Planning a holiday in Malta with young children? This guide is tailored for families with kids aged 3–8 years visiting in the summer who are seeking a mix of DIY exploration and organized activities. It compiles proven family favorites, with sources and links to help you plan quickly and confidently.
Sightseeing Adventures for Families
Valletta & Grand Harbour: Begin with an easy, low-effort loop in Valletta. Visit Upper Barrakka Gardens for the views and space for kids to run around. Grab a snack nearby, then take the Grand Harbour ferry from Valletta to the Three Cities. The ferries are stroller-friendly and offer a mini-boat trip for kids (Valletta Ferry Services).
Mdina by Evening: Explore Malta’s storybook city in the late afternoon or evening, when it’s cooler and less crowded. The car-free streets, ancient walls, and views from the ramparts are perfect for sparking little imaginations (Visit Malta: Mdina).
Hop-on Hop-off Bus: To see more without tiring little legs, the hop-on hop-off bus is a great option. You can break the day into short stops, and it’s generally pram-friendly (Malta Sightseeing).
Family-Friendly Boat Tours in Malta
Rima Cruises: Three-Bays Tour: A perfect choice for families, this 1-hour boat trip departs from Marsaxlokk Harbour and visits the beautiful Kalanka Bay, St Peter’s Pool, Hofriet Bay, and Hofriet Cave. Along the way, you’ll also enjoy views of historic fortifications, the lighthouse, and traditional salt pans. The tour takes place on a traditional Maltese boat, accommodating small groups for a more personal experience. Shade and life jackets are provided for your comfort and safety. An optional swimming stop at St Peter’s Pool is available, making it a great adventure for confident young swimmers and little explorers (Three-bays Tour).
Grand Harbour Short Cruises: For a quick “wow” without a long day at sea, a short cruise around Valletta’s Grand Harbour is perfect. Trips usually last 30–60 minutes and are easy to manage with young children (various operators).
Swimming in Comino: For water-loving families, a boat tour to Comino’s Blue Lagoon is a highlight. Look for family-friendly tours with shaded areas and life jackets, and aim for early morning to avoid the midday crowds. Most Comino boat trips depart from Sliema or Bugibba (Visit Malta: Comino).
Top Kid Activities & Attractions
Esplora Interactive Science Centre (Kalkara): A big hit with both kids and adults. Enjoy hands-on science exhibits, live demos, shows, and workshops. You can easily spend half a day or longer here, especially on hotter days when you want to stay mostly indoors (Esplora).
Malta National Aquarium (Qawra): Compact, stroller-friendly, and air-conditioned, this aquarium is ideal for a 1–2-hour visit. Toddlers under 3 years usually enter for free, and there’s a seafront promenade outside for a walk or ice cream afterward (Malta National Aquarium).
Popeye Village (Mellieħa): Originally a film set, now a colorful attraction full of photo spots, small shows, playgrounds, and splash areas. It’s particularly fun for kids who enjoy character-themed places and water play (Popeye Village).
PLAYMOBIL FunPark (Ħal Far): Perfect for PLAYMOBIL fans and younger children. There are themed indoor and outdoor play zones (pirates, knights, city scenes, and more), making it suitable for both hot and windy weather (PLAYMOBIL FunPark).
Odyssey Malta (St Julian’s): A “flying theatre”-style immersive ride that takes you on a virtual journey around Malta. It’s a good option if you want something exciting that doesn’t involve much walking (Odyssey Malta).
Splash & Fun Water Park: A classic summer crowd-pleaser with pools and slides for different ages. It’s easy to turn this into a full day out if your kids love the water (Splash & Fun).
Beach & Water Fun
Mellieħa Bay & Golden Bay: These are two of the most popular sandy beaches for families. Both offer shallow areas that are good for paddling, gentle waves on calmer days, and plenty of space for sandcastles.
Safety Tip: In summer, the sun is strong. Pack hats, UV tops if you have them, water shoes for rocky patches, and reef-friendly sunscreen.
Sample 3-Day Family Itinerary
Day 1: Valletta short sights + Grand Harbour ferry + Esplora
Explore Valletta’s main highlights at a relaxed pace, take a scenic ferry ride across the Grand Harbour, and spend a fun, interactive afternoon at Esplora Science Centre.
Day 2: Morning at the beach (Mellieħa Bay or Golden Bay) + afternoon at Popeye Village
Enjoy a sandy, family-friendly beach morning, followed by an afternoon at Popeye Village with its play areas, splash pools (seasonal), and colourful film-set charm.
Day 3: Marsaxlokk Village + Boat Tour
Spend the day in the picturesque fishing village of Marsaxlokk, admire the colourful traditional luzzu boats, stroll along the waterfront promenade, and visit the tourist market (all week) or full market (on Sunday). Enjoy a relaxing coastal boat tour to discover nearby bays and crystal-clear waters.
Quick Tips for DIY Malta with Kids
- Use buses or the hop-on, hop-off bus to avoid parking stress.
- Always carry snacks, hats, and plenty of water.
- Most major attractions have shaded areas, toilets, and places to sit down.
Sources
- Rima Cruises: Three-bays Tour
- Valletta Ferry Services: vallettaferryservices.com
- Esplora: esplora.org.mt
- Malta National Aquarium: aquarium.com.mt
- Popeye Village: popeyemalta.com
- PLAYMOBIL FunPark: playmobil.mt/funpark
- Odyssey Malta: odyssey.mt
- Splash & Fun: splashandfun.com
- Visit Malta: visitmalta.com
