Mallorca with children
In addition to the diverse offers and family-friendly hotel facilities, the short flight time from Germany is also decisive for the fact that the island is ideal for families. It takes just under two and a half hours to reach the popular vacation destination.
Attractions and activities with children
In the following we would like to give you a few tips for excursions and present the most popular destinations for excursions and activities in a little more detail.
Boat trip with dolphin watching
Watching dolphins and whales in their natural habitat is not only incredibly exciting, but also makes you happy. The playful animals swim through the water at breathtaking speeds and are very curious by nature. The marine mammals often seek the proximity of the excursion boats, swim in the wake behind, play with the waves and jump full of exuberance in the air.
A boat trip with dolphins is certainly one of the most beautiful experiences that Mallorca has to offer and is guaranteed to remain in your memory for a long time. Experienced guides accompany the tours and provide you with interesting information about the life of dolphins in the Mediterranean Sea.
There are usually more than enough opportunities to take pictures of the dolphins, as the curious animals usually do not shy away from the excursion boats. Since the dolphins are wild animals, every excursion is different and it is not predictable when and how the dolphins will show themselves.
Nature conservation and respect for the local wildlife and their habitat is very important in Mallorca. The experienced guides of the dolphin boat tours are very knowledgeable about the habits of the marine mammals and will guide you to the best spots where the dolphins are most often found.
Book a tour in advance
Visit Marineland
Marineland amusement park is located in the southwest of Mallorca and is one of the most popular attractions for children on the island. Families with younger children also get a lot to do at Marineland amusement park. In addition to numerous spectacular shows with animals such as dolphins, parrots or sea lions, you can also admire other exotic creatures in the aquariums.
For many visitors, young and old, a trip to Marineland may be the first time in their lives they have the opportunity to see sharks, piranhas, turtles, pelicans, crocodiles and various tropical birds at close range.
The park has been designed with a large play area for children, with a pool to cool off in and a beach area. Thanks to the spacious restaurant area, your physical well-being is also taken care of.
Book tickets in advance
Visit Coves del Hams
The Hams Caves (Spanish: Coves del Hams) tell a special story and are a real insider tip for your Mallorca vacation. It is a story of beauty carved by the water into the volcanic rock of the island over many millions of years.
The stalactite cave was discovered in 1905 and now has a modern lighting system that makes the cave shine in all its glory and makes it accessible to visitors. A special highlight in the Coves del Hams is the design of the cave rooms with their unique effects that appeal to all the senses and take you into another world.
Go on a day trip to the Hams Caves together with your children on a journey of discovery through time and be surprised, which secrets the caves still hold for you. Your excursion through the caves will be accompanied by specially trained and well-informed guides, who know all kinds of exciting and interesting things to say.
Book tickets in advance
Catamaran trip
If you want to discover and experience Mallorca with children, a catamaran trip is a great recommendation. In this way, Mallorca with children can be discovered comfortably and without stress from the sea.
Catamarans can be found in almost every medium to large harbor. If you have a sailing license for catamarans, then you can rent a sailing catamaran for an exclusive, private trip. If you don't have a sailing license, then there is a possibility to rent the catamaran including skipper.
In addition, on large motor catamarans or sailing catamarans, guided tours of the island are offered, which you can join spontaneously.
The crew of these excursion boats is usually very child-friendly and some of them even have large panoramic windows below the water surface. This is the way to see the exciting underwater world on the way, without getting wet. Especially with small children there is hardly a simpler possibility to dive into the secrets of the ocean.
Book your tour in advance
Excursion with formula racing car
During the excursion with a formula racing car you will discover Mallorca from a completely new perspective. This unique outdoor activity will take you to the mountains of the Sierra de Tramuntana, where you can enjoy spectacular views, and many other exciting locations. This offer is one of the more unusual travel tips in this guide due to its uniqueness:
Your tour starts with a short briefing by a guide and then leads you from Paguera along the coast of CalviA and through the Sierra de Tramuntana. A first stop is in the exclusive Puerto Portals, followed by the capital Palma with its cathedral. From the Paseo Maritimo you will later head to the north coast towards Estellencs and Banyalbufar.
Book your tour in advance
Palma Aquarium
You may wonder what to do with children in Mallorca when the sun lets you down? In case of rain and bad weather there is no better destination than the Palma Aquarium in the capital of the island.
A sensational experience awaits you and your kids there, where you can experience the incredible marine habitats of the Balearic Islands. Experienced, child-friendly nature guides accompany you on your journey of discovery upon request. This way you will learn more about marine life and discover the secrets of the underwater world in a playful way.
The large roof garden of the Palma Aquarium is laid out like a jungle and is the second largest garden of its kind in all of Europe. Besides all kinds of sea animals you can also meet monkeys here. For a normal tour of the facility you should spend approx. Allow 3 to 4 hours.
