Mallorca with children - The ultimate guide for families ( 2025)

1. safety & infrastructure:

1. Mallorca is Europe's safest holiday destination for families
2. Modern hospitals, German and English-speaking doctors and pharmacies with good service
3. Very good infrastructure with safe roads and clear signposting
4. Supermarkets and drugstores are widely available and also stock well-known brand products

2. family hotels with all-round service:

3. excursions for all weathers & ages:

Whether it's summer heat or April showers - boredom? Impossible!

Top activities in the rain:

• Katmandu Park: Europe's largest indoor playground with 4D cinema (from 3 years).
• Palma Aquarium: shark feedings at 11am & 3pm (children under 5 free).
• Historic trains ("Red Lightning") through the Serra de Tramuntana.

Outdoor highlights in summer:

• Playa de Muro: Shallow water beach with free play equipment.
• Cap de Formentor: Easy hike with donkey trail (reward: ice cream parlour at the summit).

4. 300 days of sunshine:

Unlike Greece or Turkey, Mallorca still enjoys a pleasant, albeit increasing, summer heat - with average temperatures of around 30°C in July and August, coupled with a light sea breeze to cool things down a little. In winter, temperatures are a mild 15 to 18°C, making the island an attractive destination for hiking and outdoor activities even in the low season.

5. short journey - no jet lag:

• Flight time from Germany: 2-2.5 hours (no stress for small children).
• Transfer time to the hotel: max. 1 hour - all major resorts are close to Palma airport.
• Car hire tip: Book with SunCars - the only agency with free child seats.

6. food that also tastes good to children:

Mallorca's cuisine is child-friendly and healthy!

• Typical dishes: "Pa amb oli" (bread with oil & tomato), "ensaïmadas" (pastries).
• Supermarket tip: "Eroski" shops offer German products (Milupa, Hipp) at fair prices.

7. save money - here's how:

• Free activities: Museums offer free admission days, e.g. the Es Baluard Museum in Palma (Fridays from 4pm) or the Museu de Mallorca.
• In summer, Mallorca hosts many local folk festivals, concerts or markets, often with a children's programme - such as the "Sant Joan" festival in June or the "Fira del Ram" near Palma in spring.
• In many places there are beautiful, well-kept playgrounds - for example in Palma, Alcúdia or along the beach promenades. The Parc de la Mar below the cathedral in Palma is also a great place for families and is free of charge.
• Use the low season: Travelling in May, June or September is significantly cheaper than in high season - with usually pleasant weather and less hustle and bustle.

Spring (March-May): Sea of flowers & mild temperatures

Advantages:

• Weather: 18-23°C, ideal for outdoor activities without the heat.
• Nature: Almond blossom in March, orange-coloured fields in April.
• Prices: 30% cheaper than in summer (flight + hotel from €800 for 4 people).

Top activities:

• Easter processions in Pollença (traditional, but suitable for children).
• Cycle tour along the east coast (e.g. Cala Millor → Capdepera).

Summer (June-August): Beach, sun & action

Advantages:

• Water temperature: 24-26°C (perfect for small children).
• Events: open-air cinemas, fireworks in Palma (15 August).

Disadvantages:

• Prices: Up to 50% more expensive than in spring.
• Crowds: Overcrowded hotspots such as Alcúdia or El Arenal.

Survival tips for the summer:

• Beach times: Before 10am or after 5pm - the midday sun is too intense.
• Cool spots: Cova des Moro cave beach (shade guaranteed)

Autumn (September-November): Golden Mallorca

Advantages:

• Weather: 25-28°C in September, 20°C in November.
• Prices: Last-minute deals from €600 for 1 week.
• Nature: Grape harvest in October (child-friendly vineyards such as Bodega Ribas).

Caution:

• Rain: Increased chance of showers from the end of October.
• Attractions: Many attractions and tour operators go on their winter break in October.

