Turkey has many family-friendly holiday destinations. During vacation, it’s essential to keep the kids entertained, and Turkey’s reputation as a family-friendly nation that welcomes visitors of all ages makes this easy.
What makes one location better suited for families over another? The majority of families desire kid and teen-friendly features and facilities. Whether you’re looking for daytime activities right outside your door, hotel entertainment, or nearby attractions, many locations in Turkey have it all. Here are the best places in Turkey to go on a holiday with children.
1. Izmir, Cesme
Cesme, a district of Izmir, is a great area to travel to for families who want to experience a different culture and customs firsthand. Sandy beaches of Cesme are always sunny. Altinkum and Boyalik beaches are perfect for families. Cesme beach is ideal for families with small children due to the shallow sea.
Ayayorgi Bay, on the other hand, has many private beaches surrounded by thick greenery. While most Ayayorgi beaches are beach clubs, they do provide kid-friendly amenities including kid-friendly meals and play facilities. They do resemble clubs at night. Alacati, a town with old buildings and cobblestone streets near Cesme, offers shopping possibilities.
Aqua Toy City is Izmir’s new kids’ facility in Cesme draws curious people willing to learn more. Cesme Aqua Toy City is a great destination to spend your summer vacation. A 40 cm deep pool allows youngsters to play all day. This pool contains fun activities and gadgets. The second pool features inflatable toys, games, and activities for both adults and children.
Adults may enjoy several skateboards at Cesme Aqua Toy City’s third 140 cm deep pool. This pool allows customers to relax. This restaurant provides a range of food and drinks at Cesme Aqua Toy City. The firm’s meals are varied. Enjoy the facility’s professional staff and innovative events.
The Oasis Aquapark in the Cesme district, which began construction in 2015, opened on Friday, August 26, 2016. Aquapark, swimming pool, curving slides, wave pool, cafeteria area, and ice cream kiosks.
2. Mugla, Kusadasi
Kusadasi has various beaches and entertainment alternatives. Water parks are all around the city. Adaland Park, for example, is full of surprises. Besides the conventional slides, pools, and lazy river, there are rafting and adventure attractions. Daily activities for park visitors are organized.
Kusadasi offers amazing beaches. Long Beach is one of the most beautiful ones. This sandy beach is large. Even at the height of tourist season, you may find a quiet spot. The beach is large, comfy, and quiet, so even small children can rest. This beach features lovely cafés, restaurants, and gift stores.
Adaland is the trendiest spot in Kusadasi and provides soaking water adventure rides all day. You’re only 80 kilometers from Izmir and a world of infinite fun and adventure. Your family will appreciate the sun-washed water park’s thrills and spills. Calm blue waves, amazing and mild water slides, a meandering river, and great grassy beaches. With over 20 thrilling rides and attractions, visitors may also enjoy the fastest waterslides and craziest coasters.
Tortuga Water Park is also the best. It is bright and colorful, with safe inflatable attractions for even the smallest visitors. The water park also has a variety of slides appropriate for both small children and extreme sports enthusiasts.
3. Mugla, Fethiye
There are lengthy sandy beaches and clear blue seas. Smaller resorts on the fringes are preferred by families. Calis Beach and Hisaronu are kid-friendly. Oludeniz is also an option. A nice beach and outdoor pleasure await you in Fethiye.
The list of things to do in Fethiye with kids is endless. You may also play in one of the many free local parks scattered across the town and resorts.
In Calis, the Sultans Water Park contains sufficient slides, a restaurant, and a bar. It is Oludeniz Water World, with a smaller one in Hisaronu. Two contemporary kiddie pools with mini-slides and fountains are included in Mulga’s largest aquapark. An on-site restaurant and bar accept cashless payments. Pre-book or directly with a local agency.
4. Mugla, Bodrum
The airport-to-hotel transfers is quick, which is helpful for fidgety youngsters. Bodrum’s Yalikavak and Turgutreis are popular family resorts. Bodrum has many water parks and playgrounds, these activities are designed to keep youngsters entertained and out of queues.
Wake Up Watersports is located in the Hilton Hotel Resort & Spa in Turbuku. The place offers individual introductory water ski and wakeboard lessons. In addition, advanced athletes and their parents can take speed boat tours with flyboarding or windsurfing.
