Malta works well for families. The island is small, the sea is warm for much of the year, and many of the best things to do for children are either free or cheap. The short answer: pick a sandy beach in summer, keep a couple of indoor options for rainy days, use the free parks, and plan around the midday heat. This guide shows you how, with prices and times we could check at the source in November 2026.
Prices and times change, check the official site before you go.
Is Malta a good destination for kids?
Yes, with a few small warnings. Distances are short, so even a trip with a toddler rarely means more than 45 minutes in a car or bus. Most coastline is rock rather than sand, though, and summer afternoons are hot. If you plan around those two things, Malta is easy and relaxed. For a wider look at when to come, see our best time to visit Malta guide.
Best sandy beaches for children
Sand is the key word. Much of Malta is rocky, so choose your beach carefully if you have little ones.
Ghadira Bay, Mellieha
This is the easiest choice for young children. Ghadira Bay has about 800 metres of soft sand, and the water stays shallow for a long way out. There are showers, toilets, kiosks and sunbed rental, and parking nearby is free, though it fills up on summer weekends.
Golden Bay
Golden Bay has wide, soft sand and a gently sloping seabed. It has almost no natural shade, so bring an umbrella, and arrive early in July and August because the car park fills fast. It can also be breezy in spring and autumn.
Paradise Bay
Paradise Bay is a small, pretty cove with calm water in summer. The catch is about 100 steps down from the car park, with no step-free route. That is hard work with a pushchair, so it suits families with older children better.
Want more options? Browse all our beaches in Malta.
Indoor attractions for rainy days and winter
Malta has a lot of sunshine, but winter brings showers, and the summer afternoons can be too hot for small children. Three indoor places are worth knowing. We also have a full list of things to do in Malta when it rains.
Malta National Aquarium, Qawra
The aquarium’s ticket page lists an all-day adult (13+) price of about 17.90 euro at the door and 16.90 online. Children aged 4 to 12 are about 11.90 at the door and 10.90 online. Children from 0 to 3 enter free but need a ticket from the desk, with proof of age. The site shows afternoon rates from 16:00. The official pages list slightly different opening hours, so check before you travel.
Esplora, Kalkara
Esplora is a hands-on science centre. The official price page lists adults (16+) at 12 euro and children and teens (3 to 15) at 10 euro. Ages 0 to 2 are free. Opening hours are Monday to Friday 9:00 to 15:00, and weekends and public holidays 10:00 to 17:00. Planetarium dome shows are free but space is limited.
National Museum of Archaeology, Valletta
Older children who like old objects will enjoy the National Museum of Archaeology. Heritage Malta lists prices from 21 November 2026 to 16 May 2027 as adults 8 euro, children 4 euro, and infants free. The children’s room was closed for refurbishment when we checked, so it is a short, calm visit rather than a play session.
Popeye Village
Popeye Village is a film set turned family attraction, with costumed characters, shows, mini golf and a small swimming area. Our own guide lists children (3 to 12) at about 12.50 euro in the low season and 16 euro in summer, with opening hours that shift by season. Because these figures change, confirm them on the official Popeye Village website before you go.
Free parks and playgrounds
If the budget is tight, Malta’s parks are a gift. All of these are free to enter, and our family parks and gardens section covers more.
- Ta’ Qali National Park has an adventure play area with a separate toddler zone with soft flooring, plus space for bikes and scooters.
- Sant’Antnin Family Park in Marsaskala has an enclosed toddler zone, bigger slides and nets for older kids, a sand play area, toilets and free parking.
- San Anton Gardens in Attard has flat, pushchair-friendly paths, with ducks, turtles and peacocks. Go before 10am for the quietest visit.
One to treat with care: Majjistral Nature and History Park has rocky, uneven paths and cliffs, so it is not suitable for prams and young children need close supervision.
Getting around with children
Buses
Malta Public Transport says children under 4 travel free. A day-route single journey costs 2.00 euro in winter (18 October 2026 to 12 June 2027) and 2.50 euro in summer, valid for 2 hours with free transfers. For ages 4 to 10, an Explore Child card costs 7 euro for 7 days of unlimited day and night route travel. More detail in our Tallinja card and bus guide.
Gozo ferry
The crossing to Gozo takes about 25 minutes, which suits children. Gozo Channel lists children aged 3 to 12 at 1.15 euro, and infants aged 0 to 2 need a free infant ticket from the Gozo ticket booths. The adult passenger fare is 4.65 euro. See our Gozo day trip guide for a plan.
Car seats and hire cars
Transport Malta says children under 3 must use a restraint suitable for their weight, and rear-facing up to 15 months. Children aged 3 to 12 also need a suitable restraint, and a child between 135 and 150 cm sitting in the front must use one. Whether taxis have exemptions is not clear from the official page, so ask your taxi or hire company when you book. Our car hire and driving tips cover the left-hand traffic.
Staying safe in the heat
Malta’s Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Directorate advises offering children water often, even before they ask, and avoiding the hottest part of the day, 11am to 4pm. Use shade, light clothing, a wide-brimmed hat and high-factor sunscreen applied about 30 minutes before going out. Never leave a child alone in a car. If a child seems confused or faints, call 112. Check the Malta this week page for current weather and sea conditions.
A simple plan for a family week
In summer, spend mornings at a sandy beach, rest indoors at lunchtime, and go to a park or the ferry in the late afternoon. In winter, mix one indoor attraction with one park or short outing each day, and keep one day free for a Gozo trip if the weather is kind. Choosing a base near buses and a sandy beach helps, and our guide on where to stay in Malta compares the areas.
Malta with kids: FAQ
Is Malta safe for children?
Malta is generally relaxed and family friendly. The main risks are heat, sun and rocky coastline, so watch children near cliffs and at the water’s edge, and keep them hydrated.
What is the best age to take kids to Malta?
Any age works if you choose the right activities. Babies and toddlers do well at sandy beaches and flat parks, while children aged 6 and over can enjoy Esplora, boat trips and museums.
Do children need their own bus ticket?
Children under 4 travel free on Malta’s buses. Children aged 4 to 10 can use the Explore Child card for unlimited travel, or pay the normal single fare.
Which beach is best for toddlers?
Ghadira Bay is usually the best pick, thanks to its soft sand and shallow water. It also has toilets, showers and kiosks nearby.
Summary
For a happy family trip to Malta, choose sandy beaches like Ghadira Bay and Golden Bay, keep Esplora and the Aquarium for hot or wet days, use the free parks, and check prices at the official sites before you go. The island is small enough that you can change your plan easily if the weather or your kids’ mood changes.
Planning further ahead? Read our kids’ venues guide and our airport to Valletta transfer guide.