Istanbul is a city full of adventures and fun activities for kids. With its rich history and vibrant atmosphere, there are many spots across the city where children can enjoy themselves and learn something new. From interactive museums to entertainment centers, Istanbul’s colorful and dynamic setting sparks curiosity and a desire to explore in young minds. Let’s dive into the best things to do with kids in Istanbul, promising a memorable experience for the whole family.
Table of Contents
1. Istanbul Aquarium
Istanbul Aquarium, which is home to 17 thousand types of sea and land creatures, includes theming, helicopter tours, and rainforests. An ideal place to discover different fish species, dive into the mysterious world of sharks, and explore the underwater world, Istanbul Aquarium is known as the world’s largest thematic aquarium.
Entrance fee
- Adult 375 TL
- 2-18 years old, student, teacher, disabled, over 65 years old, veteran 325 TL (ID required).
- 0-24 months free.
Opening hours
- Every day of the week 10.00-19.00
Author’s Note: There are also different types of packages available for entry. We also recommend that you look at special package prices for large groups.
2. Toy Museum
Founded by Sunay Akın in 2005, the Istanbul Toy Museum is located in a historical mansion in Göztepe on the Anatolian side. You will travel to the past in this museum, where you will find toys from your own childhood or your parents’ childhood. The museum also hosts many events on weekends. There is definitely something for you in the museum, where you can participate in many activities from theater to origami, painting to music.
Entrance fee
- Exactly 115 TL
- Discounted 65 TL (children aged 3 and over, students, teachers, and lecturers, aged 65 and over)
- Tourist full 350 TL
- Tourist discount 300 TL
Opening hours
- Closed on Mondays
- Weekdays 10.00-18.00
- Weekends 10.00-18.30
Author’s Note: For group visits of 10 people or more, you must call the museum in advance and make a reservation.
3. VIALAND Theme Park
VIALAND Theme Park, one of the largest theme parks in Istanbul, is among the first choices of adults as well as children to have fun. You can experience adrenaline-filled moments in the park, which offers unlimited entertainment opportunities. There is fun for everyone in the park, where everyone, from adults to children, will have fun.
Entrance fee
- Adult 549 TL
- Child 499 TL
Opening hours
- Every day of the week 10.00-18.00
Author’s Note: We recommend you buy your ticket from the website. If you buy the ticket in advance, you have the chance to get it cheaper.
4. Barış Manço Museum
The house where Barış Manço lived when he was alive, admired by everyone from past to present, from 7 to 70, is being turned into a museum and his memories are being kept alive. While there is a wax statue of Barış Manço on the right side of the entrance of the house, many important objects and personal belongings of the famous artist are also exhibited in the museum. The famous piano belonging to Barış Manço is also exhibited to visitors in the museum.
Entrance fee
- Full 25 TL
- Student 15 TL
Opening hours
- Closed on Mondays
- Other days 09.00 – 16.00
Author’s Note: Museum tickets can only be purchased online.
5. Istanbul Air Force Museum
The museum, which has many different aircraft belonging to different countries that previously participated in the war, has been hosting its guests since 1960. In the museum, which spreads over an area of 15,000 m², the spoils obtained in wars as well as aircraft are exhibited. We definitely recommend you to visit the Istanbul Air Force Museum, where you can have a fun and educational time with your child and also travel to the past.
Entrance fee
- 10 TL
- Free on public holidays and special occasions.
Opening hours
- Closed on Mondays
- Weekdays 09.00-17.00
- Weekends 10.00-18.00
6. Gulhane Park
Gülhane Park, located in the historical peninsula, the apple of Istanbul’s eye, offers its visitors wonderful moments with its colorful flowers, bird sounds, and history-scented atmosphere. Gülhane Park, which was the subject of Nazım Hikmet’s poems, was last restored in 2003. We recommend you visit the park, which will fascinate its visitors in every aspect.
Entrance fee
- Free
7. Istanbul Maritime Museum
Are you ready to discover Turkey’s largest maritime museum? The museum, which operates under the Turkish Armed Forces, is the largest maritime museum in Turkey. The museum, which opened its doors in 2013, exhibits maritime clothing, ship models and equipment. The museum also contains works belonging to Mustafa Kemal Atatürk.
Entrance fee
- Adult 60 TL
- Student 30 TL
Opening hours
- Weekdays 09.00-17.00
- Weekends 10.00-18.00
8. Hababam Class Museum
“Hababam Class”, one of the unforgettable works in the history of television, is among the favorite movies of even today’s children. The hababam class series, which is among the most important films in the history of Turkish cinema, was first shot in 1975. Later, three more films were shot in the same mansion. The museum includes wax statues of movie characters, movie posters, and various objects featured in the movie.