Bodrum Maritime Museum combines history and modernity to engage kids. Along with a significant shell collection, boats are used for sponge diving, fishing, and transporting.
Rabbit Island is a peaceful area to discover the tranquil waters and the panoramic view of the sea. The name comes from the island’s frequent sightings of cute rabbits. You can attempt sports like snorkeling and swimming or simply enjoy the island’s splendor.
Dedeman Aquapark Bodrum is Turkey’s first and largest theme park. You and your family will enjoy the 40000 square meter water park. You can take advantage of its fascinating activities and 20+ slides with child safety slide lengthening.
5. Antalya, Kemer
Kemer is a busy and cheery holiday resort with loads of kid-friendly attractions and activities. Let your kids play on the beach or check out all the other unique activities available. You may easily spend your entire vacation on the beach, and your kids will love the Kemer Water Parks. They have a variety of water slides. You can visit Aqualand, Dolphinarium, and Antalya Aquarium in central Antalya.
Moonlight Aqua Park is located in Moonlight Park’s Kleopatra Beach Venue and features a beach and pool bar, fantastic water slides, food, and infinite enjoyment.
Moonlight Park contains Dolphin Park. It’s a place for dolphin interaction, swimming, and treatment.
6. Antalya, Kas
Kas is great for energetic families that love the beach and the sun. You can relax, enjoy the Mediterranean sun, and try the local food. Kas’ stunning coastline, warm climate, rich culture, and friendly locals make it perfect for active holidays. Kas is one of the remaining unspoiled seaside villages. As a result, it has kept its interesting tradition, reflected in its goods, gastronomy, and architecture.
7. Antalya, Alanya
Alanya is a famous Turkish family destination. Aside from beaches, there are many fun activities for kids here. Sealanya Sea Park is an exciting amusement park. It covers an area of 5000 hectares. There are roughly 15 swimming pools here and many attractions and recreational zones. This immense park’s dolphinarium is working on it. You may swim with dolphins and watch fascinating shows there. This center also has a fully equipped beach. Among the tourist attractions is the 300-meter-long Lazy River.
Excellent Moon Park in Alanya will appeal to kids of all ages. Trampolines, trains, and horses are suitable for very young children. There are also school-friendly activities, an autodrome, and a skating square. Adults will not be bored at this amusement park. They can ride extreme rides and then a Ferris wheel.
Vacationing at Water Planet Aqua Park will be more fun for older kids. It’s bigger and busier. The Aqua Park is 65,000 square meters in size. There are lazy rivers, wave pools, and a 300-meter-long rafting route. The tiniest are welcome here. They have a dedicated zone with the safest slides. Aside from the restaurants, the aqua park has a tattoo parlor. Anyone can make a henna tattoo.
8. Bursa
Bursa is one of Turkey’s most populous and historical cities.
Bursa Telpherique is one of the city’s most popular attractions for a reason. First, this fascinating cable car is the world’s longest at 4.5 km and provides an exhilarating view of the city on the way up. If you’re lucky enough to get a glimpse of a cloudless sky, you’ll be crammed inside a cabin with around 100 other visitors while enjoying a fantastic view. It’s a 20-minute ride that might make you question your future visit.
Ski, snowboard, or snowmobile your way up the mountain to the Uludag ski resort if you’re in Bursa during ski season. A trip up Uludag by cable car is a great family activity in the summer. For example, you can rent bikes or ATVs or take a ride in an off-road 4×4 in Saraland.
Bursa Zoo is a wonderful park in the Soganli district. The zoo is well-curated and easy to browse, housing species from all over the world in habitats visitors may interact. The botanical gardens are next to the zoo (Botanik Park). This big, open green area has gardens with plants and trees from all over the world. In addition, there are many cafés and playgrounds, and visitors can rent bicycles to ride about the park.
AquaPark and Star Park at Podium Park is a large open-air entertainment complex with restaurants and taverns. The park’s leading family attractions are Star Park and AquaPark. You and your kids can spend the afternoon at the water park, then have dinner and see a movie or go to the amusement park.
