Malta offers a host of other sports and activities that are just as social, fitness-minded and ideal for kids to pick up even from a young age. Tennis is one such sport and it has a lot going for it when it comes to youngsters’ physical and social development. Yet its potential has been traditionally neglected and underplayed in Malta on both school curricula and among free-time sports.

Exactly why it should feature less on our agendas is hard to fathom. Perhaps parents feel tennis coaching for the Under 10s costly, or they think it’s only for precociously sporty kids who already have their sights set on a Grand Slam court from age four.  Maybe they see it as less of a team sport and therefore less sociable. But, we can dismiss all these notions if we take a look at a pioneering kids’ tennis programme that’s a newcomer on the Malta tennis scene – Elitennis Malta ‘mini-tennis’.

What is Elitennis?

Run by professional coach Ian Smith – a former national coach for Egypt and Malta – Elitennis Under 10s is aimed at giving kids a life-long love of tennis whatever their ability or take-out from the game. It starts children off with mini courts and modified equipment to ensure they learn in an age- and ability-appropriate steps. Elitennis is about making sure entry to the game is easy, fun and sociable.   

However, it doesn’t dumb down the idea that tennis is a competitive game.  In fact, one of its aims is to help Malta produce the best 10 and 11 year old players who are well equipped to progress into older age group events and stages. Elitennis seeks first and foremost to give kids a sport they can take onwards with them in life and play anywhere. So parents, forget the tutu and the studded boots and just kit out your kids with a simple pair of trainers (Elitennis course fees include the smaller rackets!) – and give Elitennis a go this autumn. Course Details see below.

Elitennis coach Ian Smith in action
In this clip, Ian takes us through the Elitennis key philosophies during a typical training session at their base, the Union Club, Sliema.

Course Details: The autumn course starts 24 September. Elitennis is offering an Early Bird discount to the first 20 to sign up through Malta Insideout. See full course details and offer info here and download a voucher for the offer.

Elitennis Malta Malta Union Club, Sliema Email:  tennisprofessional@hotmail.co.uk Mob: +356 79002923 Facebook: Elitennis on Facebook

Beach tennis, a good fun introduction to the sport

There’s a beach tennis court marked out at Golden Bay.  The kids found it before we adults.  We realised that something was going on as usually they pester for ice-creams, drinks, snacks, help with snorkels and so on. But, when 15 minutes went by undisturbed, we looked up to spot them engrossed in beach tennis and, what’s more, being coached by professional coach Ian Smith.  All on a regular Sunday on the beach.

Tennis is a sport most of us have a go at some point in our lives, but often forget.  Beach Tennis in Malta, conveniently in situ at Golden Bay on most summer weekends, is a great way to get back into the sport or start it afresh,  and perhaps get into it all year round.

We asked Ian to give us the low-down on tennis’ benefits for young and old, island resident or visitor,  and how to go about it in Malta. Ian is a qualified, experienced coach (find him working out of the Union Club, Sliema) and stresses that pro session aren’t exclusive or just for the born players among us; his motto is that tennis is truly a sport for all, and definitely one for our climate in Malta.

 Is tennis for me? Here’s Ian’s word on it…

Get fit + play tennis = fun.  Tennis is for everyone regardless of whether or not you have played before.  Adult beginners learn great new skills while having a great workout.  For adults, there are also the benefits of weight loss, learning new skills and engaging in a very social sport.

Tennis is truly a sport of a lifetime and with people regularly playing into their 70′s and 80′s.  The myth about tennis is that it is played by the elite and wealthy which of course is simply not true.  If you master the skills, you’ll find a sport to engage in almost anywhere in the world.   The health benefits to children and adults are second to no other sport given tennis’ cardiovascular workout and the coordination you develop coupled with the competitive and social aspects.

Having coached at every level of the game and having introduced nearly 30,000 children to the sport over a 25 year period, I can vouch for the benefits time and time again.

It is essential for a coach or ‘pro’ to be qualified to international standards, particularly if you’re setting kids on a tennis path.  Parents should ensure they choose a coach that truly understands how children learn.  The environment has to be condusive and stimulating to make tennis both interesting and fun and be able also to deliver a fantastic learning experience.

Another myth, is that tennis is ‘hitting the ball over the net’ – of course this is the aim but tennis offers a unique and unparalleled education with a coach that teaches the sport progressively.