Book tickets in advance
Aqualand El Arenal
Aqualand in El Arenal is the largest water park in Mallorca and is one of the best tips for a day trip during your Mallorca vacation with kids. On over 200.000 m² area, there are countless water slides, a wave pool, various water pools and an area especially for younger children to discover in Aqualand El Arenal.
But the Aqualand El Arenal (Aquacity) is more than just a fun pool. In addition to the water attractions, there is also a go-kart track, for example. Different restaurants and souvenir stores complete the offer.
Fun is guaranteed at this water park with its breathtaking water attractions and the day will definitely be one to remember for your kids. For families with children, Aqualand El Arenal is therefore a worthwhile excursion tip.
Book tickets in advance
Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour of Palma de Mallorca
Palma is the pearl of Mallorca and worth at least a short trip. To explore the island's capital, there's nothing better than the fun and kid-friendly Hop-On/Hop-Off bus tours that take you to the main tourist attractions. You can simply hop on and off the buses as you please, and enjoy the tour at your own pace.
You can leave the guidebook at home on the Hop-On/Hop-Off bus tour, because the strategic routes with their easily recognizable stops offer a perfect introduction to the city.
With the bus tour, you can sightsee, do a little shopping, grab a bite to eat, and just hop back on the bus whenever you want. Especially with small children this is very practical, because you don't have to adjust your pace to others and can take a break at any time, if it is just too much for the kids.
While you are on board, the audio commentaries on headphones offer entertainment and provide you with exciting background knowledge in different languages.
Book tickets in advance
Horseback riding
In Mallorca there are a lot of riding stables and riding clubs, which can also be found away from the tourist areas. They are among the lesser known attractions for children and some of them are open all year round, which makes them a real recommendation if it is not to be a pure beach vacation.
The child-friendly offer is not only for experienced riders, but also for absolute beginners and ranges from short rides to day rides to the beach or even several days of riding, including overnight stays in a monastery or in a tent.
Some horse farms offer horseback riding and training lessons as well as a whole hotel business in their own house. If you want to make your vacation with children in Mallorca a complete horseback riding vacation, you are at the right place.
Book tickets in advance
Snorkeling
For those who do not only want to lie in the sun during their beach vacation in Mallorca, but also want to be a bit active, snorkeling in the beautiful bays of the island is recommended.
Countless charming spots lure you with crystal clear water and invite you to discover the interesting underwater world. Children can learn how to use a mask and snorkel in no time at all, and from a minimum age of 8 years they can even make their first diving experiences as real scuba divers.
Families on a budget should remember to pack goggles and a snorkel when packing their suitcases. With your own snorkeling equipment you have a great activity that will enrich your beach vacation, and it's completely free of charge.
If you prefer to have a professional guide for you and your children, just contact one of the local diving schools. There are offered crash courses for snorkeling, from which not only the children benefit.
Tips for the best snorkeling spots are given free of charge by the experienced diving instructors. Guided snorkeling tours are also regularly offered by the diving schools.
Book a tour in advance
Hot air ballooning
Hot air balloon rides take place either at sunrise or sunset and thus during the most magical moments of the day. At these times the thermals are optimal and the view breathtaking. A hot air balloon ride is a truly unique way to discover the wonders of Mallorca's landscapes.
While the sun is low on the horizon, the coast and the Sierra de Tramuntana are bathed in spectacular colors and passengers have the opportunity to experience unique moments. This experience will undoubtedly be one of the highlights of your vacation. Children can usually go along with an adult.
While the balloon carries you to heights of up to 500 meters, you can see olive groves, sunflower fields and orange plantations or even catch a breathtaking view of the neighboring islands of Cabrera and Menorca.
Book a tour in advance
Sailing trip
Sailing is not only for adults: families and children can also enjoy a sailing adventure together. On the sailboat you can experience exciting and unforgettable vacation moments together with the whole family.
For groups with a little older children, a trip to Cabrera is recommended. A nature reserve with a great hiking trail to the lighthouse, which stands majestically on its hill, awaits you during the shore excursion. This is the perfect spot to watch an impressive sunset and take some great pictures.
Book a tour in advance
Hiking
Mallorca has a lot of mountains and valleys to offer besides sun, beach and sea. This gives you the opportunity to spice up your beach vacation with a little exercise. Hiking with children in Mallorca is a great option to have some exciting new experiences together in the beautiful nature of the island.
Getting the kids excited about hiking during a family vacation at the beach can sometimes prove to be a difficult hurdle to overcome. But whoever manages to motivate the kids will certainly be rewarded. Finally, there are a number of beautiful and easy walks that are ideal for hiking with children. The routes include varied sights for children, beaches and a lot of adventure.
How about, for example, the panoramic hike to Galilea, the coastal hike at Cala Mondrago or the waterfall walk at Salt des Freu?
Tour to Soller
The popular excursion destination has a picturesque harbor and stretches along an almost circular bay. Port de Soller is a great destination for day trips and as made for a vacation with children.
The harbor town offers a beautiful mountain panorama and its beaches entice you to take a relaxing break from everyday life. The beach here slopes very gently into the sea, so even the smallest members of the family can splash around and enjoy the water without any worries.
