Is the Maldives good for children?

With idyllic island resorts, dazzling beaches and vibrant marine life, the Maldives is textbook paradise. But we often get asked: will kids get bored? Fear not. From submarine adventures to sandbank picnics, many resorts go above and beyond to draw youngsters into the island magic. Here are 10 experiences they won’t stop talking about on a Maldives family holiday.

Become a junior marine biologist at Kuramathi Maldives

This large and lively resort has a mouthwatering lineup of à la carte restaurants, ensuring even the pickiest eaters are pleased. The kids' club features a splash park, treehouse and enthralling activities like treasure hunts and marshmallow roasting. But the star attraction is the surrounding waters, where the corals are brimming with brightly coloured fish and reef sharks skim the shore.

At the Eco Centre, there are more marine specimens to discover, or you can sign them up for the Junior Marine Biologist program where they’ll learn about the ocean wonders through the eyes of the Resident Marine Biologist.

Our room pick: Two Bedroom Beach House

Right on the beach and close to the famous sandbank, these two-storey abodes have two bedrooms and semi-outdoor bathrooms, making these perfect for tweens and teens who like their own space.

Feel like Robinson Crusoe at Gili Lankanfushi

Kick off your shoes and embrace rustic-luxe living on this world-class island. You’ll get the VIP treatment from your very own Mr or Mrs Friday, who’s on hand to make your stay seamless – and that includes engaging younger travellers in Maldivian life. They’ll feel like a true islander as they cycle around on bamboo bikes, unwind in ocean hammocks and watch hermit crabs scuttle along the sand. When they’re ready for action, there’s tennis, surfing and fishing on the menu. For an unforgettable sleepover, spend a night on your villa’s rooftop deck gazing at the stars.

Our room pick: Family Villa

These enormous open-air oases’ have a jacuzzi on the rooftop deck. Watch fish through the floor’s glass panel, or better still, dive in from the terrace.

Get pampered in the spa at Constance Halaveli Maldives

On this welcoming island, staff go the extra mile to ensure you’re all having a great time. The kids’ club keeps the excitement going until evening with interactive play, movies and pizza and ice-cream making. When it’s time to head back to your villa, cool off in the plunge pool – every villa on the island has one. And to ramp up the relaxation, the spa offers indulgent treatments for children aged from 6 to 16, including massages, manis and pedis.

Our room pick: Double Storey Beach Villa

The Double Storey Beach Villas are set over two floors with two bedrooms. Once the kids are asleep upstairs, pour some wine and relax on the terrace, listening to the waves lapping the shore.

Unleash their inner foodie at Dhigali Maldives

If you’re a family that loves their food, this resort delivers on all culinary counts. Included in the premium all-inclusive, you can dine around in the restaurants, where menus feature everything from reef fish and tagine to child-approved favourites – homemade nuggets and mini burgers. There’s a pop-up pizzeria and refreshing mango milkshakes by the pool. In between bites, fuel their appetite for adventure with banana boat rides or go in search of birds and fruit bats on the jungle walk.

Our room pick: Beach villa with Pool

In a Beach Villa with Pool, start the day with a dip in your plunge pool or the turquoise water on your doorstep. Sip a freshly brewed Nespresso to gear you up for island fun.

Turn into a Masterchef at Niyama Private Islands Maldives

Niyama Private Islands Maldives is a twin-island wonderland. Chill has a more peaceful vibe, while 'Play' is where you’ll find families dining on Mediterranean fare and relaxing by the infinity pool. The kids' club, which is the largest in the Maldives, has a trampoline, splash park and a rock-climbing centre. Scavenger hunts, mocktail making, MasterChef classes and a trip to Subsix, the surreal underwater restaurant, are just some of the highlights. For budding surfers, the Surf Shack provides all the gear and expert tuition.

Our room pick: Two Bedroom Beach Pool Pavilion

You’ll never want to leave this gorgeous beachfront pavilion. Enjoy a late dip in the fibre-optic lit pool, gaze at constellations through the telescope or sprawl out for a movie night; your butler will keep the popcorn and drinks flowing.