We specialise in teaching tennis to children under the age of 10 using a worldclass system that uses modified equipment to make tennis more logical and enjoyable.  Each child has the same experience and the progressive system nurtures the child in health, coordination, socially, physically and competitively.

5 reasons to get kids playing tennis:

• development of hand-eye coordination (vital skills that last a lifetime)
• health – win the battle of childhood obesity!
• teamwork & sportmanship – social skills
• discipline & perseverance
• FUN! - tennis is fun, plain and simple!

More Info

Ian Smith runs Elitennis Malta, Under 10s Programme.  Find out more about Beach Tennis here.

Course Details:

The Elitennis Malta, Under 10s autumn course starts 24 September. Elitennis is offering an Early Bird discount to the first 20 to sign up through Malta Insideout. See full course details and offer info here and contact us for your offer voucher number. Alternatively, sign up for our eNews (see above, right) to access the voucher link in our next issue, out 1 September.

Elitennis Malta Malta Union Club, Sliema
Email:
tennisprofessional@hotmail.co.uk;
Mob: +356 79002923
Facebook:  Elitennis on Facebook

Photo: courtesy Controvento

And to put this in context….
In Malta, and in some southern parts of continental Europe, ‘summer’s out’ lasts a record three months. For instance, this year, most Maltese schools broke up on the 26th June and are back on 26th September. Three solid months of fun or mayhem, depending which side of the fence you’re on. Plus, in June, Maltese schools operate a half-day system ending at 12.30 which means in effect a four-month holiday as far as parents are concerned. So, if you’ve moving to Malta with kids in tow, you are forewarned. Kids though find this state of affairs highly attractive, or do they?

The Good

1. No school for three months, and no early starts. (Note: some kids are waiting at bus pick up points as early at 06.30 in term time).

2. Beach practically every day if you want! So long as parents can get you there and back as waiting for the bus isn’t nice in the heat.

3. Lots more junk food such as ice creams, pizzas, pastizzi, granita, take-aways from beach bars, and lots of BBQ sausages. Mums are too hot to bother to cook much in summer, so kids get more ‘convenience’ food of various kinds.

4. Get to make new friends at summer school activities (and avoid the school kids you hate) and meet real friends from school (and not be bothered by those you aren’t keen on)

5. Have sleepovers any weekday night, camp out on the beach and stay up really late!  Families here tend to keep little kids up very late in summer as they all go for an evening meal or passeggiata along a seafront to get some air and to socialise.

6. Get to go to Playmobil a lot (the factory funpark is very popular with younger kids, and it’s airconditioned so parents benefit too!), and Splash ‘n’ Fun (Malta’s open-air water park).

The Bad

1. Summer schools and various summer activities. they can be good fun, but by the second month of summer, we’d rather like to be able to get up late, not rush somewhere and just bum around at home in front of a screen. (If parents work, then summer school is a must not an option to be able to get bored kids through a very long hot summer.)

2. Other kids at summer school and other teachers. a lot are a real pain, and some ‘teachers’ are even stricter than our normal school teachers.

3. Beach. It’s OK, but we don’t like to go every day. We’re quite happy at a TV/computer/Wii screen too.

4. Summer can be as organised as school terms: parents often make sure their kids are catered for a lot so as to avoid hearing the ‘I’m bored..’ phrase.

5. We see a lot of granny: a lot of kids, especially the very young, tend to end up staying with grandma after summer school as their parents work. It’s probably not fair to some older, or less fit grannies, and not fair to the active kids who want to do more than granny can!

6. Parents tend to shout more: not surprising really, since they have their darling kids around almost 24/7 and have to think how to keep them occupied in the heat for 3 months! Tempers are bound to fray.

Hot summers?

First, let’s start the matter at hand: why so long a holiday when neighbouring countries, with equally hot climates, seem able to get their kids back to school at around the start of September? Maltese schools, state or private, are too cash strapped for air-conditioners, or feel they are environmentally unacceptable to use? No, that can’t be the reason. It’s always been three months, so it remains that way. Plus ça change.

A teacher told me that the year is hard work, and that three months wasn’t three months for them as they still had papers to mark, end year to sort out and be back earlier than the children come September (well, teachers do these ‘chores’ as part of their work in countries with far shorter summer breaks too).

Time’s short

The short year means that children have to spend a lot of the autumn term revising the work of the summer term before. I’ve seen this with my eight year-old, and certainly younger children can forget even basic things over the long summer months. This means they lose new learning time in the first term back.