Winter (December - February): Hiking & Christmas

Advantages:

• Temperatures: 15-18°C - ideal for active teenagers.
• Christmas markets & Christmas lights switch-on in Palma.
• Prices: All-inclusive hotels from €70/night.

Activities:

• Hike to the Salt des Freu waterfalls
• Palma Jump (indoor trampoline park).

1.the best beaches for children in summer

Playa de Muro - shallow water paradise

• Advantages:
  • Water level below 50 cm over a length of 100 metres.
  • Free play equipment (trampoline, swings).
  • Shady spots under pine trees.
• Tip: Park at the Ses Casetes car park - only 150 metres to the beach.

Cala Mesquida - pure nature

• For families looking for peace and quiet (no hotels, no water sports).
• Attention: no sanitary facilities - pack nappy-changing mats!

2. excursions in the summer heat

Water parks with shade

• 1st Aqualand El Arenal:
  • Cool-down: covered giant slide "Anaconda".
  • Price tip: Family and group tickets at reduced prices.
• 2nd Western Water Park:
  • For toddlers: separate baby pool with mini slides.

3. cave adventure

• Coves del Drach: 21°C inside - perfect at lunchtime.
• Cova des Moro: Hidden beach with natural cave (only accessible on foot).

4. family hotels with pool & air conditioning

5. survival guide for the midday heat

• 11 am to 4 pm: Siesta at the hotel
• Snack trick: buy frozen grapes in the supermarket - more refreshing than ice cream

6. summer events for families

• Fireworks "Festa de la Verge" (15 August in Palma) - safe distance at Passeig Marítim.
• Open-air cinema in Port d'Alcúdia (bring your own blankets & popcorn)
• Night markets in Artà (Thursdays) with live music & children's activities.

1. why Mallorca is ideal for families in winter

• Mild temperatures: 15-18°C - ideal for outdoor activities without the heat stress.
• Empty beaches: Stroll along Playa de Palma without the crowds.
• Price advantages: All-inclusive hotels from €70/night (instead of €250 in summer).

2. top winter activities with children

Christmas markets with fun for children

1. Christmas market in Palma (Passeig Sagrera)
   • Highlights for children:
     • Carousels & sweets: classic rides and churros stalls.
     • Workshops: Crafting Christmas decorations (often at the Es Baluard museum).
     • Live show: "Els Pastorets" (Catalan Christmas theatre for children).
   • Date: Usually from the end of November until 6 January.
2. Christmas market in Sóller (Plaça Constitució)
   • Children's highlights:
     • Wooden railway: mini steam train through the market.
     • Tió de Nadal: Catalan tradition ("knocking" on the Christmas log for sweets).
     • Nativity scene exhibition: With life-size figures in the historic train station.
   • Date: December to the beginning of January.
3. Mercat de Nadal in Alcúdia (old town)
   • Children's highlights:
     • Blacksmithing demonstrations: Children are allowed to make small metal works (under supervision).
     • Donkey rides: Traditional "burrito" rounds around the market.
     • Children's choir performances: Local school classes sing Christmas carols.
   • Date: Weekends in December.
4. Artà (Plaça del Conqueridor) - Especially family-friendly!
   • Children's highlights:
     • Christmas workshops: candle making, pottery or olive wood carving.
     • Nativity scene rally: puzzle game through the market with a small prize.
     • Catalan Father Christmas ("Papa Noel") with gift-giving on 24.12.

Easy hikes

• Cala Mondragó coastal walk
• Panoramic hike to Galilea

Adventure tours

• Fresopolis adventure farm

3. family hotels with winter charm

1st Alcudia - Flat beaches & historical flair

Highlights:

• Platja d'Alcúdia: 14 km of flat sandy beach with child-friendly water level (0.5-1 m).
• Attractions: Hidropark (water park), historic old town with knights' festivals.
• Hotels:
  • Iberostar Alcúdia Park (all-inclusive with baby club).
  • Aparthotel Clyma (self-catering flats).

