The best things to do in Palma with kids

If you’re spending any time in Mallorca, you should save at least a day to explore the island’s capital – and with so many things to do in Palma with kids, you could easily spend more than one discovering the historic sites and other family attractions.

contains affiliate links*

Add in beaches and waterparks nearby, the chance to explore a palace, castle and cathedral, and the opportunity to taste one of Mallorca’s traditional pastries, and you might well decided to stay longer as it’s also a great base for a family holiday in Mallorca.

But whether you have one day in Palma de Mallorca with kids or several, here’s my pick of the best things for families to enjoy.

Palma Cathedral (La Seu)

You might not think Mallorca’s Gothic cathedral should be top of your list when you’re travelling with children, but don’t even think about skipping it.

The jaw-dropping architecture, sheer size of the cathedral and gorgeous coloured light filtering through that famous rose window create an almost magical atmosphere that genuinely captivates visitors of all ages – almost 14m across, the rose window is one of the largest in Europe.

Early morning or late afternoon has some of the best effects but it’s fabulous at any time.

You could spend a while checking out the tombs of Mallorcan kings, see the treasures on display in the old chapter house, or marvel at the baldachin above the altar designed by Gaudi and the quirky fish in the walls of the small chapel designed by Miquel Barcelo.

Visits are typically quick enough that no-one gets bored, while Parc de la Mar is close by if anyone needs to burn off some energy afterwards.

If you’re visiting with kids aged 9+, you can also get tickets to climb up to the ‘terrazas’, the roof of the cathedral – 138 steps up, there are incredible views.

It’s well worth booking tickets in advance although you can only get roof access through the official site.

The Turbopass Palma de Mallorca includes entry to the cathedral, Bellver Castle, Palma Aquarium and various other sights and tours – get a discount if you book through my link using the code MUMMYTRAVELS6

La Almudaina Palace

This former Moorish fortress turned royal palace sits right next to the cathedral, making it easy to combine both in one visit to Palma with kids.

Still used by Spain’s royal family, you can wander through the royal apartments of La Almudaina, past fountains in ancient courtyards, old Arab baths and defensive towers, as you learn about the island’s Arab and Christian heritage.

There’s some ornate decoration in the royal apartments, as well as portraits of Mallorca’s early Christian kings and some quirky artefacts on display too. Soak up the views from the terrace while you’re there, and look out for the regular temporary exhibitions. As a bonus on hot days, those have air con!

The audio guide has some more background, but there are information boards in each room, so it’s not essential. Buy tickets with free cancellation here.

Save some time to explore the palace gardens while you’re in this part of Palma – they’re free to wander into, at the bottom of the stairs below the palace, with more shady water features.

Bellver Castle

One of only a few circular castles in Europe, Bellver Castle sits on the hilltop overlooking Palma and Palma Bay, with some fantastic views to the sea and the city.

There’s a little museum inside covering the island’s history too, with a slightly eclectic mix of artefacts, weapons, sculptures and more, but it’s well worth a look.

Then climb up to the roof of the main tower at Bellver Castle to look out across the waves for invading forces (or ferries from Menorca).

Kids under 14 go free and it’s possible to walk up from the city, but it’s quite steep and a hot climb during the summer, so it’s better to take a taxi if you don’t have your own car. The hop-on hop-off bus also stops here.

Palma Aquarium

This is easily Mallorca’s biggest family attraction, and you can see why the moment you walk in. Home to more than 8,000 marine creatures across 55 tanks, it’s perfect for kids who love animals and the spectacular underwater worlds from across the planet.

And the Big Blue is one of Europe’s deepest shark tanks, where you can walk through the 8.5m tunnel past a variety of sharks as well as rays.

There are tropical reefs too, a Mediterranean section to learn about local marine life and hands-on touch pools. If you want a break from the fish, the aquarium has indoor and outdoor play areas too, along with Mediterranean gardens and even a tropical jungle on the roof.

This really is somewhere you can spend hours – allow around half a day, especially if you’re hoping to see feeding time or listen to any of the talks. Buy tickets with free cancellation here, including optional entry into the 3D cinema.

