Top 10 Fun Things to Do in Istanbul with Kids

Istanbul is one of the most beautiful cities in Turkey and there ara many things to do in Istanbul both for adults and children. If you are planning a family vacation, you are at the right place. 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 your kids in Istanbul.

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Fun Things to Do in Istanbul with Kids

Istanbul Aviation Museum: The planes used by Turkish Air Force and other units has been preserved and started to be exhibited in this museum. The museum consists of two parts, open and closed. My son loved here so much because he is an airplane lover. The museum is closed on Mondays. Other days are open between 09:00 and 17:00. Museum entrance full ticket: 10 TL. Students and visitors under the age of 18 can visit the museum free of charge. Müzekart is not valid here. It is located in Bakırkoy, European side.

Istanbul Toy Museum: The museum was founded by researcher and author Sunay Akın who collected toys from antique dealers and auctions in more than 40 countries. The museum is closed on Mondays, and open between 10:30 and 18:00 on other days. The entrance fee is 18 TL for adults and free for children under 3 years old. It is located in Göztepe, Anatolian side.

Belgrad Forest: It is spread over a huge area of 5400 hectares. It is a natural habitat for a large number of animals and contains different plant species. There are picnic areas, walking and jogging tracks in the forest. The Belgrade forest is open 24 hours a day and free for pedestrians (4 TL but not required). If you go by vehicle, you pay an entrance fee starting from 10 TL depending on the type of your vehicle. It is located in Sarıyer, on the European side.

Rahmi Koç Museum: There are many historical examples of all kinds of vehicles you can think of, from planes to cars, motorcycles, bicycles, horse carriages, strollers, locomotives, ships and even submarines. There are not only transportation collections, there are other sections such as Atatürk corner, science corner, toy corner. My son liked this place very much, too. Museum entrance fee per adult: 21 TL. Student 9 TL. It is located right on the shore of the Golden Horn, European side.

Kidzania: This place is defined as the child-sized version of a real city. Since it is on the Anatolian side, it may be the preference of those on that side. Here, children can experience different professions. It is open every day between 10:00 and 20:00. Ticket prices are 125 TL for one child with an adult. It is located in Acıbadem Akasya AVM, Anatolian side.

Atatürk City Forest: It is spread over an area of 100 hectares. There are ponds, hiking trails, viewing terraces and resting areas in the forest, and it also hosts many bird and plant species. The entrance to the forest is free and it is open every day between 5 am and 22 pm, . It is located in Sarıyer, on the European side.

İstanbul Butterfly Farm: This is a farm which has a butterfly garden, children’s playground and a restaurant. It is located in Beykoz, Anatolian side. You can visit it every day of the week between 10:00 and 18:00, the entrance fee is 30 TL, it is free for children under 3 years old.

Miniatürk: It spreads over 60000 square meters and 15000 square meters of this place consists of the models of Turkey’s famous sights. The rest have different activity areas. For example, you can wear Ottoman clothes and take photos, the mehter team goes around at certain times, etc. Full entrance ticket: 10 TL. Student, teacher, police and soldier entries are 5 TL.

Kemerburgaz City Forest: It is spread over an area of 550 hectares. There are children’s playgrounds, carousel, observation tower, adventure park, walking paths and restaurants with a view of Alibeyköy Dam. Pedestrian entrance to the forest is free but if you enter by car, you are charged, you can leave your car free of charge outside. It is open between 8:00 and 22:00. It is located in Eyüpsultan, on the European side.

Florya Aqua Park Aquarium: In the aquarium you can see many kinds of fish from different seas of the world, you follow a geographical route from the Black Sea to the Pacific, consisting of 17 themes and 1 rainforest. Entrance fee is 125 TL for adults, 0-2 years old is free, 90 TL for children. There are family packages, and you can buy tickets for a more advantageous price online.

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

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