2nd Port de Pollenca - tranquillity & water sports

Highlights:

• Teenagers: windsurfing, learning to sail.
• Toddlers: Cala Sant Vicenç - small, sheltered bay.
• Hotels:
  • Hotel Illa d'Or (right on the beach, family room with sea view).
  • Finca Es Raiguer (rural idyll with pool, 10 min. to the sea).

3. Playa de Muro - sandy beach paradise

Highlights:

• Playa de Muro: Shallow water beach with free play equipment (trampoline, swings).
• Nature parks: S'Albufera (bike tours & bird watching).
• Hotels:
  • Protur Safari Park (entertainment programme, 3 pools).
  • Viva Blue & Splash (water slides, children's disco).

4 Cala d'Or - Small bays & safety

Why Cala d'Or?

• Coves: Cala Gran, Cala Ferrera - sheltered, hardly any waves.
• Pedestrianised area: Car-free promenade with ice cream shops.
• Hotels:
  • Barceló Ponent Playa (children's buffet, baby care).
  • Finca Serena (private pool, 5 min. to the beach).

5. Palma - culture & variety

Suitable for families?

• Yes, but: Ideal for short trips or teenagers, less so for small children.
• Pedestrian zone: Car-free promenade with ice cream shops.
• Top activities:
  • Palma Aquarium (Europe's deepest shark tank).
  • Katmandu Park (indoor playground when it rains).
• Hotels:
  • Hotel Palma Bellver (central location, family suite).
  • Sant Francesc Hotel (luxury with baby concierge).

1. all-inclusive hotels - all-round carefree holidays

Iberostar Selection Playa de Palma

• Highlights:
  • Baby equipment (bottle warmer, pushchair)
  • Free childcare (1-12 years)
  • 4 pools, 2 of which are heated (even in winter!)
• Price example: 7 days in August: €2,300 for 2 adults + 2 children

Protur Biomar Sens Hotel (Sa Coma)

• Eco-plus point: Plastic-free toys, organic baby food
• Parents' rating:"Finally a hotel without a squeaky animation team!"- The Weber family

2. fincas - privacy & Mallorcan flair

Finca Es Serral (Selva)

• For: Families who love nature & tranquillity
• Features:
  • Private pool with security alarm
  • Own vegetable patch for harvesting
  • Free baby equipment (travel cot, high chair)

Finca Can Beneït (Sóller)

• Highlight: Cookery course with Juan, the "tapas grandpa" (from 6 years)
• Please note: Car hire required - the nearest supermarket is 10 km away.

3. budget accommodation - cheap & still good

For families under 130€/night:

Embat Hostel (Montuiri):

• Four-bed room with shared bathroom
• Price: 117€/night in June

Family Relax Apartment (Alcudia):

• Central location, family room with balcony
• kitchen and outdoor pool

4th hotel mistake that 80% of families make:

1. Booking a sea view: often noisy due to promenade noise - better choose a garden view
2. Book all-inclusive in winter: many restaurants are closed - half-board is more flexible
3. Forget to check the kids' club: some kids' clubs are just a room with broken Lego bricks

1-5: Outdoor adventures for nature lovers

1. jeep safari with animal encounters in Son Serra de Marina

• Route: 2 hours through the wild landscape of the east coast (private finca)
• Highlight: Drive in a classic Land Rover & wild animal encounter (horses, pigs, donkeys)
• Price: 65€ (adults / 55€ (children)

2nd Dino Park in Porto Cristo

• Highlight: more than 100 life-size dinosaurs

Insider tip: Behind the large T-Rex there is a small forest path with lesser-known dinosaurs - ideal for cool photos without the crowds.

3. animal park Natura Parc (Santa Eugènia)

• Highlights: petting zoo, bird of prey show at 2pm
• Price: €15/adult, children under 3 free

Insider tip: there is a hiking trail behind the park with views of donkeys and goats.

