Turkey, with its cool cities and captivating coastline, is a wonderland for families. From kid-friendly museums to thrilling theme parks, ancient archaeological sites to fantastical landscapes, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Fabulous Family Fun in Istanbul
With marvellous museums, colourful markets and colossal historic monuments, Istanbul is a fascinating family destination.
All across the vibrant city, your children can conquer castles and parade around palaces before heading deep underground to roam around ancient cisterns.
Let the little ones lose themselves in kid-friendly museums such as the Istanbul Toy Museum and the Rahmi M. Koc Museum, where they can marvel at historic modes of transport including classic cars and old submarines. At Miniaturk, they’ll feel like giants among hundreds of miniature models, and at the Museum of Illusions, mind- and eye-tricking exhibits puzzle the whole family.
For an adventure-filled day, visit Istanbul’s thrilling amusement parks. Let imaginations run wild at Legoland Discovery Centre and get the adrenaline pumping at the Istanbul Theme Park, home to the world’s fourth biggest roller coaster.
For something a little calmer, explore the underwater world at the Istanbul Aquarium or head to Sea Life, one of the largest aquariums in Europe.
Worked up an appetite? Istanbul’s mouthwatering cuisine features plenty of kid-pleasing dishes such as Maras ice-cream, pamuk seker (cotton candy), kofte (meatballs), simit (freshly baked, molasses-dipped sesame-crusted dough) and colourful Turkish delights knows as lokum.
Anatolia’s award-winning museums
If your children crave culture, there’s an array of award-winning, kid-friendly museums in Turkey. Got a budding Doctor Who in the family? Take them on a time-travelling adventure of their own in the Sanliurfa Archaeology and Mosaic Museum, where you can admire the artefacts found in Gobekli Tepe, the oldest temple complex ever found.
For more archaeological excavations, visit the Mardin Museum and the Van Museum, where you can view a vast collection of cultural assets and partake in fun workshops such as coin minting and paper marbling. At the Aktopraklik Mound Archeopark and Open-Air Museum, kids can discover 8,500 years of history while enjoying the great outdoors and the beautiful Turkish weather.
Or soak up history out in the sunshine; the ancient city of Patara is an easy commute from the coast and among the ruins you’ll find one of the world’s oldest lighthouses, sarcophagi, baths and a 5,000-seat amphitheatre.
Adventure awaits on the Turkaegean and Turkish Riviera
With more than 500 Blue Flag beaches and 300 days of sunshine a year, Turkey is an ideal spot for a family seaside holiday. The warm waters of the sparkling Aegean and the East Mediterranean Sea are dotted with secluded bays, protected lagoons and cave-filled coves just waiting for curious children to explore and enjoy.
The Turkaegean and Turkish Riviera (Mediterranean) are ideal locations for a relaxing holiday in one of the many family-friendly five-star resorts. With a plethora of in-resort activities, there is plenty for families to do; however, when you want a little alone time, perhaps by the pool with a cocktail in hand, there are terrific kids’ clubs in the resorts where your children can make new friends while enjoying lots of entertainment. For sure, they will sleep well after such fun-filled days.
Get on your bike
For quality family time, rent some bikes and follow the EuroVelo 8 Mediterranean Route along the coast of the dazzling Izmir Peninsula. This 500km cycling trail takes you on a journey through history, heart-stirring scenery and spectacular shows of nature.
Take to the water
Give your legs a rest and swap the pedals for paddles. The clear, calm waters of the Turkaegean and Turkish Riviera are perfect places to practise your water sports or try some new ones. From gentle sea kayaking and smooth sailing to skimming the waves windsurfing and kitesurfing, you can make your holiday as mild or wild as you like.
Make memories on a blue cruise
If your children are aquatic fanatics, then book a blue cruise on a traditional gulet - an elegant wooden vessel with sails and a motor. This is a once in a lifetime way to experience the hypnotically beautiful Turkish coastline.