9. Istanbul
There is a place on Earth where East and West meet, called Istanbul. Istanbul is a world-renowned ancient city. This is a historic city. At one point, it served as the capital of many empires. Istanbul’s past is portrayed in countless historical and cultural monuments.
Golden Horn in Eyup is a vast complex with a theme park, shopping, entertainment, and exposition centers. A vast complex with a theme park, shopping, entertainment, and exposition centers.
Istanbul Legoland Discovery is great for kids. With a world-famous brand like LEGO, you may find everything from a mini-land to a movie theater to a game called Kingdom Adventure.
Istanbul Aquarium in Florya is one of the best in Europe, with 16 different themes and a rain forest that runs from the Black Sea to the Pacific and land and sea species, and 5D movie theaters.
Miniaturk is an open-air miniature museum in Istanbul Turkey that features minor versions of the country’s most significant architectural landmarks. It may get busy during public holidays in Turkey.
10. Sakarya
Sakarya, Turkey’s Black Sea coast province, is named after the Sakarya River. Estuaries are formed along the Sakarya River in the section. On the Marmara Peninsula, Sakarya can be found. The areas to the west are Kocaeli, the south is Bilecik, the southeast is Bolu, and the east is Duzce.
Sapanca Lake, streams, drinking water basin, woodlands, and plateaus of Sakarya have made it a popular tourist destination in recent years. The fact that it’s so near to Istanbul just adds to its tourist appeal. Travelers seeking relaxation may enjoy themselves and connect with nature on weekends in Sapanca lake.
An ATV excursion in Sapanca or the surrounding region is a terrific way to pass the time. In Sapanca, you may also go ATVing for a day of fun in the sun. Sapanca Lake’s calm water is suitable for water sports. Canoeing, biking, and boating are accessible in this beautiful location. Water sports include sailing, windsurfing, and catamaran.
What are the Advantages of Taking a Holiday in Turkey?
The main advantages of taking a holiday in Turkey can be found below.
- New Experiences: The excursions and activities you participate in while in Turkey will introduce you to various cultures and viewpoints. Being introduced to many locations and civilizations through observation gives your life new significance. Tours that teach you about the city’s history and culture and people will be a valuable learning experience.
- New People and New Environment: Those who have never been to Turkey before will interact intimately with Turkish culture and people for the first time. If you meet new individuals and include them in your vacation plans, you can extend your social circle. Aside from that, you can learn a lot from the people you meet.
- Beaches: Turkey’s beaches have a significant allure. There are more than 450 different beaches to select from on Turkey’s coast, and each offers various activities. Water sports like paragliding, wreck diving, jet-skiing, and less dangerous ones like snorkeling, volleyball, and paddleboarding are popular at resorts along the coast. This 300-mile stretch of coastline between Marmaris and Antalya, known as Turkey’s “turquoise coast,” and Antalya as the Turkish Riviera, offers some of the most unspoiled and gorgeous vistas in the Mediterranean.
- Family resorts in Turkey: You save time and money by going on an all-inclusive family vacation to Turkey. Club Med vacations cater to all age groups, from newborns and toddlers to older children, teens, and adults. In Turkey, the Palmiye Hotel and Palmiye Bungalow resorts are excellent choices for all-inclusive family resorts. They provide a wide range of activities, from archery and scuba diving to a flying trapeze school.
What can be done During the Summer Vacation with Children in Turkey?
Turkey has something to offer families with small children or older adolescents. Once you’ve decided on a date for your dream family vacation, it’s time to plan the other extras. Turkey’s gorgeous coastlines, unique villages, hiking trails, camping, and other outdoor activities are ideal for strengthening family bonds.
Istanbul Toy Museum, founded in 2005 by Turkish poet Mr. Sunay Akin, houses an impressive collection of over 4,000 works of art. Children aged 6 to 18 and their parents who have been studying world history since the 1860s will enjoy this call. This museum, located on Istanbul’s Asian side, is an excellent pit stop on your route to or from Sabiha Gokcen (SAW) Airport if you wish to tour the Asian side.
Turkish cuisine is world-famous. With its large population, Istanbul has access to a wide range of amenities, including cooking lessons of all kinds. Another option for traveling with young children is to buy your fish at the market and let them watch while it is prepared. Including a culinary tour for young teens or teenagers will help them broaden their palates and be more adventurous diners.