4th boat trip to the dolphin bays

• Chances of sighting: best in the morning (higher probability)
• Duration: 3 hours on average (e.g. from Port Alcudia)
• Price: 50€/person, children 50% discount

5th Jungle Parc (Santa Ponsa) - climbing paradise

• Highlight: Pirata's course especially for children aged 4 and over

Tip: Family tour between the nets from €16

6-10: Activities in the rain or heat

6: Palma Aquarium - Europe's deepest shark tank

• Highlight: "Sleeping with Sharks" overnight stay (from 10 years)
• Price: 59€/child (incl. dinner and breakfast)
• Attention: only on Fridays from June to September

7th Katmandu Park - 4D cinema & indoor playground

• Attractions: Crazy house, mini golf, virtual reality

Tip: evening ticket (from 17:00) 40% cheaper

8th Museu Es Baluard (Palma) - art with a difference

• For children: free workshops (once a month on Wednesday)
• New interactive installation: "Play Baluard" especially for children
• Admission: €8, under 12s free

Tip: free admission every Sunday from 15:00

9th Cuevas del Drach - stalactite caves with concert

• Duration: approx. 75 minutes, constant temperature 21°C,
• Music: classical concert up to 4 times a day on the underground lake

Attention: No pushchairs allowed - bring a baby carrier!

10th Karting Mallorca - races for the whole family

• Tracks: Junior karts (from 6 years), adults (from 14 years)
• New: Family Track (parents & children together)
• Price: 18€/10 minutes

11-15: Animal experiences & action

11th Marineland Mallorca - dolphin show & water slides

• Highlights: Dolphin and sea lion shows (daily 11:30 & 15:30)
• Aquapark with 4 slides (for children from 1.20 m)
• Price: €38/person, online discount of up to 25%

Tip: afternoon ticket (from 14:00) cheaper - shows included

12th pony ride through olive groves

• Organiser: Rancho Grande (Son Serra de Marina)
• Tour: 2 hours through olive groves & coastal area (from 4 years)

13th alpaca hike through almond plantations

• Highlight: Feeding the animals after the tour
• Price: €50/person (children aged 6 and over)

14. high ropes course Palma - adrenalin with a sea view

• Level: Family course (from 1.20 m height)

Tip: best time from 10:00 to 11:00 (no groups)

15. beach sailing in Playa de Muro

• Provider: various windsurfing schools
• Price: €35/30 minutes (from 10 years)

16-20: Culture, food & insider tips

16th medieval market in Sineu (Wednesdays)

• Highlight: weekly market with medieval elements
• Admission: free of charge

17th olive oil tour in Caimari

• Highlight: interactive tour especially for children (incl. tasting)
• Included: Tasting of 5 oils & own bottle

18. tapas for kids in Palma

• Highlight: get to know Spanish cuisine
• Duration: 2 hours (from 6 years)
• Price: 35€/child

19. hidden bay Cala Varques

• How to get there: 20-minute walk through pine forest

Tip: Take snorkelling equipment with you - underwater caves!

20. segway tour Palma

• Highlight: Sightseeing on the move (for children aged 10 and over)
• Prices: from €30

1st Cala Varques - Hidden bay with cave adventure

• How to get there: 20-minute walk through pine forest (coordinates: 39.5336° N, 3.3678° E).
• Highlight: Natural caves to explore - bring a torch!
• Insider tip: Park on the MA-4014 road - the official car park is often overcrowded.
• Attention: No sanitary facilities - pack your own picnic!

2nd Sa Foradada - hike with a reward

• For: Families with teenagers (aged 10 and over).
• Route: From Son Marroig to the rock gate (3 km, sturdy shoes!).
• Secret: Hidden viewpoints along the way.
• Reward:Sa Foradada restaurant - paella with sea views (reservation required).

3. es Verger - farmhouse ice cream in the middle of nowhere

• Why here? Homemade ice cream made from sheep's and goat's milk (scoop from €2).
• Location: Selva mountain village - access only possible by hire car.
• Extra: Children feed the chickens and donkeys on the farm.

