Discover beautiful parks, beaches, gardens and outdoor adventures for the whole family without spending a fortune!
Looking for free things to do in Malta with kids? Whether you live on the island, have recently moved here as an expat family or are visiting Malta on holiday, there are plenty of wonderful places to explore with children without paying an entrance fee.
From beautiful sandy beaches and peaceful gardens to historic cities, nature reserves and family-friendly parks, Malta and Gozo offer exciting opportunities for children to play, learn and discover.
At Kids In Malta®, we believe that some of the best childhood memories are made outdoors, exploring new places and spending quality time together.
Here are 12 of the best free places to visit with children in Malta and Gozo.
1. Ta’ Qali National Park – Attard
Best for: All ages, cycling, picnics and outdoor play.
Ta’ Qali National Park is one of Malta’s most popular outdoor destinations for families. With its spacious green areas, walking paths and places to relax, it is a wonderful choice for a family outing.
Children can enjoy outdoor games, ride their bicycles or simply run around and explore. Families can bring a picnic and spend several hours enjoying the fresh air.
Why families love it:
- Plenty of outdoor space.
- Great for cycling, walking and playing.
- Ideal for family picnics.
- Suitable for children of different ages.
Entrance: Free.
Kids In Malta® Tip: Bring a ball, a frisbee or bicycles and turn your visit into an active family afternoon.
2. Buskett Gardens – Siġġiewi
Best for: Nature walks, exploring woodland and family picnics.
If your children love nature, Buskett Gardens is a beautiful place to explore.
Known for its woodland surroundings, Buskett offers a refreshing escape from Malta’s busy towns and streets.
Children can discover different trees and plants, listen to birds and enjoy walking along the woodland paths.
It is especially beautiful during autumn and spring when the surroundings are green and the temperatures are comfortable.
Why families love it:
- A peaceful natural environment.
- Opportunities to discover plants and wildlife.
- Lovely picnic spots.
- A wonderful setting for outdoor learning.
Entrance: Free.
Kids In Malta® Tip: Organise a little nature scavenger hunt. Ask your children to find different leaves, shapes and colours along the way.
3. San Anton Gardens – Attard
Best for: Younger children, peaceful walks and discovering nature.
San Anton Gardens is one of Malta’s most beautiful historic gardens.
Located in Attard, these public gardens offer shaded pathways, beautiful trees, fountains and opportunities to observe birds and plants.
It is an ideal place for families looking for a relaxed outing, particularly with younger children.
Why families love it:
- Beautiful historic surroundings.
- Shaded walking paths.
- Opportunities to observe birds and plants.
- A peaceful atmosphere.
Entrance: Free.
Kids In Malta® Tip: Encourage children to describe what they see using their senses. What can they hear, smell and observe?
4. Kennedy Grove – Salina
Best for: Playgrounds, picnics and active children.
Kennedy Grove is a lovely family-friendly outdoor destination in the Salina area.
Surrounded by greenery, it provides a welcoming environment for children to play and families to spend time together.
It is particularly suitable for parents looking for an outdoor activity that does not require expensive tickets or equipment.
Why families love it:
- Outdoor play areas.
- Green surroundings.
- Space for family activities.
- Suitable for a relaxed afternoon.
Entrance: Free.
Kids In Malta® Tip: Pack a picnic and let your children enjoy some screen-free playtime.
5. Għadira Nature Reserve – Mellieħa
Best for: Birdwatching, wildlife discovery and educational outings.
Did you know that Malta is an important stopping point for migratory birds?
Għadira Nature Reserve, managed by BirdLife Malta, offers families an opportunity to discover the island’s natural environment and learn about wildlife conservation.
Children can observe birds, explore wetland habitats and learn why protecting nature is important.
This is a particularly interesting outing for school-age children who enjoy science and animals.
Why families love it:
- Opportunities to observe migratory birds.
- Educational experiences.