The short school year isn’t the only issue; we’ve also very short school days. At my son’s school, they are a bit longer than most (8.30 – 2.45) but at most state and a lot of private schools, the day ends at around 1 to 1.30pm. Combine the short days and short teaching year and you’ve a considerable shortfall in active learning time compared to the rest of the European Union. I always had a hunch that the summer holidays were a flawed aspect of the Maltese school system; not only because I find them completely exhausting to survive as a working parent. Now, I’ve some ammunition to back up my personal feelings about the issue.

The big issue

According to a Eurodyce report on Key Data in Education in Europe in 2009, in most countries, taught time increases as children progress through school, with the exception of Malta, where the number of school hours in primary and secondary schools stay the same. Malta has vast numbers of children, some 78 per cent of Maltese fourth and fifth formers in 2008, going to private lessons outside school hours in order to beef up their learning time. While we learn from the Eurydice report that students from the northern Europe rarely attend extra tutoring outside their normal schooling hours.

Professor of Education at the University of Nottingham, Roger Murphy, who has been involved in a review six years ago of the Maltese examination board for school-leaving exams, the so-called MATSEC exams, was quoted recently while he was here on follow-up work, saying that he has seen no signs of improvement in various indicators in the education system including in the length of the school year. “When compared with a wide range of other education systems in developed countries, students in Malta are still receiving a very low number of hours of schooling,” he told The Times of Malta.

Where next?

So, as I see three months looming ahead, my heart sinks to hear Prof Murphy’s words, coming as they do six years on from his earlier assessment. Nothing has changed in that time, so I start another three-month summer holiday with the nagging thought that the education system here is failing our children. Sure, they pass exams, sure they can still do well. But at what price financially to parents and psychologically to our kids if they are cramming in all those private lessons because no one will buy aircons. For how long can heat be the poor excuse in this era of technology?

Photo:  by Mountainwaves

Few parents in Malta relish children's parties. But smile, because these are something new

We so often refer to children as the future, but actually they are very much the present too. Unless we enrich their experience now, how can they become the agents of change we expect them to be? A neighbourhood-level project that draws children from varied backgrounds together in a spirit of unity is perhaps one way of doing this – and it has already achieved success right on our doorstep in St Paul’s Bay. The project? Children’s parties with a difference!

A group of individuals committed to a vision of unity, community-building and the moral education of children is bringing a very different style of ‘kids’ party’ to some localities. Starting to sound dull? Not quite, gauging from the parents’ involvement and more importantly the glowing faces of the kids in St Paul’s Bay.

Qualities such as unity, generosity, love, truthfulness – they are all too often grouped under ‘being good’ (the polar opposite of ‘being naughty’) when raising our children. But if these qualities are an essential part of what it means to be human, if they are indeed spiritual qualities, shouldn’t we learn a bit more about each one? What does unity look like in the eyes of a child? How do we practice it?

And so…the series of neighbourhood children’s parties was born. These ‘parties’ are a chance for local children to learn about a particular virtue with new friends through games, singing, drama and art – new concepts, new faces, in a popular format. Free of charge and open to all, the parties quite naturally bring together a diversity of nationalities within one neighbourhood– the first party attracted Maltese, German, English, and African families, all resident in Malta. They shared at least one thing in common: a desire to offer their children a more meaningful social experience.

A handful of volunteers made heart-shaped invitations with children they already knew, to give out to their friends and local families. Introductory name games and songs, along with a lot of laughter, soon bonded the children and chased away any shyness. ‘Unity’ was the first theme, and the kids (ranging from 3-9) were encouraged to share their understanding of this – revealing lots of ‘gems’ in the process! Creative activities soon helped to make the concept even clearer and more relevant to their young but busy lives. After the must-have party snacks and drinks, each child left smiling and eager to return the following week.

Several weeks later, the parties were still going strong but were naturally evolving into a more sustainable programme of weekly classes. What is perhaps most surprising is the unifying effect of such a small step. Strangers are brought together in a multitude of ways in our fast-paced culture, but rarely do they form lasting ties of friendship based on the concept of service. Malta is a perfect setting for just such a step – an island of cultural diversity but one that still places value on traditional family life and ties. We all talk about improving the world, but the world is simply a web of neighbourhoods and if we look at the potential of our own, the process of betterment can begin right away!

