Explore Malta with kids
How to get around?
Public buses are frequent and affordable, but taxis or private car rentals can save time if you want more flexibility.
Grab or Uber is good option, but if you want the freedom to move around on your own, car rental is a really good option. It might just be cheaper than you expect.
We payed 64 euros in total for 3 1/2 days car rental including full coverage, which really wasn’t too bad and coulis have been even cheaper if we had chosen a smaller car. We booked our rental via Discover Cars.
Day 1
Explore Valletta and Mdina in one day.
Here’s a family-friendly itinerary for exploring Valletta and Mdina in one day, focusing on activities that are engaging for kids while still allowing adults to enjoy Malta’s history and culture. The day includes historical sites, interactive experiences, and fun spots for the whole family.
Morning: Valletta – History with Fun for Kids
1. 8:30 AM - Family Breakfast in Valletta
• Start the day with a hearty breakfast at Caffe Cordina, offering outdoor seating where kids can roam a bit in the open squares. Opt for pastizzi or other local pastries, paired with fresh juices or coffee for adults.
2. 9:30 AM - Upper Barrakka Gardens & Saluting Battery
• Begin with a visit to the Upper Barrakka Gardens. This spot has beautiful views of the Grand Harbour and space for children to run around. Arrive in time for the noon cannon salute, which happens daily and is always exciting for kids to watch.
3. 10:30 AM - The Malta Experience & Fort St. Elmo
• Take the kids to The Malta Experience, a 45-minute audio-visual show that narrates Malta’s 7,000-year history in an engaging way suitable for all ages. Afterward, explore Fort St. Elmo, where there are exhibits on the Knights of St. John and Malta’s role in World War II. The fort offers open spaces where kids can explore and play.
4. 11:30 AM - Interactive Play at the Esplora Interactive Science Centre
• If your kids love hands-on experiences, visit the Esplora Interactive Science Centre (just a short ferry ride across the harbour in Kalkara). The science center is full of interactive exhibits that teach kids about physics, biology, and more in a fun and engaging way.
Lunch Break in Valletta (12:30 PM - 1:30 PM)
• Alternatively, try The Submarine for fresh sandwiches and snacks.
Afternoon: Mdina – Adventure in “The Silent City”
5. 1:45 PM - Depart for Mdina
• Head to Mdina, a 25-30 minute drive from Valletta (you can take a bus or taxi). Mdina is a traffic-free, walled city that’s perfect for exploring on foot with kids.
6. 2:15 PM - Mdina Gate and Stroll through the Silent City
• Start by entering the medieval city through the Mdina Gate, which will make kids feel like they’re entering a real-life castle. Let them explore the narrow, winding streets of Mdina. Kids can imagine themselves as knights or explorers while roaming the ancient alleyways.
7. 2:45 PM - Mdina Dungeons
• Take a slightly spooky but fun detour to the Mdina Dungeons, where children can learn about medieval punishments and see some wax figures. It’s not too intense for young children, but it adds a bit of adventure and history to the visit.
8. 3:15 PM - Visit the Knights of Malta Museum
• Next, visit the Knights of Malta Museum, an interactive experience that gives children a more hands-on introduction to the knights who once ruled the island. The wax figures and displays are designed to be engaging for children.
9. 4:00 PM - Palazzo Falson or the Mdina Glass Shop
• Depending on your children’s energy levels, visit Palazzo Falson (a historic house museum) or stop by the Mdina Glass Shop to watch glass-blowing demonstrations. Kids often love seeing the colorful glass creations being made.
10. 4:45 PM - Ice Cream at Fontanella Tea Garden
• Take a break and head to the famous Fontanella Tea Garden for some delicious cakes, ice cream, or snacks. The café also offers stunning views over the Maltese countryside, while the kids enjoy a sweet treat.
Evening: Wrapping up in Mdina
11. 5:30 PM - Playtime at Howard Gardens
• Before leaving Mdina, let the kids unwind at Howard Gardens, located just outside the city walls. It’s a nice, open park where they can burn off any remaining energy.
12. 6:00 PM - Return to Valletta or Dinner in Rabat
• You can either return to Valletta for a relaxed evening or have dinner in Rabat, just outside Mdina’s walls, at a family-friendly restaurant like The Fork and Cork or L’Aroma.
Travel Tips:
• Strollers: Valletta and Mdina have cobbled streets, so using lightweight, portable strollers is ideal. Baby carriers could also be a better option for Mdina’s narrow alleyways.
• Family Comfort: Keep in mind that there are plenty of small cafes and rest spots in both Valletta and Mdina, making it easy to take breaks when needed.
This itinerary offers a balanced day of sightseeing that incorporates interactive and engaging activities for kids, while allowing parents to enjoy Malta’s rich history and beauty.
Day 2
Blue Grotto, Hagar Qim Temples, Għar Lapsi, and Mellieha Bay
Here’s a kid-friendly itinerary for Day 2 in Malta, focusing on outdoor activities, nature, and hands-on experiences that the whole family can enjoy.
