16-11-2022 - Tips & Guides Updated At: 28-11-2024

What to Do in Istanbul with Kids? Top Family Activities to Do

In Istanbul, you can find many different things to do as a family. Istanbul is a kids-friendly city so don’t hesitate to come to this magnificent city with your big family. Since Turkish people generally have big families, they travel, shop, or walk altogether with kids and the elderly. 

With our 25+ years of experience in tourism, we gathered the best 100+ attractions, tours, and services most of which you can enjoy with your kids! Here you can check out our attractions and child discounts! We have the best choices of attractions for kids in town. 

Choose Your Pass

Skip-the-Line Instant Access to 100+ Attractions including Guided Tours, Dinner Cruise, Airport Transfers and more...Save up to 70% and enjoy!

5 Day Pass

Adult

€370 €219

Child

€300 €189
SELECT
7 Day Pass

Adult

€420 €249

Child

€340 €209
SELECT
10 Day Pass

Adult

€475 €299

Child

€390 €259
SELECT
1 Day Pass

Adult

€200 €119

Child

€155 €99
SELECT
2 Day Pass

Adult

€235 €149

Child

€185 €119
SELECT
3 Day Pass

Adult

€285 €179

Child

€225 €149
SELECT
4 Day Pass

Adult

€335 €199

Child

€270 €169
SELECT
2 Days Pass
Pass
Quantity
Total

Adult(8+)

Child(4-7)

€0

Order Summery
Sale Discount
-€10

Order Total

€135

 

Istanbul is a kid-friendly city


First things first, yes Istanbul is a kid-friendly city! In general in Turkey, there are only a few places you can’t take your kids with you. People are generally not disturbed by children playing around and making noise. In restaurants, shopping malls, and even museums there are special places, playgrounds, and playrooms for kids. Especially in museums, there are created spaces for kids of all ages can have fun, learn and make art. 

If you are planning to visit Istanbul with your cute little toddler, there is one point you need to keep in mind, Turkish people can be ‘too lovely’ sometimes.  People may pat your kid on the head or pinch the cheeks of your kid. Don’t panic if you encounter this kind of behavior but set your borders as clear as you like.  Now let’s look at the best family-friendly attractions in Istanbul to do!

Must-See Museums with kids in Istanbul

Miniaturk Park Istanbul 


The Miniaturk is a unique 60,000 sq meter open-air museum. This museum exhibits entirely handcrafted miniatures of popular structures from Turkey and other regions of the world. Regardless of the season, it attracts a lot of visitors, especially kids! It is great for a family day. Miniaturk is a place where you can spend the entire day and never get bored. There are also restaurants, souvenir shops, and cafes within the facility. With the Istanbul Tourist Pass®, you can easily access Miniaturk Museum for FREE. 

Madame Tussauds Istanbul


Famous Madame Tussauds Museum, is a London-based wax sculpture museum that has many locations around the world. The waxworks included in Madame Tussauds Museum are mainly historical figures, famous actors, successful sportspeople, movie characters, and musical artists.

The hyper-realistic wax sculptures in Madame Tussauds are waiting for you. For kids, this is a great place to have fun. See a real life-size Shrek or take photos with Einstein or E.T.! A great must-see for the whole family. Entrance is FREE with İstanbul Tourist Pass®!

Underwater Adventure 

Sea Life Aquarium Istanbul


Discover the underwater world with Sea Life Aquarium Istanbul!  If you are a sea lover this attraction will be one to remember. Sharks, turtles, whales, piranhas, and a lot more excitement are waiting for you in the Sea Life Aquarium Istanbul. 

Experiencing the Amazon Forest in the middle of Istanbul, diving with sharks, and many more things to do for your whole family. Especially for kids, it is an amazing and educational experience. Sea Life Aquarium is FREE with Istanbul Tourist Pass®, you don’t need to worry about ticket lines just enjoy the experience. 

Emaar Aquarium and Underwater Zoo


A new aquarium experience is awaiting visitors at Emaar Aquarium & Underwater Zoo. The aquarium and underwater zoo, composed of different thematic sections, namely the Main Tank that includes the Tunnel Aquarium as well as Rocky Shores, Forests, Rivers and Falls, Penguin Island, Crocodile Kingdom, and interactive play area Dreamers Island, is home to more than 20,000 marine animals and amphibians of 200 species.