Entrance fee
- 10 TL
Opening hours
- Every day of the week 09.00-17.00
9. Museum of Illusions
The museum, which opened its doors in 2019, is opening in Istanbul after cities such as New York, Berlin and Athens. The museum, which especially contributes to the development of children’s imagination, is open every day of the week. There are rooms with different themes and concepts in the museum.
Entrance fee
- Exactly 260 TL
- 5-18 years old 170 TL
- 0-4 years old free
- Family package 740 TL
Opening hours
- 11.00-20.00 every day of the week.
Author’s Note: Reservations are required for large group or birthday events.
10. Madame Tussauds İstanbul
Madame Tussauds Museum, located in many countries around the world and the first name that comes to mind when it comes to wax sculptures, also has a branch in Istanbul. Located on Istiklal Street, the museum has wax statues of many important names from history, art, and sports. The museum, which has around 60 wax statues in total, has a history of 250 years.
Entrance fee
- 350 TL.
- By purchasing a joint ticket, you can also visit the museum and SEA Life for 392 TL, Legoland Discovery Center for 420 TL, and the Museum of Illusions for 458 TL.
Opening hours
- Every day of the week 11.00-19.00
Author’s Note: If you buy the ticket online, you can get a 35% discount. The last time to enter the museum is 19.00.
11. Miniatürk
Spreading over an area of 60,000 m², Miniatürk can see models of artifacts inherited from ancient times to the present and in Anatolian lands. The park, which contains symbols from both the Ottoman and Republican periods, also includes various parts that children will enjoy, such as a children’s playground, a sightseeing train, and various simulation devices.
Entrance fee
- Local 88 TL
- Tourist 275 TL
- Student-teacher 33 TL
- Istanbul Historical Peninsula Model Exhibition and Miniaturk Combined ticket: 176 TL for locals, 495 TL for tourists, 77 TL for students and teachers
Opening hours
- 09.00-18.00 every day of the week.
Author’s Note: You should definitely see the Istanbul Historical Peninsula model exhibition in Miniatürk.
12. Fairy Tale Museum
It appears as a unique museum created with books collected from all over the world under the leadership of Sunay Akın to inculcate the habit of reading books in people of all ages, but especially in children. The museum, which helps children discover the mysterious world of fairy tales, was opened in 2017. Theater performances and fairy tale recitals are held in the museum garden at various times.
Entrance fee
- Free
Opening hours
- Closed on Mondays
- Other days 09.00-17.00.
13. Natural Science Museum
The museum, which opened its doors to visitors in 2011, exhibits animal figures from more than 250 and 600 species frozen by veterinarian Ahmet Hamza for 20 years. The museum, which we think children who are interested in animals will have a good time, is located in Pendik.
Entrance fee
- 100 TL
Opening hours
- Every day of the week 10.00-17.00
Author’s Note: The museum may not be suitable for children under 12 years of age.
14. Dustepe Game Museum
The game museum, located in a single-story wooden building within a 60 thousand square meter park, is the first game museum in our country. More than 2000 children’s games collected from more than 20 countries are exhibited in the museum. Some of the games are approximately 150 years old; Many interesting games such as the first space games in history, intelligence games, and a 150-year-old chess set are examined by visitors to the museum.
Entrance fee
- Free
Opening hours
- Closed on Mondays
- Other days 08.30-17.00
- Weekends 09.30-17.00
15. Legoland Discovery Center
Legoland Discovery Center, which is very popular among children, is one of the places where children can develop and show their creativity. To improve children’s manual skills, practical lessons are given by Lego construction experts so that they can create their own models. Children can design their own Lego vehicles and test them on ramps. There are also many buildings in the area, such as the Galata Tower, Sultanahmet Mosque and Hagia Sophia Mosque, made from Lego pieces. You can have pleasant moments with your child by watching the Lego Movie in the 4D movie theater at Legoland Discovery Center.
Entrance fee
- 280 TL
- Annual membership is 1,050 TL at the box office, 840 TL online.
Opening hours
- 10.00-17.15 every day of the week.
Author’s Note: If you buy your ticket online, you can pay 20% less. However, the discount is not valid for tickets purchased on the same day. Annual tickets purchased have 12 months of unlimited gaming rights.
16. Pelit Chocolate Museum
Everything in the Pelit Chocolate Museum, which will make chocolate-loving children happy, is made of chocolate. In the museum, where you will feel like you are on a movie set, you can encounter chocolate waterfalls as well as sculptures, architectural works, and heroes of fairy tale lands.
