The Balearic Island of Mallorca is a fantastic place for a holiday with kids, only two and a half hours flight from London and beautiful temperatures from Spring to Autumn you wont be disappointed. Places like Alcudia and Puerto de Pollensa can be great to visit for families as there is loads to do with kids but it can get super busy during peak seasons. If you fancy a bit of culture with your family beach holiday, Palma is a magnificent city, one of our favourite European city breaks with children and the beaches of Playa de Palma (just 10 mins drive from the airport) makes a great base. Read on to discover more on visiting Palma with kids.
Playa de Palma’s promenade is great for running and cycling and there are lots of places to hire bikes with child seats or smaller sizes. You’ll often see locals doing yoga on the beach or having a dip in the sea before breakfast. The whole area has recently undergone a big old revamp making it even more family friendly.
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Things to do in Palma with kids
Es Baluard Museum of Modern Art
A gorgeous modern Art Gallery set in a beautiful building featuring some amazing works of contemporary art. It’s small enough and the Art is wacky enough so the kids won’t get bored and provides a welcome relief from the Mallorcan sunshine. Es Baluard Museum features permanent collections with artworks by Miro and Dali and many, many more.
Outside the museum offers fantastic views of Palma from the Round Pass surrounding the roof of the building and there is a delightful Terrace to enjoy some food or a cold glass of wine.
Children 12 and under are currently free to visit, adults are 6 Euros. You can find out all the info you need on the Es Baluard Website
Catedral de Mallorca
Towering over the city of Palma, the Cathedral is the first thing you will see as you drive into town. The building is stunning from both up close and a far and well worth a visit. We didn’t enter as we were on a pretty tight schedule but I think you can book a timed visit online.
Outside the Cathedral, along with spectacular views out to sea you will find Horse rides and the Parc de la Mar with a stunning water feature, great views out to sea and a cute kids playground. It is also where you will find many street venders selling knock off bags etc as you make your way back into town.
You can find out about any upcoming events on the Cathedrals website
Palma Aquarium
Not just a place to see the fishys, this aquarium puts loads of effort into family entertainment and keeping the kids involved. Alongside the largest display of live coral in Europe and a huge Shark Tank
Tickets are currently €24.50 for adults and €14 for children. Palma Aquarium has loads of add on activities if you want a bit more adventure such as snorkelling with the rays, the shark vision boat and diving with sharks.
Amazing Adventure Playground
Mallorca has several fantastic playgrounds, one of the best is located just outside of Palma. This one is outdoor and is absolutely huge so you could easily spend a whole afternoon watching the kids play. There’s plenty of parking and space to run around or ride bkes like the local kids.
Carrer de Jesús, 29,
07010 Palma
Day Trips from Palma with Kids
We hired a car for our short break which meant we could easily pop to and from Palma town from Playa de Palma but also meant we could get the most out of some days trips a bit further away. Our favourite was to the north of the Island to a gorgeous town called Soller. We took the slow route there – over the beautiful winding mountain road with some amazing views from the top and fragrant lemon groves on the way down. It took us just under an hour from Soller, but you can take the toll tunnel through the mountains which cuts it down to about half an hour.
For an even more authentic and picturesque journey to Soller then you could take the Serra de Tramuntana Train, a wooden, electric train which will take you through the mountains to Soller and then onwards to the seaside town of Port de Soller. Learn how to take the train from Palma to Soller in this fantastic guide.
The town is super cute (although seems to have a bit of a parking problem!) with a gorgeous town square – the Plaça Constitució, a lovely town tram which passes through the square and the beautiful Sant Bartomeu parish church. Take a trip inside, the various alters are stunning.
Make sure you stop in the square at one of the various cafes and people watch for a while, it’s a great place to soak up the atmosphere and watch the locals hanging out by the fountain. Soller is home to one of Mallorca’s best markets so visit on a Saturday morning if possible.
From Soller it’s a short drive (5 km) to the Port de Soller, a delightful seaside town with a small beach with calm and shallow waters, loads of quaint shops, restaurants and bars, perfect for a stroll along the pedestrianised promenade and a great place to pick up your postcards and souvenirs.
Where to stay in Palma with kids
Luxury 5 star hotel located just two minutes to the beachfront and 5 mins from the airport. There’s the option to go all inclusive, family rooms, a kids pool and a small kids club. There’s even a spa if you can spare the time!
Hotel Riu Bravo, Playa De Palma
4 Star all inclusive hotel offering everything you need for a relaxed family holiday. It has a gym, pool, wellness centre, games room and family sized suites.
Innside Palma Center, Palma De Mallorca
New 4 star Melia hotel in Palma De Mallorca with a panoramic rooftop bar and pool, just a short walk from the old quarter, Plaza Mayor and The Cathedral. With connecting family rooms and a fabulous wellness centre.
Where to eat in Palma with kids
Mikel and Pintxo, Playa De Palma
Lovely Tapas restaurant located in Playa De Palma, with great views of the Palma sunsets. Order the iberio ham and you won’t be disappointed.
MG-Café , Playa De Palma
Gorgeously decorated café bar with a cosy feel and huge outdoor seating area.
Es Rebost, Palma town
Tiny coffee shop in the centre of Palma serving possibly the best toasted sandwiches I have ever tasted. A good stop for a quick lunch if you’re shopping in the city.
Enco Palma, Palma Town
A few minutes walk from the Cathedral in Palma’s historical district serving huge salads and fresh cakes.
If you enjoy Spanish city breaks then you’ll love visiting Bilbao with kids.
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Have you been to Palma de Mallorca with kids? Let me know what your favourite things to do are. Leave a comment below and help other families plan their perfect holiday.