Cuevas del Drach and other magical caves to explore as a family
Few plans work as well with kids as going down into a cave: the cool temperature, the surprise of the stalactites and stalagmites and, above all, the moment the lights go off and a small classical music concert plays over an underground lake leave little ones open-mouthed. Cuevas del Drach, in Porto Cristo, is the most complete visit: the tour ends with a boat ride across Lake Martel, one of the largest underground lakes in the world, so it's worth booking ahead since the sessions fill up in high season.
Caves of Drach & Porto Cristo: A coastal discoveryCheck availability →If you're looking for less crowded alternatives or are travelling with very young children, the island offers more options underground. Cuevas de Génova, just ten minutes from Palma, are perfect for a short visit without having to drive out east. Cuevas de Campanet, inland, tend to have fewer crowds and spectacular natural decoration. And Cuevas dels Hams, next to a dinosaur theme park, are a safe bet for those who still dream of tyrannosaurs.
The Sóller train, the excursion that turns the journey itself into the adventure
Boarding the wooden carriages of the Sóller train is like travelling back in time: windows down, the scent of orange blossom as it crosses the orange groves, and dizzying views over the Serra de Tramuntana as the track climbs through tunnels. Kids are fascinated by the rattling and the train itself, more than by the destination; on arriving in Sóller you can carry on aboard the historic tram to the port and end the day with a swim or an ice cream by the sea.
A day at sea: catamarans and boat trips suitable for the whole family
For many kids, the best holiday memory isn't a monument but jumping into the water off the bow of a boat. Catamaran excursions around the Bay of Alcúdia are a very family-friendly option: short trips, swimming stops in coves with clear waters and little swell, ideal if you're travelling with children who don't yet swim very well. It's worth asking before booking whether the boat has a ladder, children's life jackets and enough shade, because not all boats are equally well suited to little ones.
Catamaran Cruise: Beach, chill & fun from AlcudiaCheck availability →If you'd prefer something even calmer, two-hour boat trips around the Bay of Palma are a good introduction for the youngest ones, and catamaran trips to Es Trenc let you see one of the island's most beautiful beaches without depending on a car or finding parking.
Aquariums and marine life: Palma Aquarium and Marineland
On the hottest days, or if you're travelling with very young children, an aquarium sorts out the day without any hassle. Palma Aquarium brings together sharks, jellyfish and one of the largest shark tanks in Europe, with a covered, air-conditioned route that both babies and grandparents appreciate. Marineland, in Costa d'en Blanes, focuses more on shows with sea lions and birds, a format that tends to captivate primary-school-age children.
Palma Aquarium admission ticketsCheck availability →Water parks to cool off in summer
In the height of summer, few things make kids happier than spending the day among slides and wave pools. Western Water Park, in Magaluf, has zones split by age, so the youngest can splash around calmly while older kids take on the faster slides. Aqualand El Arenal is the other big option in the Playa de Palma area, with its own children's water play area for those who don't yet reach the height requirements of some of the rides.
Western Water Park admission ticketsCheck availability →Calm coves and beaches for worry-free swimming
Not all of Mallorca's coves are equally comfortable with small children: some have access via stairs or rocks that complicate the day with strollers and cool boxes. For hassle-free swimming, it's best to choose beaches with fine sand and a gentle entry, where the water deepens gradually.
- Es Trenc: white sand and turquoise waters, a very gentle slope at the shoreline, ideal for first dips.
- Cala Mondragó: inside a nature reserve, calm, with natural shaded areas among pine trees.
- Playa de Muro and Alcudia: miles of fine sand and shallow waters, with a seafront promenade nearby for the stroller.
- Cala Millor: a large town beach, with every amenity close at hand for a worry-free day.
Nature and the outdoors to take a break from the beach
When it's a good time to swap the swimsuit for a while, the Jardines de Alfabia, between Bunyola and Sóller, offer shaded walks among palm trees, ponds and a manor house that kids find like a little maze to explore. A very different option is a horseback ride through the Randa valley, in the centre of the island, perfect for those who've spent all week asking to ride a pony.