Emaar Aquarium & Underwater Zoo is home to 200 thousand of aquatic creatures and amphibians from more than 200 species with its 1.2 million liter water capacity. This is a great experience area for kids and parents, you’ll be amazed. It is FREE with Istanbul Tourist Pass®, don’t miss it!

Istanbul Aquarium


Are you ready to see the breathtaking world of the seas for yourself, swim with the fishes, and go on a wild journey that will take you across the Atlantic, Pacific, and Amazon rainforests? Istanbul Aquarium is waiting for you to fulfill your dreams!

With the vastness of its journey route, thematic zones, a thousand square meter rainforest, and interactive new-generation technology, the Istanbul Aquarium is the world's largest thematic aquarium, where fish species living in the world's oceans may be observed. Are you ready to pursue a geographic itinerary that covers 16 theme zones from the Black Sea to the Pacific Ocean and the Amazon Rainforest? In the theme regions, rich information on the cultural, geographic, historical, and architectural qualities of the relevant place, as well as ornamental artifacts, interactive plays, sound and lighting, films, and visual graphics are provided. You may observe sea species native to these places as well as learn about their geographical and cultural traits. 

This massive and amazing Aquarium is FREE with İstanbul Tourist Pass®, don't miss it!

Challenge your mind!

Museum of Illusions Istanbul


Museum of Illusions offers an interactive, immersive, and fun experience for both children and their parents. It is a perfect, unusual, and thrilling place for all generations. The best part is unlike other museums, visitors can run, scream, touch exhibits, and take as many photos as they want, so it is a great place to go with kids! 

It is also an educational experience for kids. You can talk about the mind and the borders of senses in the museum with your kids. Amusing tricks will teach kids about vision, perception, the human brain, and science so it will be easier to perceive why their eyes see things that their brain cannot understand. 

Mirror Maze


The Astonishing Mirror Maze is an intuitively visual experience, it's gonna fortify and challenge your intellect. But the Maze is a fair portion of the fun! You will try to find your way in a maze full of mirrors. It is a great place to have fun and talk about mirrors with your family. Entrance to Mirror Maze is FREE with İstanbul Tourist Pass® so you don’t need to wait in a long line for tickets.

Toys for all ages!

Balat Toy Museum


Museums are the memory of society. Contrary to popular belief, toy museums do not only attract only children's attention because toy museums take their visitors on a historical journey. So if you are looking for the best places to visit in Istanbul, toy museums with these timeless toys may be the right place for your all family.

The museum, which is the result of a 50-year-old collection, has an exhibition area where you can find toys from the past to the present. You can enjoy your time with workshops where you can have unique toys for your child and experience old Istanbul in the historical streets of Balat.

One of the best things about the Balat Toy Museum is that the museum aims to update its collection constantly. The museum is FREE with İstanbul Tourist Pass®! Temporarily unavailable because of construction. 

Legoland Discovery Centre Istanbul 


Looking for a fun activity for the whole family? The Legoland Discovery Center in Istanbul is the answer! There's a lot to see and do there, including the Lego 4D theatre, the Legoland factory, Miniland, and other attractions. You can build anything you want with LEGO® bricks and figures. Whatever you create, whether it's palaces, fortresses, fortifications, or houses, you'll have as much fun as your kids!

This family-friendly activity is enjoyed best with Istanbul Tourist Pass® accompanying you. The Istanbul Tourist Pass® provides free access to Legoland Discovery Centre as you go back to your childhood and enjoy being with your family. 

Wox Turkey Illusion & Toy Museum


Discover the fantastic world of illusion in WOX, a voyage through time with hundreds of toys that have all observed history, Roleplay with its vibrant nets, a one-of-a-kind adventure, and unforgettable memories.

The WOX Illusion and Toy Museum is a fascinating realm that draws visitors of all ages. Are you ready to be astonished at every turn? Through the use of innovative architecture and technology, the illusion area, which is separated into 32 sections, delivers a fascinating world of illusion, fun and unforgettable experience! Istanbul Tourist Pass® is ready to take your hand through this remarkable and enjoyable journey. 


