Türkiye offers many memorable activities for kids, like museums with vintage toys and aircraft, unique bike tours by the sea, and horse rides in magical settings. The top ten things to do with family members are listed below. So what are you waiting for? Apply for a turkey visa online.
- Explore İstanbul’s Kid-Friendly Museums
Numerous museums can be found in the cultural centre of Turkey, and many of them are attractive to children as well. Visit the Rahmi M. Koç Museum to see vintage cars, railways, boats, and even aircraft. The Istanbul Toy Museum is a collection of vintage toys from more than 40 countries that will make you feel nostalgic. At Miniatürk, where more than 100 miniature models are on display and make visitors feel like giants, you may see all of Turkey’s top attractions in a single day. At the Museum of Illusions, let the youngsters play with optical illusions like a vortex tunnel and an upside-down room. Last but not least, don’t forget to look into the schedule at Istanbul Modern, the city’s centre for the arts, which frequently hosts workshops for kids.
- Enjoy Urban Nature in İstanbul’s Historic Parks
Spend some time in one of the city’s many lovely parks after you’ve had your fill of strolls through the neighbourhood and ferry excursions on the Bosphorus. Visit Emirgan Park in April for the annual Tulip Festival to see the tulips bloom in all their vibrant glory. Or go beyond the city to Belgrad Armani (also known as Belgrad Forest) to go mushroom hunting with a knowledgeable guide or spend some time running around freely.
- Bike Along the TurkAegean
The EuroVelo Route 8-Mediterranean, which runs from the Atlantic beaches of Europe to Izmir, has been officially a part of the system since 2016. More than 650 stations along the path in Izmir have been marked with signposts to show the connection between UNESCO-protected natural and cultural heritage sites and historic sites like Pergamum and Ephesus. With your kids, you might not be able to complete the 495 km in one go, but even a short trip might be an accomplishment.
- Plan an Active Family Day with Watersports
With more than 8,000 miles of shoreline, it should be no surprise that Turkey is a fantastic location for all kinds of watersports. Although Alaçati is the most prominent location for wind and kite surfing, nearly every beach in Turkey has a watersports club where equipment may be rented. Get your kids interested in sailing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, and kayaking in the crystal-clear Aegean and Mediterranean Seas. You can also schedule private rowing or sailing lessons on the Golden Horn or near the Kadiköy shores if you chance to be in Istanbul.
- Indulge in Five-Star Luxury on the Turkish Riviera
Book a stay at one of the five-star resorts in Fethiye or Antalya, which have the Safe Tourism certificate, if you want a stress-free family getaway. While you unwind at the spa or read a book on the beach, the little ones can have fun at the hotel’s exclusive kids club, which offers whole-day activities. You can always spend a day together later on a private boat excursion or touring the various historic places, such as the Church of St. Nicholas in Demre or the Lycian Olympus, the mythical home of the gods. St. Nicholas, who is attributed with inspiring the modern-day popular figure of Santa Claus—the jolly old guy giving presents to kids on Christmas Eve—had a reputation as the protector of children and sailors in the third century AD in Türkiye.
- Admire Sand Art in Antalya
The intricate sand sculptures built each year during the International Sandland Festival in Antalya fascinate your children. The annual sand art festival, which has been going strong since 2006 and transforms Lara Beach’s more than 7,000 square metres into a massive outdoor show, has a different theme each year. Visitors may even see renowned sand sculptors from across the globe as they produce their unique works of art. The theme for this summer is space, so be ready to launch into the cosmos with various amazing sculptures.
- Explore Cappadocia on Horseback
Both children & adults will find lots to discover in Cappadocia, including a famous hot-air balloon ride to truly appreciate the otherworldly magnificence of the fairy chimneys and the volcanic peaks. Participating in a ceramics workshop in Avanos and staying the night in one of the famous cave hotels are also essential, in addition to touring the impressive rock-hewn churches and underground cities. But viewing the beautiful scenery on horseback is perhaps one of the most memorable, transporting you to another era and providing your kids with some moments they won’t soon forget.
- Travel Back in Time
Let your kids engage in their time travel dreams in Urfa, where legendary sites like the Balikligöl (Pool of Sacred Fish) once stood. Visit the 12,000-year-old Göbeklitepe for an exciting history lesson and to be captivated by the oldest megaliths in the world. The 34,000 square metres of the Sanliurfa Archaeology and Mosaic Museum, one of Turkey’s most prominent museums, provide an even more in-depth look at ancient history with artefacts and figures depicting prehistoric cave life in addition to the well-known mosaic of Orpheus tempting birds and animals to gather around him with his lyre.
- Fly Kites over a Medieval Town
The complex Artuqid stone architecture of Mardin’s meandering streets, one of Turkey’s most stunning historical sites, is intriguing. The annual Mardin Kite Festival, which celebrates a custom that has been a part of Mardin’s history for generations, adds a touch of magic to the already incredible experience of the historic city. Kite runners from all over the world fly their gigantic creations in the sky. Children could simulate archaeological digging and preservation methods in the award-winning archaeo-park owned by Mardin Museum, one of the event organizers. Your children will remember this strange experience for years to come.
- Save the Turtles on İztuzu Beach
The loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta Caretta), which arrive every year in the early summer to lay their eggs, have made this particular beach in the western Mula province their favourite nesting location. The young turtles emerge around two months later and crawl toward the water. Join the volunteers at this particular time to help save and preserve these rare reptiles.
Bonus: Go Skiing in Winter Wonderlands
There are many places in Türkiye where newbies and experts alike can enjoy the powdery snow and all the winter season’s beauty, whether it’s your kids’ first or hundredth time on the slopes. To make the most of the skiing season, apply for a turkey e visa and book a stay in Uludag, Kartalkaya, Erciyes, Palandöken, or Sarikamiş during the winter.