Mallorca is a first-rate family destination. It has shallow-water beaches perfect for little ones, a century-old wooden train, aquariums, caves with a lake and water parks, all at short distances. The key is choosing the right base for the kids' ages and not trying to cover the whole island. This guide gathers the plans that really work with family.
With kids, the north (Alcúdia) beats the party south-west, and calm coves beat the small fashionable ones (no shade or parking). With that, the island is enjoyed without stress.
Best beaches for kids
| Beach | Area | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Playa de Muro / Alcúdia | North | Fine sand, shallow water, long |
| Cala Mondragó | South-east | Natural park, calm water |
| Es Trenc | South | Wild and wide (no facilities) |
| Cala Agulla | North-east | Spacious, pine wood and clear water |
| Port de Sóller | Tramuntana | Sheltered bay and a promenade |
The plans that work
Sóller train. The 1912 wooden train that crosses the Tramuntana from Palma, and the tram to the port. Kids love it; it's an experience in itself.
Palma Aquarium. One of the great aquariums in Europe, with the deepest shark tank on the continent. A perfect half day for a cloudy day.
Marineland. In Costa d'en Blanes, with dolphins, sea lions and parrots. A family classic.
Drach Caves. In Porto Cristo, with one of the largest underground lakes in Europe and a classical music concert from boats. Magical for little ones (book ahead).
Water parks. In summer, Aqualand (El Arenal), Western Water Park (Magaluf) and Hidropark (Alcúdia).
Castell de Bellver. Palma's circular castle, ideal for playing knights with views over the bay.
A week with family (north base)
| Day | Plan |
|---|---|
| 1 | Playa de Muro / Alcúdia and the walled town |
| 2 | Sóller train and tram to the port |
| 3 | Drach Caves + Porto Cristo |
| 4 | Palma: Cathedral, Bellver and Palma Aquarium |
| 5 | Water park or Marineland |
| 6 | Cala Mondragó or Cala Agulla |
Where to eat with kids
The beach bars of the family beaches and the village restaurants (cellers) work very well. For an afternoon snack, a freshly made ensaïmada is a guaranteed hit. Book in summer, especially in the north.
What we don't recommend with kids
- Staying in Magaluf or s'Arenal if you want calm. It's party territory; the north is better.
- Going to the small fashionable coves with little ones. No shade or parking and overflowing.
- Driving Sa Calobra with kids who get carsick. Extreme bends.
- Trying to see the whole island. Pick a base and short radii.
Common mistakes
⚠️ Warning: the slip-ups we see most with families.
- Not booking the car ahead in summer. It sells out and prices soar.
- Not booking the Drach Caves. Concert tickets sell out.
- Forgetting shade and water on the long beaches (Es Trenc has no facilities).
In one sentence
Mallorca with kids is shallow beaches in the north, the Sóller train, aquariums and caves with a lake: a comfortable, safe island if you pick the right base and don't try to see it all. For the rest of the island, what to see in Mallorca is your guide.