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Consider a Mediterranean vacation spot with a few of Europe’s finest diving, a captivating historical past that may be traced again to earlier than the pyramids, picturesque cities, plus sunshine, seashores, beautiful fishing villages and a mini movie business – is that what you image once you think about visiting Malta with youngsters?
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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 good 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 right for a sunny household vacation – listed here are my recommendations on the highest issues to do in Malta with youngsters.
Hit the seashore
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 delicate slope into the water and loads of amenities.
The well-named Golden Bay Seashore is one other pretty spot in the event you’re searching for sandy seashores in Malta: it’s common so anticipate 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 attempt 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 approach to uncover the attractive turquoise waters of Malta with youngsters 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 lovely bays and wonderful sea caves, most boat journeys additionally embrace 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 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 among 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 take pleasure in, plus a splash zone and youngsters’ pool that’s nice in the event you’re visiting Malta with toddlers and youthful youngsters.
There’s additionally Bugibba Water park in St Paul’s Bay, with totally different zones for various ages, though once more that is open in the course of the summer season months solely (June/July to September).
Malta’s latest water park, it’s not enormous however has its personal collection of slides and splash zone, plus water cannons and different enjoyable water actions. A superb possibility for youthful youngsters and toddlers.
Head underwater on a diving course
If you happen to’re visiting with older youngsters, Malta has unimaginable 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.
Not like a number 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 various to reefs and fish (although yow will discover these too).
I discovered with Maltaqua dive faculty however you’ll additionally discover others providing Bubblemaker intro classes for eight and up, comparable to Divewise and Aquaventure Malta in addition to newbie dives for 10+
Go to the Aquarium
In case your youngsters 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 consists of entry to the aquarium, in addition to over 20 museums and heritage websites, the hop-on hop-off buses, a cruise and different sights – 3, 6 and seven day passes out there
There’s a walkthrough tunnel the place you possibly can spot zebra sharks and leopard sharks, in addition to a number of 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 possibly can 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 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 fantastic 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 by 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 on daily basis.
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 full of retailers, cafes, and eating places (Republic Avenue 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 the island’s previous at The Malta Expertise.
If you happen to’re staying at St Julians or Sliema, there’s a boat to Valletta, which must be some of the enjoyable methods for teenagers to reach within the metropolis
Malta 5D
To essentially get youngsters engaged with Malta’s historical past and tradition, begin your journey with a go to to Malta 5D in Valletta, a novel 5D cinema expertise that introduces the island with a brief movie accompanied by some enjoyable particular results.
The cool interactive cinema expertise helps deliver 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 youngsters 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 plenty of historical palaces, church buildings, and forts. They provide a extra genuine slice of Maltese life and a extra peaceable expertise with youthful youngsters than the busy vacationer crowds of close by Valletta.
The easiest way 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.
If you happen to’re travelling with little legs that get drained simply, an alternative choice is a harbour cruise which takes you to discover the various creeks and historic forts on a standard Maltese boat.
Prime tip: Don’t be confused in the event you additionally hear a number of the Three Cities referred to by different names – Vittoriosa is also called 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 it’s good to escape the scorching solar outdoors.
Housed inside a phenomenal baroque constructing on central Republic Avenue, 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 data boards with cartoons and graphics to maintain youngsters engaged. You’ll most likely want round an hour earlier than the little ones are prepared to maneuver on.
You will get a 5 attraction go 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.
Once I final visited, there wasn’t a lot details about the Unesco World Heritage websites however there’s now a customer centre with youngsters’s interactive space so you possibly can be taught slightly 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 incorporates three important buildings, one in all which is designed to align with the dawn on the spring and autumn equinoxes, whereas on the solstices, the rising solar illuminates adorned slabs.
If you happen to’re visiting with older youngsters, think about a visit to the Hal Saflieni Hypogeum – youngsters beneath 6 can’t go in in any respect and it’s aimed extra at adults than youthful youngsters who is perhaps bored, however might be fascinating 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, residence 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 residence to Malta’s Nationwide Conflict Museum, which presents an academic journey by 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, photographs, and multimedia shows. The shows are very detailed and there aren’t many interactive displays, so it’s finest suited to older youngsters and teenagers with an curiosity in historical past.
You will get a 5 attraction go 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
Situated simply throughout the Grand Harbour from Valletta, the Esplora Science Centre is a large indoor and outside house providing a great deal of enjoyable and interactive studying experiences for kids of all ages.
The centre has over 200 interactive science displays masking 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 tough to tug the youngsters away from Esplora when you’re inside, so we’d advocate scheduling not less than 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 finest to guide the Planetarium present as quickly as you arrive because it usually sells out throughout peak occasions.
The Malta Multi Go consists of 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 sights – 3, 6 and seven day passes out there
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 somewhat enjoyable household attraction in the event you’re searching for issues to do with youngsters in Malta.
The theme park was constructed on the sting of Anchor Bay and you’ll nonetheless take a ship journey 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 like a somewhat image excellent village, plus a mini documentary on the filming of the film.
There are totally different seasonal sights so it’s value checking earlier than you go to to see precisely what’s on.
You can too get tickets together with non-public transfers in the event you don’t have your personal automobile.