If you have young children and free time Vialand Theme Park can be the solution for half the day while smaller kids have no attractions due to space restrictions (mostly 120 cm height). The theme park is nevertheless a popular choice for families seeking a large shopping mall and something exciting for the kids.
Turkey is a beach lover’s paradise, with everything from all-inclusive resorts to private villas to connecting family rooms available depending on your children’s ages. Marmaris, Fethiye, Bodrum, and Antalya are some of the most incredible places for a family beach vacation, starting from Cesme in the west.
After tasting lokum (Turkish Delight) in the spice market you should try Turkish ice cream, known as Maras ice cream. Unbelievably, on any crowded street or place, an ice cream vendor will be waiting to serve you with a scoop in hand and a traditional costume. You will be amused by the vendor’s antics until you receive your complete order of gorgeous milk, mastic, and orchid tuber ice cream. Allow the youngsters to join in on this fun tradition.
What can be Done with Children During the Winter Holidays in Turkey?
Sapanca is a charming village near Istanbul that city folks visit frequently. Sapanca’s natural beauty and verdant terrain draw people seeking a break from the metropolis. Sapanca offers several eco-friendly housing choices for you and your child. While you rest, your kids may enjoy activities like ATV riding, paintball, bicycle riding, and trekking.
Eskisehir is one of Turkey’s most modern and exciting towns; it’s also one of the best places to spend lovely winter vacations with your children because the city offers so much. Just a few examples: the Odunpazari Houses, the Aviation Museum, and the Museum of Wax Sculptures (to name a few). Furthermore, even if it’s cloudy and gloomy outside, riding a bike around town can be a ton of fun.
If you want to spend time with your children while still in Turkey during the winter, Bolu is an excellent choice. Bolu’s Kartalkaya Ski Center is a draw in addition to the region’s natural splendors and biodiversity. This location is perfect for family outings in the snow, as well as participating in winter sports.
Uludag, Bursa is an excellent destination for winter vacations with kids because it’s a must-see throughout the winter months. Skiing is available daily and lodging alternatives in the area, which is popular with winter sports enthusiasts because of its lively atmosphere and high-quality facilities.
Winter brings an entirely new look to Cappadocia, which draws tens of thousands of visitors each year from within and outside the country’s borders. You can take a stroll with your child, hop on the saddle, or fly high in a hot air balloon during this time of year to create lifelong memories in this magical setting.
Is Turkey a Safe Place to Take a Vacation?
Yes, Turkey is a safe place to take a vacation. The country is a popular tourist destination worldwide. Every year, millions of tourists visit its coastlines and have a nice time. Turkey is the right choice for children.
What Should be Considered while on Holiday in Turkey?
Here are some of the important things to consider while having a holiday in Turkey.
- Always have cash: Although credit cards are frequently accepted in major cities, including Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir, many smaller villages and independent businesses only take cash payments. So, carry change for taxi fares, tipping servers (so that the money goes to them directly), and use public restrooms.
- Street cats and dogs: Free-roaming cats and dogs may be found almost anywhere, from Starbucks to the most expensive Mediterranean villas. Fear not, for the people take good care of them and they are even friendly. In Istanbul, a monument honors Tombili, a famous street cat that died in 2016.
- Tea is a sign of hospitality: Prepare to drink a lot of tea if you’re planning to explore the old districts of Istanbul or visit a village in Turkey. There will be shopkeepers who offer you tea because they are tea lovers like you. When you visit a Turkish home, you may expect to be given a freshly brewed cup of tea as well as a meal.
- Turkish Language: English is almost like a second language in many major cities of Turkey. However, it’s a good idea to learn basic Turkish terms and phrases for everyday life during your visit to Turkey.
- Phenomenal food: Due to its geographical location at the crossroads of East and West, its cuisine has influenced all three continents. Not only Turkish delight and doner kebabs await in Turkey. There are kebabs on practically every tourist strip, but a local eatery has a considerably larger assortment. Many kebab dishes are available, from tasty skewers of lamb or chicken to layers of meat served on pide bread with acidic tomato sauce and yogurt (Iskender).
