Skip to main content

Istanbul is a fun-filled adventure for kids

Isn’t it time that kids spent less time on screens at home and explored the great outdoors? There are plenty of enjoyable places for kids to explore; Amusement parks and places that littles ones can come together, socialize and have a great time. You can also opt to teach them history from a young age and discover the beautiful palaces and museums scattered around the city. We have compiled a list of the best places for kids in Istanbul.

Museums



Amongst the countless numbers of museums in Istanbul, a few great options for children spring to mind. The Toy Museum in Göztepe is on that list, bringing the history of toys from the 1700 to the present. In the world-famous museum in Beyoğlu, there is a collection of wax statues by famous artists. Ride on the nostalgic trains, participate in workshops or take a Haliç tour on a boat made in 1873 at Rahmi Koç Museum in Haliç. At the chocolate museum in Esenyurt, you will have to hold yourself back from eating all the delicious items and buildings made from chocolate. Take your children on a musical blast to the past; introduce them to the rock and roll legend Barış Manco, whose house was turned into a museum in Moda. At the Barış Manço Museum you can view all the musician’s personal belongings. Check the other great museums you can discover in different district of Istanbul on Istanbul museums page.

Palaces



Children are just as captivated by the magnificence, beauty and history of the Istanbul palaces as you. Every palace, and every detail broadens their imaginations. The palaces that tower over them leave children in awe. Palaces are remnants of the past that enable children to immerse themselves in history in the most interactive and enjoyable way. There are special electronic guides designed for kids at Dolmabahçe Palace, and at the Topkapı Palaces there are workshops that inform children about the history of the palace and its structure, before they embark upon their palace adventure.

Amusement Parks



The amusements parks of Istanbul are not only extremely fun but also inspire courage in kids. Eyüp is a great location for children entertainment, with dozens of thrilling rides to choose from, and water rides to enjoy. Visit the largest adventure park in a forest in Türkiye, at Kemerburgaz, for an unforgettable day, where kids can run wild and play in nature or do paintballing. Another option for an adventure in nature is at a cultural center in Ayazağa, within the Acıbadem district. The center is suitable for kids aged between 4-14 and is both educative and fun as children roleplay different careers. At the Bayrampaşa amusement center children between the ages 3-10 can immerse themselves in a creativity playing with small items. Last but not least, is Miniatürk, in Haliç. A great park filled with miniatures of famous structures that you can explore with your kids.

Zoos



In Istanbul, there are many places for your kids to see animals up close. Great aquariums and zoos have opened in recent years, that you can discover with your children. At a center in Eyüp there are over 400 animals and 100 different species for you to see. Darıca Zoo, not far from Istanbul, also has around 400animals and over 100 varieties of species. At the Florya aquarium, filled with countless underwater creatures, go on a journey from the Blacksea region to the Pacific with 17 themes and 1 rainforest route. An aquarium at a shopping center in Bayrampaşa, there are over 500 types of species and 15 thousand creatures for you to discover and little animals in shelters. You can visit the shelters in many districts and feed the cats and dogs there with your children.