Palma de Mallorca family guide
Palma is a proper city on a sunny bay, which makes it a good family base when you want beaches and something to do on a cloudy day. The Gothic cathedral sits right above the sea, a round castle watches from a pine hill, and a 1912 wooden train runs through orange groves to Sóller. Late spring and early autumn give warm sea water without the July crowds.
Create a Palma de Mallorca activity book
Best ages
Beaches and the aquarium suit all ages; the Sóller train, Bellver Castle towers and the Drach caves concert work best from about 5, once kids can manage stairs and sit still.
Stroller
The seafront promenade and Parc de la Mar are flat and smooth, but the old town has narrow lanes and steps, and Bellver Castle sits up a steep wooded hill best reached by taxi or bus.
Take this guide on the trip
Signal and roaming are not guaranteed abroad. Print this guide or save it as a PDF, then add a Palma de Mallorca travel journal and packing list. All three are free and are made in your browser.
Travel journal for Palma de Mallorca Packing list for Palma de MallorcaTop things to do in Palma de Mallorca with kids
La Seu cathedral Ages 5+
Inside, coloured light from the huge rose window falls on the floor and Gaudí's iron canopy hangs over the altar; adult entry is roughly €10, with reductions for children.
Bellver Castle Ages 4+
A rare round castle from the 1300s with a moat, a prison tower and views over the whole bay; entry is a few euros and free on Sundays.
Sóller train and tram Ages all ages
The 1912 wooden train crosses the mountains in about an hour, then an old open tram runs down to the port beach; adults pay roughly €20-30 each way, and the line often pauses for maintenance in December and January.
Palma Aquarium Ages all ages
One of Europe's deepest shark tanks plus a jungle zone and outdoor play area near Can Pastilla; booking online saves a few euros per ticket.
City beaches Ages all ages
Ciutat Jardí has shallow water and calm, sandy shallows for small children, while Can Pere Antoni is closest to the old town for a quick swim.
Rainy-day and cold-day options
Coves del Drac
Huge caves near Porto Cristo with an underground lake and a short boat ride with live music.
Mercat de l'Olivar
Covered market with fish, fruit and tapas counters where kids can graze and look around.
Es Baluard museum
Modern art inside the old city walls, with a free terrace and regular family workshops.
A simple first day
- Morning
- Visit the cathedral early and walk through Parc de la Mar beside its lake.
- Afternoon
- Head to Ciutat Jardí for a swim and lunch at a beach chiringuito.
- Evening
- Wander the old town lanes for tapas and an ensaïmada for dessert.
Getting around
EMT city buses run along the bay and to the airport, and old town sights are walkable; hire a car or use TIB buses for Sóller, the caves and quieter coves.
Food kids like
Kids tend to love ensaïmada spiral pastries, pa amb oli (bread with tomato and oil), croquetas and ice cream; locals lunch around 13:30-15:30 and dine from 20:30.
What Palma de Mallorca costs for a family
About €150-230 a day for a family of four, excluding lodging and car hire.
| Item | Typical price |
|---|---|
| Palma Aquarium (adult / child) | €27-32 / €18-22 |
| Sóller train, one way (adult) | €20-30 |
| Coves del Drac with concert (adult / child) | €20-25 / €12-15 |
| Ensaïmada pastry | €2-4 |
Visit Bellver on Sunday when it is free, and take a picnic of pa amb oli to the beach instead of seafront cafés. Prices are typical ranges checked for 2025–2026; confirm current prices before you book.
Safety notes
- Summer sun is strong from June to September, so use high-factor sunscreen, hats and shade between noon and 4 pm.
- Respect beach flags and choose bays with lifeguards, as wind can bring currents even on calm-looking days.
- Tap water in Palma is safe but tastes of minerals, so many families buy large bottles; watch bags on crowded buses and beaches.
What's inside the Palma de Mallorca activity book
A personalized printable book for one child (or up to three with Family), built around Palma de Mallorca: landmark spotting, a 12-item scavenger hunt, a local food tasting page, local phrases and a quiz. Print it at home before you leave and bring a pencil.
Missions
- Castle tower lookout
- Island train conductor
Landmarks to find
- La Seu cathedral
- Bellver Castle
- Sóller train
- Parc de la Mar
Foods to spot or taste
- ensaïmada
- pa amb oli
- oranges
- croquetas
Words to try
- Hola Hello
- Gràcies Thank you
- Si us plau Please
- Sí Yes
Mini €5.90 (10 pages), Adventure €9.90 (25–28 pages) or Family €14.90 (up to three children). One-time purchase, no subscription; the book is printed at home in English.
Create a Palma de Mallorca activity bookQuestions parents ask
Is Palma de Mallorca good for young children?
Beaches and the aquarium suit all ages; the Sóller train, Bellver Castle towers and the Drach caves concert work best from about 5, once kids can manage stairs and sit still.
Can you use a stroller in Palma de Mallorca?
The seafront promenade and Parc de la Mar are flat and smooth, but the old town has narrow lanes and steps, and Bellver Castle sits up a steep wooded hill best reached by taxi or bus.
How much does a family day in Palma de Mallorca cost?
About €150-230 a day for a family of four, excluding lodging and car hire. Visit Bellver on Sunday when it is free, and take a picnic of pa amb oli to the beach instead of seafront cafés.
When is the best time to visit Palma de Mallorca with kids?
Best months: May, June, September, October.