Where to Buy a Summer House in Turkey?
Buying a holiday property overseas takes time and money.
Expats wishing to buy second homes or holiday houses overseas are pouring into Turkey. Aegean and Mediterranean holiday houses for sale range in price from cheap to luxurious in prosperous areas like Bodrum and Kalkan to upmarket Antalya regions like Kas and Kemer.
Bodrum is a lively town with year-round sailing and upmarket beach clubs. Bodrum, a sophisticated location with much to offer, has something for everyone. Holiday villas in Bodrum are more costly than those in Marmaris, Altinkum, or Alanya. The house boasts beautiful sea views and an excellent rental income.
- A villa Sandyma 500sqm costs US$1,700,000
- A luxury bungalow-style villa close to the beach 170 sqm costs US$330,000
- Beach apartments 117 sqm costs US$203,000
- U House in Gumuslk Village 250 sqm costs US$775,000
- The whole sea panorama luxury Yalikavak villa 400 sqm costs US$1,400,000
Fethiye is a reasonably priced second home in Turkey, where the sun shines 320 days a year, is a yachting town with amazing marina amenities and some pricy holiday homes for sale near marinas. Mountains, rivers, private nature reserves, beaches, and the Blue Lagoon make this a diverse location. Fethiye tops our list of Turkish holiday homes. The cost is far lower than in Bodrum, and you’ll get much more usage out of your house if you buy here.
- Town nature view apartments 154m2 cost US$110,426
- New modern villa in Calis 175m2 costs US$366,201
- Ovacik Villa 290m2 costs US$476,469
- Duplex modern apartment 150m2 costs US$150,389
- A luxury villa in Hisaronu 180m2 costs US$ 345,388
Antalya is a strong tourist and real estate business, Antalya is a multicultural hotspot that attracts ex-pats from all over the world. The vibrant ex-pat community enjoys a Mediterranean lifestyle and participates in the community by organizing activities and, on occasion, donating to organizations.
- New modern Konyaalti apartment 85m2 costs US$108,809
- Luxury Kemer villa 200m2 costs US$654,011
- Luxury villa in Kemer 300m2 costs US$648,223
- Luxury apartments Lara 55m2 costs US$87,973
Which Area in Turkey is Best for Kids?
A beach vacation in Turkey is a main and quite reasonable desire for most tourists: what a delight it is to tan on a nice, well-equipped beach that proudly displays the blue flag. The majority of beaches along Turkey’s coastline are owned by hotels, which are dedicated to coastal upgrades and holidaymaker comfort.
Private beaches are generally fee-based, and access is sometimes restricted. Every resort, on the other hand, has at least one well-kept, free municipal beach with outstanding infrastructure. Turkey’s beaches appeal to all tastes: pebbly and sandy, long and narrow, busy and peaceful. The sea is usually flat and slightly sloped, which is ideal for infants.
However, be warned that there are parts of rocky beach and that the water might be shallow along the shore. Some hotels make every effort to improve their beach areas, such as replacing pebbles with sand and removing the bottom. Platforms for swimming are built in various localities. As a result, it is best to find out which beach is nearest to the hotel. The greatest destinations to visit in Turkey are resorts on the Mediterranean Sea, which are known for their beautiful sandy beaches. The Aegean Sea and Kemer have a lot of pebble beaches. The water is normally clearer and cleaner on pebble beaches than on sandy beaches; however protective slippers may be necessary to enter the water.
Turkey has no designated children’s beaches. However, some hotels set up playgrounds on the beach and typically drape a protective tent over them, allowing children to play near the water at any time. Quiet, modest beaches in small resort towns are ideal for a family vacation. Summer heat and humidity are extreme in Mediterranean resorts. Holidays on the Antalya coast with children should be scheduled for May-June or September-October when temperatures are not too high.
Antalya and Alanya have airports along the Mediterranean Sea. From there, buses take you to the resorts. Antalya is a vibrant resort with a lot to offer: proximity to the airport, good tourist infrastructure and extensive beaches, a large selection of acceptable hotels and apartments, and plenty of activities for youngsters. A calm vacation here is difficult to come by, but if you dislike repetitive vacations, you will adore Antalya.
