Malta with Kids: Best Child-Friendly Beaches, Attractions & Practical Tips

Planning a family holiday in Malta with small children or toddlers? In this article you’ll find tried-and-tested tips for sandy beaches, easy outings and practical advice from a mum who lives in Malta. Unfortunately, sandy beaches with a gentle entry into the sea are relatively limited here. I spent several years pushing a pram (stroller) around the island, so I know first-hand that Malta is definitely not fully stroller-friendly or step-free.

That said, it doesn’t mean families with young children can’t enjoy Malta – quite the opposite. With a bit of planning, your holiday can be genuinely pleasant and relaxed. Maltese people are generally very welcoming and fond of small children. From my own experience, I know what little ones need most, and how to plan a programme that works for both parents and kids. Below you’ll find practical tips for child-friendly beaches, trips and family activities. My goal is for you to enjoy your family holiday in Malta to the fullest – with a smile, and without unnecessary surprises.

Best Sandy Beaches in Malta for Kids and Toddlers

Malta offers a surprisingly varied range of activities suitable even for very young children. Below is my curated selection of sandy beaches and family-friendly places that I can genuinely recommend as a local. With each one, I also explain why it tends to work well with small children.

On the larger beaches (Mellieħa, Pretty Bay), you can usually rent sunbeds and umbrellas. On smaller coves, I recommend a small UV sun shelter for kids rather than a classic beach tent – on some beaches, tents are no longer allowed because they can block lifeguards’ and other visitors’ view of the sea. I’ve seen police officers ask people to pack up their tents more than once.

Public toilets are not guaranteed – often you’ll only find them in a nearby bar or kiosk, or there may be portable toilets available in season.

During peak season (roughly June to September), the bigger beaches are supervised by lifeguards – you’ll recognise them by a yellow T-shirt with red lettering and red shorts. Their stations are typically marked with a yellow-and-red flag, indicating that swimming is considered safe.

Mellieħa Bay (Għadira): Best Sandy Beach in Malta for Toddlers (Shallow Water)

The largest sandy beach in Malta, Mellieħa Bay (Għadira), is made for families with small children. It’s a wide bay with fine, light-coloured sand and a very gradual slope into the sea. The water near the shore is shallow and calm, so toddlers and young kids can safely paddle and build sandcastles. In peak season, lifeguards are on duty, and there are public toilets and showers. Near the beach you’ll also find snack stalls, ice cream, and rental options for sunbeds and umbrellas. Mellieħa Bay (Għadira) is one of the most popular family beaches on the island – and for good reason. Thanks to its size and gentle shallows, it offers safe water fun even for the smallest children.

The downside is that in summer it gets extremely busy – sometimes it’s literally packed. If we were sitting further from the shoreline, I often worried the kids could scatter in all directions and I’d lose sight of them in the crowd. Personally, I prefer smaller beaches – but that’s simply a matter of preference.

Pretty Bay (Birżebbuġa): Family-Friendly Sandy Beach with Playground (Calm Water)

Pretty Bay is a charming sandy beach in the southern Maltese town of Birżebbuġa. It’s popular with families thanks to its sand and relatively calm water. Compared to Mellieħa Bay (Għadira), it tends to be less sought-after by tourists, partly because you’ll see the nearby cargo harbour in Marsaxlokk from the beach. If you’re into technical things, though, watching huge ships being loaded with containers can be surprisingly entertaining – a bit like watching LEGO in real life.

Pretty Bay has coarser sand, and the entry into the sea is gentle, especially on the left side of the beach where there’s a small cove protected from waves. Even the smallest kids can safely splash about in shallow, calm water there. The beach has showers for rinsing off salt water, and you can rent sunbeds and umbrellas for all-day comfort. You’ll also find snack stalls and restaurants nearby. On the promenade next to the beach there’s a fairly large playground, and right by the beach there’s also a volleyball court. In summer, lifeguards supervise swimmers here as well. Finding parking in season can be a bit of a challenge, but after a few loops we always managed to find a spot eventually.

St Thomas Bay (Marsaskala): Small Sandy Cove for Kids (Two Beach Spots)

There are two small sandy spots here. One is right next to the Sensi Lido bar. The beach is small, which I personally find ideal – it’s easier to keep track of where your little kids are. The shoreline then continues with smooth rocks, which tend to be preferred by adults, older people, or teenagers. You can get into the sea via a ladder, or you can jump in from the cliff at the far end (away from the sandy section). You’ll easily spot where people gather for cliff jumps. There is a lifeguard here too, but unfortunately, due to the shape of the bay they don’t have a perfect overview of everything at all times, even though they often walk around – and you can also approach them if needed. Near the sandy part, there’s the Sensi Lido beach bar where you can use the toilets.