4th Cala en Basset - mini cove for small children

• For insiders only:
• Location: Between Port de Sóller and Deià (no signposting).
• Advantages:
  • Water level 0.3 m - perfect for toddlers.
  • Shady rocks for climbing (from 6 years).
• Important: Only 10 parking spaces - arrive before 9am!

5th Santuari de Sant Salvador - panoramic view

• For: Families who love scares.
• Observation tower: 360° view over the island (admission: €3/child).
• Insider tip: The monastery café serves the best ensaimadas (yeast pastries).

6th S'Hort del Rei - Hidden garden in Palma

• What is it: A medieval garden behind the cathedral - hardly any tourists!
• Activities:
  • Hide and seek between orange trees.
  • Free puzzle rally (office at the entrance).
• Opening hours: Daily 9am-6pm, free admission.

7th Ermita de Betlem - Hike in the East

• For: Animal lovers aged 4 and over.
• Tour: 2-hour hike with donkeys through almond groves (from €25/child).
• Highlight: Picnic with a view of the bay of Alcúdia.
• Booking: Only via local guide Pepe - no online marketing!

8th family kayak tour with snorkelling

• Highlight: Water caves in the bay of Cala Sant Vicenç
• Age: From 7 years, incl. safety briefing.
• Price: €65/person.

9th Finca Es Fangar - Where olive oil is made

• Authentic experience:
  • Tour: harvesting olives, pressing oil, tasting (from 6 yrs).
  • Cost: 15€/family - incl. homemade bread.
• Location: Hidden near Artà - access via a gravel track.

10th Torre dels Falcons - geocaching for explorers

• For: Digital adventurers.
• Coordinates: 39°32'00.6 "N 3°20'13.0 "E - treasure hunt in the old watchtower.
• Equipment: Download the "Geocaching Mallorca" app.
• Reward: Key to unlock a secret treasure chest!

Playgrounds with adventure factor:

1. Parc Sa Feixina with climbing towers (Palma)
2. Park infantil Castell de Bellver (Palma)
3. Parc de la Mar (Palma)
4. Happy Park Cala Millor

Book family-friendly restaurants:

1. Sa Vinya es Capdepellá (Calvia)
2. Es Moli in Sant Elm
3. Restaurant Madre in Santa Ponsa (with children's zone)
4. Tobogan Grill & Lounge Bar Waterslide (Alcudia)
5. Mirador de la Victoria (Alcudia)

Things to avoid on a family holiday:

1. Underestimating the heat - better to postpone excursions to the morning or early evening
2. Too much programme - better to do less and always with a time buffer
3. Only visiting tourist hotspots - it's better to choose quiet alternatives (Playa Es Trenc, village restaurants, animal parks such as Natura Parc)
4. Children's menus without a local connection - also order "Menjars infantils" (local children's portion)

Local events for families:

1. Festes de Sant Sebastiàn (January, Palma) with theatre plays, treasure hunts, workshops
2. "Nit de Foc" (St John's Day festival, June) with bonfires, music and fireworks on the beach
3. "Fira de la Llum" (Alaró, November) with light parade and storytellers
4. "Reyes Magos" (Epiphany, 5 January, nationwide) with street parades

Travelling sustainably as a family:

1. Organic or eco-hotels such as Finca Hotel Can Marti, Es Racó d'Artà or smaller agroturismo establishments offer an authentic experience, often with an organic breakfast & lots of nature
2. "Drive less - discover more - use public transport (e.g. bus to Palma, Sóller train).
3. Visit weekly markets (e.g. Alcúdia or Sineu) and buy regional products: Mallorcan olives, goat's cheese, almonds, seasonal fruit.
4. Visit places such as the S'Albufera Nature Park (near Alcúdia) - birdwatching spots, hiking trails, lots of information for children.