Inspiration
Top 15 Best Things to Do in the Maldives for Families
The Maldives is a fantastic destination to visit with the entire family as it provides an amazing range of things to do in a relaxing atmosphere. This luxury holiday destination emphasizes privacy and seclusion, so while the Maldives is great for couples, it's also a perfect pick for families to have quality time together in their own private slice of paradise.
While some resorts in the Maldives are adults-only, we have picked a great selection of family-friendly resorts in the Maldives. Most of the activities listed below are available at the resorts we have selected. Additionally, if you have any questions or trouble choosing a resort for a family getaway, get in touch with us so we can give you personalized advice and arrange your holiday to the Maldives.
Things to Do in the Maldives for Families: At a Glance
- Bonfire and BBQ
- Crab Racing
- Sandcastles on the Beach
- Banana Boat
- Kids Club Activities
- Dolphin Watching Excursion
- Guided Snorkelling Tour
- Outdoor Team Sports
- Desert Island Visit
- Family Photoshoot
- Water Slides
- Indoor Games
- Sunset Watching Excursion
- Visit to a Sandbank
- Dining Under the Stars
Bonfire and BBQ
It's simple and it's nostalgic. They say the stories told near a bonfire will be remembered forever. I certainly remember the stories I heard from my uncle during the times we had a bonfire. Pair that bonfire up with some freshly BBQ-ed food and you have an amazing time ahead of you.
And be sure to grab some marshmallows. You can also try pairing this activity with fishing. First go fishing with the entire family in the evening, then come back to the resort after seeing the amazing sunset and then enjoy a BBQ with the entire family and eat the fish you caught with your own hands. Can it get any better than that?
Crab Racing
A simple yet fun activity that gets everyone laughing. Line up crabs, pick your crab (you can even place some wagers) and go! It's as good as or better than watching the Olympics. The kids will be cheering for their chosen crab while parents get surprisingly competitive about it.
These little races usually happen in the evening on the beach, and trust me, even the adults get way too invested in which crab wins.
Sandcastles on the Beach
Little ones love this and it never gets old. Let their creativity take center stage as they bring their imagination to life on the white-sand beaches of the Maldives. Of course, you're welcome to join in and show your skills as well!
The best part is that the sand in the Maldives is so soft and white that even the simplest sandcastle looks amazing. Don't forget to take lots of photos before the tide comes in.
Banana Boat
An activity that's especially fun for the entire family, includes thrills and falling off! Don't be scared off by this activity – you will be wearing life jackets. The whole family climbs onto this big yellow inflatable boat that looks like a banana, and then a speedboat pulls it around the lagoon.
The goal is to hold on as long as possible, but honestly, half the fun is when everyone tumbles into the crystal-clear water together.
Kids Club Activities
Kids clubs offer various activities throughout the week and there are activities that parents can even take part in. From arts and crafts to treasure hunts, these clubs keep the little ones entertained while giving parents some well-deserved relaxation time.
Dolphin Watching Excursion
There's nothing quite like seeing these beautiful creatures in their natural habitat, and it's one of those experiences that will stick with your kids forever.
These excursions usually happen in the early morning or late afternoon when dolphins are most active. You'll cruise out on a boat, and when you spot a pod of dolphins, everyone gets quiet and watches in amazement as they leap and spin out of the water. It's one of those moments where everyone might put down their phones and just enjoy the show.
Guided Snorkelling Tour
Perfect for introducing children to the underwater world safely, and honestly, it's like showing them a completely different planet. With professional guides leading the way, families can explore colorful coral reefs and spot tropical fish together.
The guides know exactly where to find the best spots and which fish are safe to approach.
The water is so clear in the Maldives that you can see everything perfectly.
Outdoor Team Sports
From beach volleyball to football, most resorts offer plenty of games that bring families together, and it's amazing how competitive everyone gets. It's a great way to stay active and have fun without leaving the resort. You might find yourself playing ping pong tournaments that last for hours, or getting into serious beach volleyball matches where even grandma is spiking the ball.
The best part is that these games happen naturally throughout the day, so there's always something fun to do when you need a break from the sun.
Desert Island Visit
Take a boat trip to an uninhabited island where you can have your own private beach experience, and it feels like you're living in a movie. Pack a picnic and spend the day exploring, swimming, and pretending you're castaways.
These tiny islands are usually just white sand and a few palm trees, surrounded by the most incredible blue water you've ever seen. The kids love pretending they've discovered a new land, and parents love having a completely private beach with no crowds.
You can walk around the entire island in just a few minutes, but somehow you might end up spending hours there just enjoying the peace and quiet.
Family Photoshoot
Capture your precious family moments with professional photographers who know all the best spots on the island, and trust me, these photos will be treasured memories for years to come. The photographers know exactly when the lighting is perfect and where to position everyone for the most stunning shots.
They'll take you to hidden spots on the beach, maybe up to a deck overlooking the ocean, or even in the water during golden hour. The best part is that they make it fun for the kids too, so you get natural, genuine smiles instead of forced poses.
Years later, you'll look at these photos and remember not just how beautiful the Maldives was, but how happy your family was together.
Water Slides
Many family-friendly resorts feature exciting water slides that kids (and adults) absolutely love, and they're way more fun than you'd expect. It's like having a water park right at your resort! The kids will spend hours going up and down, and parents often find themselves joining in because, let's be honest, who doesn't love a good water slide? It's one of those activities that never gets old, no matter how many times you do it.
Recommended: 08 Resorts in the Maldives that have Water Villas with Slides
Indoor Games
Perfect for those times when you need a break from the sun or when the weather isn't cooperating, indoor games at Maldives resorts are way more fun than you'd expect.
Most resorts have game rooms packed with everything from classic board games to card games and pool tables. The kids will love challenging each other to ping pong tournaments or get lost in a good old-fashioned game of Monopoly.
These spaces usually have comfortable seating areas too, so it's a great place for the whole family to hang out, especially during the hottest part of the day or if there's a tropical shower outside.
Sunset Watching Excursion
Board a traditional dhoani boat and sail into the sunset, and prepare for one of the most peaceful and beautiful experiences of your entire trip. The views are absolutely breathtaking, and it's a perfect way to end the day as a family.
As the sun starts to set, the sky turns into this amazing canvas of orange, pink, and purple colors that reflect on the calm water. These dhoani boats are traditional Maldivian vessels that have been used for centuries, so you're not just watching a sunset – you're experiencing a piece of local culture too.
Visit to a Sandbank
These tiny islands are perfect for a unique family adventure, and they're some of the most magical places you'll ever visit. You can swim, snorkel, and explore these natural wonders that are basically just patches of soft white sand in the middle of the ocean.
The water around sandbanks is usually shallow and crystal clear, making it perfect for kids to splash around safely. What makes it even more special is that these sandbanks are temporary – they change with the tides, so you're visiting something that might look completely different the next day.
Dining Under the Stars
Many resorts offer special beach dining experiences where families can enjoy delicious meals while stargazing, and it's one of those experiences that feels truly magical. It's romantic for parents and absolutely magical for kids.
The staff usually sets up a private table right on the sand, with soft lighting and the sound of gentle waves in the background. The kids love the adventure of eating with their feet in the sand, while parents get to enjoy amazing food and wine under one of the clearest night skies in the world.