- A chance to learn about conservation.
- A peaceful natural environment.
Entrance: Free; donations are welcome.
Important: Opening days and hours are seasonal. Check the official BirdLife Malta website before visiting.
Kids In Malta® Tip: Bring binoculars if you have them and challenge your children to identify different birds.
6. Upper Barrakka Gardens – Valletta
Best for: History, sightseeing and spectacular views.
Upper Barrakka Gardens is one of Valletta’s most beautiful public spaces.
Overlooking the Grand Harbour and the historic Three Cities, the gardens offer incredible views and an opportunity to introduce children to Malta’s maritime history.
Families can watch boats entering and leaving the harbour and may also see the ceremonial cannon firing from the Saluting Battery below.
Why families love it:
- Spectacular views of the Grand Harbour.
- A chance to discover Maltese history.
- Beautiful gardens and architecture.
- A lovely stop while exploring Valletta.
Entrance: Free to the public gardens. Separate attractions may charge admission.
Kids In Malta® Tip: Ask your children to count the boats they can see and discuss why Malta’s harbours have been important throughout history.
7. Mdina – The Silent City
Best for: History, exploration and family photography.
Step back in time with a visit to Mdina, Malta’s famous Silent City.
Walking through Mdina’s historic gates feels like entering another world.
Its narrow streets, beautiful architecture and peaceful squares make it a wonderful destination for families who enjoy discovering new places.
Children can explore the medieval surroundings and learn about Malta’s fascinating history.
Why families love it:
- Beautiful historic streets.
- Interesting architecture.
- Opportunities for learning.
- A unique atmosphere.
Entrance: Free to enter the city. Museums and some attractions charge admission.
Kids In Malta® Tip: Turn your visit into a treasure hunt. Can your children find an old doorway, a coat of arms or an unusual architectural detail?
8. Golden Bay – Mellieħa
Best for: Beach days, sandcastles, swimming and sunsets.
Malta’s beaches are among its greatest natural attractions, and Golden Bay is a wonderful destination for families.
With its golden sand and beautiful coastal scenery, it is ideal for a day of beach games, building sandcastles or enjoying a seaside picnic.
During the cooler months, families can still enjoy walking along the beach and exploring the surrounding landscape.
Why families love it:
- A beautiful sandy beach.
- Space for beach games.
- Wonderful sunset views.
- Opportunities for outdoor relaxation.
Entrance: Free beach access.
Kids In Malta® Tip: Bring a bucket and spade for younger children or organise a beach treasure hunt.
Safety reminder: Always check sea conditions and supervise children closely near the water.
9. Dingli Cliffs – Dingli
Best for: Scenic walks, nature and older children.
For families who enjoy spectacular landscapes, Dingli Cliffs offers some of Malta’s most breathtaking coastal views.
The surrounding countryside provides opportunities for walking, photography and discovering the island’s natural beauty.
It is particularly enjoyable during spring and autumn when the weather is cooler.
Why families love it:
- Beautiful Mediterranean views.
- Opportunities for countryside walks.
- Wonderful photography locations.
- A chance to enjoy Malta’s natural landscape.
Entrance: Free.
Kids In Malta® Tip: Bring a small notebook and encourage your children to draw the landscape or describe what they see.
Safety reminder: Some cliff edges are steep and unfenced. Keep children well away from the edges and choose safe walking routes.
10. Marsaskala Family Park – Marsaskala
Best for: Outdoor play, active children and family afternoons.
Marsaskala Family Park is a great option for families looking for a spacious outdoor destination.
The park offers areas where children can play, move around and enjoy time outside.
It is a practical choice for parents who want to organise a simple family outing without spending money on entertainment.
Why families love it:
- Outdoor play opportunities.
- Space for active children.
- A relaxed family atmosphere.
- Suitable for an afternoon outing.
Entrance: Free.
Kids In Malta® Tip: Bring snacks, water and a few outdoor games to make the most of your visit.
