Mallorca with Kids: The 12 Best Day Trips

Mallorca with kids is much more than just a beach holiday. The island is full of adventures families can enjoy together: from underground cave worlds and water parks to farms and historic railways. So you do not have to search for long, we have put together the 12 best day trips for a family holiday on Mallorca. All of them are easy to reach and delight children of all ages.

Water Parks and Splashing Fun for the Whole Family

When temperatures climb in summer, water parks on Mallorca are a hit with kids. The island's two large parks offer slides, wave pools, and kids' areas for every age.

• Western Water Park (Magaluf) - the biggest water park on the island, with a Western theme. There are steep slides for brave teenagers and shallow paddling pools for the youngest. The "Beast" free-fall slide is especially popular.
• Aqualand El Arenal - conveniently located in the south and perfect for a full day. Besides the water slides, there is also a dolphin show that kids love.
• Hidropark (Alcúdia) - a little smaller and quieter, ideal for families with younger children. Ticket prices here are a bit lower than at the big parks.

Stalactite Caves - Underground Adventures

Mallorca has some of the most impressive stalactite caves in Europe, and kids love the mysterious atmosphere below ground. These day trips are weatherproof and offer pleasant cool air on hot days.

Coves del Drac (Porto Cristo) are the island's most famous caves. The tour lasts around an hour and ends with a concert on the underground lake Llac Martel, one of the largest subterranean lakes in the world. The moment when the illuminated boats glide across the lake is unforgettable, even for small children.

The Coves d'Artà near Canyamel are less crowded and even more dramatic: the entrance hall is almost 30 metres high. For children aged 5 and up, the visit is easily manageable.

Animal Parks and Nature Experiences

Day trips involving animals are right at the top of kids' wish lists on Mallorca. The island offers several ways to see native and exotic animals up close.

• Natura Parc (Santa Eugènia) - a lovingly designed animal park with Mallorcan farm animals, birds of prey, and a butterfly garden. The park focuses on conservation and environmental education, which makes it especially worthwhile.
• Palma Aquarium - one of the best aquariums in the Mediterranean. The highlight is the big shark tank with a glass tunnel running through it. For brave kids aged 8 and up, there is even the chance to dive in the shark tank.
• Marineland (Costa d'en Blanes) - a marine park with shows and a tropical aviary. The parrot theatre in particular is a perennial favourite with younger visitors.

Through the Tramuntana Mountains by Train

A ride on the historic Tren de Sóller is one of the most popular family outings on Mallorca with kids. The wooden train has run since 1912 from Palma through the Tramuntana mountains to Sóller, passing through 13 tunnels and an impressive viaduct. Kids love the open windows with the wind blowing through and the orange groves along the route.

Once you arrive in Sóller, you can carry on to the harbour of Port de Sóller on the old tram. There you will find a small beach, waterfront restaurants, and boat trips along the coast. A perfect full-day outing for the whole family.

Beaches with Shallow Water for Kids

Not every beach on Mallorca is equally suited to small children. These bays have especially shallow, calm water and are ideal for families:

• Playa de Alcúdia - a kilometre-long sandy beach with a gently sloping bottom. Perfect for toddlers, because the water is barely knee-deep for the first 30 metres.
• Playa de Muro - right next to Alcúdia, a little less crowded, and with the S'Albufera nature park behind it a great spot for bird watching.
• Cala Mondragó - located in the nature park, with clear water and a pine forest for shady breaks. The bay is compact and therefore pleasant for families.
• Es Trenc - a natural beach with Caribbean flair. There is little infrastructure here, so bring plenty of water and sun protection.

If you want to learn more about family-friendly beaches, our article The 10 Best Beaches on Mallorca for Families has more recommendations.

Castles, Fortresses, and Pirate Tales

Kids who love to play knights and pirates are well looked after on Mallorca. The Castell de Bellver above Palma is one of the few round castles in Europe and offers a fantastic view over the city and the bay. Admission is cheap, and free on Sundays.

For slightly older children, a trip to the Cap de Formentor is worth it. The drive there runs along a spectacular coastal road with viewpoints that delight adults too. On the way you can stop at the beach of Cala Figuera, which can only be reached by a small footpath.

Palma's old town is exciting with kids as well: the narrow lanes, the royal palace La Almudaina, and the mighty cathedral La Seu provide plenty of material for stories. If you want to learn more about the city, our leisure guide for Mallorca has more ideas.

Conclusion

Mallorca with kids offers far more than sand and sea. From water parks and stalactite caves to historic train rides and animal adventures, there are day trips for every taste and every age. Many of the places mentioned can also be visited in the off season, when it is quieter and cheaper. It is best to plan two to three trips per week and leave enough time for relaxed beach days in between. That way a family holiday on Mallorca becomes an experience everyone remembers for a long time.