More Info
If you are interested in finding out more about these new-style of children’s ‘parties’ (groups), contact: Genevieve Burnett. The idea for these parties was born in Italy, and has quickly spread and been taken up now in Malta. Another group is soon to start in Mosta, and the organisers are looking for people willing to help develop the groups in more localities in Malta.

Photo: Rachel Caiano

Let's just say Malta's roads are challenging....

As the weather cools and autumn begins to set in finally, my thoughts turn to cycling. But when a neighbour who is a triathlete told me the other day that she won’t cycle on the roads anymore, it hit home that cycling in Malta is not only not for the faint hearted, it’s increasingly not for the pros either.

Little more than a year ago, a leading figure in cycling in Malta was killed on the coast road at dawn while out training for the annual Betfair LifeCycle Challenge, a long-distance charity cycle from Malta across Europe which raises money to support patients suffering from renal disorders.

The only conclusion anyone can draw from these two incidents is that however expert a cyclist you are, cycling in Malta is probably more dangerous than you think, and requires all your wits about you, all the time, and a lot of precision planning. Drivers don’t think about bikes, let alone ‘think bike, think twice’.

It won’t stop me cycling this winter, and I will not be alone; as I drive or cycle around the islands I see more and more cyclist out, and in pro gear and on ace bikes looking as if they are training for the Tour de France. It’s a sport that in theory lends itself to small islands where everything is within cycling distance. But as with most aspects of Malta, small is a double-edged sword. Here are some things to think about if you’re keen to cycle Malta:

Where to cycle:
I just about manage to cycle from my door and out into countryside almost immediately. But with a lot of Malta urban, you may find you need a bike rack on the car to get you somewhere suitable to start a ride. Away from the urban arc that covers the south-east of Malta, you’ll find smaller roads everywhere in varying degrees of countryside, but not necessarily quiet countryside – more like suburbs. Central Malta can be tricky to negotiate as major arterial routes need crossing or joining in places. I know my favourite patches to cycle (limits of Rabat, past Buskett, up to Dingli Cliffs, Girgenti and back), but suggest you post your recommendations for good safe cycling areas in the comments below. A family I know gave up on Gozo as it was ‘all hills, all the time’! If you’ve kids, then where to cycle is even trickier…

With Kids:
A magazine here recently had an advert showing a family out cycling on a pleasant woodland path! Where I wonder? I can’t think of any sufficiently long path in any ‘wood’ in Malta suitable to cycle with little ones. Yet, from experience, I’d say keep them well off roads of any kind until they are very steady and road aware – you need to train them for the latter. Under 8 – 10 years, I’d say stick to seafronts (Marsascala, Qawra-Bugibba, or St Julians-Sliema; or Zurrieq) or take the bikes to Ta’ Qali (but don’t assume the roads are quiet there at weekends). If they are learning and still have outriders, Ta’ Qali is a bit tough as the ground is rough and stony; otherwise you are in the car park or on the roads. Very small kids who aren’t speed kings can get away with being in playgrounds. But once they are more confident don’t cycle in kids’ play areas at all. I don’t like my son on seafronts as strictly they are for pedestrians, but what can you do? Cycle lanes? ermm…

A Word on Cycle Lanes
Increasingly, you’ll find cycle lanes marked either on a wide pavement alongside the pedestrian ‘lane’ or in a kind of hard shoulder area. There are some stretches that go far enough to do a reasonable cycle, especially if you’ve kids with you. The two that spring to mind are along the Mgarr road from Mosta direction, and along the perimeter of the airport heading to Hal Far. The cycle lanes are a start, and let’s give them their due. But don’t relax on them: they can be used as ‘overtaking lanes’ and of course, they inevitably end all too soon on some main road junction. As a driver, I would also urge cyclists never to cycle two abreast, even if you think you’re on a quiet road.

A cyclist’s dream for Malta
I long for a Malta version of the Avenue Verte, that takes cyclists traffic-free, or virtually traffic free from London to Paris. It’s nearing completion the French side and more is being done the UK end to get it ready by around 2020. Imagine cycling Malta top to toe not touching the roads. That would be something to encourage kids and families to enjoy cycling as it should be – in relative safety. Malta’s smallness should make it possible to get heads together on this one quicker than they are doing on the Avenue Verte?

Useful Links:
Malta Mountain Bike Association
Malta Cycling Federation – website doesn’t seem to be up but try this for contact details.