11. Foresta 2000 – Mellieħa
Best for: Nature walks, wildlife and environmental education.
Foresta 2000 is a nature restoration area in northern Malta where families can discover Mediterranean woodland and learn about the importance of protecting natural habitats.
The area provides opportunities to observe native plants, birds and the island’s natural landscape.
It is a wonderful destination for children who enjoy exploring the outdoors.
Why families love it:
- Natural walking trails.
- Opportunities to discover wildlife.
- Educational outdoor experiences.
- Beautiful countryside surroundings.
Entrance: Free.
Kids In Malta® Tip: Teach your children the importance of leaving nature exactly as they found it. Take photographs, collect memories and leave plants and wildlife undisturbed.
12. Ramla Bay – Gozo
Best for: Beach adventures, family picnics and exploring Gozo.
If you are planning a family day trip to Gozo, Ramla Bay is one of the island’s most beautiful natural attractions.
Famous for its distinctive reddish sand, Ramla Bay offers a wonderful setting for beach games, relaxing walks and spending time together.
Children can build sandcastles, explore the beach and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.
Why families love it:
- Unique reddish sand.
- Beautiful natural scenery.
- Space for family beach activities.
- A lovely destination during a Gozo day trip.
Entrance: Free beach access. Ferry and other transport costs may apply.
Kids In Malta® Tip: Combine your visit with a family picnic and discover more of Gozo’s beautiful countryside.
More Free Things to Do in Malta with Children
You do not always need a playground, attraction or organised event to enjoy a memorable family day.
Here are some simple ideas that can turn an ordinary outing into an adventure.
Go on a Nature Scavenger Hunt
Create a list of things for your children to discover, such as different leaves, birds, flowers or interesting shapes.
Explore a New Maltese Village
Visit a village you have never explored before. Walk through its streets, admire the traditional buildings and discover its local history.
Organise a Family Sports Afternoon
Bring a football, frisbee, skipping rope or bicycles to a suitable public park.
Enjoy a Sunset Picnic
Pack a simple meal and visit one of Malta’s beautiful coastal locations to watch the sunset together.
Become a Little Nature Photographer
Encourage your children to photograph interesting plants, landscapes and objects they discover during your outing.
These activities encourage creativity, movement, curiosity and quality family time.
Tips for Enjoying Free Family Days Out in Malta
Before heading out, remember a few essentials:
- Bring plenty of drinking water, especially during warmer months.
- Pack snacks or a picnic to keep costs low.
- Use sunscreen and hats when needed.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes.
- Check the weather and sea conditions.
- Check seasonal opening hours for gardens and nature reserves.
- Respect wildlife and keep public spaces clean.
- Supervise children around roads, water and steep terrain.
Remember that while entrance to these destinations is free, parking, transport, refreshments or optional attractions may involve additional costs.
Why Free Outdoor Activities Are Important for Children
Children benefit enormously from spending time outdoors.
Exploring nature, visiting parks and discovering new environments can encourage physical activity, curiosity, creativity and social interaction.
Outdoor adventures also give families opportunities to connect away from screens and everyday routines.
And perhaps most importantly, children learn that having fun does not always mean spending money.
Sometimes the simplest adventures create the most meaningful memories.
Discover More Family Activities with Kids In Malta®
Kids In Malta® is here to make family life easier by bringing useful information together in one place.
From free outdoor adventures and family-friendly events to sports, workshops, educational opportunities and local experiences, we help parents discover what Malta and Gozo have to offer.
Whether you are a local family, an expat parent or visiting Malta with children, we hope to inspire your next family adventure.
Do you know another wonderful free place in Malta or Gozo that families should discover?
Share your recommendations in the comments! We would love to hear from you and help more families explore our beautiful islands.
Explore more family activities, events and adventures at www.kidsinmalta.com.
Kids In Malta® — Connecting families, discovering places and creating memories together.
