Planning a family holiday to Mallorca? Visiting Palma with kids opens up a world of incredible experiences that go far beyond the typical beach holiday or city break. As the vibrant capital of the Balearic Islands, Palma perfectly balances Mediterranean charm with family-friendly attractions that will keep children of all ages entertained.
Many families assume Mallorca is just about beaches and resorts, but Palma de Mallorca offers so much more. From aquariums and medieval castles to vintage train rides and interactive museums, there is so much to see and do – as well, as plenty of opportunities to relax, too. The compact city centre means attractions are easily walkable, while excellent public transport connects you to nearby beaches and adventure parks.
Palma with kids – top things to see and do
Whether you’re travelling to Palma with kids for a long weekend or as part of a longer Mallorca adventure, you’ll discover that Balearic city is great for families. The local culture embraces children, restaurants welcome families with open arms, and there’s always something exciting happening in the palm-lined streets and historic squares. Here are some of the top things to do in Palma with kids.
Palma Aquarium
Palma Aquarium is definitely one of the best things for kids to do in Palma. It has 55 tanks, which contain a staggering 5 million litres of salt water – and more than 8,000 different specimens of around 700 different species. But they also have Mediterranean gardens and a tropical jungle on their roof – the largest roof garden in Spain. The showstopper here is their enormous shark tank called ‘The Big Blue’, which is the deepest shark tank in Europe. And the brave amongst you can go diving with species including Reef sharks and Tiger sharks. For kids from six years up, they can even have a ‘shark sleepover’ and camp out in front of the tank all night!
By upgrading your ticket, you will have access to a 3D cinema and a shark vision boat. The aquarium also organises special activities for children – games, face painting, water fights on the pirate ship – or they can become assistants to the Ocean Guides, and help feed the turtles, rays and Koi fish.
Bellver Castle
What kid doesn’t love forts and castles? Let their imaginations run wild with a visit to Bellver, which has a round shape that is unique in comparison to the majority of Spanish Castles. Nestled high in the hilltops above the city, this 14th-century royal fortress is surrounded by pine forests and has several permanent exhibitions as well as a museum with excellent displays on the history of Palma and Mallorca.
Kids will love running through the tunnels and secret staircases that lead to and from the various levels. There are also lookout towers that have the most amazing views of the Bay of Palma. There’s also a cafe on site if you’re feeling a little peckish and thirsty.
Velero Rafael Verdera
Fancy going on a sail? The water around Palma is incredible – turquoise blue and crystal clear. If you and your family don’t get seasick, you must go on a trip on the family-friendly Velero Rafael Verdera – a sailing ketch originally built in Ibiza in 1841. This is a vintage wooden ship with gaff sails, which looks majestic. Through the years, it has been refitted to comply with new marine regulations, so she can take tourists on fun days out.
Enjoy a sunset tour in the Port of Palma, a whale watching expedition, or a day out to go swimming, snorkelling, kayaking or paddle-boarding. The full-day trip includes an aperitif and a barbecue. You and your little one(s) will have a great time.
Train de Sóller
Since 1912 the Sóller Railway has been running a daily train service along a 27km route from Palma de Mallorca to Sóller – a charming rural town set in a lush valley between the mountains and the sea. The journey on a vintage train leaves the bustling city and soon starts passing sprawling countryside before entering a 3km tunnel and descending through dizzying bends. Kids will love the fun, slightly rickety feel of the train and the excitement of travelling through the mountains.
Trains leave Placa d’Espanya in Palma six times a day – so there’s plenty of opportunity to enjoy the popular attraction. And whilst you’re in Sóller itself, there’s a good selection of tapas bars, cafes, ice cream stalls and pastry shops to enjoy. And if you still haven’t had enough of riding the rails, there is also a tram which will take you from Sóller to the port, where there’s a fab sandy beach that toddlers will love.
You’ll notice the train and tram travelling through fragrant orange groves – they’re absolutely delicious, so if you spot fresh OJ on a menu, be sure to order a chilled glass for you and the kids.
S’Hort del Rei
If you head to Palma in the summer, the temperatures tend to be really high. You can take a break from the sun in the gorgeous S’Hort del Rei Moorish-style gardens. The park is located just outside the walls of the Royal Palace of La Almudaina – one of the official residences of the Spanish royal family. At S’Hort del Rei you will find lots of shady paths, benches, fountains, ponds, sculptures, and more. It’s the perfect spot for the kids to enjoy an afternoon of ice cream and for you to rest your feet. While you’re here, consider visiting the beautiful Royal Palace of La Almudaina.
