The island of Mallorca could be explained with a photograph. The one we all have in mind when we think of the words “paradisiacal beach”: white sand, transparent waters, an almost indefinable blue, the whitewashed houses in white, the llaüts (the wooden boats of the fishermen) floating on the Mediterranean… Also when we think of family getaways or activities in Mallorca for all ages. Because Mallorca offers a mixture of nature, culture and leisure, perfect for everyone.
Aquatic fun and emotions
One of the stars of the island to go with children is Aqualand El Arenal a paradise of 18 aquatic attractions (being the biggest of the island). It is a network of slides and wave pools in which attractions such as Báalam with two vertiginous slides; the renovated Tsunami (a 15-meter half pipe where you can slide down with a float); the new Chihuan, which combines rapids and vertiginous turns; or entire areas adapted for everyone such as Lakchaac, Misol-ha, Dragoland or Multipistas.
There are also other essential experiences such as Banzai, where you will glide over the water on a board at full speed; or Tukakame, ideal for sharing a double float with your bravest companion.
In Magaluf, Western Park has earned its place as one of the most emblematic family plans in Mallorca as it is practically a space-time trip to the Far West.
How does Crazy Horses, Boomerang, The Beast, Grand Canyon or The Hurricane sound? At Western Park, every attraction seems to be taken from a scene from the Wild West. The Beast imposes with its almost vertical drop, while Crazy Horses offers a race between friends. And for the little ones, there is Daky Park or La Ponderosa, two spaces full of buckets, water jets and slides to suit them.
Without leaving Magaluf, we find Katmandu Park, with 4D experiences, a tremendous themed course to practice minigolf, peculiar attractions such as the “upside-down” house, a laser tag game, as well as a swimming pool to cool off between slides.
In Puerto de Alcudia, we find Hidropark, with more than 40,000 square meters and endless attractions (wave pools, playgrounds for children, high-speed slides …).
For sea lovers, there is an experience that travels through the beauty of the marine world with educational exhibits and is home to Mediterranean species (and others from different parts of the world). It is Marineland Mallorca located just 20 minutes from La Palma (in Costa d’en Blanes) and inside it contains an amalgam of ecosystems with aquariums, terrariums, large open spaces but also gastronomic areas, playgrounds and entertainment for the whole family.
For those who prefer green, in a pine forest of 9 hectares (in Santa Ponsa) they will find their refuge in Jungle Parc Mallorca: 134 platforms, high games among zip lines, bridges, lianas … and yes, the kids are welcome: it has three adapted routes.
Speed and Adventure: go-karts in Mallorca and outdoor activities for families.
The most adventurous families also have a great setting in Mallorca to experience the most active vacations. Thus, lovers of going on wheels can enjoy the numerous karting circuits on the island: the one in Magaluf, the one in Can Picafort, Xtremkart Mallorca, as well as eKarts Mallorca, the first indoor electric karting circuit in the area. Places where you can do competitions with your family or simply enjoy a few laps in these circuits adapted to all ages.
Outdoors you can also enjoy biking. The island is especially attractive for cycling fans, with numerous routes with which to exercise while enjoying the scenery. We highlight the route from Port de Pollensa Cap de Formentor, one of the most famous and ideal to enjoy nature, as well as the one from Palma to El Arenal, perfect to make some stops on the way through the most touristic area of the island.
Another essential outdoor activity is hiking. There is always the option of going on your own or hiring organized hiking routes, ideal if you are going with small children. Mallorca has hiking routes for all levels: such as the Puerto de Sóller-Deia route, suitable for everyone, or the Pollensa summits route, which requires more preparation. If you have several days available, the Ruta de la Piedra is essential, a route in stages that will allow you to discover the most beautiful corners of the Sierra de Tramuntana.
All these routes by bike or on foot can be complemented with a stop at some of the best beaches in Mallorca, either in paradisiacal coves like Cala Agulla (Artà), Cala del Mag (Portals Vells) or Cala Tuent (in the heart of the Tramuntana, ideal for snorkeling), or larger beaches like Es Trenc (Colonia de Sant Jordi), Formentor (on the cape of the same name) or Muro (Alcúdia), the longest beach in Mallorca. You can always combine activities such as paddle surfing (available in most beaches) with the history and culture of Mallorca.
If we want to enjoy somewhat quieter outdoor activities for children, there are always other options. Who can resist a good summer cinema session? Cinema a la Fresca will turn Palma and Pollença into outdoor cinemas, where the smell of popcorn is replaced by the aroma of saltpetre. The cycle starts this July with auteur cinema and will last all summer long.
Cultural and educational experiences: museums, parks and festivals for children.
