Family Activities to Enjoy This Summer
School’s out for summer. Malta might be a small island but there’s plenty of family fun to be had this summer. There are still around ten weeks of summer holidays left to go. As a kid, that probably sounds like the best thing ever! On the other hand, as a parent, it might sound a little less exciting. Of course, there are days when it will be too hot to do anything and you and your kids will probably want to chill under the AC, in front of the TV. However, this will quickly get boring! Take some advice from Frank Turner, ‘get up and get down and get outside, cause it’s a lovely sunny day’. If you’re stuck for ideas, have a look at our list of family activities to enjoy in Malta this summer:
Popeye Village
Popeye Village in Mellieha is a great day out for the whole family. If you haven’t yet visited this famous film set, what are you waiting for? The summer package includes entrance to the film set and cinema, use of the pool and the mini golf course, a boat ride and much, much more. In September, the price is slightly less than it is in July and August. Popeye Village is open every day throughout the week. After a day at Popeye Village, you could always take a dip at Anchor Bay to cool off before heading home.
Splash and Fun
Want a way to cool off that’s more fun than swimming at the beach? Go to Splash and Fun. Like Popeye Village, Splash and Fun is open every day from Monday to Sunday. Your kids will love the water slides and the other attractions. There are various pools and a ‘lazy river’, and it also looks like a rollercoaster is being built there. Watch this space!
Picnic at Buskett Gardens
Pack a picnic and take the family to Buskett Gardens. To avoid the midday heat, you could go for brunch or a late lunch. The picnic area is shaded and filled with tables. Along with some yummy food and lots of water, don’t forget to pack something fun. A badminton set or a frisbee will keep the kids entertained for a while.
Girgenti Farm
Girgenti is a private farm in Siggiewi. They organise awesome events all throughout the year, which are aimed at entertaining and educating children. You can see from all the glowing reviews how much people love this place. Your kids can see well-cared for horses, pigs, chickens, sheep and more. Follow them on Facebook to see what’s going on. Girgenti Farm is also well-known for its fantastic kids’ parties, which you’ll need to make a booking for.
Visit the Aquarium
Another place where children can see and learn about wildlife is the Malta National Aquarium. Throughout the day, there are various talks and they put the schedule up on their website. At the aquarium, you can see and learn more about sharks, jellyfish, coral and more. They also have feeding sessions which are cool to watch.
Esplora Interactive Science Centre
This is the newest attraction on the list, and it’s become a serious hit! A day at Esplora is sure to be a hands-on day of fun and learning. The interactive centre is open every day except Mondays and there’s also a café here. They run many interesting workshops and science shows which you can go to. For a full schedule and to book a place, see their website.
Voluntary dog walking at Noah’s Ark Sanctuary
Noah’s Ark is a sanctuary for dogs, located in Mellieha. Visitors are welcome every morning throughout the week. You can bring some treats or some toys with you (perhaps you can ask the shelter what they’re in need of) and also make a donation, if you can. While you’re there, your kids can learn more about caring for abandoned animals and take some of the pups out for a nice walk.
Kids events at Diar il-Bniet
This unique venue in Dingli run a fantastic summer programme for kids. The Diar il-Bniet summer club is for kids aged between 6 and 12 years of age. There’s something different on every weekday morning, and the sessions start at 9am and finish at 12pm. Activities include fruit picking, farm crafts, flower planting, cookie baking and various other cookery classes (how to make burgers, salads, pizzas and cupcakes). The schedule is up on their website and make sure you book your kid’s place asap!
Village Festas
These traditional events are loved by the whole family, and the whole community. Take your kids to your local festa to enjoy the fireworks, the food stalls and the celebratory atmosphere. If your local feast has already been and gone, fear not! Festas are celebrated all over Malta at different weekends throughout the summer.
Go to the Movies
Sick of scrolling through Netflix? Turn off the TV and go to the movies. Popcorn, pick n mix, fizzy drinks and a big screen – what is there not to love? A trip to the movies is always fun for the whole family. There are tons of great movies coming out this summer, including the live-action remakes of The Lion King and Aladdin. In addition, your kids are sure to enjoy watching Toy Story 4, Detective Pikachu or Angry Birds 2. If you want to make a whole day of it, why not go to the bowling alley for a game before or afterwards.
If you do actually feel like a day at home, your kids don’t have to spend the whole time staring at a screen. You could have fun in the kitchen together, making ice cream or ice lollies, or even homemade pizza for dinner. Your kids will love choosing their own flavours and toppings. You could also play board games or card games, or perhaps pot some plants together on your balcony. Your imagination is the limit!