Have children? Love history? No problem. Malta may have no theme parks to entertain the little ones, but that doesn’t mean younger visitors are going to be bored here! If your love of culture is pulling you towards exploring Malta’s rich cultural and architectural heritage, there's no reason you can't bring the kids along too. 

Meet the kids

I emigrated from Malta 17 years ago, eventually settling in Switzerland in 2005. When my children were born, I was determined to teach them about my home country. After all, they are half Maltese!

My older son, Ben, was four months old when he first visited Malta, but as soon as he could walk, I started showing him as much as possible of this tiny island. Ben is now 11, an avid reader and computer geek who struggles with Maltese summer temperatures. His sister Eloise is 8 and flits happily between ballet tutus and Roblox, and could live happily ever after on Malta’s largest beach in Mellieha. Between them, they've clocked countless air-miles, visiting Malta at least three times a year. On each visit, I make sure they learn more about where their mother comes from. 

And I seem to have been so efficient in my quest that my little travellers are now mini-experts on Malta’s historic sites, having visited almost all of them! In this mini series, I ask them to list some of their favourites, and score them for child-friendliness. 

This month, they went to the “cinema”.

The Malta Experience (Valletta)

Not a historic attraction in itself, although it is housed within the 16th century fortifications of the capital Valletta, the Malta Experience is a great place to start your education on Malta’s complex history. And it’s the ideal bad weather activity to boot! 

The award-wining audio-visual show covers 7,000 years of history in 30 minutes, and is presented in 17 languages. With its dynamic music and vibrant narrative, the show is captivating for all ages, and is just the right length before kids start getting bored or demanding more popcorn.

Ben: "It’s good for showing people all about history, because I love history. I especially loved the bit about World War II." 9/10

Eloise: "I think it was absolutely spectacular, but maybe it’s better for older kids who can understand what is happening and not get frightened by the film." 9/10

Mum: "It’s pushchair (and wheelchair) friendly. No pre-booking necessary. There is a small cafe on site. If you travel to Valletta by bus, it’s a 15 minute walk (adult walking pace) from the bus terminus crossing the entire length of the city."