Summer fun in Malta with family
Last year we escaped the sweltering temperatures in Dubai and travelled to Malta with our three year old. Traveling with children can be challenging if you don't have an itinerary planned to engage their curious mind and to provide them an outlet to burn off their energy. We definitely wanted to enjoy the outdoors for the four weeks we were going to be in Malta. Apart from the many sandy beaches there are a number of amusement spots to tickle the little ones pink. These are some of the things we enjoyed whilst our stay there.
Mostly outdoors fun with a bit of indoors too when we needed to take a break from the sun.
1. Popeye Village: An amusement park for kids and adults. A place for the whole family to enjoy. You can either get a sun bed by the bay or you can perch yourself with the kids on the pool deck area. We nestled ourselves on one of the gazebos in the pool deck area while our son enjoyed the water slides in the baby pool.
You can take up a water challenge on the inflatable water slides on the bay or just stroll through the various small huts in the village and travel back in time to celebrate the making of Popeye that was filmed here and hence the name. Other things included in the ticket price is a boat trip around the bay and access to jungle gym for kids on your way out.
2. Playmobil Funpark: Located a bit further away from the airport this place is sure to keep the curious minds busy at work. They have both indoor and outdoor play area for children aged 2-8 years. The indoor play area has many different stations to build and construct with Playmobil and the outdoor area offers many opportunities for free movement.
3. Mdina: Best enjoyed in cooler temperatures at dusk in the company of little troopers. The view of the sun setting over the island that splits the sky into myriad of colors is breathtaking. The panoramic view can be enjoyed from either the view point or from the balcony of Fontanella Café during tea time. Explore the narrow alleys of this ancient city also known as the Silent city and travel back in time.
4. Petting Farm: The petting farm is located in Ta'Qali and is not very far from Mdina. You can fit both in a day if you are pressed on time. Just make sure to carry ample of change preferably 20 cents coins as you will be vending out food for the animals from the vending machines.
5. Buskett Gardens: Nature trails at Buskett gardens can be a fun way of exploring the surroundings with the curious minds. Make sure to carry a bug repellent.
6. Barraka Gardens: Followed by a brief history about the place at 4.00 p.m every evening there is a ceremony of firing the canon held to keep the old tradition alive. You can enjoy the panoramic views of the Grand Harbour or just simply grab a gelato at a kiosk and enjoy the shade in the garden.
7. Valetta: Explore the European Capital of Culture 2018 on a horse carriage, by foot or a train ride. Valetta is a place with abundant history. Every block has a story that dates many centuries ago. Walk through this ancient city where once the knights walked in their shining armors. The pavements with low lying steps were especially designed for the horses that were used by the knights to get around the city. Valetta is truly a timeless city with its many historical buildings, churches, cafes and open squares.
8. Malta National Aquarium: Buggiba is the most upcoming tourist spot of Malta. There are plenty of things along the Buggiba promenade to keep the busy bees occupied. We spent the afternoon at the Aquarium and wound up in the evening at the play area outside the aquarium. There is also a lovely restaurant at the aquarium overlooking the sea serving kids menu.
9. Bird park: Located at Salina bay this place is a best bet to beat the heat. Take plenty of bread with you to feed the ducks, peacocks and flamingos that are free to wander. Bird Park houses many more species including the Nocturnal bird of prey, the Owl.
10. Beach Clubs: There are plenty of beach clubs in Malta that cater to families. Our favorite pick was Cafe Del Mar in Buggiba with an infinity pool for kids overlooking the mesmerizing Mediterranean sea.
11. Sliema: Take a leisure stroll on the Sliema front with your family. This is a perfect place for children to scoot away on their scooters along the promenade that stretches from Balutta to Gzira. You can spot many Luzzu (colourful Maltese fishing boats with an eye of Osiris that is believed to drive away bad luck) on Balutta bay. Make a pit stop at the many open outdoor spaces with climbing frames, slides and swings on your stroll or if you are up for some real fishing activities with your kids then head to the many shops along the Sliema front that sell fishing nets for kids. Head straight down to surf side and join the many locals in this fun activity.
12. Munchies Café, Melleiha Bay: Munchies Café at Melleiha bay is a secret spot hidden away from the tourists and is quite popular amongst the locals. This part of the beach is more calmer as it is less crowded and the café dishes out some good pool menu. Don't forget to order your Slush Puppie while you are on the beach.
13. Splash and fun Waterpark: Water! Water!! Water!! the name Splash and fun says it all. This is an entertainment and amusement park for the whole family. Water slides for all ages starting age 2 onwards. If you are in for some water adventure this is the place for you.
This was my fifth visit to Malta but the first time with my son and exploring through his eyes made my trip even more special. Can't get enough of Malta and its so ever welcoming people who make me want to keep coming back for more.