Best things to do with kids on a trip to Turkey

For those wondering if Turkey is a good place to visit with kids, family holidays in this country are an absolute blast. From the culturally rich and fascinating attractions of Istanbul to the glittering Aegean coast, there are ample things to see and do on your trip. While older kids will get the best out of the country’s more adventurous outdoor pursuits and sights, there’s still plenty to stimulate younger children, too. Here are 12 top things to do in Turkey with kids.

Istanbul’s History

Istanbul is a dreamland for kids interested in history, with quirks that will ignite imaginations. The best of these is Basilica Cistern, an underground water system that’s sufficiently creepy and atmospheric to excite little ones. Located beneath the city itself, the cisterns were built in the Early Roman Age and make a great place for kids to learn about Istanbul’s varied history. The opulent Topkapi Palace Museum is another hit with kids, thanks to its well-stocked armoury and glittering jewellery collection. Children under 6 get in free to the palace and gardens, which provide ample space to let off steam.

Bosphorus Cruise

A Bosphorus Cruise is one of the top things to do in Turkey with a family. With a map in hand, you can tick off the major historical sites of the city, like Hagia Sophia, as they glisten from the shoreside. The Bosphorus is also an excellent teaching moment as it divides the continental border between Europe and Asia – and kids get a real kick out of visiting both parts of the world in an instant. Children tend to love the more bumpy, smaller rides of jet boats, but you can also pick from more elaborate cruises with meals and infotainment included.

Cappadocia

There’s no landscape in Turkey more magical than Cappadocia, a honey-hued expanse of magical fairy rock chimneys. Everything here is fun for kids, from the cave hotels carved directly into stone to the local pottery-making activities and meandering archaeological sites. Children will also adore taking a hot air balloon up to inspect this magical landscape. However, there’s an age limit of 6 years old and an early start of 4 AM to catch the best conditions.

Beach Holidays

Turkey’s exceptional Aegean and Mediterranean coastline provides a vast expanse of kid-friendly beaches, water parks and activities. Also lovingly known as the Turkish Riviera, you’ll find everything from bustling family resorts to quiet fishing towns to explore. Muğla and Antalya are among the top family-friendly regions due to the prevalence of sandy shores and vibrant beach facilities. Another must-visit is Patara Beach, one of the largest in the country renowned for its pillowy sand. It’s also home to Roman ruins and sea turtles that nest in the area. Let your kids run wild, build sand castles and paddle in crystalline seas.

Try Turkish Food

Even the fussiest of child eaters will be tempted by Turkish food. From Turkish pizza, or pide, to moreish meatball-like köfte, your kids may come away with a whole new favourite cuisine. Restaurants in Turkey are always welcoming to children and what child can say no to a Maraş dondurması ice cream, Turkish delight or lokum in Turkish? Street stalls are a great way to get kids talking about this food, whether picking out fresh baklava or a sizzling kebab in a bustling market.

Sea Kayaking

Active kids will adore taking to the sea on a coastal kayaking trip. A firm favourite with families is Kaş, which is a hub for diving, sea sports and kayaking rentals. One of the most popular routes starts with basic training at the shore before heading to the sunken city of Dolchiste. Guides are thoughtful, and there’s always a safety boat to follow. Once you’re at Dolchiste, you can paddle above the partially submerged ancient ruins, a once bustling Lycian city for trade and shipping. The whole area provides ample kid-friendly sites to explore when back at shore, including the dusty, medieval Simena Castle.

Miniaturk

As the name suggests, Miniaturk, at the northeastern shore of Golden Horn in Istanbul, is Turkey in miniature and offers an overview of the country’s history, geography and culture, all in a pleasant park. You can download the app to see the actual location of each model and listen to an audio guide. This gives kids an interactive history lesson and allows adults to see all of Turkey’s attractions in one place. Miniaturk also has a playground, remote-controlled boat, simulated helicopter tour and a train, labyrinth area and refreshments are available. Ticket prices are 90 TRY and it’s open from 9 AM to 7 PM daily.

Marmaris Aqua Dream Water Park

Kids love splashing around in water, and Marmaris Aqua Dream Water Park on the Mediterranean coast in Marmais/Mugla offers slides, wave pools, tunnels and a restaurant and bar. Kids can let off steam here while adults relax and enjoy the view of the Turquoise Coast and surrounding area. It opens at 10 AM each day and entry prices for kids is around 300-400 TRY.

LEGOLAND

For kids who enjoy rides and theme parks, there’s LEGOLAND Discovery Centre on the European side of Istanbul inside the Forum Shopping Centre at Bayrampasa. LEGOLAND offers models galore, a 4D cinema, Kingdom Quest, a creative workshop, a Merlin’s Apprentice ride, LEGO Racers build and test, a shop and a coffee shop. There are various offers for tickets on the official website, with a single visit at around 300 TRY. LEGOLAND is open from 10 AM to 8 PM daily.

Bodrum

Bodrum is one of the best cities to visit in Turkey with kids, magically combining history, beaches and lively cafes. The area boasts an astonishing 70 Blue Flag beaches, consisting of captivating coves and soft, pillowy sand. The town itself is well worth a day trip, thanks to the imposing Bodrum Castle. Budding knights can explore the castle’s medieval walls and look out from its sea-view keeps. Other highlights include the Mausoleum, one of the ancient wonders of the world, and the Halicarnassus Theatre.

Pamukkale Hot Springs

The hot springs of Pamukkale are a picture-postcard sight, consisting of alluring cotton-white travertines filled with glittering, mineral-rich water. The whole area was once a major Roman spa city, and you can bathe in the spot where Cleopatra once favoured. Traces of this history can be found at the alluring Hierapolis, home to ancient amphitheatres, temples, Roman baths and a well-preserved necropolis. For a fun, history-rich day trip with the advantage of a spa dip, a family adventure in Pamukkale is a must.

Sazova Science, Art and Culture Park

If your kids get tired of the dusty ruins, Sazova Science, Art and Culture Park is a fine antidote. Located in the attractive city of Eskişehir with its Venice-like canals, this cultural complex combines a theme park with a science centre. A Disney-like castle containing a pirate ship, aquarium and science museum is found at the centre of a park, where kids can enjoy a wide range of hands-on exhibits. Eskişehir itself has a lively and friendly spirit, with quirky attractions like Yılmaz Büyükerşen Wax Sculptures Museum, Turkey’s answer to Madame Tussauds.