Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Leeanna Lock

I took my toddler on holiday to Ibiza – here’s why the island is more family-friendly than you think

Leeanna Lock and her family spent two nights at Ibiza Bay Nobu Hotel, just a 15-minute drive from the airport - (Leeanna Lock)

It’s not surprising that Spain is a popular holiday destination for British families – the flight’s short, warm weather is often guaranteed and it’s easy to find child-friendly beaches. However, Europe’s most famous party island, Ibiza, is often overlooked as an option for parents and children.

Having experienced the classic Ibiza getaway pre-kids, I was excited to take on the challenge of proving the White Isle shouldn’t be ruled out as a family hot spot. It’s safe to say this trip was very different from the last – but Ibiza stole my heart all over again. The island's rural charm, natural beauty and laidback boho atmosphere are what make Ibiza so special. What surprised me most was how easy it was to find unique family-friendly activities across the island, even outside of peak season.

The best things to do with kids in Ibiza

Across the island there are family beaches in abundance and play parks just metres apart. The ability to drive across the island in a day is not something to ignore, as it means the most stunning beaches, such as Cala Llonga, Cala Bassa and Cala Vadella, are just 30 minutes apart. But some of our favourite family days out in Ibiza included activities I’d never have expected to be so accessible to children.

Can Muson

Feeding the goats at Can Muson Farm in Ibiza (Leeanna Lock)
Feeding the goats at Can Muson Farm in Ibiza (Leeanna Lock)

This ecological farm is bound to remain a favourite holiday memory for children. On arrival, grab a woven basket full of herbs, vegetables and leaves (grown and picked on the farm itself), before following the farm trail to find the animals. Our toddler could feed chickens, roosters, ducks, goats, pigs, horses and donkeys, while also spotting tortoises, baby chicks and adorable piglets around the farm. There is also a wooden play area and swings in the middle of the farm to make the entertainment last a little longer. The best part? There’s a sand pit full of toys and ride-on vehicles for children to use in the café area. We enjoyed refreshing smoothies and delicious homemade cakes, before browsing the fresh fruit and vegetables in the farm shop. Plus, the whole site is easily accessible for strollers.

Read more: The best hotels in Ibiza for beach holidays, family resorts and five-star luxury

Aquarium Cap Blanc

Leeanna’s toddler had fun feeding fish and stingrays in Aquarium Cap Blanc’s caves (Leeanna Lock)
Leeanna’s toddler had fun feeding fish and stingrays in Aquarium Cap Blanc’s caves (Leeanna Lock)

This hidden gem is a must-visit for families, as the experience is unlike anything aquariums in the UK offer. Enter through a secret cave and feed giant fish and stingrays for just three euros. The seawater is so clear that you can easily spot the hungry stingrays and fish, which made our toddler so excited. We also enjoyed coffee frappés, ice creams and crisp beer with a stunning sea view from the cove’s seaside café. I would advise leaving the stroller in the car, as it’s only a short walk from the road parking, and there is no private area to leave it before you enter the aquarium.

Las Dalias

Little ones will love making dreamcatchers at Las Dalias Market (Leeanna Lock)
Little ones will love making dreamcatchers at Las Dalias Market (Leeanna Lock)

Who said shopping around a colourful, trendy market can’t be fun for kids? A dedicated kids’ craft zone, fun, vibrant decor everywhere you turn, and stalls selling the most aesthetic handmade wooden toys I’ve ever seen, is why this hippie market is so popular with all ages. My toddler enjoyed making his very own dreamcatcher in the craft zone before enjoying a little dance to the live bands. I loved shopping for adorable baby clothes and sweet souvenirs to take home. There are green mats laid out throughout the market for strollers and wheelchairs, but if you have a baby carrier, I would recommend using it instead, as the narrow routes can get busy.

Dalt Vila

Dalt Vila in Old Town Ibiza has some beautiful cobbled streets with plenty of gelato and sangria (Independent)
Dalt Vila in Old Town Ibiza has some beautiful cobbled streets with plenty of gelato and sangria (Independent)

September is a beautiful time of year to explore the picturesque World Heritage Old Town and take in breathtaking views from the Castell d’Evissa viewpoints. Whether you’re exploring the castle or strolling along the cobbled streets of Dalt Vila, there are Instagrammable opportunities at every turn. The Old Town is just minutes away from the hustle and bustle of La Marina, where you can shop to your heart’s content – and of course, catch an obligatory photo with the famous Pacha cherries.

Read more: The best boutique hotels in Ibiza for chic suites and Instagram-worthy pools

Meet the Sea boat trip

The rave reviews of this family boat trip were enough to make me book it, but the inclusion of freshly cooked paella on board made it even more tempting. It’s rare to find family experiences on holiday that combine education with fun and adventure, so this is a must-book for kids who love to snorkel, whether they can swim or not, and who are also keen to learn more about the wonders of marine life.

Leeanna travelled as a guest of British Airways Holidays

British Airways Ibiza holiday deals

Seven nights, at the four-star Simbad, from £629pp, travelling on selected dates between 1 October - 31 October 2026 inclusive. Includes economy return flights from London Gatwick Airport, one checked bag per person and accommodation with breakfast. Book by 16 July 2026.

Seven nights at four-star Palladium Hotel Cala LLonga starts at £949pp, travelling on selected dates between 1-30 September 2026. Includes economy return flights from London Gatwick, one checked bag per person and accommodation on a half board basis. Book by 16 July 2026.

Seven nights, at the five-star Nobu Hotel Ibiza Bay, from £2199pp, travelling on selected dates between 1- 31 October 2026. Includes economy return flights from London Heathrow, one checked bag per person and accommodation with breakfast and car hire. Book by 25 June 2026.

FAQs

Why trust us?

As a parent of a child who has already travelled to eight different countries via dozens of flights and cruise ports before the age of two, I’ve learnt a lot about how destinations, airlines and hotels compare – and appreciate attentiveness, educational opportunities and a warm welcome . It’s not until I became a parent that I realised how important the standard of family-friendly facilities is. It makes such a difference to have high-quality wheeled cots, child-friendly menus, clear allergen warnings, spacious rooms for playtime and stroller-friendly routes to access all facilities throughout the hotel.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.