Travelling Between Malta and Gozo with a Toddler: Screen-Free Travel Toys

The drive, the queue and the ferry: a Gozo trip is an adventure for a toddler. A small bag of the right things makes it easier.

4 min read

Wooden toys and a basket of shells on rocks by a clear Maltese bay

For many families in Malta, a trip to Gozo is a regular treat: a weekend away, a family visit, a summer escape. With a toddler, the journey itself is part of the adventure. The drive north, the wait at Ċirkewwa, the ferry crossing and the arrival at Mġarr are full of new sights and sounds. They can also involve a lot of sitting still, which toddlers are not famous for.

With a little planning and a small bag of well-chosen activities, the trip can be calm and even enjoyable. Here is what we have learnt. Ferry schedules and options change, so check the operator's latest information before you travel.

Plan around naps and meals

If you can, time the journey around your toddler's rhythm. Some families travel during nap time so the drive and the wait pass in sleep. Others prefer to go early, after breakfast, while their child is fresh. Avoid the busiest times, such as Friday evenings and the start of public holidays, if you want to skip long queues.

The car journey

Depending on where you live, the drive to Ċirkewwa can take a while, especially in traffic. Keep a few things within reach of the car seat. Toys should be soft or light, with no small parts, and nothing that could become dangerous if dropped or thrown during braking.

Making the ferry exciting

The ferry is the highlight for many toddlers. Talk about it before you go. Read a book about boats. On board, go up to the deck if the weather allows and hold your child safely to watch the sea, the islands and Comino as you pass. Point out the waves, the seagulls, the other boats. The crossing is short, so it is a perfect, manageable adventure.

What makes a good travel toy

The best travel toys are small, quiet and absorbing, with few pieces to lose. They should hold attention without being so stimulating that your child gets overexcited in a confined space. Wooden, fabric and paper toys tend to work well.

Screen-free travel ideas

A lacing card or wooden lacing toy
A small fabric book with flaps
A set of magnetic or felt pieces on a board
A little bag of wooden animals
A sticker book for older toddlers
A small notebook and crayons
A finger puppet

Lacing toys are particularly good for travel, building fine motor skills while keeping hands busy. We explain why in our guide to fine motor skills before preschool.

The magic of something new

Keep one or two items your child has not seen before, wrapped in paper. Bring them out when attention starts to drop. Unwrapping is an activity in itself. It does not need to be expensive: a new book, a small wooden figure or a simple puzzle will do.

Games with no toys

Some of the best travel entertainment needs nothing at all. Sing songs. Play I spy with colours. Count the cars in the queue. Spot the boats. Make up a story about where the seagull is going. Toddlers love your full attention, and these games give it.

Snacks and water

Snacks are a travel essential. Bring familiar, easy, low-mess food in reusable containers and plenty of water, especially in summer. A snack can rescue a difficult moment like nothing else.

Packing for Gozo

If you are staying overnight, pack a few familiar things from home: a sleep bag, their comfort object, a favourite book. Familiarity helps toddlers settle in a new place. For days at the beach, add a bucket, spade and a few sieves. Our plastic-free beach play guide has more.

When things get hard

Even with the best plan, there will be moments of tears. Toddlers get tired, bored and overwhelmed. Stay calm, offer a cuddle, a drink and a change of scene. Walk around the ferry deck if it is safe. It is all part of travelling with little ones, and the moments of wonder usually outweigh the hard ones.

A travel bag checklist

Two or three quiet toys
One new surprise wrapped in paper
A book about boats
Snacks and water
A hat and sun cream
A muslin and spare clothes
Their comfort object

More ideas for screen-free days

Arriving in Gozo

Once you arrive, give your toddler time to move. A short walk around Mġarr harbour, a look at the fishing boats or a stop at a quiet square before the next drive lets them stretch and reset. Starting the holiday with a little calm often makes the rest of the day smoother for everyone.

The same activities work wonderfully on rainy days at home, in waiting rooms and at family lunches. Our screen-free rainy day guide and independent play guide have plenty more. Little Curio is a small Malta-based shop curated by a mum, and you can preview the shop as we prepare our first collection.