Banys Arabs (Arab baths)

Dating back to the 10th and 11th centuries, the Arab baths are one of the few remnants of Moorish Mallorca, from the time before Jaume I conquered the island and Mallorca began its journey to becoming part of Spain.

Some parts are even older, with Roman columns used inside the baths, as well as traditional Muslim architecture like the dome over the tepidarium which has 25 shafts for sun to flood in. As well as looking at the two surviving rooms, you can also wander through the old courtyard.

Better for primary school age kids than toddlers, it’s only a few euros to enter, and a fascinating glimpse into the island’s history.

Palma’s Beaches

Playa de Can Pere Antoni

Located around 20 minutes’ walk from the cathedral, this urban beach is the closest to the centre of Palma so it’s ideal if you’re looking for an easy break on the sand.

Stretching for 750m, with loungers to rent and beach clubs if you’re visiting with teens, it’s not usually too busy either.

Cala Major

A short bus ride from the centre or about 15 minutes by car, there’s room to spread out at this family-friendly beach and plenty of facilities.

The shallow, clear waters are perfect for younger swimmers too, and there’s a more laid-back feel too.

Visit a water park

If you fancy a change from the sea, there are two water parks near Palma to choose from. Aqualand El Arenal is the biggest water park in Mallorca, around 20 minutes’ drive south-east of the capital, with a mix of options for all ages, including themed areas for kids such as Polynesia and Dragonland.

Alternatively, Western Water Park is – as the name suggests – a Wild West-themed water park that’s around 25 minutes from Palma, just outside Magaluf. There are some smaller slide and shallow pools for younger kids along with some adrenaline thrills for teens, such as The Beast, one of the highest slides in Europe

Take a boat trip

If you’re staying in Palma, you needn’t head half-way across the island to find a great boat trip, with SeaBarcelona trips departing from the capital.

There’s a lovely sunset option if you’ve got older kids, but also a midday departure if you’re looking to get out on the water during the daytime. Add in an open bar, snacks, snorkelling and SUP, plus it’s a small boat so there won’t be huge crowds aboard.

If you prefer a bigger boat to a smaller one, there are some much larger catamarans to take you out on longer cruises from Palma.

The Palma catamaran tour includes a daytime departure, with time to stop and swim and snorkel plus BBQ food, or a shorter evening departure to enjoy the sunset. Or spot dolphins – this three-hour afternoon trip departs from Santa Ponsa, around a half-hour drive from Palma.

Hop-on hop-off bus

A great way to save little legs or to get around Palma without as much effort during the hottest months, the city’s hop-on hop-off bus stops at 16 different locations around the capita.

While much of the city centre is pedestrianised, it does also take you to Bellver Castle, as well as driving along the coast (and past the cruise port), plus stops near the market and Plaza de Espana too.

Parc de la Mar

This waterfront park sits right below the cathedral and royal palace, with a lake and some shady spots to relax after sightseeing.

If you head down to the far end, there’s also a playground for kids to burn off any leftover energy, as well as plenty of space for games.

Stroll Passeig des Born

This elegant tree-lined avenue is another lovely place for a stroll, and you’ll find plenty of local families doing the same.

You’ll sometimes spot street performers along the pedestrianised street, while there are plenty of cafes and benches if you want to stop for a rest while your kids make new friends.

Explore Santa Catalina

Once a fishing village, the neighbourhood of Santa Catalina has kept lots of its traditional charm from the days when fishermen, rope makers and millers lived here.

As well as a lovely park, there’s the Mercat de Santa Catalina, Palma’s oldest food market where you can grab something to eat before soaking up the sights of old houses with their painted exteriors and old wooden shutters.

Eat an ensaimada

You won’t be short of ice cream (and tapas) while you’re in Mallorca but save some stomach space for a traditional ensaimada. These delicious pastries come plain, as well as filled with cream, custard, or chocolate and are the local equivalent of a croissant, but far more indulgent.