On a blue cruise, you avoid the crowds and get off the beaten track. You can dive right into the turquoise sea and enjoy lots of fun activities on the water and onboard. Your boat also sails by legendary historical sites and archaeological wonders which you can admire up close from unique watery vantage points.
After watching the kaleidoscopic sunset, you can cosy up in your luxurious family cabin or sleep out under a blanket of stars. It’s just like camping on water, and we all know how much kids love camping!
Speaking of which…
Sleep surrounded by nature
With hospitality as warm as its weather and unspoiled landscapes infused with wildness, Turkey is a delightful destination for a camping holiday. You can camp in Turkey all year round, with many campsites open in the winter catering to those who want to pitch their tent in the cooler months.
You can also rent a camper van or caravan and head out on the highway looking for adventure. A road trip through Turkey is a pleasurable way to see more of the stunning landscapes and seascapes. From lush forests rich with flora and fauna to hidden bays where the waves lull you to sleep, you are spoiled for choice when it comes to scenic settings.
After a fun day adventuring with the family, gather at the campground, tell stories, sing songs and fall asleep surrounded by nature.
Take a walk on the wild side
Turkey is famous for its love of street animals, but there is more to the country’s wildlife than just cats and dogs. In fact, Turkey is almost entirely covered by three biodiversity hotspots: the Caucasus, the Irano-Anatolian, and the Mediterranean.
Turkey’s Wildlife Corridor is home to lynx, wolves, and bears, oh my! But for a tamer wildlife encounter, head to Iztuzu Beach, aka Turtle Beach in the western Mugla province. You can take a boat trip on the river from Dalyan to Iztuzu, passing the rock-carved Carian Tombs of Kaunos. This ancient backdrop overlooks one of the main Mediterranean breeding grounds for loggerhead sea turtles (also known as Caretta caretta). If you visit during breeding and hatching season, you and your family can join the volunteers to help protect and save these rare reptiles.
With over 465 bird species in the country, there are ample opportunities for spotting eagles, hawks, falcons and storks as well as species at risk of extinction
If you are more into feathers than fins, Turkey is brilliant for birdwatching. With over 465 bird species in the country, there are ample opportunities for spotting eagles, hawks, falcons and storks as well as species at risk of extinction such as the marbled teal and greater spotted eagle. Don’t forget to bring binoculars.
Admire awe-inspiring landscapes
If your family are fans of fantastical fairy tales, then a trip to otherworldly Hierapolis-Pamukkale and captivating Cappadocia is a must.
These ethereal landscapes and ancient wonders were once the playgrounds of Cleopatra and Mark Antony, Caesar and Alexander the Great
These ethereal landscapes and ancient wonders were once the playgrounds of Cleopatra and Mark Antony, Caesar and Alexander the Great. Your family will have great fun following in their legendary footsteps.
Hierapolis is a Roman spa city founded around 190 BC. Its modern name, Pamukkale, means Cotton Castle, due to the cottony appearance of its striking, snow-white, calcium-rich mineral bath spas that cascade down the hillside. It looks like icing running off a tiered wedding cake. It is an extraordinary sight and one that is sure to stir your children’s imagination.
Another magical place is Cappadocia, where you can enjoy a sunrise or sunset hot air balloon ride that sweeps you up and over the volcanic peaks and the iconic honey-hued rock formations that are affectionately called Fairy Chimneys.
A hot air balloon trip over the magical landscape of Cappadocia is an unforgettable experience.
When finished exploring from above, venture below and discover the incredible underground cities before taking in the fascinating rock-hewn churches and taking part in a ceramics workshop – make your own souvenirs! For a night you won’t forget, stay in one of the famous cave hotels.
But wait, there’s more!
For a true sense of adventure, giddy-up and explore this spellbinding landscape on horseback. This is a unique, riveting experience and one that will live long in the memory of both adults and children alike.
For more information visit goTurkey.com.