Marineland Mallorca
Marineland Mallorca, which is situated on the coast between Palma Nova and Magaluf, offers more in the way of sea life, with the star attractions being the dolphins. The popular dolphin show wows crowds twice daily with their amazing abilities and playful tricks – and visitors can even walk through an underwater tunnel and watch the dolphins as they swim in the water.
Marineland also has a tropical house which has reptiles and piranhas; an aviary with tropical birds; aquariums with sharks, penguins, sea lions and turtles. You can also learn about their conservation work.
Best of the rest
Katmandu Park
Located in nearby Magaluf (20 minutes from Palma), Katmandu Park is a themed adventure park perfect for families visiting Palma with kids. The park features unique attractions like the upside-down house, 4D cinema experiences, mini golf, and interactive games that blend technology with physical challenges.
Palma Cathedral (La Seu)
While visiting Palma’s stunning Gothic cathedral might seem adult-focused, kids are often amazed by the sheer scale and the beautiful rose window. The audio guides have special children’s versions that turn the visit into a treasure hunt, making it educational and engaging for young minds.
Royal Palace of La Almudaina
Since you’re already visiting the cathedral, it would be a shame to miss the impressive royal palace right next door. La Almudaina started life as a 10th-century Moorish fortress before being transformed into a Gothic palace in the 14th century – and it’s still used by the Spanish royal family today when they visit Mallorca each summer.
The kids will love exploring the grand throne room, Gothic chapel, and beautiful courtyards, while the terrace offers stunning views over the Bay of Palma. What really sets this apart for families is the audio guide with a dedicated kids’ mode that turns the visit into an interactive game – genuinely brilliant for keeping little ones engaged.
Entry costs around €7 for adults, with under-5s free. EU citizens get free entry on Wednesday and Thursday afternoons after 3pm. Allow 45 minutes to an hour to explore at a relaxed pace, though you can easily do it quicker if little legs are getting tired. Don’t miss the peaceful palace gardens at the bottom of the stairs afterwards – they’re free to wander and perfect for a shady break.
Banys Àrabs (Arab Baths)
Tucked down a narrow alley just a short walk from the cathedral, Palma’s Arab Baths are a hidden gem that most tourists walk straight past. Dating back to the 10th century, these are the only surviving remnants of when Palma was the Moorish city of Medina Mayurqa.
What makes it special for curious kids is the engineering – the dome has 25 small openings that let light filter through, and each of the 12 columns is completely different because they were recycled from Roman and Byzantine ruins. It’s a brilliant early example of upcycling, if you will!
The visit only takes 15-20 minutes, which is perfect for shorter attention spans. The surrounding garden with cacti, palm trees and orange trees is wonderfully peaceful – ideal for a quick breather from sightseeing. Entry is just €3.50, making it one of the cheapest cultural stops in Palma.
Western Water Park
Just outside Palma, this Wild West-themed water park offers thrilling slides, lazy rivers, and splash zones perfect for cooling off during hot summer days. The themed areas and shows add an extra element of fun to a typical water park experience.
Parc de la Mar
This beautiful park, located between Palma’s city walls and the sea, provides a perfect playground for kids with its artificial lake, palm trees, cafés and open spaces. It’s ideal for picnics and letting little ones burn off energy while parents enjoy views of the cathedral.
Mercat de l’Olivar
If you want a taste of authentic Palma life, head to Mercat de l’Olivar – the city’s largest and oldest food market. Established in 1951, this bustling market hall is where locals come for their weekly shop, and it’s brilliant for families who want to experience something beyond the tourist trail.
The fish section is absolutely mesmerising for kids – piles of gleaming seafood straight from Palma’s port, with fishmongers calling out their catch. But the real family-friendly magic happens at the tapas bars and food stalls dotted throughout. You can perch on stools and order a “variat” (a plate of mixed dishes), pick up freshly made croquetas, or grab some local cheese and sobrasada for a picnic.
Opening hours are Monday to Friday 7am-2:30pm and Saturday 7am-3pm (closed Sundays). Top tip: there’s a restaurant upstairs that will cook any fish you buy downstairs for a small fee – a fun way to get kids involved in choosing what’s for lunch! The market has escalators and wide aisles, making it easy to navigate with pushchairs.