If we want to enjoy performing arts, at Caixaforum Palma, in addition to seeing the usual exhibitions, we can experience evenings of music, circus, humor or dance thanks to all the activities scheduled for this summer. We can also go to the Auditorium, which this summer has a wide variety of shows, or Trui Teatre, specialized in concerts and comedy shows.
Art lovers have plenty of options in Mallorca: the Miró Foundation, Es Baluard (modern and contemporary art), the Royal Palace of the Almudaina (Gothic and Islamic art), the Museu Sa Bassa Blanca (with an animal sculpture park and a rose garden that will delight the little ones)….
These visits can be complemented with other educational activities, such as visiting the most famous monuments of the island. Both the Bellver Castle (in whose territory there are several playgrounds and trails for the whole family) and the Cathedral-Basilica of Santa Maria de Mallorca are two essential destinations that will fascinate young and old alike.
Of course, the good weather invites you to enjoy parks, gardens and other green spaces. In this case we recommend a visit to the Alfabia Gardens or to discover the interior of the island in two of its most famous caves: Genova or Campanet, climatic refuges for everyone.
And as every Mediterranean island, Mallorca is full of festivals and fairs this summer. You cannot miss the different Moors and Christians Festivals (Sóller, Pollensa and Santa Ponsa) or the Festivals of San Bartomeu (Sóller).
Precisely in Sóller we have a very picturesque activity: who wouldn’t like a ride on a historic train? And even more, considering how many children are obsessed with trains and locomotives. They will be amazed by the streetcar of Sóller, which since 1913 invites us to experience this journey through all the Mallorcan landscapes, from the bay and the port with the sea in the background to the rural territory full of orange and lemon trees (Es Camp de S’Oca).
Why is Mallorca a perfect destination for a family vacation?
Summer with the family evokes an imaginary in which outdoor activities are the protagonists: Mallorca’s offer, in this sense, is immense, natural and entertaining. In addition to the many coves and beaches, with access to services to be able to plant the umbrella with the youngest of the house, to the green routes that present paths adapted to all ages through the pure entertainment and culture.
It is remarkable the possibility of the water parks that dot Mallorca (such as Western Park or Aqualand El Arenal) and karting circuits, activities for lovers of adrenaline and endless outdoor fun. But also the summer on the island is impregnated with popular festivals, indoor cultural activities (such as visits to monuments, museums and cultural centers).
Indoors, outdoors, sea, mountains, more relaxed plans or plans full of activity and adrenaline: Mallorca offers experiences for all tastes and types of families. And all with the Mediterranean as the great boss and undisputed protagonist of these memories that make families from all over the world return to the island every year.
Tips, tricks and recommendations
To get the most out of a day’s visit to an aquapark or a go-karting circuit, it is essential to plan ahead. Here are a few tips!
- First of all, safety: many of the attractions, pools or go-karting vehicles have a minimum age or height limit, especially in the areas of slides and deep pools. Safety and hygiene rules must be followed to the letter.
- Sun protection: the sun in Mallorca is special in every way and, although you should always wear sunscreen whatever the activity, if you are in a water park like Aqualand El Arenal, this sunscreen should be waterproof, easy to apply and quickly absorbed.
- Hydration and snacks: the day at a water park can be very long. Hydration will be a must because although we are soaking, we do not hydrate by osmosis, but we must be equipped with water and snacks so that the party does not stop. The parks have a restaurant and bar area, where you can recharge your batteries at any time of the day. Note: a pit-stop is a must.
Accommodation and gastronomy
Mallorca is synonymous with gastronomy. There are dishes not to be missed, such as arrós brut, a spicy rice dish with pork; tumbet, a Mallorcan ode to vegetarianism with seasonal vegetables (usually tomato, red bell pepper, eggplant…); or pica-pica, cuttlefish stewed with pine nuts, garlic, chilli, paprika, raisins and onion. At the end, as a culmination to a lunch or dinner with island spirit, you cannot miss the ensaimadas, valid for breakfast, dessert, snack or whim. It is the best known product of the island.
One of the water parks mentioned Aqualand El Arenal, is located in a strategically located area: after a long day of activities, El Arenal has the best restaurants on the island to try the local food in variats, which consists of putting on the same plate several tapas at once where the sobrasada can not miss.
Aqualand El Arenal, is very close to the beach of Caló de Sant Antoni and Sa Cova Baixa, so accommodations are the order of the day, with outdoor pool and views of the bay of Palma in the vast majority.
About half an hour’s drive from El Arenal is Aromata, one of the best restaurants on the island. Opened in 2014 by Mallorcan chef Andreu Genestra, it has been awarded a Michelin star and several Repsol Suns. Its tasting menus for all ages are an unmissable option to get to know the local gastronomy in the best way.