The second beach is a little further on, past Zion Bar in the direction of the Munxar rocks. This one is also small, so you’ll have a good overview of the children. However, there is no lifeguard here and no snack kiosk – except for the occasional ice cream van. There are no toilets, unless you walk back to the nearby Zion Bar.

Of course, Malta has more sandy beaches, but I haven’t personally tested all of them, or I’ve only been a couple of times. You can also try places like Balluta Bay Beach, St. Julian’s (sometimes it feels clean, other times there’s a lot of sea debris), the beautiful Golden Bay (officially Ir-Ramla tal-Mixquqa) which is only accessible via a long staircase down from the cliff – carrying a stroller back up to the car park after a full day at the beach won’t suit everyone, though it is doable. Ramla Beach on Gozo (beautiful, but the seabed is stony and quickly slopes into deeper water), Armier Bay, Little Armier and White Tower Bay near Mellieħa (I’ve never been, but they should be nice and ideal for children), St. George’s Bay in Paceville (Paceville is the party area and many young people drink and smoke there, so you’ll often find cigarette butts in the sand and traces of the previous night’s party), but you may still like it. A very nice beach for kids is Għar Aħmar Bay with a gentle entry into the water. The downside is the view of the Delimara power station and the fact you’ll need to get there by car or bus.

Best Things to Do in Malta with Kids (Family-Friendly Attractions)

Popeye Village: Family Day Out in Malta (Shows, Characters, Swimming Cove)

Popeye Village is a picturesque little village originally built in 1980 as the film set for the musical Popeye starring Robin Williams. Today, it has been turned into a family attraction. It sits in Anchor Bay near Mellieħa, so it’s easy to combine with a beach day. Kids love the colourful wooden houses – they can run around the set, take photos with Popeye and Olive Oyl, and enjoy short shows and animation programmes.

In the summer months, the site also offers the option to swim in Anchor Bay. There’s a café with a view over the whole bay as well. The park is compact and enclosed, but do keep in mind the terrain is uneven – you can use a stroller, but in places you’ll encounter wooden walkways and steps. Overall, Popeye Village is a magical place for both children and adults, and you’ll come away with lovely family photos. The animation programmes and themed design change throughout the year – for example, the Christmas theme is genuinely beautiful, with decorations and special activities for kids. If you visit during Halloween, I wouldn’t recommend it for very small children, as some of the costumes are truly scary and not every child will cope well.

Esplora Interactive Science Centre: Best Indoor Activity in Malta with Kids (Stroller-Friendly)

If you need a break from the sun, the Esplora Interactive Science Centre in Kalkara is a fantastic option for children of all ages. It’s a modern hands-on museum where kids can try dozens of interactive exhibits focused on physics, biology, space, and the human body. There’s also a planetarium. Little explorers can build, test, experiment and play – and honestly, I enjoyed it a lot as an adult too.

The centre is clearly divided into sections by age, including a dedicated area for the youngest children with a play zone, so you don’t have to see everything – just follow what your children are into on the day. The Esplora science centre is stroller- and wheelchair-friendly, with lifts, so a stroller won’t be an obstacle. Throughout the day there are interactive programmes and group science demonstrations. The indoor spaces are air-conditioned and comfortable; outside you’ll find a playground with a beautiful harbour view. There’s also a café for lunch, and parking in the area is usually manageable. In my opinion it’s an ideal half-day stop that can easily stretch into a full day. The centre also changes its programme and decorations seasonally – we went at Christmas and loved the festive atmosphere and special activities.

Malta National Aquarium: Best Indoor Family Activity in Qawra

The National Aquarium in Qawra is a great idea for a morning or afternoon when you need to hide from strong sun. The modern star-shaped building houses a series of tanks with tropical fish, sharks, rays and other marine life. The biggest highlight is walking through the glass tunnel under the water, with fish literally swimming above your head. The aquarium isn’t huge – the visit takes roughly an hour, which is an ideal length for younger children who don’t have the stamina for long museum days. Right at the entrance, there’s a small playground and a café with a lovely sea view where you can rest. You’ll also appreciate the aquarium as a backup plan – for example if you get a rainy day, or if you simply want an air-conditioned escape during a very hot afternoon.

