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Mallorca's top attractions for kids (and parents)

Monday, 23rd Jul 2012
by El Ship, Master Mariner

Mallorca for kids

The general rule for kids in Mallorca is that if you have access to a pool you will probably struggle to get the little monsters out of it for the whole holiday. So as long as you take care of sunburn and the risk of drowning then you're sorted.

Rash vests are a great solution for kids spending hours in the water. Originally developed for surfers these in-water t-shirts typically have a UPF factor of fifty. You can buy online before you go or they can be found on the island in the Decathlon sports super stores (at Son Moix, just off the Palma ring road, or at the Alcampo shopping centre near the Ma13 road from Palma to Inca). Floatation aids and pool toys can also be found at Decathlon or the Carrefour hypermarkets.

If you don't have a pool, or the dread day comes when the kids want more, then your best bet is to go large on an aquapark...

Aqualand

At the Palma end of the island you have Aqualand at Arenal (Arenal motorway exit 13 or bus 23 form Palma) which feature huge slides and tunnels. Prices are €24 for adults, €17 for kids which does add up. Our tip for all of the kids attractions is to check their websites before you set off because they regularly give discounts if you buy in advance online. This season, for example, buying your Aqualand tickets online will save you 10% of the entry fees.

Hidropark

Aqualand isn't the only aquapark on the island so if you're over the other side of Mallorca around Alcudia then check out Hidropark on the Avinguda del Tucà which comes off the Ma-12. Day tickets for adults cost €19, kids €11.

Marineland

Like your water with things living in it? Then Marineland at Calviá’s Costa d’en Blanes beach boasts sea lion, dolphin and parrot shows as well as a marine themed zoo. Again check online for reductions before you pay at www.marineland.es. Marineland is in Garcilaso de la Vega steet, Costa d’en Blanes. Take the Palma-Andratx motorway and exit at Portals Nous which is about ten minutes out of Palma. There are also buses from Palma – numbers 104,106, and 107.

Adult entry costs €22.50, children (and OAPs) are €16.50 and under 2s get in free.

Caves of Drach

Caves are always good for small people with big imaginations and the Caves of Drach feature three main chambers and stalagmite/stalagtite formations. Best of all for the kids is the chance to take a spooky boat ride on one of the largest underground lakes in the world.

Nemo Submarine

Nemo operate a submarine that dives down to about 20metres for a panoramic view of the undersea world including a fish-feeding session. Based in Magaluf they will pick up for free from most resorts if you don't have your own transport give them a call on +34 971 13 02 44. It's not cheap at €59 for adults ,€49 for kids and they don't recommend it for children under 3.

Arrrrrrrr – the Pirates Adventure

Proof that there were pirates before Johnny Depp rolled his rrrrrrs, Magaluf's Pirates Adventure has been thrilling kids of all ages since the mid-eighties with this huge theatre featuring a 12m high Pirate ship.

The main show is a dinner spectacle and for the best seats you can expect to pay up to €85 for an adult (€55 for kids) although there is a cheaper option (€40 and €30 respectively) if you're not eating. Infants under two are free but bear in mind that the spectacle consists of two 45 minute halves with a 15 minute interval which is a long time to hold a restless toddler on your lap. Also be sure dad doesn't accidentally book the over 18 version which is intended to shiver your timbers in a rather less child-friendly way. The Pirates theatre is in Cami Sa Porrassa Magaluf, that's exit 14 on the Palma/Andratx motorway (Ma-1) and follow the sign posts.

One last thing...

Finally if you are taking the kids to Spain then don’t forget your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) before you go from www.ehic.org.uk. It's free, it means you don't have to pay for doctors and it does away with all the paperwork in one go. You really do just wave the card and walk in to see the doctor. Hopefully you'll never need it but if you do you will be so glad you took the few minutes required to get it.

Tags: aqua parks, balearics, kids, majorca

Related holiday pages: Majorca

About the author

El Ship El Ship is a Master Dive Instructor and RYA skipper who has worked in and around Barcelona and the Balearics for some years and is currently living in Port de Soller, Mallorca where he charters boats and runs a dive school. When work and a small daughter allow him the time, he takes part in cycling, kayaking, and triathlons and is earnestly engaged in a long term study into exactly which Rioja goes best with olives and aged Menorcan cheese.

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