Playmobil Enjoyable Park
The Playmobil FunPark is one in all Malta’s prime household sights and a haven for toddlers and younger youngsters, full of 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 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.
Children will take pleasure in strolling by the reimagined historic scenes, with full-size figures of the Knights and Grandmasters, whereas a formidable 3D digital audio-visual presentation tells the story of Malta’s highly effective knights and their Ottoman enemy.
Apart from the museum, you possibly can spend a while wandering round and exploring Mdina’s distinctive mixture of mediaeval and baroque structure. You could even recognise a number of the streets and buildings from Sport of Thrones, as Mdina was the filming location for a number of scenes.
If you happen to’re in Mdina with older youngsters and teenagers, you too can cease by The Mdina Dungeons, which presents a barely extra ugly 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 probably the greatest 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 lovely pure spots
Nationwide Museum of Pure Historical past
Situated 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 a phenomenal 18th-century palace, the museum was opened to showcase the island’s biodiversity. It homes a formidable rock and fossil assortment, in addition to many fowl, mammal, fish, and bug specimens from Malta and additional afield.
Whereas the shows is perhaps slightly primary for older youngsters and teenagers, youthful youngsters can have enjoyable recognizing the totally different animal species from all internationally. Plus youngsters beneath 5 go to without cost, making it an academic and reasonably priced household exercise in Malta.
Though the museum is slightly dated in the meanwhile, with out the interactive displays you would possibly discover in different comparable museums, authorities funding in 2023 to have fun its fiftieth anniversary means you possibly can anticipate loads of updates over the subsequent couple of years
See the normal 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 normal Maltese boats, referred to as Luzzus, adorned with vibrant shades of yellow, purple, 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 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 full of life environment.
Go to the Blue Grotto
Not removed from Marsaxlokk and Hagar Qim, the Blue Grotto is among the most spectacular sights within the south of Malta – to not be confused with the Blue Lagoon within the north, close to Camino.
The easiest way to go to the collection 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.
When you’ve got your personal automobile, otherwise you’re taking a tour, make time to cease on the viewing platform by the principle street to Wied iż-Żurrieq to look down onto the arch. If you happen to’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 can too discover half-day excursions from Valletta taking you to Marsaxlokk and the Blue Grotto
Malta Traditional Automotive Assortment
For youngsters with an curiosity in vehicles and autos, the Malta Traditional Automotive Assortment within the city of Qawra is bound to be the spotlight of their journey.
The distinctive museum homes a formidable assortment of over 100 traditional 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 automobile fans.
Discover a play space
There’s loads of alternative for teenagers to play in Malta, but when your youngsters 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 tools cut up into 5 totally different areas so there’s one thing for teenagers of all ages.
There’s restricted shade however in the event you’re visiting outdoors the height summer season months with younger youngsters, or plan a go to early or late, it’s a enjoyable approach 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 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 if you would like a brief break between historic sights or a little bit of free household enjoyable.
Take pleasure in 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 approach to see one aspect of native life and free to look at.
And wherever you keep on the island, you’ve bought an excellent probability to stumbling throughout one in all these family-friendly festas (or festi), with some bigger villages marking a couple of 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 finest 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 simply’ll have the ability 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 journey one any extra.
As an alternative, for a scenic bus tour of the island, the hop-on hop-off excursions are a simple approach to discover a number of 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.
If you happen to actually 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 residence with out grabbing a number of pastizzi, mini tacky pastries (there’s additionally a pea model though which may go down rather less nicely with youngsters).
The Crystal Palace, simply outdoors the partitions of Mdina in Rabat is among the most well-known (and has the crowds you’d anticipate consequently) 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).
Take a day journey to Gozo
From Sliema or from Cirkewwa within the north of Malta, bounce on a ferry and make the brief journey over to sister island Gozo – referred to as the place the place the laid-back Maltese go if they should loosen up.
The easiest way to journey round Gozo with youngsters is utilizing the Hop-on Hop-off buses, which may take you between lots of the island’s important 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 will 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 massive fortified Citadel of Victoria, the attractive Ta’ Pinu Nationwide Shrine, and the dramatic coastal surroundings of Dwejra Bay. In case your youngsters love historical past, the Ggantija temple complicated on Gozo was created within the Neolithic age and is over 5,500 years previous – making the prehistoric temples on the principle island of Malta appear virtually younger.
It’s additionally residence to the fascinating Marsalforn salt pans in addition to the purple sand seashore of Ramla Bay – the shallow waters are excellent with youngsters, though anticipate it to get busy in the course of the summer season.
Another enjoyable actions on Gozo with youngsters embrace 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 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 referred to as the Azure window is now not there, having collapsed in a foul storm
The place to remain in Malta with youngsters
You’ll be spoiled for alternative relating to locations to remain in Malta with youngsters – from large household pleasant inns to self-catering lodging.
I’m a giant fan of Plum Information which vets all its flats and villas, in addition to giving recommendations on that are finest for households, together with youthful youngsters and infants.
If you happen to desire a lodge, there’s an entire alternative 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*
PIN FOR LATER: THINGS TO DO IN MALTA WITH KIDS
Disclosure: This submit incorporates affiliate hyperlinks – any purchases you make are unaffected however I could obtain a small fee
Photographs courtesy Depositphotos
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