Adrenaline and Adventure Zones

Flyzone


Do you feel jealous of your kids sometimes while they are playing in playgrounds? Now it is a playground for all of your family! Don't Let Age Stop You From Having Fun!

The trend ravaging the world is now in Turkey. Flyzone, where everyone who likes to challenge gravity and push the limits comes together; is the new name for fun and adrenaline.

Flyzone, consisting of tracks - each of them more fun than the other-, is a brand new concept in trampoline park format, where sports and entertainment are presented together to people of all ages. There are four different locations of Flyzone in Istanbul; Mall of Istanbul, Demiroren, Torium, and Lens Istanbul. Whichever location you choose, it is FREE with İstanbul Tourist Pass®. 

 

Instagrammable Places

Museum of Selfies Istanbul


This remarkable and interactive museum will take you on an exciting journey. You can capture jaw-dropping insta-worthy photos that will impress everyone, have a laughter-filled day, and collect memories that you won't be able to acquire anywhere else. The Museum of Selfies is where all the best selfies are taken! There are many activities you can do in The Museum of Selfies, such as swinging from the ceiling, bathing in a pool of gold coins, or swimming in an emoji pool. Istanbul Tourist Pass® is your guide through this unforgettable journey.

Lion Park Zoo


Lion Park at Viaport Marina Tuzla is more than just a zoo; it's an Instagram-worthy adventure for the whole family! Capture unforgettable moments as you get up close with majestic lions, playful tiger cubs, and other fascinating creatures. With stunning backdrops, unique photo opportunities, and interactive experiences, Lion Park Istanbul is the perfect place to create lasting memories and share them with the world. From the breathtaking lion encounters to the adorable tiger cubs, every corner of the park offers a perfect photo opportunity. So grab your camera and get ready to create some truly unforgettable moments at Lion Park.

There are many discounts for kids

We have discounted prices for kids between 4-7 years! Check the 100+ FREE attractions you can join with Istanbul Tourist Pass®, many of them you can have so much fun as a family.

With our 25+ years of experience in tourism, we gathered the best 100+ attractions, tours, and services most of which you can enjoy with your kids! Here you can check out our attractions and child discounts! We have the best choices of attractions for kids in town. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Istanbul kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Istanbul offers a variety of family-friendly attractions and activities to keep children entertained and engaged. From historical sites to theme parks, there's something for everyone.

Are there any family-friendly parks or green spaces in Istanbul?

Yes, Istanbul has several beautiful parks perfect for family picnics and outdoor activities: Emirgan Park: Known for its stunning tulip gardens, especially during the Tulip Festival. Yıldız Park: A historic park with beautiful Ottoman palaces and lush greenery. Belgrad Forest: A vast forest perfect for hiking, biking, and picnicking.

What about family-friendly dining options in Istanbul?

Istanbul offers a diverse range of dining options to cater to families with children. Many restaurants have kid-friendly menus, high chairs, and play areas. Look for restaurants in popular tourist areas or malls, as they often have family-friendly facilities.

Are there any family-friendly tours or activities in Istanbul?

Yes, there are many family-friendly activities available in Istanbul. Consider planning a visit to the historical sites, a boat tour on the Bosphorus, or a toy museum visit. Istanbul Tourist Pass® has the largest selection of family-friendly activities in Istanbul.

Is public transportation in Istanbul kid-friendly?

Istanbul's public transportation system is generally kid-friendly. Trams and metro lines are clean, air-conditioned, and accessible. However, during peak hours, it can get crowded.

What about shopping with kids in Istanbul?

Istanbul offers a variety of shopping malls that are family-friendly. They often have play areas, kid-friendly stores, and restaurants. The Mall of Istanbul and Akasya Akbatı are two popular options.

Are there any family-friendly beaches in Istanbul?

While Istanbul doesn't have the same beach scene as coastal cities, there are a few family-friendly beaches on the Princes' Islands. Kızıl Ada and Büyükada are popular choices, with calm waters and clean beaches.

What about safety for families in Istanbul?

Istanbul is generally a safe city for families. However, as with any major city, it's important to exercise common sense and be aware of your surroundings. Stick to well-lit areas, especially at night.