Splash & Fun Water Park Malta: Best Water Park for Families (Kids’ Area)

If you’re visiting Malta in the warm months (roughly June to September), plan a day at Splash & Fun. This water park offers pools, slides and a lazy river for all ages. The smallest visitors will love the dedicated “Children’s Splash Land” area – a shallow pool with small slides and water play features designed for children up to about age 6. While older siblings can enjoy bigger slides or the wave pool, toddlers can play safely in the kids’ paddling area under parental supervision. There are changing rooms, showers and several food stalls (including kid-friendly options). I’d recommend arriving right at opening time, when it’s less crowded and the sun isn’t as intense yet.

San Anton Gardens: Free Family-Friendly Gardens in Malta (Shade + Peacocks)

Near the small town of Attard you’ll find the San Anton Gardens, one of the most beautiful historic parks in Malta. These (by Maltese standards) spacious gardens surround the Presidential Palace and are free to enter. For families with small children, it’s an ideal stop: shaded paths, lawns, fountains and small ponds with fish create a calm environment where kids can run around freely. Peacocks and other birds roam the gardens, and you’ll also find a small herb and cactus corner. San Anton Gardens are easy to combine with a visit to Mdina (they’re nearby), or you can use them as a peaceful break while travelling across the island.

Mdina: Easy Family Day Trip in Malta (Stroller Tips + Playground)

The historic city of Mdina in the centre of the island offers a surprisingly peaceful escape – and it works well even with small children. It’s an ancient fortified town where cars are not allowed, so you can wander the narrow streets without worrying about traffic. Just watch out for the karozzini – traditional horse-drawn carriages that drive through Mdina offering romantic rides.

A trip to Mdina is also a chance for parents to enjoy a slice of Maltese history in a very compact area – you can walk the entire old town in about an hour. A stroller is manageable on the paved streets, as long as it doesn’t have tiny wheels.

Don’t miss a stop for cake and ice cream at the famous Fontanella café on the bastions. The view from here is one of the best in Malta – the kids get a sweet reward, and you get a proper breather.

There’s a playground just before the entrance to Mdina, and if you want a quieter moment, you can also walk down into the city ditch below, which is landscaped as a park with lawns and benches.

If you have older children and want to combine Mdina with something extra, I recommend the catacombs in Rabat – it’s only a three-minute walk away. Or you can join a 2.5-hour guided tour of Mdina and the Catacombs, which connects both sites and adds interesting stories and a touch of mystery.

Valletta with Kids: Easy Family Itinerary (Ferry, Upper Barrakka, Noon Cannon)

You shouldn’t skip a short visit to Valletta, Malta’s UNESCO-listed capital. While busy streets and strong sun in narrow lanes can be demanding for kids, with a bit of planning you can still enjoy a family day out here. Getting to Valletta with a stroller is doable – for example by taking the ferry from Sliema (a short and fun boat ride that many children love).

In the city, stick to the main streets, which are relatively flat; side streets can be steeper and full of steps. Definitely head to the Upper Barrakka Gardens – there’s some shade there, and the viewpoint is spectacular. Every day at noon there is a ceremonial cannon firing, which kids often find exciting (just be aware it’s loud!). After that, you can do a short walk along the fortifications.

If you have older children (roughly from age 11) who enjoy interactive experiences, try the Malta 5D Show in Valletta – a short film about the island’s history with 5D motion effects. It’s a fun way for kids to get introduced to Malta’s past, though for younger children it may feel too intense due to the loud sound effects.

If you have school-aged kids interested in history or technology, consider the Lascaris War Rooms – an underground bunker from where Malta’s defence operations were coordinated during World War II. Children can see old maps, phones and the command room that looks like it belongs in a historical film. The visit takes about an hour and is often paired with a short screening, which helps keep the attention of younger school children.

Valletta is beautiful, but with little ones you don’t need to cross it from end to end in one day. It’s enough to absorb the atmosphere and tick off the key sights at a pace that suits your kids.

Gozo Day Trip with Kids: Ferry Tips + Best Stops (Victoria, Ramla Bay)

If you have a few extra days, consider a trip to Gozo, Malta’s smaller neighbouring island. It’s greener and calmer than the main island and offers a few family-friendly highlights. The ferry from Ċirkewwa to Gozo takes about 25 minutes – for kids, that alone can feel like an adventure (there are indoor air-conditioned areas as well as outdoor decks for sea views).

On Gozo, you can visit the main town of Victoria (Rabat) with its impressive citadel. Another highlight is Ramla Bay, known for its unusual reddish sand – just keep in mind the seabed is pebbly and the water gets deep quite quickly. Also note that a one-day Gozo trip usually takes the whole day and involves quite a bit of travel (getting to the ferry, crossing, and then moving around Gozo).

