Best Things to do in Malta with Kids

Valletta Malta – By Dion Hinchcliffe – https://www.flickr.com/photos/14966804@N03/39570984425, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=66777466

Malta is one of the unsung heroes in terms of islands, vacation destinations, and European gems. Located within close proximity to the nearby countries of Greece, Italy, Turkey, and northern African countries, you can easily get to this gem through direct flights from multiple destinations. 

Instead of just treating Malta as a quick stopover, why not spend a bit more time on this friendly and beautiful island?

After all, it is less crowded than the tourist hotspot of Ibiza, less visited than the mountainous island of Corniglia, and just as beautiful as the both of them combined! You can experience bright blue waters, white-sand beaches, friendly locals, incredible food, great drinks, and tons of cultural attractions to see during your time here. 

Plus, it is kid-friendly. Sure, almost everywhere is in Europe, but the number of outdoor things to do during your time in Malta makes it one of the top destinations for those who want to explore a different culture with their kids — no matter if they are teens or in elementary school.

Bugibba

View of Bugibba – By ianpudsey, CC BY 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=53997907

Unlike other sections of Malta, like the party-centric St. Julian’s or crowded Valletta, Bugibba is a fun place to stay if you have kids. You don’t have to worry about loud partying at night, crowded streets, and throngs of tourists taking up your space. Instead, this laid-back town has rocky beaches, family-oriented spaces, family restaurants, and a walkway along the water that is perfect for strolling with your kids pre or post-dinner.

Victoria

Malta Gozo Victoria – By Berthold Werner – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=17694621

Looking for a remote area to explore with your kids? Victoria is a more remote alternative to Valletta and is a great spot to check out some of the local shopping malls, parks, green spaces, and tiny restaurants.

Golden Bay

Golden Bay Malta – By Freddyolsson – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=55895335

We recommend looking at one of the many hotels in the Golden Bay area if you enjoy being on the beach. If your kids love building sandcastles, exploring the coastline, and being outside, this is the way to be. 

Valletta

Grand Harbour – By Henry M. Trotter at English Wikipedia – Transferred from en.wikipedia to Commons., Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=2253632

Although it is more crowded than other areas, it is busy for a good reason! The town of Valletta is incredible, with the stone fortress on the water, beautiful architecture, boats in the water, and cobblestone streets that make it feel like you have stepped back in time. Bring your kids to the big attractions, like St. John’s Co-Cathedral, Upper Barrakka Gardens, the waterfront or shopping for some souvenirs on Republic Street. 

Gozo Island

Saint Paul’s Bay – By Xwejnusgozo (montage)Ies (original photos) – Cropped from File:Malta – St. Paul’s Bay – Bay+Triq San Pawl (Xatt il-Pwales) 03 ies.jpg, File:Malta – St. Paul’s Bay – Dawret il-Gzejjer – Dolmen Hotel – Bugibba Temple 03 ies.jpg, File:Malta – St. Paul’s Bay – Dawret il-Gzejjer-Triq Bugibba-Triq il-Knisja – Shipwreck Church 01 ies.jpg, File:Malta – St. Paul’s Bay – Triq San Frangisk-Triq San Giraldu – St. Paul’s Bay Tower 05 ies.jpg, File:Malta – St. Paul’s Bay – Misrah il-Bajja+Triq il-Bajja 01 ies.jpg and File:Malta – St. Paul’s Bay – Triq it-Trunciera – National Aquarium 02 ies.jpg, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=47428696

This fun island is an island off of the main island — confused yet? Gozo is a great place to spend a few days if you are looking to avoid the hubbub of tourist season and still feel like you are in a new place. Take a bus trip around Gozo for a single-day trip that lets you hop on and hop off, allowing your kids to rest their tired legs while still seeing all of the major sights. 

Blue Lagoon

The grotto from outside – By Frank Vincentz – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=35686096

This is the main reason that many people come to malta from all over the world. The Blue Lagoon is a natural gem; an alcove with crystal blue waters, walking paths, rocky outcrops, and a shoreline that makes you never want to leave. Head here early to avoid the crowds and jump in the water to cool off on a hot summer day!

Popeye Village

Popeye Village – By Wusel007 – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=22526323

This tiny village will make your kids feel like they are in a movie! Maybe because this used to be a movie set. Reminiscent of something out of Disney World, Popeye Village is a great place to bring your kids to check out the unique buildings, incredible coastline views, and children’s playground. 

Malta National Aquarium

Mediterraneo Malta – By Erik1980 – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=2881079

On a rare rainy day in Malta, or if you simply don’t feel like being out in the sunshine again, consider heading to the National Aquarium in Bugibba to show your kids some of the marine life of the native area. This is a great place to cool off, experience some kid-friendly activities, and keep them entertained for a full afternoon before nap time.