With schools closed, children have a lot of free time during the holidays. So, are they making the most of this time? If you live in Istanbul, you have a wealth of activities and events you can enjoy with your children. Istanbul promises wonderful adventures for children with its vibrant atmosphere, numerous museums, and entertainment venues. This fuels their curiosity and desire to explore. We've compiled a list of activities and events you can enjoy with children in Istanbul. Here are some great things to do with kids in Istanbul.
1. Istanbul Aquarium
The Istanbul Aquarium, a top attraction for kids in Istanbul, houses 17,000 species of marine and land creatures. Here, you and your children can discover thousands of sea creatures and get up close and personal with the mysterious world of sharks. The Istanbul Aquarium also offers rainforest tours and helicopter rides.
2. Vialand Theme Park
When it comes to entertainment for children in Istanbul, one of the must-sees is the Vialand theme park. Consisting of a theme park, shopping mall, and hotel, Vialand offers a variety of entertainment options for visitors of all ages. So, no matter your age, you'll have a blast here. This complex structure is known as the land of happy memories. With just one ticket to this amazing destination, you can experience endless fun.
3. Toy Museum
The Toy Museum was founded by Sunay Akin in 2005. Of course, this place is primarily loved by children, as the museum houses a wide variety of toys from around the world. However, since we were all children once, the museum also features some of the toys we played with as children, transporting us back in time and evoking fond memories. Therefore, it's a popular destination not only for children but for visitors of all ages. The museum also hosts a variety of events on weekends.
4. LEGOLAND Discovery Centre
If your child loves playing with LEGO, this is the place for you. Activities at the LEGOLAND Discovery Center are designed for children ages 3 to 12. To visit this extraordinary place, home to thousands of LEGO pieces, children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult. The LEGOLAND Discovery Center features 15 different play zones. In these play areas, children can interact with their peers and build whatever they want.
5. Madame Tussauds Wax Museum
Among the top attractions for children in Istanbul, the Madame Tussauds Wax Museum stands out with its 60 international and Turkish stars. It features wax figures of many famous people, including Fatih Sultan Mehmed, Atatürk, Bruce Willis, Rihanna, Michael Jackson, Albert Einstein, Brad Pitt, Johnny Depp, and Usain Bolt. Visiting this amazing museum with your children is sure to teach them about history, music, and film, while also having a great time.
6. Istanbul Air Force Museum
Among the children's attractions in Istanbul, the Istanbul Air Force Museum has continued to amaze its visitors since 1960. The 15,000-square-meter museum displays aircraft from various countries that never saw combat. Visitors also have access to war trophies. Here you can travel back in time and have a wonderful time with your children. Who knows? Perhaps this place will inspire your child to become a pilot in the future.
7. Museum of Illusions
The museum, which is located in major cities across many countries, also opened in Istanbul in 2019. Open every day of the week, the museum helps children develop their imaginations. The Museum of Illusions features rooms with various concepts and themes that will actively foster children's imaginations.
8. Miniature
Miniatürk, whose slogan is "A Small Model of a Big Country," allows you to discover the vast expanses of Turkey on a family trip. This open-air museum, featuring over 120 miniature works, offers a magnificent historical journey, introducing visitors to works dating from ancient times to the present day. This place is especially great for expanding children's horizons, allowing them to explore the historical sites of our country.
9. Dustepe Wildlife Museum
One of the most interesting places to entertain children in Istanbul is the Dustepe Games Museum, located in a one-story wooden building on a 60,000-square-meter park. The museum exhibits over 2,000 children's games. In fact, some of the games on display are 150 years old. In addition to intellectual and space games, the museum also features games such as chess.
10. Pelit Chocolate Museum
What child doesn't love sweets, especially chocolate? Everything you can see at the Pelit Chocolate Museum is made of chocolate. The museum, which will make you and your family feel like you're on a movie set, features architectural works, sculptures, fairytale characters, and even chocolate waterfalls.
11. ViaSea Theme Park
The ViaSea theme park includes the Crocodile Park, built on an 8,000-square-meter area. The Crocodile Park features underwater creatures and reptiles. The theme park boasts 28 different arcade machines to keep your adrenaline levels high. The game center offers 74 different slot machines for fun with the whole family. There are also movie theaters and shops for shopping.
12. Turkcell Platinum Park
Turkcell Platinum Park is located in a wooded area, surrounded by pristine nature. The park features open-air cinemas, horseback riding, archery, and playgrounds designed specifically for children. Younger children can enjoy rides on mini-cars and a carousel. Here, you can spend quality time with your family while ensuring your child has a great time.
13. Mypark
This park, which will delight both adults and children, spans 12,000 square meters. It is the largest indoor theme park in Europe. Moipark offers a variety of activities to keep your adrenaline pumping: various games, high-speed shuttles, giant swings, and fun tunnels. The lower floor is dedicated to children aged 4 to 10, while the upper floor offers activities for children 10 and up.
14. Forestanbul Adventure Park
Forestanbul Adventure Park, one of the best children's attractions in Istanbul, offers services across 25,000 square meters. Situated in a forested area, it's considered one of the largest natural adventure parks in Turkey. When you visit with your family, your child will enjoy the necessary safety measures and the opportunity to develop through various adventures under the guidance of a teacher. Furthermore, since this park operates as a forest school, various training sessions are also held here.
15. Istanbul Butterfly Farm
At this location, Turkey's first butterfly farm, you and your child will discover a variety of tropical butterflies. Here, you'll not only see magical butterflies but also witness every stage of their life cycle. Your view of butterflies and nature as a family will change.