Morning: Adventure and Ancient History
1. 8:30 AM - Breakfast in Marsaxlokk
• Start your day in Marsaxlokk, a colorful fishing village, with breakfast at a local café like Cafe del Mar. The kids will enjoy watching the traditional Maltese luzzu boats in the harbor, while you relax with fresh pastries and coffee.
2. 9:30 AM - Blue Grotto Boat Trip
• Take the family to the Blue Grotto, one of Malta’s most impressive natural landmarks. The boat ride through the sea caves, with their bright blue water reflecting sunlight, will captivate kids and adults alike. The trip is short, about 25 minutes, and exciting, making it perfect for young explorers.
3. 10:30 AM - Hagar Qim and Mnajdra Temples
• After the boat ride, head to the nearby Hagar Qim and Mnajdra Temples, two ancient megalithic temple sites (about 5 minutes by car from the Blue Grotto). These UNESCO World Heritage Sites are more than 5,000 years old, and the interactive visitor center provides a kid-friendly introduction to Malta’s prehistoric past. Kids can enjoy wandering the ancient stones, imagining themselves as archaeologists, while parents take in the history.
Lunch Break (12:30 PM - 1:30 PM)
• Have a relaxing lunch at The Tent or La Krepree near the temples. Both places offer casual, family-friendly dining with simple, fresh food like sandwiches, salads, and pasta dishes.
Afternoon: Nature and Beach Time
4. 2:00 PM - Swim and Relax at Għar Lapsi
5. 3:30 PM - Mellieha Bay for Family Beach Time
• In the afternoon, drive to Mellieha Bay (about 40 minutes from Għar Lapsi), one of Malta’s largest and most family-friendly sandy beaches. The shallow, calm waters are perfect for kids to swim safely, and the beach is spacious enough for sandcastle building, running around, or simply relaxing. The bay also offers paddleboats, kayaks, and other water activities that older kids might enjoy.
• The beach is lined with cafes and snack stands, so you can grab ice creams, drinks, or light snacks while the kids play.
Late Afternoon: Optional Visit to Playmobil FunPark
6. 4:30 PM - Playmobil FunPark (Optional)
• If your kids still have energy and enjoy playtime, consider stopping at the Playmobil FunPark in Ħal Far on the way back to Valletta (about a 40-minute drive from Mellieha Bay). It features themed play zones with life-sized Playmobil figures and an indoor/outdoor play area. The factory tour is fascinating for kids, allowing them to see how Playmobil toys are made, and there’s a shop where they can choose a toy as a memento of the day.
Evening: Return to Valletta or St. Julian’s for Dinner
7. 6:00 PM - Family Dinner in Valletta or St. Julian’s
• Head back to Valletta or nearby St. Julian’s for a relaxed family dinner. In Valletta, consider Rampila for a family-friendly dining experience in a historic setting, or Storie & Sapori in St. Julian’s for pizza and Italian dishes that kids will enjoy. Both locations have outdoor seating, making them perfect for winding down after a day of adventure.
Travel Tips:
• What to Bring: Pack extra sunscreen, hats, and water for beach and outdoor activities. If you’re heading to Għar Lapsi or Mellieha Bay, don’t forget swim gear and towels. Snacks and drinks are also useful for longer outings.
• Strollers: While beaches and the temple sites are stroller-friendly, bringing a baby carrier could be handy for more rugged or rocky areas like Għar Lapsi.
Alternative Ideas for Afternoon:
If you prefer to skip the Playmobil FunPark or spend more time outdoors, you could opt for:
• Ta’ Qali Crafts Village: Just outside Mdina, kids can watch local artisans at work in pottery and glass-blowing workshops. It’s a great stop for family souvenirs and creative demonstrations.
• Golden Bay Beach: An alternative to Mellieha Bay, Golden Bay offers a beautiful sandy beach with water activities like paddleboarding and kayaking, plus facilities for families.
This itinerary provides a mix of exploration, outdoor fun, and history, keeping kids engaged while ensuring that adults also enjoy the day. Whether swimming in the Blue Grotto, exploring ancient temples, or relaxing at Mellieha Bay, this day offers plenty of variety for the whole family.
Day 3
Discover Gozo, Comino, the Blue Lagoon and caves in a thrilling boat ride.
Save time and money by exploring two islands in one day on a sightseeing cruise from Malta.
Departing from Bugibba, head first for Comino where you explore the Ahrax and Santa Maria caves before enjoying a swim and snorkel in the Blue Lagoon. Afterward continue to Gozo to explore the island, by foot or on an optional bus tour at additional cost.
Includes time for swimming and snorkeling in the Blue Lagoon Option to add on a bus tour of Gozo. An inexpensive full-day sightseeing cruise that maximizes your time without compromising your experience.
Book your tour here
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