Road Cycling Clubs:
Qormi Cycling Club
Team Greens
Mosta Cycling Club

Others:
www.letsgocycling.org
Life Cycle Challenge
Malta Triathlon Association

Photo: Courtesy of Betfair LifeCycle Challenge

How to survive the heat by the Malta Inside Out office cat

Much of northern and eastern Europe is having a hot time this summer. Last weekend, the UK’s metereological office issued a heatwave alert. It touched 31°C daytime and around 20°C at night in some parts of Britain. Here, we’re well up in the 30s now, with the next day or so seeing 35°C midday, and around 24 or so at night. See the Malta 5-day forecast.

We don’t get heatwave alerts until almost touching 40+ here in Malta, and so we ask ourselves what all the fuss is about up North! I haven’t noticed my elderly neighbours keel over in the summer, though they are along with the very young, in a more ‘at risk’ group in extreme heat.

The main reason why we cope in the Med is that we know the heat is coming and prepare for it: shutters and hasiras (cane blinds) are down; working hours in most offices, definitely public sector, are reduced (OK for some then!); people get errands done by 8am (foods shops are all open very early); and we hole up inside till we venture out after 5pm for a swim. Despite aircons in offices and 24/7 ‘always-on’ communications, we’ve not really seen a change in working or cultural practices in Malta in summer.

But, apart from shifts in our routine, what else can keep us cool in Malta as summer hots up? We’ve done a round up of events, places and pastimes to chill out at or with whether you’re a local or just visiting.

Beaches
The obvious place to chill out, but also get sunstroke! So don’t forget the sun-sense tips and what to do about jellyfish. Also, do take time to remind yourself about how to keep kids safe around water.

Tourist Trail Cities
Some sightseeing places are just out of the question if you’re a late riser. Hagar Qim and Mnajdra Temples are tourist must-sees but they are on exposed rocky coastline with little shade, though a great visitors’ centre may help keep you inside a bit. Walking around Valletta, Mdina and Birgu are still good options as their narrow streets and location give good shade and often through breezes. They also house lots of museums to hibernate in.

Sunsets
The best summer pastime is sunset catching. Head out at 7pm for a sundowner – either take your own bottle (and take the empties home) or find a cafe to perch in. Ghajn Tuffieha bay is my favourite. Here are some other sunset spots.

Troglodyte Sightseeing
Underground sightseeing is a weird and wonderfully cool option I was reminded of while visiting Fondajzzoni Wirt Artna’s air raid shelter ‘Malta at War’ museum in Birgu last week. The tunnel bomb shelters are 40 feet underground, and were very cool (if a bit musty). There are plenty of other fascinating museums and places to visit underground.

Visit Churches
OK, so they won’t be open at midday, but it’s already hot by 9am right now. Churches are always cool and calm. I love the moment’s blindness when you walk from harsh sunlight to deep darkness within. The Chiaroscuro effect is what a Maltese summer is all about. Our top pick of churches to visit.

Cool Gardens
Nothing like lolling on benches under large ficus trees and listening to fountains. Malta public gardens are an oasis in the parched summer months.

Open-air Evening Events
Do as the locals do, if you’re visiting, and stay up and out late to catch what breeze there is. Waterside events are aplenty right now – 15, 16, 17 July sees the Malta Jazz Festival at Ta’ Liesse below Valletta and Grand Harbour side. The Farsons’ Great Beer Festival starts 23 July and runs till 5 August at Ta’ Qali and is a chill-out event for all the family (strangely enough)! Clubbing may be more your thing. Cinemas are air-conditioned so bliss this time of year; and with National Cinema Day 17 July, you can get in cheaply.

How to Avoid the Worst (crowds, heat and stress) of Summer Sundays!
We’ve ideas to get you through the endless summer Sundays, which can literally be to die for!

What to do with Kids in the Heat?
Always a key question this one! With locals having to get through three months of kids’ summer holidays, and tourists needing a good crop of ideas to keep little ones entertained, we’ve this round up of cool, fun and relatively stress-free ways for parents and carers to keep sane! If you have to have kids in tow when you’re working, here’s how we got through a very hot day, office included.

The Hulda Festival: a ship on a journey of science & art

First, there’s the boat – the MS Hulda, built in 1905. And then aboard it is a travelling exhibition of scientific sculptures by the Turkish-Swedish artist Ilhan Koman (1921 – 1986). The Hulda is now birthed at Grand Harbour Marina, Birgu (3 – 13 July) as part of the Malta Arts Festival. And it’s running some some great, hands-on workshops for kids, for free. But what is Hulda all about and why is it in Malta?