If you don't want to spend the whole vacation in Soller, but only plan a day trip, we recommend the tour in the "Red Lightning" from Palma to Soller. Especially for children, the one-hour ride on the historic train is a real highlight.
On the way, the route passes through a total of 13 tunnels and over various elevated bridges. From the train station in Port de Soller it is only a stone's throw to the ice cream factory "Sa FAbrica de Gelats. There are over 80 types of ice cream to try here, which is guaranteed to go down well with the kids.
Book a tour in advance
Visit the dragon cave (Coves del Drach)
Near Portocristo are the famous Cuevas del Drach, colloquially known as the Dragon Caves. It is the most famous cave system on the island and is on most vacationers' bucket list for a visit to Mallorca.
The stalactite cave can be visited all year round and is especially suitable for an excursion with children. At the end of the tour, all visitors take a seat in the auditorium, where the exploration of the Dragon's Cave is concluded with a small free concert.
The best thing is to book a boat tour that will take you through the underground system and to the different lakes. The cave is well illuminated with lights, which shows off the impressive stalactites to their best advantage.
Book a tour in advance
Visit the beach
A visit to the beach is free and one of the classic vacation activities in Mallorca. The island has hundreds of beaches and coves, but not all of them are equally suitable for children. Especially for small children should be very special requirements on the beach.
Platja de Muro beach is located in Mallorca's northeast and is a special recommendation for free activities for families with young children. The well-equipped 5.5 km long sandy beach between Alcúdia and Can Picafort is divided into four sectors.
It is always clean and well-maintained and impresses with its particularly fine sand. The entrance to the water is very shallow and offers plenty of room to play even for the smallest ones. The nearby pine grove also provides enough natural shade places.
Popular hotels for families
Mallorca offers a variety of child-friendly hotels. Theme hotels, such as the Pirates Village Hotels in Santa Ponsa or hotels that offer a waterslide park are particularly interesting.
Best time for a family vacation with children
Since temperatures can be very high in Mallorca in the summer, it is advisable to take Mallorca vacations with children in winter, autumn or spring. In the months of February, March and April the temperatures already rise to 20 °C – an optimal temperature for smaller excursions into nature or for a visit to one of the many entertainment parks.
In general, Mallorca is a year-round destination and offers the best conditions for a family vacation in the months of October and November as well as April and May. For most people it is still a bit too cool for swimming, but there is no better time for family excursions in Mallorca.
If you prefer a beach vacation, you should plan your vacation during the main tourist season from June to September. In this time the maximum temperatures are between 30 and 40 degrees.
Where to go with children in Mallorca?
Popular places for vacation with children are seaside resorts, such as Cala Millor, Alcudia and Sa Coma. But also the capital Palma de Mallorca has many attractions to offer for children. Which place is best for an extended family vacation, which place is ideal for a short vacation and whether you prefer to go to the north, south or east on vacation with children, you can find out here:
Palma de Mallorca
Palma de Mallorca is an ideal destination for a short holiday. From here you can reach the whole island quickly and there are many attractions for children.
The pretty old town, with its stately shopping street Passeig del Born, the idyllic alleys and beautiful squares, as well as the historic cathedral, is in large parts designated as a pedestrian zone and thus safe and easy to explore even with children.
Cala Millor
Cala Millor is an ideal destination for a beach vacation in the east of Mallorca. The two kilometers long beach with the boulevard behind it has a good infrastructure and is very child friendly.
The caves of Porto Christo, the fairy tale museum ArtartA or a hike on the peninsula Punta de n'Amer are ideal destinations for a day trip.
Alcudia
Alcudia is located in the north of Mallorca and is a great destination for vacations with children. Here are some of the best beaches in Mallorca and there is plenty of space for children to play or build sandcastles. The water is not particularly deep and slopes only slowly: ideal conditions for families with small children.
If it should be a little more action, then in Alcudia the water park Hidropark waits for you. It is open all summer long and is very family friendly.
Sa Coma
Sa Coma is located in the east of Mallorca and is still a fairly young resort, very close to the much better known Cala Millor. The town is lined with numerous small and large hotels, vacation villas and bungalows and offers various nightlife options.
The main attraction of Sa Coma is the kilometer-long, flat sandy beach, which is known for its excellent water quality and is ideal for families with children.
A vacation with children may not be the first thing that comes to mind for many when they think of the Balearic Islands. Mallorca is the favorite island of the Germans, but the famous tourist resorts of El Arenal and Ballermann seem at first rather contradictory to a vacation with children. But far from it! Mallorca convinces with a whole range of attractive vacation options and exciting attractions for children of all ages.
From beach vacations in the east, with a family excursion into nature and hikes in the mountains or one of the nature parks, to adventurous day trips in the exciting animal and water parks of the island: vacations with children in Mallorca are an unforgettable experience and perfectly suitable for teenagers as well as for families with small children.