book day tours to Gozo which visit the Ggantija temples among other stops on the island
It’s also home to the fascinating Marsalforn salt pans as well as the red sand beach of Ramla Bay – the shallow waters are perfect with kids, although expect it to get busy during the summer.
Some other fun activities on Gozo with kids include exploring the island by quad bike or buggy (must be 21+ to drive and 8+ to be a passenger), or heading out on an Alpaca Walk through the scenic countryside.
Another option for visiting Gozo from Malta is the Hop-On Hop-Off Ferry, which allows you to visit both Comino (known for its Blue Lagoon) and Gozo in a day from Malta. Ideal if you’re limited on time
Or if a short ferry trip isn’t enough, there are full-day boat trips to Gozo and Comino as well – sadly the famous arch known as the Azure window is no longer there, having collapsed in a bad storm
Where to stay in Malta with kids
You’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to places to stay in Malta with kids – from big family friendly hotels to self-catering accommodation.
I’m a big fan of Plum Guide which vets all its apartments and villas, as well as giving tips on which are best for families, including younger kids and babies.
If you prefer a hotel, there’s a whole choice of family-friendly places to stay in Malta on Booking.com, as well as accommodation on Gozo.
Or TUI and Jet2Holidays both have some great family holiday packages to choose from.
*Last updated 2025*
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Images: girl in Upper Barrakka Gardens/tiles copyright MummyTravels, all others courtesy Depositphotos