Try an ensaimada
No visit to Palma with kids would be complete without tasting the island’s most famous pastry. The ensaimada is a spiral-shaped, pillowy-soft sweet treat that’s been made in Mallorca since the 17th century. The name comes from “saïm” (the Mallorcan word for lard – the secret ingredient that makes them so deliciously light).
You can get them plain and dusted with icing sugar, or filled with cream, chocolate, or “cabello de ángel” (pumpkin jam that tastes much better than it sounds). For the ultimate experience, head to Can Joan de S’Aigo – a gorgeous cafe that’s been serving ensaimadas since 1700. The kids will love theirs served warm on a hot plate, paired with thick hot chocolate or homemade almond ice cream.
Other excellent options include Horno Santo Cristo on Carrer de Sant Miquel (going strong since 1910) and Fornet de la Soca with its stunning modernist shopfront. Just be warned – ensaimadas are seriously addictive, and you’ll probably end up buying one of those huge boxes to take home.
Caves of Genova
If your kids are fascinated by caves but you don’t fancy the hour-long drive to the famous Drach caves, the Caves of Genova are a brilliant alternative. Located just 10 minutes from central Palma in a quiet residential neighbourhood, these are Mallorca’s most accessible caves for families staying in the capital.
Discovered accidentally in 1906 when someone was digging a well, the caves take you 36m underground to see impressive stalactites, stalagmites, and natural pools. The visit is self-guided with an audiovisual presentation, lasting around 20-30 minutes – absolutely perfect for kids who might find longer cave tours overwhelming. Plus, being much smaller and less famous than Drach means far fewer crowds.
Entry costs around €10-12 per person, and you can easily reach them on bus number 46 from the city centre (about 20 minutes) or by taxi (around €8). The temperature inside stays at a lovely cool 18-20°C, making it a refreshing escape on hot summer days. There’s a restaurant attached too, so you could combine cave exploration with lunch.
Beach days
Of course, we couldn’t put together a list of Palma’s top things to do with kids without mentioning the beaches. There are several sandy stretches within easy reach of the city, including Illetas (beautiful white sands and turquoise waters) and Playa de Palma (huge, lots of bars and restaurants – great for teenagers who want a bit more going on). You can reach both from the city centre by bus or taxi.
Top tips for visiting Palma
Getting around Palma
Palma’s city centre is very walkable, but with kids, consider using the hop-on-hop-off bus that connects major attractions. The local bus system is efficient, and children under 6 travel free. Uber and taxis are also readily available and reasonably priced for short journeys.
Best time to visit
Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) offer the best weather for exploring – it’s warm but not too hot, and with fewer crowds. Summer can be very busy, though perfect for beach activities.
Is Palma suitable for toddlers and young children?
Absolutely! Â The city centre is pedestrian-friendly, most attractions cater to young children, and Spanish culture is very welcoming to families. Many attractions, like Palma Aquarium and the beaches, are perfect for toddlers.
How many days do you need in Palma?
A minimum of 3-4 days allows you to see the main attractions when visiting Palma with kids. This gives you time for the aquarium, castle, a beach day, and the train to Sóller without rushing. A week would allow for a more relaxed pace and additional day trips to the beach or the UNESCO-listed Serra de Tramuntana.
What’s the best way to get from Palma airport?
The airport bus (Line A1) connects directly to Palma city centre and is budget-friendly with space for luggage and pushchairs. Taxis or Ubers are more convenient with kids and luggage, taking about 15-20 minutes to reach central Palma.
Are the beaches near Palma safe for children?
Yes, the beaches near Palma are very safe for families. Playa de Palma and Illetas both have lifeguards, shallow waters perfect for children, and excellent facilities.
Are there playgrounds in Palma?
Palma has several parks and playgrounds, including Parc de la Mar near the cathedral, S’Hort del Rei gardens, and various squares with play areas. These are perfect for letting kids burn energy between sightseeing.
Can you visit Palma with kids on a budget?
Definitely! Many activities in Palma with kids are free or low-cost, including beaches, parks, and window shopping along the pedestrian streets. Picnics in the parks, free museum entrance on certain days, and affordable local bakeries and tapas bars help keep costs down.
What’s the best accommodation area for families?
The city centre or near Playa de Palma are ideal for families. The city centre puts you within walking distance of attractions, while the beach area offers easy access to sand and sea with good transport links to the city.
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