It was so exciting to finally make it to Christmas this year. My daughter and I had been sick with stomach flu for a week in early December, and I had knee surgery in October, so I was really looking forward to a break.
As a result, it was really disappointing when I fell ill with the flu as soon as we landed in Malta the day before Christmas. So much time, money and planning goes into trips overseas that when something like the flu comes along and ruins it, it’s a bitter pill to swallow.
Being at home is easier because you have your usual doctor and pharmacies nearby. When overseas, you are at the mercy of hotel staff, unusual local pharmacy opening hours and even the worry of possibly needing a local hospital.
This trip made me realise the importance of always carrying a supply of basic medicines. I usually do, but prior to this trip, I was so busy with wrapping presents and Christmas parties that I had not brought even basic flu meds.
Luckily my friend who lives in Malta recommended that I go to Browns Pharmacy. After a course of flu pills that did not work, she told me I could see a doctor at any local pharmacy and they could prescribe me antibiotics. I discovered many pharmacy’s have a doctor but only at limited times. Browns in Mosta at 41 Constitution Street has a walk in service so I was able to stay in line, pay €30 to see the doctor who then prescribed me antibiotics called Augmentin. Everyone in Malta speaks English, it’s actually their main language in school and this is an added bonus when getting around, seeing doctors, and calling pharmacies.
It’s not really a big issue if it’s just yourself holed up in a room, but it’s ten times worse when you have a kid to entertain. If you are a single parent, the only thing you can do is try to keep your child away from your germs, take medicine and find a local babysitter.
I managed to find a recommended babysitter who took my daughter to Esplora, an interactive science museum for kids. It provided my daughter with enough entertainment for a day and was well worth the €20 entrance fee for one adult and one child.
Once I recovered a few days later, I was pleased I had booked the Village Boutique and Spa in Naxxar, which had an indoor pool. The winter weather in Malta is too cold to make the outdoor pools inviting. We went swimming nightly in the indoor pool.
We had missed the famous Christmas market at the Palazzo Parisio in Naxxar, but we wandered in the beautiful gardens and even picked some delicious oranges.
Fairyland Malta
The first all-day activity we did was visit Fairyland Malta, a fun fair in Valletta from 6 December to 5 January. On the way over, I had read about Fairyland in the KM Malta inflight magazine, and it did not disappoint.
The Christmas fair is substantial, with lots of lights, rides and atmosphere. The entire area of Santa’s City is based around the iconic Triton Fountain. It has little shops selling foods, games for children and ride tickets. Santa’s City starts at the entrance to Valletta. Ski-like huts sell popcorn, honey rings (qaghaq tal—ghasel), and other light snacks and trinkets.
After a wonderful day, we took the bus back to our hotel in Naxxar, having purchased a €30 unlimited seven-day bus pass for an adult and child at the airport. This turned out to be a poor decision, as paying per ride would have been cheaper and the bus routes were often inconvenient. Although the bus worked well for our trip to the fun fair, Uber proved to be a more reasonable and safer option for getting around the island, especially since walking is not feasible due to the lack of pavements and dangerous driving conditions, making it unsuitable to walk with a young child.
After the second day of enjoying the fun fair, we walked down the pedestrian walkway in Valletta, past many lovely bars and restaurants and caught the ferry to Sliema. The ferry ride was beautiful at night, with sparkling lights surrounding us. We ate at La Vida, a delicious tapas place with a good expat crowd.
The next day we set off to Popeye Village, Mellieha. This was built as a film set for the 1980 Musical Production ‘Popeye’. They kept the set post production and it’s now a theme park. I can see why it’s one of the major tourist attractions in Malta because of its unique location and theme. Included in the €27 for us both was popcorn for us in the movie theatre that shows original Popeye movies with Robin Williams, a photo with Santa and his reindeer, a crafted Elf cookie, a postcard of the village and a mulled wine for me.
That’s not to mention the puppet show and the family Christmas dance, the mini golf and other special events. It is a fraction of the cost of a day at disneyland with as much entertainment for kids all day. In the summer they even have a little beach where kids can take a dip in the crystal clear water.
At the end of the day, we were exhausted from walking in and out of all the houses in the village and up and down the venue. We walked along the cliff top with friends to watch the spectacular sunset. Mellieha is known to be a good spot on the island to watch the sunset.