C’an Joan de S’aigo in Palma has been perfecting these delicious treats since 1700 and is still one of the most stylish places to eat them – even better, it comes without the price tag you might expect of somewhere oozing with heritage.

Or Forn des Teatre (Fornet de la Soca) has an impressively ornate shop front and is only a short walk from the cathedral too.

Visit Mercat de l’Olivar

Save some time to browse and eat at Palma’s market as well – Mercat de l’Olivar is the city’s largest indoor market, not far from Plaza de Espana.

Inside, you’ll find stalls selling fresh fish, cheese, bread, fruit, vegetables and more, as well as lots of little places to eat – some with just a few stools around a counter, others a little bigger, but with ingredients supplied fresh from the market itself which makes it a fantastic place to stop and grab a bite to eat.

There’s also a separate section with souvenirs, crafts and other items like jams on sale – we picked up a pretty fan which was hugely useful in the heat along the way.

Es Baluard Museum of Modern Art

Modern art museums might not seem the most obvious choice for families but Es Baluard comes with a fun location in a historic fortress, plus some great activities for kids.

Families are encouraged to follow treasure hunts, while there are sometimes workshops, plus great views from the rooftop as well as the regular exhibitions of contemporary art. Visit on Fridays and you can pay what you want.

For another cultural experience, the Juan March Foundation has its own collection of contemporary Spanish art set inside a historic mansion, with more treasure hunts for kids and a peaceful sculpture garden.

Museu de Mallorca

The city museum is housed in a 17th century mansion on Carrer de la Portella, with two smaller branches elsewhere on the island, one in Alcudia, known as the Museum Monografic de Pollenca, and another in Muro.

Telling the history of the island, it’s better with older kids as it’s not particularly interactive; the archaeology section is most interesting for families who love history, although there’s also a fine arts collection.

Look out for Arab ceramics and some beautiful gold jewellery, plus artefacts from older civilisations including Talayotic bronzes dating from around the 2nd millennium BCE.

It only costs a couple of Euros for adults, so it’s not too pricy if your kids will only put up with a short visit (or handy if you’re unlucky enough to be spending a rainy day in Palma with kids).

Caves of Genova

The Caves of Drach might be the best-known caverns on the island, but you needn’t travel that far for a taste of Mallorca’s caves

The Caves of Genova are around a 10-minute drive from Bellver Castle and not much more from Palma city centre, and while they’re the smallest of the cave systems on Mallorca that you can visit, they’re still well worth a stop.

Groups are allowed in every 30 minutes, with a chance to see illuminated stalactites and stalagmites as you venture 36m down underground.

If you do fancy a day trip to the Caves of Drach, you can get tickets including a transfer from Palma if you don’t have your own car.

Take the toy train to Soller

There’s plenty to tempt you to visit Soller itself, but the scenic trip aboard the vintage Train de Soller from Palma is well worth it just for the journey, and definitely the most fun way to travel between the two.

The historic narrow-gauge train winds through the mountains along the way, passing through 13 tunnels before twisting its way down to Soller.

Once there, you can continue to Port de Soller via vintage tram, making it a full day of proper railway excitement. It does get exceptionally busy during the summer months though.

Getting around Palma with kids

Most of Palma’s main attractions are within easy walking distance of each other, and the old town is mostly pedestrianised which makes it even more family friendly (although if you’ve got little ones in a buggy, be prepared for cobbles in some areas).

If you’re planning to explore some of the sights just outside the city centre, the hop-on hop-off bus takes you to locations including Bellver Castle, or there’s a good network of public buses too, with kids under five travelling free, and tickets available on board (priced from 2 Euros for a single journey)

Otherwise you’ll need a rental car – there is parking on the outskirts of Palma, but expect to pay handsomely for the privilege.

For more of the best things to do in Mallorca with kids, check out my top picks

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links – any purchases you make are unaffected but I may receive a small commission

Images: aquarium/beach/Soller train courtesy of Depositphotos, all others copyright MummyTravels

LIKED THIS? SIGN UP FOR MY EMAIL NEWSLETTER