Best Things To Do With Kids In Istanbul

Fun Activities For Kids In Istanbul – 13 Places To Go and Things To Do in Istanbul

Things To do with Kids in Istanbul

Istanbul is such a lively city with so much to offer children as well as adults! Istanbul has a long and colorful history. Through its cuisine, architecture and lifestyle, it captures the true essence of Turkish culture. For a Guide on The Best 10 Things To Do and Sights To See In Istanbul, click here.

Istanbul has many attractions and if you’re planning a family vacation, Istanbul may be the perfect fit! Here is a list of attractions that you would enjoy doing together!

Things to do with kids in Istanbul

Let's Begin With Some Theme Parks-

Take a journey through history and visit Miniaturk! At Miniaturk you’ll find models of iconic places and buildings located through Turkey on a much smaller scale. Besides being one of the largest open-air miniature parks you’ll find play areas in the form of a Trojan horse and castle for the little ones to explore.

Hours: Open 7 days a week from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00p.m Cost: For Adults it’s 10TL; Students (3TL)

Things To do with Kids in Istanbul

2. LEGOLAND Discovery Centre

Legoland is one of my boys’ favorite places to visit. Who doesn’t love building palaces, walls and replicating some of Turkish structures you encounter on your tours. A number of great attractions like a Lego 4D cinema, miniland, Lego Factory, the Kingdom Quest Laser Ride, the lego DUPLO farm will be sure to entertain the kiddos.

Hours: Monday to Sunday: 10 am – 8 pm Last admission 6.pmCost: Adults (71TL); children (55TL); No charge for children under 3 years

Prices may vary at the gate

Check out their website for more info, by clicking here!

Things To do with Kids in Istanbul

3. Vialand: Isfanbul Theme Park

Isfanbul (formerly known as Vialand) is one of the best amusement parks in all of Europe. It combines shopping and exhibition centers as well. Basically, it has something for everyone. Adventure Zone is great for kids that enjoy rides and roller coasters; there’s Play Zone for smaller children; an indoor zoo is also located in the complex appropriately named “jungle” that’s seperate and apart from the theme park; and in the shopping center you’ll find plenty of restaurants, cafes, and boutiques.

Hours: Monday to Friday (10am-8pm); Saturday to Sunday (10am to 9pm) Cost: 28.36 US Dollars

4. Kidzania

I personally love Kidzania as much as my kids did! Here, they learn through realistic role-play that’s fun and inspirational. It’s no wonder that KidZania has opened up in 21 different countries. It’s such a realistic educational environment where children rule their own country, choose their career and earn currency. Your kid can pretend to be a chef, model in a photo studio, and drive a race track.

Hours: Tuesday-Sunday (10am-7pm)

Cost : Ages 4-14 110 TL and Adults are 40 TL (0-2 are free of charge)

Things to do with kids in Istanbul

Aquarium in Istanbul-

5. Sea Life Aquarium

Explore the largest shark family of Europe in an 83 m ocean tunnel. Over 15,000 sea creatures reside here including freshwater stingrays, ancient mata mata turtles and giant eels. Hours: Monday-Sunday (10am-7pm) Cost: Adults (75TL); Children (55TL); Charges at the door may differ.

Things to do with kids in Istanbul

Musuems, Monuments and Cultural Attractions that the whole family can take part in

6. Hagia Sophia Museum

Hagia Sophia is considered one of the most beautiful buildings –inside and out. It was once a church and then a mosque but is now one of the most visited museums in the world.

Hours: 9am to 7pm from April 1st to October 31st (last entry is an hour prior to closing) and 9am to 6pm hours from November 1st to March 31st (last entry is an hour prior to closing)
Cost: 72 Turkish Liras without a museum pass (Children under the age of 8 are free)

We Recommend:

The Skip the Line Guided Tour to the Hagia Sophia

7. Sultan Ahmed Mosque- Blue Mosque

The Sultan Ahmed Mosque also known as “The Blue Mosque” is just a 4 minute walk from Haige Sophia. They’re both directly across from each other.
Even though the domes are blue, the mosque isn’t and the name comes from the stunning blue tiles in its stunning interior. (Remember to dress appropriate, see full guide here).

