10 Best Family Things to Do in Malta

One of the most popular sights to visit in Malta, Mdina Old City is an ancient walled city steeped in history with an impressive cathedral in the main square. The kids will love this fascinating old town with endless narrow streets and alleyways to explore on foot – as it’s mainly pedestrianized within the city walls.

As well as the many medieval and baroque historical buildings here, there are numerous cafes and family-friendly restaurants to take a break and refuel as you wander through the city. Be sure to bring your camera as there are some spectacular views of the island – plus, the kids can pick up a souvenir from one of the many quaint shops.

Found in the heart of Valletta, the Roman Catholic St. John's Co-Cathedral was designed by architect Gerolamo Cassar in the 16th century and dedicated to St John the Baptist. It was later updated in the Baroque style and it’s this architecture, along with more ornate additions over the years, that makes the cathedral so spectacular.

St. John's Co-Cathedral is home to two huge Caravaggio masterpieces and is an impressive sight for visitors of all ages. Older kids might enjoy taking an audio tour to help make the most of their visit – and the whole family can head up to the balcony for incredible birds-eye views of the cathedral.

Situated on Malta’s south coast, the Blue Grotto is a series of nine extraordinary sea caves with rocky walls set against azur water. The way the sunlight filters into the caves illuminates the water and makes it appear to glow even brighter due to the dark, rugged surroundings.

The Blue Grotto cave complex can be seen up close by taking a boat tour – the excursion takes around 20 minutes and is suitable for all ages. Boat tours depart from the harbor of Wied iż-Żurrieq, where little ones can have a dip in the water too. If you don’t want to take the boat, you can also view the cave formation and take a family selfie from the road above.

A former movie set, Popeye Village is now an entertainment park with plenty of kid-friendly fun. As well as exploring the set of the Popeye (1980) musical, the park features a movie theater, rides, soft play, mini golf and even a floating inflatable obstacle course with water trampolines.

A great day out for all the family, there’s something for everyone to see and do at Popeye Village. Plus, there are several cafes and restaurants so you can take a break and refuel as needed. In warmer weather, you can kick back on the beach, paddle in the sea or take a boat tour around Anchor Bay.

Kids of all ages can meet a wide range of marine life at the Malta National Aquarium, situated in Qawra in northern Malta. Discover over 250 species of sea animals – from freshwater fish, sharks and rays to amphibians and reptiles.

The largest aquarium in Malta, the Malta National Aquarium is housed in a starfish-shaped building and covers around 20,000 square meters. Little ones will love walking through the glass-walled underwater tunnel and letting off steam at the nautical-themed play area. Plus, the whole family can visit the restaurant for fresh Mediterranean cuisine with panoramic views of St Paul’s Islands.

A UNESCO World Heritage site, Ħaġar Qim – situated close to Qrendi in southern Malta – is one of the oldest temples in the world. The Temple boasts a dramatic cliff-edge location and some of the most well-preserved prehistoric architecture in Malta.

Visiting Ħaġar Qim with the kids in tow? Make sure you stop in at the visitors center to learn more about the background of this ancient wonder – plus, there’s a children’s room with activity worksheets to help younger kids get the most out of their visit.

Discover the largest fishing village in Malta at Marsaxlokk Bay, located on the south-east coastline. The whole family can enjoy wandering along the harbor filled with colorful fishing boats bobbing in the sparkling blue Mediterranean in this picturesque town.

Marsaxlokk Bay has a compelling history to uncover – and is now also a wonderful place to dine, drink and shop – be sure to head to an open-air market to pick the kids up some souvenirs. There are plenty of places to eat out too – with some of the best fish restaurants in Malta here. Find an outside table so you can sample the freshest seafood while you watch the world go buy.

A great way for the whole family to learn about Malta’s culture and background, the Malta Experience is both entertaining and educating. This audio-visual show uses incredible imagery and audio – available in 15 different languages – to tell the dramatic story of Malta’s history, spanning back 7000 years.

Located in Valletta, the Malta Experience is well worth a visit for the building it’s housed in as well as the show itself. The Mediterranean Conference Center was formerly La Sacra Infermeria – or the Knight’s Hospitaller – a 16th Century infirmary.

An artillery battery overlooking Valletta harbor, the fully restored Saluting Battery is now a top tourist attraction in Malta. Constructed in the 16th century, for hundreds of years the guns protected the harbor from any naval attacks as well as providing gun salutes for state occasions or important visitors to the island.

The Malta Heritage Trust acquired the Saluting Battery in 2004 and began its restoration – it now has a working cannon, artillery store and gunpowder magazine. Children will love to see it fired over the bay – which now happens twice daily at 12 pm and 4 pm from Monday to Saturday. There is also a small museum to visit and wonderful views of Valletta’s grand harbor.

A fun family day out, the Splash & Fun Water Park is a great way to cool off and keep the kids happy on your Malta summer vacation. Situated next to the Mediterraneo Marine Park on the east coast, there are numerous water slides, a wave pool, sun beds, a lazy river and much more.

If you’re traveling with younger kids, the Splash & Fun Water Park has a dedicated children’s pool that’s perfect for little ones. Plus, there’s an onsite restaurant so you can order from a wide selection of meals and have them delivered directly to your sun bed for a hassle-free lunch option.