We can unanimously agree, that Malta has a rich history. It is therefore only natural that Malta has many museums. In order to encourage families to visit Museums, Heritage Malta has recently introduced a free card for all primary school students.
You might all agree that children learn more when they see and have a hands on experience. Visiting museums can be a very enriching experience for children, and you can definitely make it fun, for those less enticing museums. However, not all museums are adequate for young children, for example a museum that is too dark might not be suitable if visiting with a toddler.
It is worth noting, that in recent years, Malta has started to move away from the traditional museums and introducing more kid friendly ones.
Below we have listed the best kid friendly museums in Malta that you might like to visit with your family:
1. Esplora - Kalkara
Kalkara is situated in the south of Malta. This small town overlooks the Grand Harbour. Kalkara has two bays known as Rinella Bay and Kalkara Creek and two peninsulas called Bighi and Ricasoli.
Whilst in Kalkara, you can also visit Fort Rinella, Fort our Saviour and Villa Portelli which overlooks Kalkara Creek. It is worth noting that at Rinella there are the only filming facilities in Malta. The Malta Film studios an indoor tank and two large exterior water tanks situated along the coast. These are amongst the largest in the world. Various large production companies have made use of these facilities.
Esplora Interactive Science Centre at Villa Bighi has been open since 2016. It is a hands on museum and children are encouraged to try out the items which will definitely entice their curiosity. Esplora is ideal for all ages and has a mixture of indoor and outdoor activities.
You will definitely spend hours of fun at Esplora and your children will not want to leave. After hours of fun and learning, you will definitely feel hungry, but don’t worry, at Esplora there is a restaurant where you can take a break and enjoy a delicious lunch.
2. Fort Rinella - Kalkara
Despite being a small town, Kalkara offers many interesting places to visit. Historians believe that Kalkara was the first place to be populated. Kalkara is also well known for boat building in particular the traditional Maltese Boat.
At Fort Rinella children and adults alike will be transported into the war era, through regular reenactments. At Fort Rinella you can check out the World’s largest cannon. A recent addition to the permanent exhibition, is the Soldiers of the Queen, which focuses on the British Victorian Army.
Let the children enjoy spotting the difference between the soldier uniforms and weapons used during the era of Queen Victoria.
Due to space restrictions, Fort Rinella is not a pushchair friendly place however you can leave it in the lobby area. Bathrooms are equipped with nappy changing facilities. The cafeteria offers kid friendly menu as well.
At Fort Rinella you can also purchase a multi site heritage pass, whereby you would be able to visit The War Museum, Fort Rinella, Lascaris War Rooms and the Saluting Battery.
3. Limestone Heritage - Siggiewi
Siggiewi is in the south west part of the Maltese Islands. Siggiewi is one of the oldest villages in Malta, and would definitely enjoy walking in the narrow streets full of character.
When visiting Siggiewi, you have to visit Ghar Lapsi. It is a very popular beach with the locals but you can also enjoy the magnificiant view of Filfa. If your family enjoys walking, then you will enjoy the countryside of Siggiewi. Enjoy a walk to the famous Laferla Cross which was built on a hill.
However, a definite stop in Siggiewi should be the Limestone Heritage, Park and Gardens. This venue, celebrates the beauty of the Maltese stone and the building traditions. Once you have enjoyed learning about Maltese stone, you can relax in the citrus garden and the children can enjoy the company of some furry friends. The Limestone Heritage also has a coffee shop where you can take a break, before hopping on to next adventure.
4. Malta Aviation Museum - Ta` Qali
The Malta Aviation Museum is situated in Ta` Qali. Ta` Qali is one of Malta’s large open spaces, in the limits of Attard. There are various entertainment facilities, such as the Crafts Villa, National Football Stadium and Ta` Qali National Park where you can enjoy a picnic or just some relaxation time with the family.
The Malta Aviation Museum boost 100 years of history and more. The Museum is situated on the site of the former Royal Airforce airfield. Based on three hangers, the exhibits relates mostly to the Second World War and post-war period.
Children will definitely enjoy going round the superbly restored aircarfts. During your visit, you might be able to watch one of the dedicated workers, restore one of the aircarfts.
5. Malta Classic Car Collection - Qawra
Qawra is situated in the Northern part of the Maltese islands. This locality’s population increases during the summer months, not only by the Maltese who own a summer residence in this area, but also by tourists. In fact, in the localities of Qawra and Bugibba one can find various hotels, holiday apartments, coffee shops and restaurants.
What better place, then to have the only Malta Classic Car Collection. This musuem saw it’s beginning through the passion of Mr Carol Galea. From a hobby of building cars, in transformed itself into what we have today.
The museum, is truly a work of passion, which can be clearly seen on the accurate restoration of the cars on displays. The museum boosts over 100 cars on display. Adults and children alike will definitely enjoy spending a few hours in this museum.
6. Malta National Aquarium - Qawra
Another fun museum in Qawra is the Malta National Aquarium. Spread over 20. 000 square meters, one can find different species from the Mediterraneansea and Into – Pacific Ocean.
At the Aquarium one can also find sections dedicated to reptiles, insects and amphibians. Recently, the Aquarium has installed a tank dedicated to jellyfish. The children will definitely enjoy going round the Aquarium, spotting different fish in the hideaways of the tanks. You can also play a game with your children and try ‘Finding Nemo’ in one of the tanks.
After so much fun, you can stop at the souvenir shop to buy a gift to take back home and also relax and have lunch / dinner at the La Nave Bistro. If the children are still not tired, then after lunch / dinner you can head outside, in the playground which has the nautical theme.
7. Malta Toy Museum - Valletta
Valleta is the capital city of Malta and is definitely a must to visit if you are visiting Malta or every now and again if you live in Malta. The capital city Valletta was built by the Knights and named after the Grand Master Jean de La Valette. Walking through the streets of Valletta is already an experience in itself, so imagine visiting the museums which populate this historic city. Apart from the classical musuems, Valletta hosts a museum which your children will definitely be head over heels. Spread over 3 floors, down Republic street (opposite Casa Rocca Piccola) one can find The Malta Toy Museum.
The Museum is the brain child of Mr Vincent Brown, who opened this gem back in 1998. The collection is extensive and goes back to 1950s. The collection is displayed behind glass cabinets and although children cannot play with these toys, am sure that they will enjoy seeing what toys children used to play with back in the days.
8. Pomskizillious Museum of Toys - Xaghra Gozo
The village of Xahhra in Gozo, has a rich history and you should definitely visit on your next trip to Gozo. Xaghra is the home of the most popular beaches in Gozo – ir Ramla Bay.
Three definite historical places to visit whilst in Xaghra are the UNESCO World Heritage Ggantija Temple, and with a combined ticket you can also visit Ta` Kola Windmill. The latter is a restored 18th centuary windmill.
The third visit, has to be the Pomskizillious Museum of Toys. This is a privately owned museum. The toy collection was originally set up in Barnstaple, but in 1992 it was relocated to Gozo. These are not toys, which children will be allowed to play with, as some even date back to the end of the 18th centuary. However, your children will definitely enjoy watching how children used to play back in the day.