What is Hulda?
The Hulda Festival features events celebrating the meeting of arts and sciences around Hulda and Koman. The Festival kicked off in March 2009 and will draw to a close in November 2010, by which time the Festival aboard ship will have visited Stockholm, Amsterdam, Antwerp, Bordeaux, Lisbon, Barcelona, Naples, Malta, Thessalonica and Istanbul. The festival benefits from the active partnership of some of the most prestigious art or science institutions based in these 10 cities.

Ilhan Koman’s creativity combined arts with sciences, make him a representative of a universal approach that descends from Leonardo da Vinci. For the Hulda Festival, Koman’s artworks embark aboard Hulda, the boat that was his residence and workshop. Visitors are welcome to play with the artists’ most interesting pieces to get feel for their scientific properties and artistic qualities.

Workshops for Children
In parallel, ten different workshops have been conceptualised for children by a local organisation in each of the Hulda’s pit stops. The workshops bring artistic and scientific disciplines together to make them more interesting and playful through topics such as “Sculpture & Aerodynamics”, “Creating the Nautical Charts of the Middle-Ages” and “Art and Alternative Energies”. In Malta, the Art and Science Youth workshops are organised by Il-Kunsill Malti għax-Xjenza u t-Teknoloġija (Malta Council for Science and Technology) : 3 – 13 July 2010 – Hulda Tent.

Booking & Info
Workshops will be open to a maximum of 25-30 children each session. You will need to pre-book. For more information please contact Martina Castillo at martina.castillo@gov.mt or give her a call on 23602122.

Background on the Hulda Festival project, which ends in Istanbul to celebrate its year as a European City of Culture.

Holy Communion. A child's first 'right of passage' in Malta .

It’s that time of year again when church steps are full of kids in white satin, hair brushed, toothpaste smiles in front of camera for their big day – their first Holy Communion. Here, Anne Muscat Scerri, whose own young daughters are going through the ritual one by one, contemplates its significance – for the kids, the parents and the local community. There’s no divorcing the religious act from the way society ticks it seems. Maltese Culture, community and Catholicism all blend and at no time more so than now.

The Catholic church is full of rites, ceremonies, traditions. Being born a protestant, I have to admit I am fascinated by it all. Living in one of the most Catholic countries in the world, the glory of it all is everywhere. Churches, chapels, saints. Christmas cribs, Easter processions. It never ends, really.

I have three young daughters. Two of them have done what is locally called duttrina (one is still far too young to go!). For a year, children aged 6 to 7 go to Catechism lessons twice a week. For a whole year they learn even more about Jesus and God and the Apostles; it’s quite mindblowing really. All the more so because they get a lot of it in school too, where in kinder and primary years religious stories are told on a near daily basis.

So no wonder my kids were very much in the ‘I love Jesus, he’s my best friend’ club while going to their twice a week duttrina lesson. Or the ‘brainwash’ as I used to call it. But yet, I have to admit I was fascinated. I don’t think a bit of bible bashing can hurt – after all, Jesus is an excellent role model. So despite the pain of going for a 45-minute lesson twice a week, I did look forward to the actual culmination of all these preparations: the child’s first participation in Confession and later on in the big celebration of accepting the Host. The child is celebrating its First Communion!

This is when the Catholic Church is at its best. Young children dress up in full bridal outfit, walk through their villages in a procession, and then endure a long mass which ends with them being offered the Host by their parish priest. Although the children were young, I still felt pride when my kids did it. Maybe it’s because (being Swedish?) I come from a society which has lost many of its traditions and rites, and I felt that this was a way to show how we are all part of a community.

This is the real stuff: these are the passage rites the Maltese have defined in their society. These kids are on a ladder towards adulthood and they just took the first step that forever shows that they are becoming of age. I was so proud putting on my girls their fantastic outfits. I had tears in my eyes when they walked through our village with their friends. I organised a party to celebrate the occassion. And maybe that party was also a small celebration that no more do I need to go twice a week to a drab duttrina hall and sit and wait for 45 very long minutes while my daughters are singing ‘Jesus love is oh so wonderful, Jesus love is oh so wonderful…”

Photography & Text courtesy of Anne Muscat Scerri.
Anne runs Cloudberry Images and is a professional photographer who specialises in photographing children and families. She is a Swedish national who lives near Mgarr with her Maltese husband and three young daughters. For more on her work, see Cloudberry Images.

