As a family man, when it comes to planning our holidays, I look for somewhere with a wide range of activities for the whole family to enjoy, and the more options available, the better.
Can you guess my favourite place? It’s my homeland, of course, Mallorca. If you’re looking for sprawling, well-serviced beaches, comfortable hotels to stay in, top attractions, leisure spaces and options for family fun, even when it’s raining, then think no further than Mallorca; it’s the perfect choice for a truly enjoyable family break.
Family accommodation in Mallorca
When you’re planning your holiday or that much-needed break, you need to find a hotel where your kids can feel at home (and where mum and dad can relax!). There is, of course, lots of choice, ranging from small, family-run hotels to those within a theme park. Here are a couple of suggestions, both of which I’ve enjoyed with the family:
Things to do as a family in Mallorca
Let’s start with an adventure that both kids and adults will enjoy. How would you like to take a journey into the past on a train and a tram constructed at the beginning of the 20th century? If you like the sound of this, then the Train to Sóller is sure to be a great option. It runs almost all year round (closed from December to February) and is a fun alternative to the beach.
If you travel to the east of the island, to Manacor to be precise, you can enjoy the underground experience of visiting the Hams Caves, a geological wonder with a history dating back millions of years; or if you prefer the giant creatures of the past, step into the world of dinosaurs at Dinosaurland.
We continue our journey of discovery of the best activities for children in Mallorca as we reach the town of Capdepera, where there’s a medieval castle; here, the younger ones will be taken back to the period of King James I who, from this very fortress, prepared for the conquest of Menorca, then in the hands of the Moors. The castle is open all year round, so there’s no excuse not to visit!
From Capdepera the town of Alcudia in just half an hour away. There’s lots to see, enjoy and discover here: culture, beaches and all the fun of a water park. For history lovers, we’d recommend a walk around the ancient city walls, taking the younger ones (and the not so young) back to a bygone age, as if they were keeping watch over these walls.
And as you’re on a stroll, make sure you pop in to helados Garrido, for one of the best ice creams to be had in Mallorca. A real treat!
Now it’s time to get in the car and go to the Sa Bassa Blanca museum, a wonderful space dedicated to art, nature and architecture. Just wait for the look on your children’s faces as they walk around a giant kraken (a legendary sea monster) in the natural setting!
Weather permitting, a family holiday in Mallorca obviously has to include the beach. Of the dozens of stunning coves that make the island such a natural paradise, we recommend visiting Playa de Muro, ranking among the best in the world in 2023. Over seven kilometres of fine sands, crystal-clear waters and all the facilities required for families. If you feel like exploring more sun & sand options, you can read our article on the 10 beaches in Mallorca to enjoy as a family.
If you prefer a water park, then there are three that I would suggest, open May to October:
- HidroPark in Alcudia
- Western Water Park in Calvià
- Aqualand El Arenal in Lluchmajor
What to do in Mallorca as a family when it rains
Don’t worry if you wake up to grey skies; there are also some interesting things to do with the kids when the sun is nowhere to be seen.
My first suggestion would be Palma Aquarium. An ideal indoor activity that’s a fun way of learning about the seas, the oceans and all the creatures that inhabit them. The aquarium actually plays an important role in raising awareness of marine habitats, as well as in protecting and preserving them.
Another great experience to enjoy as a family is everything that Caixaforum Palma has to offer. This comprehensive cultural centre has a huge range of activities and exhibitions for the whole family. I’ve taken my children to a few exhibitions there and it’s amazing how captivating they find it and how it introduces them to culture. A couple of examples: a journey through the Ice Age, featuring a spectacular mammoth fossil, and an introduction to modernism through artists such as the Catalan painter Anglada Camarasa.
And if you’re looking for a fun way for the young and not so young to discover the history of Mallorca, feel free to visit my site Pekesmallorca, where you’ll find loads of options for discovering the island from a different perspective, always with families in mind.
So, as you can see, Mallorca is a destination with lots of year-round activities for children to enjoy. Come and try them out; I’m sure you’ll want to come back again and again!
