Top 10 Things to Do in Istanbul with Kids

Istanbul is one of the most beautiful cities in Turkey, and there are many things to do in Istanbul for both adults and children. If you are planning a family vacation, you are in the right place. I have lived in Istanbul for 20 years and I have a son. So, I will try to help you have a great time with your kids. Let’s start then; here are the best things to do with kids in Istanbul.

Where to stay in İstanbul with Kids?

Finding the right place to stay with your family in Istanbul might seem challenging, especially if it’s your first visit. I will help you find hotels in the best areas to stay with kids, focusing on safety, proximity to attractions, and amenities suitable for children.

Best Budget Hotels in Istanbul: Sadaret Hotel&Suites, Csk The Halich Port, The Story Hotel Pera, Magnova Studios, Magnova Vitality Boutique Hotel, Miller Hotel

Best Mid-range Hotels in Istanbul: Gleam Collection Hotel, CVK Park Bosphorus Hotel, DoubleTree by Hilton Sirkeci, Catch Hotel Sultanahmet, Fragments Hotel, Motto By Mula Hotel, Clarion Hotel Golden Horn

Best Luxury Hotels in Istanbul: AJWA Sultanahmet, The St. Regis, Mandarin Oriental Bosphorus, Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorus, Çırağan Palace Kempinski, The Stay Bosphorus, Park Hyatt Macka Palas, Shangri-La Bosphorus, The Grand Tarabya Hotel

See all suitable İstanbul hotelse here.

Fun Things to Do in Istanbul with Kids

Istanbul is a great destination for kids. This vibrant city offers a wealth of culture, history, and activities to keep children of all ages entertained and engaged.

Istanbul Aviation Museum: This museum preserves and exhibits planes used by the Turkish Air Force and other units. It consists of two parts: open and closed areas. My son loved it here because he is an airplane enthusiast. The museum is closed on Mondays and open from 09:00 to 17:00 on other days. The entrance is free for students and visitors under the age of 18. Note that the Müzekart is not valid here. The museum is located in Bakırköy, on the European side.

Istanbul Toy Museum: Founded by researcher and author Sunay Akın, this museum houses a collection of toys from antique dealers and auctions in over 40 countries. It is closed on Mondays and open from 10:30 to 18:00 on other days. Entrance is free for children under 3 years old. You can find it in Göztepe, on the Anatolian side.

Belgrad Forest: Spanning a vast 5400 hectares, this forest serves as a natural habitat for numerous animals and diverse plant species. It features picnic areas, as well as walking and jogging tracks. Belgrad Forest is open 24 hours a day and entry is free for pedestrians; however, a little fee applies for vehicles, with additional charges depending on the vehicle type. The forest is located in Sarıyer, on the European side.

Rahmi Koç Museum: This museum displays historical examples of various vehicles, ranging from planes to cars, motorcycles, bicycles, horse carriages, strollers, locomotives, ships, and even submarines. In addition to the transportation collection, it includes sections like the Atatürk corner, science corner, and toy corner. My son also enjoyed this museum very much. It is situated along the shore of the Golden Horn, on the European side.

Kidzania: This place is defined as a child-sized version of a real city. Located on the Anatolian side, it may be preferable for those in that area. Here, children can experience different professions. It is open daily from 10:00 to 20:00 and is located in Acıbadem Akasya AVM, Anatolian side.

Atatürk City Forest: Spread over 100 hectares, this forest features ponds, hiking trails, viewing terraces, and resting areas. It also hosts many bird and plant species. Entrance to the forest is free, and it is open daily from 05:00 to 22:00. It is located in Sarıyer, on the European side.

Miniatürk: This park covers 60,000 square meters, with 15,000 square meters dedicated to models of Turkey’s famous sights. The remaining area offers various activities. For example, you can wear Ottoman clothes and take photos, and a mehter team performs at certain times.

Istanbul Butterfly Farm: This farm features a butterfly garden, children’s playground, and a restaurant. Located in Beykoz on the Anatolian side, it is open daily from 10:00 to 18:00. Entrance is free for children under 3 years old.

Kemerburgaz City Forest: Covering an area of 550 hectares, this forest includes children’s playgrounds, a carousel, an observation tower, an adventure park, walking paths, and restaurants with views of the Alibeyköy Dam. Pedestrian entrance is free, but there is a charge for vehicle entry, though you can park outside for free. It is open from 08:00 to 22:00 and is located in Eyüpsultan, on the European side.

Florya Aqua Park Aquarium: In this aquarium, you can see many kinds of fish from different seas around the world. You’ll follow a geographical route from the Black Sea to the Pacific, consisting of 17 themes and 1 rainforest. Entrance is free for children aged 0-2 years. Family packages are available, and tickets can be purchased online at a more advantageous price.

These are some of the best things to do in Istanbul with kids. I hope you like this article. There are actually many more activities in Istanbul, but I just wanted to highlight the best ones. Have you ever been to Istanbul? Are you planning a trip to Istanbul? If you have any questions or need additional information, please feel free to comment below.

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