Summer holidays, always carefree for kids in Malta. But what about for parents?

We’ve consulted our informal panel of mums – some expats, some locals – on their top ten activities to do with kids on summer holiday here in Malta. I often find myself fretting around this time of year about the long, three-month summer holiday looming. If you live here, there’s a limit to how much beach you can take, or is there?

True, local families pack a mega-sized holdall and food hamper and carry everything but the kitchen sink to camp out on the beach for a whole day, and stay well into the evening BBQ hour too. But that’s not everyone’s idea of a varied holiday. And if you and your kids are paler skin types, beware of whole days on the beach, sun protection or not.

Our panel’s list is a God-send then if you’re seeking a few ideas that aren’t all beach. It does include some sun and sea activities of course. Do note that some outings, if you’re here in peak summer, need arranging for early morning or late afternoon so you avoid the hottest part of the day. We’ve tips on this and more. This post contains just some ideas – in no particular order – and we’ll be following with more for kids under themes like sport, history and even choice ice cream eating & evening strolls!

1. Popeye Village
This attraction near Mellieha in Malta’s north has evolved from the film set of the 1980 production of Popeye, the musical. It is set around picturesque Anchor Bay. Amazingly, It never ceases to be popular with younger kids (and older ones too!). My son (7yrs) said it was one of his best school trips ever.

Parent’s Verdict: “Loads to do, good food, shaded play pool, shaded swimming pool, swimming in beautiful bay with bouncy things, animation (bit cheesey, but my kids love it), puppet show and santa’s workshop (they went round about 7 times last summer, yes in summer!) and there’s a funfair and an indoor play area at the top of the cliff.”

2. Maritime Museum, Birgu (Vittoriosa)
We’ve always thought of this as one of Malta’s best kiddy-friendly museums – click here for more on that.

Parent’s Verdict: “A trip to the museum in Birgu (one of the ‘Three Cities’ across Grand Harbour from Valletta), combines well with wandering along the marina, looking at superyachts and chatting to the crews. Catch a round-the-harbour-creeks tour in a traditional Maltese Dhaghsa (kind of gondola) between Valletta and Birgu. Lots of restaurants by the Marina. Cheaper, cavernous, kiddy-friendly cafe at eastern end of carpark (well hidden, just keep walking along marina front).

3. Buggiba promenade
You can hardly miss this stretch of seafront if you’re holidaying in this tourist town, but even for us locals, or if you’re staying elsewhere, it has a lot of ‘fairground’ style in-your-face fun that kids love. We covered it in winter, here, but summer is its ‘season’ par excellence.

Parent’s Verdict: It can seem a bit ‘naff’ but has great activities like trampolines and bumper cars – usually open from about 6pm. Parents can sit and enjoy a drink at one of the bars which are tucked away along the front, but with a good view of the activities. Trampolines are approx €2 for 15 mins and cars €5 for around three rides. Fabulous Italian Ice-cream kiosk to the St Paul’s Bay end of Bugibba which finishes off the evening nicely. All sorts of hair braiding and henna tattooing stalls along the prom as well. Stop and watch the open-air botchi (like French boules) game at the local club. Good for people watching – not such a kids activity, but still, they may find it interesting watching older tourists do their line-dancing at one of the bars!

4. Horse Riding at Bidnija
Horse riding in Malta? Where the ground is hard and the heat is on? Yes, this may seem strange especially if you come from areas with plenty of green and rolling hills. But riding in Malta can be exhilarating for the views alone. It may also be an activity you never get around to doing at home. Bidnija is one of several stables; another is near Golden Bay, and there’s a small stable near Siggiewi, on the Girgenti-Fawwara road. Gozo has stables too. In peak summer, rides are early morning or late afternoon to evening.

Parent’s Verdict: My friends and I took our six kids aged 3, 4, 8 and 9, on one of the horse tours in Bidnija and they all loved it! And it was great for us mums too as we walked with the horses and got a good hour power walk out of it. The setting was beautiful and the horses very well kept. Fine, they just walk in line, so it’s like a giant pony ride, but it only cost 10 euro per kids, and it was a great outing!