Kemer is 47 kilometers from Antalya. It is a vacation destination for individuals who enjoy the beach, diving, and sightseeing. It is a decent resort that caters to both families and young people. When looking for a hotel in Kemer, be sure there are no surrounding loud attractions. When deciding where to visit with children, consider the peaceful villages of Tekirova, Chamyuva, Kirish, Geynyuk, and Beldibi.
Side is an excellent family vacation spot. Here, you may mix beach vacations with adventures while benefiting from a well-developed tourism infrastructure. If you want some privacy, consider staying in one of the holiday villages near Side: Kumkoy, Titreengol, Kzlaac, Sorgun, or Manavgat. Antalya and Side are 76 kilometers apart.
Alanya, one of Turkey’s major resorts, provides all you need for a peaceful family vacation. There are several children’s activities available, and older youngsters may enjoy a tour of the city. To avoid the hustle and bustle of a large resort, stay at one of the hotels in Konakli, Avsallar, Incekum, Karaburun, or Mahmutlar. In these regions, you may locate a decent affordable hotel. The sole negative of Alanya is the 130-kilometer transportation time from the airport.
Kusadasi’s greatest asset is its moderate climate. You may spend the entire summer here with your youngster and avoid the heat. Another advantage is the presence of three water parks. The remainder of the benefits is common to all regions of Turkey: pleasant family hotels, beautiful beaches, and cutting-edge tourism infrastructure. Look no farther than Ozdere, a remote resort in Kusadasi, for a holiday option in Turkey for a pre-schooler who isn’t interested in sightseeing. Bodrum is a luxury resort with unique architecture that draws tourists. You may enjoy the finest quality of service in the hotels while relaxing on the well-equipped beaches, taking your youngster on interesting excursions, and having fun with the whole family in the water park. The town of Bodrum is fairly loud, but the villages of Bitez, Torba, Turgutreis, and Ortakent-Yahsi provide peace.
Fethiye’s environment will appeal to individuals who appreciate isolation above all else. The tourism infrastructure is less developed, and the beaches lack amusements and eateries. Nature, on the other hand, and pure air is lovely. In terms of entertainment, hotels provide it.
What Are The Activities That Can Be Done With Children On Holiday?
Turkey has long been recognized as a family-friendly vacation destination, but what are the top Turkey locations for families? It all comes down to ensuring that guests enjoy the finest time possible.
Hotels that provide a variety of children’s entertainment play an important role in this. The major attraction of Turkish hotels is children’s entertainment.
While the kids are competing or dancing in the mini-discos, the parents may enjoy a peaceful respite. In addition to the animation programs, the hotels provide gaming areas, toddler and older children’s clubs, and pools with slides. This is especially useful while traveling with little children in Turkey: children are not yet interested in large-scale trips, but rather in the activities they like.
In most cases, all entertainment is included in the price of the lodging, except for a few optional activities. In tiny resort towns, it is critical to locate a hotel with an extensive entertainment program. Large resorts, on the other hand, offer much to do outside of the hotels. Water parks can be very fun for the whole family. Turkey’s largest water park is located near Kusadasi. Istanbul even has a water park. Water parks often open in May and remain open until September/October.
Some other places you can visit with your children are; Dolphinaria in Istanbul, Antalya, Alanya, Bodrum, and Kusadasi; amusement parks, the largest of which are Aktur Park in Antalya and Istanbul (Vialand) in Istanbul; a zoo in Istanbul, Antalya, and Izmir; aquariums and oceanariums in Istanbul, Kusadasi; dinosaur parks in Kemer and Side.
The highest concentration of children’s attractions is in Istanbul (The Snow Village and Kidzania, a professional village) and Antalya (Minicity, a park of miniatures, and Sandland, a complex of sand sculptures).
The remainder of the resorts will be as entertaining for children.
We recommend long excursions with teenagers to the best places in Turkey for families, such as walking along the Bosphorus, seeing the waterfalls Manavgat and Kursunlu, taking a boat trip along the Green Canyon and Keprülü canyon, exploring the Damlatas Cave, fishing at the Ulupinar Trout Farm, and relaxing in the Valley of Butterflies.
Take a white-water rafting adventure on the Kepruaj River if you want to take a calculated risk.