The following day we went to the outstanding Mosta Church. We had already gone to Naxxar church on Christmas and the Saint Johns church in Valletta so by this point my daughter was churched out, but I am still blown away by them.
Other unusual kids’ activities I found online included Alpaca walks on a nearby island, Gozo, a Gootopia slime workshop, and the Malta Aquarium. Adults would enjoy the Blue Grotto, the Sunday Market at Marsaxlokk fishing village, the Knights of Malta Museum, and lots of boating and other activities.
On our last afternoon, we met with friends at White Rocks Beach, Bahar ic-Caghaq. There are several venues for lunch and drinks, but the nicest one is Las Palmas Gormet restaurant. It’s on the sea and has lovely outdoor furnishings.
The Pub on Archbishop Street, where Oliver Reed, the actor from the Ridley Scott movie Gladiator, had a heart attack, is always packed and still going strong.
Overall Malta has no shortage of things to do and it is different depending on the time of year you visit.
Frequently Asked Questions about Malta with kids
Is Malta a Family-Friendly Travel Destination?
Absolutely! Malta is incredibly family-friendly, and for good reason. This island nation offers a mix of historical landmarks, natural attractions, and family-oriented activities. Whether you’re looking for interactive museums, pristine beaches, or adventurous outdoor excursions, Malta has something for all ages.
Not to mention, Maltese people are known for being welcoming and kind, especially to families with kids and English is practically spoken everywhere. Don’t be surprised if a local waiter helps entertain your toddler at dinner or a fellow beachgoer strikes up a friendly chat.
Pro Tip: Many of Malta’s attractions—like the Popeye Village and the Malta National Aquarium—are designed with families in mind!
What’s the Best Time of Year to Visit Malta with Kids?
The best time to visit Malta with kids is during the spring (March to May) or fall (September to November). During these months, the weather is pleasant, attractions are less crowded, and you won’t have to face the scorching heat of summer. Plus, flights and accommodations are often more affordable outside of the high summer season.
If you’re traveling during the summer months (June to August), be prepared for hotter days. Plan for early morning or late afternoon outings and make good use of Malta’s beautiful beaches to cool off.
What to Pack for Malta? You’ll find our Ultimate Packing List for Family Travel handy for planning your trip! Don’t forget sunscreen, hats, water bottles, and comfortable walking shoes for everyone.
What Are the Must-See Attractions for Families in Malta?
There’s just SO much for families to experience in Malta—it’s tough to pick just a few! Some top family-friendly Malta attractions include:
Popeye Village: Originally a film set for the 1980 movie “Popeye,” this whimsical village is now an interactive family attraction. Kids can explore play areas, meet “Popeye” characters, and even enjoy splash pools.
Malta National Aquarium: Located in St. Paul’s Bay, this aquarium is a hit with kids who love marine life.
Blue Lagoon (Comino): Perfect for snorkeling, swimming, and beach days. Keep an eye on younger kids since it can get busy.
Mdina: Explore Malta’s magical “Silent City,” where kids can feel like they’ve entered a medieval fairytale.
Adventure Parks: Check out Playmobil FunPark or one of Malta’s outdoor adventure playgrounds for a day of fun.
For more ideas, check out our Family Attractions in Malta guide!
What Food Options Are Available for Kids in Malta?
The food in Malta is delicious, and you’ll find significant variety to satisfy even the pickiest of eaters. Traditional dishes like pastizz (savory pastry filled with ricotta or peas) and ftira (Maltese bread sandwiches) are great for on-the-go snacks. Many family-friendly restaurants offer kids’ menus with pasta, pizza, and chicken nuggets.
For dessert, treat your kids to traditional Maltese sweets like qarabaghli (honey rings) or artisanal gelato. And rest easy—supermarkets are well-stocked with familiar baby food and snacks for younger travelers.
Are Beaches Safe for Kids in Malta?
Yes, many of Malta’s beaches are safe and family-friendly, offering shallow waters and lifeguard supervision during the high season. Sandy beaches like Golden Bay, Mellieha Bay, and Pretty Bay are especially popular for families.
Pro Tip: Mellieha Bay, with its wide stretch of soft sand and calm waves, is often considered the best beach for kids. Pack sand toys, snacks, and extra towels for a full day of seaside fun.
Want to avoid the midday heat? Hit the beach early in the morning or after 3 PM.
