Museums can be a wonderful place to experience and literally grasp the world. If you want to inspire children to visit a museum, choose places that appeal to their curiosity. Places they can explore, exhibits they can touch, the opportunity to get active themselves or try out interactive concepts. That’s what makes the following 12 recommendations the best kids museums on Mallorca.

1. Caixa Forum

The façade of this extraordinary Modernism building in the heart of Palma is famous in itself. But the exhibitions at the former Gran Hotel are also worth a visit. Caixa Forum regularly hosts shows and events suitable for the whole family. Like the current “Comic. Sueños y Historia”. 

2. Miró Mallorca 

The workshop high above the bay of Palma looks as if the popular painter had walked out just a couple of minutes ago, leaving his work coat on the backrest of a rocking chair. Along the garden paths you meet some of his fancy sculptures. Friendly characters and animals bear witness of Joan Miró’s great imagination

3. San Carlos

Not far away, a star-shaped castle attracts visitors of all ages. Originally, the Castillo de San Carlos was built to protect the port of Palma. The complex is just as impressive as the view over the sea and the Tramuntana mountains. As you walk along the massive walls, the perspective changes with every turn. Today, the fortress houses a military museum.

4. Bellver

The characteristic fortress of Castell de Bellver with its tower, moat and drawbridge is completely round. Inside the castle, an exhibition tells the about the settlement of the city. However, it is even more exciting to climb to the roof and walk a full circle.

5. El Aljub

What feels like a secular cathedral actually used to be a water reservoir. It’s part of the cultural center La Misericòrdia. Which also houses the public library with its beautiful summer readers’ garden and several showrooms for changing exhibitions.

6. La Almudaina

Today the official residence of the King of Spain on Mallorca, La Almudaina was erected by the Romans, fortified by the Arabs and rebuilt as a palace by the Christian conquerors. A guided tour takes you on an exciting journey through the history of the island. 

7. Museu de la Mar

The Maritime Museum in Palma and Port de Sóller tells stories about hard work and poor living conditions, about migration and prosperity. Sailor’s stories about shipwrecks, pirates and lighthouses, about shipbuilding and other maritime skills.

8. Finca Galatzó

Popular with locals and visitors alike, the public grounds at the foot of Puig de Galatzó are a great place for a day out. The noble old manor and farmhouse of Finca Galatzó have been carefully renovated and show what life in the Tramuntana used to be like.

9. MUCBO

The Natural Science Museum of the Balearic Islands (MUCBO) is part of the Jardí Botànic de Sóller. Embedded in the rich flora of Mallorca, the small yet well curated exhibition in a beautiful Art Nouveau villa shows prehistoric animals that once populated the island.

10. Raixa

The magnificent mansion at Finca Raixa houses an exciting exhibition. Covering aspects of flora and fauna as well as the landscape of the mountain range. You can also catch a glimpse of day-to-day life in the past and the diverse culture of the Tramuntana towns and villages.

11. Museu del Calçat

Footwear has been manufactured on the island for centuries. Today, the Museu del Calçat i de la Indústria, the Mallorca Shoe Museum in Inca, tells the eventful history of the long-established craft. The interactive concept makes the vivid exhibition a popular destination for families with children.

12. MSBB

Huge granite animals line the shady paths of the declared wildlife sanctuary. A group of rams, a camel and a dromedary, an elephant and a rhino. Museum Sa Bassa Blanca in the bay of Alcúdia attracts art lovers from all over the world. With its sculpture garden it is perhaps the most extraordinary kids museum on Mallorca.

On the weekend of May 17-18 International Museum Day is also celebrated on Mallorca. Many kids museums on Mallorca offer special events, and some exhibitions can be visited free of charge.

Read more about museums on Mallorca, about castles and about hiking with kids on the island.