10 family-fun attractions on Mallorca
Updated: Jan 21, 2020
The island of Mallorca has been a premier holiday destination since the 70’s, so it’s no wonder a myriad of different fun attractions have sprung up over the years to entertain and enthral its visitors. From splashing around in a waterpark to admiring the natural beauty of a reserve, from horse riding in Formentor to karting in Magaluf, there is guaranteed to be something that will keep both parents and children happy.
1. The Waterparks
While you might think about sipping cocktails at sunset when asked to conjure your ideal holiday, kids think of whizzing down slides headfirst into splash pools. You can take your pick from three water parks in Mallorca: Western Water Park in Magaluf; Hidropark in Alcúdia and Aqualand in El Arenal.
2. Palma Aquarium
The family will stay occupied for hours at Mallorca’s excellent marine park, which features more than 8000 animals of 700 different species, in more than 5 million litres of salt water. Visitors take an adventure through the Mediterranean, Indian, Atlantic and Pacific oceans, set to the haunting strains of classical music. Palma Aquarium is also home to The Big Blue, the deepest shark tank in Europe. The aquarium is the only attraction in the Balearics to open 365 days a year. Opening times are 9:30 h to 18:30 h, Monday to Sunday.
3. Karting
Fun for every age, karting is a classic way to get a quick adrenaline buzz. Karting Magaluf has minikarts for children from three years old; junior carts for teenagers and a race class for mums and dads. Speed demons can challenge their abilities on three different courses. XtremKart is an indoor electric karting track at Mallorca Fashion Outlets at which groups race against each other in high-performance go-karts, with safety a prime concern. It’s not cheap, but it is super fun.
4. La Reserva Galatzó
Gain a sense of being in a unique natural wonderland at this fascinating nature reserve deep in the Tramuntana. A 3,5 km-long loop road winds past grottoes, waterfalls and a variety of wildlife including peacocks, goats – and there are even three brown bears (behind a large fence, of course but free to roam in acres of forest!). There are raptor and bird of prey display displays twice daily, plus opportunities for rock climbing, passing swinging bridges, and sliding down canyons.
5. Cabrera tour
Pack a picnic, bring along your snorkelling gear and head off to the small island of Cabrera. The national park offers unspoiled nature, rare bird species, wonderful beaches and a precious underwater world. Boats leave daily from Colonia St. Jordi.
6. Sailing & stand up paddle
Take to the waves! Admittedly, the Mediterranean is pretty flat and calm – which makes conditions perfect for a spot of sailing or SUP (stand up paddle boarding). Sail & Surf in Pollensa offers classes for kids and teenagers during the holidays to learn the basics while having lots of fun.
7. The caves
If you’re longing for shade and coolness, head for a cave. There are several underground cave systems in Mallorca and all maintain a refreshing temperature of 18º C, all year round.
Coves d’Arta
A guided tour leads through various chambers to the ‘Queen of the Pillars’. This huge stalagmite is 22 m tall and quite unique. There is a light and sound show to give extra effect to the amazing selection of stalagmites and stalactites.
Coves del Drach
‘The Caves of the Dragon’ comprise of four caves forming a huge underground expanse. Boats holding musicians playing classical music sail on Europe’s largest underground lake, Lake Martel, adding to the haunting spectacle.
Coves dels Hams
Again in Porto Cristo, Coves dels Hams are smaller than Coves del Drach (and tickets are more expensive). Visitors see a Jules Verne video presentation (it is said Mallorca’s caves inspired the novelist to write ‘Journey to the Centre of the Earth’) and listen to Mozart as a boat glides over the still underground lake.
Coves de Genova
The smallest cave attraction is no less beautiful than its larger rivals. Visitors descend 35 metres down through a maze of hallways; the stalagmites and stalactites touchingly lit by coloured lights. Very close to Palma in the residential area of Genova.
Coves de Campanet
Last but certainly not least, Coves de Campanet nestle in ravishingly pretty countryside. There are none of the bells and whistles of its east coast counterparts – just stillness, silence, and a wealth of fascinating formations. A terrace and cafe boast stunning views, perfect for a coffee or bite to eat after the tour. Children will love saying hello to the donkey in the adjacent paddock.
8. Horse Riding
Create family memories with a ride on a beach. Cala Mesquida and Can Picafort are top choices for beach rides, and there are many more opportunities for getting up close and friendly with these noble animals. Ride up a mountain and take in the breathtaking views of Alcudia Bay from the top under the guidance of a Ranxo Ses Roques instructor. Trails last from one to two hours, and gallops are optional!
If you like the idea of natural horse care and bitless riding, Hípica Formentor in Sa Pobla is your place. Small groups are taken for treks on the quiet roads and sandy tracks of the Albufera. There’s also the option of heading off on a ride over several days, e.g. a weekend ride to Lluc.
9. Rancho Grande Park
For something a little different, a ‘Día Rustico’ at this extensive ranch in North Mallorca is a great option. The idea is that you bring along what you’d like to eat, and the staff will barbecue it for you on the authentic grill. A playground, bouncy castle and soccer field will keep the kids happy for hours; there’s even a mechanical bull for hire as an optional extra, should the mood take you!
Rancho Grande is also well worth a visit for its miniature zoo; a well looked-after collection of animals that includes Black Mallorquin pigs, Menorquin horses, llamas and marmosets, amongst others. There’s also the option of a two-hour horseback ride through a pine forest to the unspoiled beach of Son Serra de Marina.
10. Boat trip to Sa Dragonera
Pirates, dragons and plenty of fresh air makes this boat trip to the famous dragon-shaped island of Dragonera a perfect excursion for all the family. Pick up the boat from Santa Ponsa and explore this nature reserve with its pirate tower, indigenous lizards and excellent coves for swimming and snorkelling.
More Activities on Mallorca
You’ll never run out of things to do on Mallorca! Here we give you ideas for everything from cultural and outdoor activities to sports and water fun.
We hope you have found this article about the 10 family-fun attractions on Mallorca useful and that you have many memorable stays in Mallorca as a result of our recommendations.
👉🏽 We are always happy to hear from you, let yourself be inspired and choose our individual tour (under "Tour packages") and send us your ideas. Together with your personal arabic tour guide, we will then create an excursion program that is specially tailored to your needs.
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