Keep your kids happy and active at these great spots for the young and young-at-heart.
Splash & Fun Water Park
Buskett Gardens
Malta may not be known for its green spaces, but Buskett Gardens is a real haven for children and adults alike. Tree climbing, chasing frogs in little streams, or simply following one of the many green trails: there’s no lack of fun activities to do in this woodland, situated on the outskirts of Rabat. You can even find a quiet spot, roll out the picnic rug and enjoy a cool drink while your children are busy exploring.
Esplora Interactive Science Centre
Inspire your children and spark their imaginations at Esplora in Kalkara, located in the south of the island near the three cities. Over 200 interactive exhibits, hands-on workshops and mind-blowing science shows are the order of the day. They can even make their own stop-motion animation and have it sent to an email address: a fantastic keepsake for a fantastic day. Make sure they don’t miss the planetarium, where they can experience what it’s really like to live on an International Space Station.
Malta National Aquarium
Let your child discover Malta’s underwater world at the Malta National Aquarium in Qawra. Divided into zones representing the seas around the Maltese Islands, the Aquarium is home to several species, including sharks, sting rays and eels. The building is shaped like a starfish, with a children’s play area right outside, on the promenade.
Mediterraneo Marine Park
Do your kids dream about swimming with dolphins? They can at Mediterraneo Marine Park in Bahar ic-Caghaq, about 10 minutes’ drive from the touristic centre of St Julian’s. Shows involving sea lions, exotic parrots and reptiles can also be enjoyed, and your little ones can also feed the turtles by the water pond and the birds in their aviary.
Splash & Fun Water Park
Located right next door to Mediterraneo, Splash & Fun is Malta’s only water park, offering some exhilarating rides down their coiled slides. Younger kids can enjoy the children’s pool or glide down the ‘Lazy River’, while teenagers can hurtle down the ‘Sidewinder’ and the ‘Kamikaze’. Animators dressed up as favourite cartoon characters also make sure there’s never a dull moment.
Popeye’s Village
Your kids may be too young to have enjoyed the Robin Williams’ ‘Popeye’ movie, but this village, built as the set for the film, will have them immersed in a different world (and, hopefully, eating their spinach). The streets are lined with colourful wooden houses, their nooks and crannies perfect for the more intrepid explorer. Other attractions include boat rides, a jump-around complex and water trampolines. There’s also a variety of food outlets which make sure you don’t go hungry.
Dreams of Horses Farm
If your kids love animals (and not just Peppa Pig), be sure to make the trip to Gozo and visit the Dream of Horses farm, located in Xaghra on Malta’s sister isle. A truly magical place where children can learn more about our four-legged friends, the farm is set within Gozo’s lush countryside. It offers experiences you and your family will never forget, such as enjoying a day on a real working farm, walking with ponies or a sunset carriage ride.