Best Nature Walks in Malta with Kids (Easy Hikes and Coastal Trails)

If you’re looking for nature outings in Malta with older children beyond the beaches, the best time is autumn to spring, roughly October to April. After rain, the island is greener and fresher, and walking in open terrain is far more pleasant than in summer. From May onwards, the sun is often strong enough that longer walks without shade can be physically demanding – in summer, the landscape is frequently dry and dusty and loses that “romantic” look it has in the winter months.

It’s also worth keeping in mind that nature trips in Malta are usually about footpaths, rocks and uneven terrain. These are not wide, easy promenades – a stroller generally isn’t suitable, and along coastal routes you often walk sections where cliffs drop sharply straight into the sea. A baby carrier or wrap can work in the cooler months, but in summer the heat can be uncomfortable for both parent and child.

If you have older children (roughly from age 6) who can manage longer walks and moving around outdoors, Malta’s landscape can be an interesting change from beaches and towns. A lot depends on your children’s temperament and your own hiking experience – some families can handle more, others less. Think of these as 2–3 hour walks through the countryside rather than a big hike.

If you’re visiting Malta outside the main swimming season, these short walks are one of the best ways to experience the island differently: in more comfortable temperatures, without the brutal sun, and often in a landscape that’s greener after rain. It’s also a good option for days when you don’t want to spend all day in a city or indoors, but you still want some time outside.

Places I’d recommend include Chadwick Lakes, Buskett, Xemxija Heritage Trail, Majjistral Nature & History Park, the coast around Għal Lapsi, the area around Golden Bay and Għajn Tuffieħa, or sections of the historic fortification line Victoria Lines. These are not “attractions” in the classic sense, but places where both kids and adults can enjoy open landscapes, views, and a sense of space away from towns.

Best Playgrounds in Malta for Kids

BOV Adventure Park Ta’ Qali: Best Playground in Malta for Kids (Picnic-Friendly)

If you are looking for a place where children can really run around and burn off energy, BOV Adventure Park in Ta’ Qali is an excellent choice. It is one of the largest children’s parks in Malta, divided into age-appropriate areas and equipped with a wide range of play elements. You will find modern climbing frames, swings, slides, rope elements, as well as quieter zones for rest. The park is spacious, well maintained, and forms part of a large green recreational area, making it a suitable place for both active play and relaxed family time.

During 2025, parts of the picnic areas in Ta’ Qali underwent modifications. Grass areas that had previously been commonly used for picnics were replaced with a hardened surface, and natural grass has not regenerated. Trees and shaded areas within the park have been preserved; however, the possibility of using the space beneath them for picnics on a blanket has changed. In the summer months, grass in Malta generally dries out naturally, meaning that most parks offer either dry soil, artificial grass, or soft safety surfaces. If you are planning a picnic with a blanket, it is advisable to take this into account and choose your location according to the time of day and availability of shade.

In addition to classic play areas for smaller children, you’ll also find simpler rope obstacles and low-level adventure elements that appeal to older siblings too. The park sits within a larger recreational area with walking paths, lawns, toilets and refreshments. Nearby you’ll also find Ta’ Qali Crafts Village and the Malta Aviation Museum, so you can plan a longer stop or even a full-day outing.

In summer (roughly June to mid-September), I recommend coming after 5 pm, when the play equipment is no longer so hot from the sun. During the day, surfaces of slides and climbing frames can get genuinely scorching, and children could easily burn their skin.

St Anne Park Marsaskala: Best Playground in the South of Malta (Animals + Play Zones)

One of the largest and best-equipped urban playgrounds in the south of Malta is in Marsaskala, in St. Anne Park. This green park is safely separated from traffic and divided by age groups, so both toddlers and school children can enjoy it.

There are modern climbing structures, swings, slides, rope obstacles, small sports areas, and plenty of places to sit. There’s also a small animal corner where children can observe domestic animals, and an outdoor fitness zone for adults.

In summer, I recommend arriving after 5 pm, when the equipment is less hot. Thanks to public lighting, you can spend time here even later in the evening. It’s an ideal destination if you’re staying in the southern part of the island or planning a trip to Marsaskala.

This article has a loose continuation where I go into the practical questions every parent deals with when travelling with kids – how to get around Malta, where to stay, what and where to eat, and what weather to expect across different seasons.

FAQ – Malta with Kids