5. Hanging out at the Airport
This has to be one of the oddest things to suggest, but if you are here in the heat and on a two-week stay or living here, the air-conditioning in its indoor play area and viewing gallery is not to be scoffed at in peak summer. Malta is so small that you can get to the airport easily and find parking at a fraction of the price of most European airports. Kids love plane watching, the book shop, cafes, play area and kiddies’ meals….and it’s cool!

Parent’s Verdict: The indoor play area is airy, clean and usually not crowded (check ahead to see if there’s a party, particulary in June when Holy communion parties there are popular). Weekdays, buy lunch in the cafe, spend over €15 and entrance to the play area is free. The big bonuses for me are air-conditioning, plenty of parking, chemist open long hours, cash point, book shop, and being able to buy fresh milk and bread. Yes I know it’s sad – but the airport is useful for more than flights!

More than splash and fun

Parent’s Verdict: “They love it, and we’ve a pool at home! It’s cheaper after 3pm in July/Aug, after 1pm til end June – or a season ticket may get you in free earlier. It does get packed in high summer. Also, it’s surprisingly great in winter; with its indoor bouncy castles, small funfair rides and so on, it can while away the hours. There are some healthy-eating options at the cafe. But the best part of the park is that staff in the indoor area have the sole job of making sure your kids are having fun/can climb up the high bits! Also, all other staff are great with kids.

7. Sunset at Golden Bay
Parent’s Verdict: A nice simple way to end a summer day, that never fails to amaze young and old. Sunsets along this north west coast are to die for. End the day too with a pizza at one of the beach bars and your kids will go home to bed happier still. Before sunset though, take out a pedalo, or a dinghy for the braver, older kids, or be part of a rowdy group on the banana boat. For more on Malta’s top views and sunsets, click here. For full details of Golden Bay, amenities etc, click here.

8. Ta’ Qali Crafts Village and environs
Ta’ Qali features on most visitor tours for it crafts’ village based on an old British airfield. Wandering the ‘Nissan huts’ with their lace, pottery, filigree, knitwear, glass ware and so on can be fun, but if you’ve very small kids you have to keep a close eye on little hands grabbing breakables. A calmer way to visit is for parents to split up with one going to an activity while the other browses. Here are some ideas of what’s on offer…

Parent’s Verdict: With some planning, and booking in advance, you can get kids to have a go a pottery. Try Bristow Potteries (usually need groups though) and Alka Ceramics. Watch glass blowing at Mdina Glass and let them buy beautiful beads for threading (but don’t let them break anything). Stop for cafe’ there or at Bristow. The whole Ta’ Qali area is good for picnics. There’s now an Adventure Playground, offering lots of things to climb on and swing/slide down, graded by ages (incl. adults), so good for families. Lots of water features for the summer, but no shade, so time your visit in peak months. Clean toilets, lots of parking. There is a kiosk, but never seen it open, so take water and snacks just in case.

9. Falconry Centre & Limestone Heritage, Siggiewi
You can make a whole day of it along the west coast, just inland from Dingi Cliffs by combining these two attractions in Siggiewi, and then heading for a swim at Ghar Lapsi, a popular local spot (rock inlet, some lido area, playground, cafes, and good for snorkelling).

Parent’s Verdict: The Falconry Centre gives a good hour-long flying display (11am and 4pm in summer months) with an informative commentary, well-kept birds (everything from vultures, owls and eagles to Peregrine falcons). It has a lot of special breed birds in large aviaries as well. The centre is bravely pioneering the art of falconry, despite Malta’s reputation for the shooting of birds of prey. The centre is well run and well kept offers a good visitor experience. Also ideal for kids’ groups and an unusual birthday party activity.
Limestone Heritage, on the Siggiewi bypass, is another well-run private attraction that is informative for kids (film and walk through). It is based in an old quarry and takes you through Malta’s love affair with its age-old building material – limestone – from prehistory to modern times. Sights, sounds and the life of yesteryear recreated. All-round family interest. Cafe and worthwhile gift and souvenir shop.

10. Malta at War Air Raid Shelter museum, Birgu
A good one for slightly older kids and for parents. This attraction, run by a heritage foundation, Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna, depicts life for the local people during the bombardment of Malta in World War II. The museum is housed in an old 18th century military barracks built in the historic walls of Vittoriosa (Birgu). It is an excellent insight into the hardships facing people during the Blitz, and is a good addition to a day-trip to Birgu (see Maritime Museum above as well, for other ‘what to do’s’ in Birgu.).

Photos: Courtesy Amanda Holmes