Your family is going to love a getaway to Istanbul. No matter how old your children are and what they are into, you will all find some entertainment in this beautiful city. Being on the Bosphorus Strait, there are beaches where you can all enjoy water play and fun in the sun and many parks for other outdoor activities.
From fun museums like Miniaturk to Madame Tussauds where you can all get some great selfies, to the Grand Bazaar where you can all do some shopping, your whole family will want to come back again. But don’t bring your suitcases with you. There are plenty of luggage storage locations in Istanbul to use.
Beaches
- True Blue Beach
Rent a sailboat and enjoy the blue waters of True Blue Beach. The sand is clean and soft, the water is clear, and they even have concerts and events sometimes. The beach club has a swimming pool in case you don’t want to swim with the fishes and they serve all kinds of food and beverages for everyone.
- Babylon Beach
Babylon Beach is great for families with teens and older kids who want to do some sailboarding, kiteboarding, and boating. There are a plethora of concessions nearby that rent out water toys and boats. They also serve some delicious food and drinks. You can get an adult beverage while you watch the kids play.
- Nakibey Beach
If you have little ones, this beach is perfect for your family. The water is shallow and calm so the tots can run and play without you having to stress out. Build sandcastles, play volleyball, or toss a frisbee around. When you all work up an appetite, head for the food trucks for mini burgers and French fries.
Museums
- Miniaturk
Miniaturk is an outdoor museum that features over 130 models in a 1:25 scale. Some of the most popular include the Anatolian Fortress, the Topkapi Ferry, and the Beylerbeyi Palace. But the kids’ favorites are the interactive Mini Stadium and the boats you can operate. And of course, the Mini-Land playground.
- Toy Museum
Who wouldn’t love the Toy Museum? And the one in Istanbul has over 4,000 toys to see. Dating back 200 years to the 1700a, many of the items are from Turkey but you can see toys from all over the world. In fact, they come from more than 40 countries. Be sure to visit the café, which is just like a dollhouse.
- Madame Tussauds
The kids will be thrilled to get selfies with Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, and Rihanna at Madame Tussauds. They can even get shots on the stage with Justin Bieber and Madonna. The little ones will get excited about meeting Spiderman, Shrek, and E.T. And don’t miss Marilyn Monroe, Johnny Depp, Julia Roberts, and Brad Pitt.
Fun Parks
- Legoland Discovery Center
Grab a laser gun and save the princess at Legoland on the Kingdom Quest ride. Or let the kids build in the Creative Workshop. The younger kids will love the Duplo Farm where they can play in the farmer’s house, get a pic with the cow, and build stuff. Merlin’s Apprentice Ride is a lot of fun for the little ones.
- Kidzania
This is a unique park that lets kids be who they want to be when they grow up. Let your little ones find out what it’s like to be a candy maker, fashion model, artist, doctor, police officer, firefighter, or anything else they desire. They can be a secret agent, CSI worker, actor, a rock star, or a jewelry designer, too.
- Vialand
For a real adventure in a theme park, Vialand has 50 rides and attractions to explore and enjoy. From the thrilling Drop Tower to the Nefeskesen roller coaster for adrenaline seekers to the mild merry-go-round and fun farm for the tiny tots. They also have live shows, 5D movies, and eight eateries to refuel.
Animal Parks
- İstanbul Akvaryum (Aquarium)
Check out the 15,000 marine creatures in 64 different tanks at Istanbul Aquarium. There are more than 1,500 species and most are from the Pacific and the Black Sea. You can see guitar sharks, balloon fish, eels, rays, caiman, and piranha. You can even see some adorable penguins and capybara running around.
- Polonezköy Zoo
Rather see some reptiles, birds, and mammals? The zoo has pythons, boa constrictors, and crocodiles in the reptile house. And they have thousands of birds like parrots, peacocks, pelicans, and storks. Some of the mammals include monkeys, pigs, kangaroos, and even dogs. The alpaca, deer, and sheep are some of the favorites.
- Dolphinarium
Dolphins are amazing animals and can do fantastic tricks. The Dolphinarium is the best place to see all sorts of fun acts. Watch the shows, swim with the dolphins, or take dolphin therapy. You and the kids will learn so much about dolphins you will want your own. They also have whales, walruses, and fur seals.
Other Fun Spots
- Eyüp Cable Car Ride
There are several cable cars in Istanbul but the main one is the Eyüp, which is a two-station gondola that will take you from the shoreline at Eyüp to the Pierre Loti Café. The route is 1,260 feet long, 174 feet high, and has some of the most stunning views of the city. The cabin is comfy, and the ride is unforgettable.
- Topkapi Palace
Built in the 1400s, the Topkapi Palace is a huge estate that once served as the residence of the sultans but is now a museum. Some of the highlights include the Imperial Gate, courtyards, portrait gallery, and the library. But don’t miss the Imperial Harem, where the wives and other females of the sultans lived.
- Galata Tower
Another powerful structure, this 205-foot tower was built in the 1300s and was once named the Tower of Christ. It served as a watchtower for many years but now it is a fantastic place to see the Golden Horn and the Bosphorus. The top floors have a café and restaurant with the best views in the whole city.
Be sure to enjoy some of the exquisite Turkish cuisine while you are in Istanbul. The kids will love the baklava and Turkish Delight and you will enjoy watching them eat. Of course, you will also love the food and the many types of adult beverages you cannot get anywhere else.