Watch turtles hatch at Kuredu Island Resort & Spa

At this great-value resort, little ones can create origami and coconut art in the Mermaid and Pirates kids’ club, or you can head out on a family outing aboard the classic motor yacht. More adventures await in the water – the Lhaviyani Atoll is a sea turtle hotspot. Visit during nesting season (November to January) and you may witness the hatchlings emerging. Snorkel tours to Kuredu Caves offer the chance to spot turtles bobbing in the ocean, some are so familiar they’ve been given names (Noah, Mara, Mareena, and Lily). You can even adopt one and receive a special certificate and updates whenever they're spotted.

Our room pick: Private Pool Villa Family Suite

These private villa suites are wonderfully secluded, yet just a short stroll from the resorts action. They have a good-sized pool, two bedrooms and a private thatched sunshade on the beach.

Deep sea dining at Oblu XPERIENCE Aliafushi

OBLU XPERIENCE Aliafushi is a lively island with an up-tempo atmosphere. The kids' club is a whirlwind of over-the-top fun and parties, ensuring children will have a blast. A show-stopping highlight is the underwater restaurant, Only Blu, the largest in the Maldives, nestled 6.8 meters below sea level. Treat your tribe to an extraordinary undersea dining experience or book the Kids' Marine Adventure, where they’ll visit the restaurant with newfound friends.

Our room pick: Ocean View Family Two Bedroom

These duplex-style rooms have bright pops of colour, two bedrooms and easy access to the beach. We love the bunk beds in the kids’ bedroom.

Visit a local island at Kurumba Maldives

From water sports thrills to tennis and snorkelling, there's never a dull moment at this well-established island gem, just a ten-minute speedboat ride from Male. There’s a melting pot of cuisine to try in the outstanding restaurants, all that have children’s menus and decadent desserts. The Majaa kids' club puts on activities from cookie making to recycling crafts, while in the teens' club, the PlayStation pods go down a storm. For a change in scene, there are unforgettable excursions like glass-bottom boat trips and remote sandbank picnics, and don’t miss the chance to discover Maldivian culture by visiting a local island.

Our room pick: Family Villa

These two-level hideaways each have a private pool in a walled garden. Perks include breakfast in the exclusive restaurant, Thila, and afternoon cocktails and mocktails in Kandu Bar.

Have a movie night to remember at LUX* South Ari Atoll Resort & Villas

LUX* is a known for their playful spirit and this whimsical island retreat is no exception. You can expect surprises and pop-ups, such as the tree of wishes, hidden messages in bottles and the Cinema Paradiso; where the beach is transformed into the ultimate movie night setting, with Hollywood blockbusters, beanbags and buttery popcorn. The retro-styled ice-cream parlour, ICI, is a big hit, which has varieties such as bubble gum and pistachio along with heart-shaped ice lollies. The mindful and modern kids’ club offers yoga, Zumba and nutritious dishes, and teens can get involved with coral planting and creative sessions at the Junkart studio. But we can’t promise they’ll stay off their phones – Insta-worthy moments are everywhere.

Our room pick: Family Lagoon Pavilion

You can’t get closer to the beach in these chic beachfront hideouts, made up of two interconnecting thatched bungalows.

Find Nemo and Dory at Adaaran Select Hudhuran Fushi

The premium all-inclusive package at this chilled-out haven includes delightful buffet dining and all-day pizza treats, along with exhilarating ocean explorations like paddleboarding, canoeing, and sunset cruises. The shallow house reef is perfect for beginners. You’ll share the warm waters with baby reef sharks, clownfish and turtles – it's like being in a living aquarium. Alternatively, the resort’s submarine trip is a great option to discover the watery world without getting wet.

Our room pick: Sunset Family Beach Villa

The bright and simple rooms have plenty of space with a double and twin bedroom. After a day in the Maldives heat, relax on the beanbags watching golden hour over the ocean.