Things To do with Kids in Istanbul

Hours: Closed to non-worshippers 45 minutes before the call to prayer, 30 minutes afterwards and all Friday morning until 2:30pm. Non-worshipers may still visit during prayer times, however they do not allow photography during this time.

Cost: No Entry Fee

8. The Topkapı Palace

The Topkapi Palace is another major sight to see and is only a 3-minute walk from the Hagia Sophia.

It was one of the biggest palaces in the world, housing elements from various ages, added by each sultan.

You’ll find Islamic art and manuscripts, clothing, weapons, books, jewelery, treasures and so much more.

Hours: 9:00am to 6:45pm from April 1st to October 2nd
9:00am to 4:45pm from October 2nd to March 31st
Cost: 72 Turkish Liras without a museum pass (Children under the age of 8 are free)

To avoid the lines and have a guide you may want to try the Skip the Line Guided Tour to the Topkapi Palace>.

Things To do with Kids in Istanbul

9. Galata Tower

One of Istanbul’s most striking skyline landmarks. For unobstructed 360-degree views of the city, head over to the medieval stone tower built-in 1348. The elevator takes you most of the way up.

One of Istanbul’s most striking skyline landmarks. For unobstructed 360-degree views of the city, head over to the medieval stone tower built-in 1348. The elevator takes you most of the way up.

It’s located in the Beyuglo district and commonly referred to as the “New City.” It’s a very popular place to just stroll around with plenty of cafes, shops and a bustling nightlife. So many places have belly dancers and other cultural dancers as entertainment for their patrons and considered to be family friendly. They even included our kids in their performances!

Cost: 35 TL (free for kids under 7)

Hours: 9am to 7:00pm, 7 days a week.

Things to do with kids in Istanbul

Turkish Experiences

10. The Istanbul Cable Car

This cable car offers great views of the Golden Horn and the Eyüp district. Although the ride lasts less than 3 minutes, I would still recommend it as it allows you to enjoy stunning views of the city. The kids will likely enjoy the ride up and down the mountain. There are some shops at the top to enjoy as well. This doesn’t beat the view of Galata Tower, but the kids would enjoy it more.

Hours: 8am – 11pm (summer) and 8am – 10pm (winter) Cost: 5.2TL

Things to do with kids in Istanbul

11. The Nostalgic Tram

Ride the nostalgic Tram that runs along Istklal street taking aboard people walking along the nice shops. The kids enjoy it (if it isn’t crowded) and you’ll feel like you’re a member of the society while you participate taking in the sites.

Hours: 6.15am – Midnight

Cost: 4TL

12. European & Asian Side of Istanbul is a Must by Boat

Taking a Bosphorus cruise is a great way to see both the European & Asian Side of Istanbul. Even though the sites mentioned above are located on the European side of Istanbul, taking a trip to the Asian side is considered by many a more authentic side of the city with a strong sense of community. A ferry ride is also a great option. As the boat takes off, you’ll be able to enjoy Istanbul’s vast landscape and architecture as the sea gulls chase the boat. There’s a great selection of restaurants to choose from Kadikoy, the cultural center of the Asian side where you will also find entertaining vendors, bars and markets.

Hours: Tuesday-Sunday (10am-7pm)

Cost : Ages 4-14 110 TL and Adults are 40 TL (0-2 are free of charge)

Things To do with Kids in Istanbul

13. Take a Trip to the Prince’s Islands

The Princes’ Islands are the ultimate escape from Istanbul’s hustle and bustle. It’s a short ferry ride away (about an hour ½ to get to Buyukada, the largest of the islands).
The best part is that no cars are allowed. The best way to get around is by foot, scooter or bicycle. You can also rent a horse-drawn carriage ride if you’re feeling a little nostalgic. It’s safe for children to play and explore. They also have a playground you’ll see as you get off the ferry and begin walking west along the water. For More on the Princes’ Islands, click here.