Entrance fee
- 0-3 years old free
- 300 TL
Opening hours
- 10.00-17.00 every day of the week.
17. Turkcell Platinum Park
Surrounded by lush green trees and located in a pristine nature, Turkcell Platinum Park allows you to spend an unforgettable day with your children. The park includes archery, horse riding, various playgrounds, open-air cinemas, carousels and tiny cars for younger children.
Entrance fee
- Entrance to the park is free
- Different fees are charged for activities
Opening hours
- Every day of the week 09.30-21.00
18. Rahmi Koç Museum
The museum, which is nostalgic for adults, appears as a complete entertainment area for children. Rahmi Koç Museum is known as the first museum opened in Turkey on subjects such as transportation, industry and industry. While the museum also has a section dedicated to Atatürk, playgrounds for children, especially the carousel, make the museum even more interesting.
Entrance fee
- Adult 400 TL
- Student 200 TL
Opening hours
- Closed on Mondays
- Tuesday-Friday: 09.30 – 17.00
- Saturday-Sunday: 10.00 – 18.00
19. Forestanbul Adventure Park
Providing service on an area of 25,000 m², Forestanbul Adventure Park is known as one of the largest nature adventure parks in the forest area in Turkey. Children have the opportunity to have fun, experience adventure, and safely exercise themselves, with security measures taken and supervised. Various activities are also organized in the Forestanbul Adventure Park with the concept of “forest school”.
Entrance fee
- Entrance to the park is free
- Rope Course 250 TL
- Climbing Wall 80 TL
- Free Fall 100 TL
- Giant Swing 120 TL
- ZipLine 120 TL
- Network Playground 120 TL
- Survivor Track 120 TL
Opening hours
- Every day of the week 10.00-19.00
20. Sakıp Sabancı Museum
Sakıp Sabancı Museum, which opened its doors in 2002, is used not only as a museum but also for various purposes such as conferences, concerts, and education. While the permanent collection of paintings and calligraphy is exhibited in the museum, temporary exhibitions consisting of the works of important artists are also exhibited in certain periods.
Entrance fee
- Annual ticket 300 TL
- Annual ticket student 150 TL
- Daily Ticket Adult 170 TL
- Daily Ticket Discounted 120 TL
- Daily Ticket Student 85 TL
Opening hours
- Closed on Mondays
- Other days 10.00 – 18.00
Author’s Note: Entrance to the museum is free between 10.00 and 18.00 on Tuesdays.
21. Moipark Amusement Park
Spreading over an area of 12,000 m², this amusement park is known as Turkey’s first and Europe’s largest indoor theme park. This amusement park has two floors: giant swings, high-speed shuttles, adrenaline-filled games, entertainment tunnels, and Turkey’s first and only horror concept hotel. There are dozens of fun-filled games, units, and swings for children over the age of 10 on the lower floor, and for children between the ages of 4-10 on the upper floor. There are live stage shows performed from time to time.
Entrance fee
- The price depends on the chosen activities
Opening hours
- 12.00-22.00 every day of the week
22. Glass Furnace Workshop
Glass Furnace Workshop, which opened its doors to visitors in 2002, is known to be the largest art center in the field of glass in Europe. Works of not only local artists but also foreign glass artists are exhibited in the workshop. This workshop, where children will have an enjoyable time, offers various activities for children between the ages of 5-12, where they can improve their skills such as glass blowing and producing glass materials.
Entrance fee
- Prices vary depending on the day you choose, time of stay, and the product you make.
Opening hours
- Closed on Saturdays
- Other days 09.00-17.30
Author’s Note: You can access the event calendar of the workshop on the website. There are half-day and full-day workshop options.
23. Kemerburgaz Urban Forest
Kemerburgaz City Forest, one of the routes to be chosen to relieve the tiredness of the week in nature, is among the first choices, especially for families with children. There are tracks, carousels, small cars, and areas where children can run and play in the forest.
Entrance fee
- Pedestrian entrance is free
- Car 50 TL
- Motorcycle/ ATV 25 TL
- Minibus/ Pickup Truck 140 TL
- Midibus 245 TL
- Bus 365 TL
Opening hours
- Every day of the week 08.00-22.00
24. Museum Gashane
Museum Gazhane, built in 1892, had an important mission such as supplying gas to Istanbul. After its restoration, it now hosts many events that will attract the attention of adults and children on subjects such as science, art, and culture. You should visit the building, which has a history of 130 years.
Entrance fee
- Free
Opening hours
- Climate Museum: 09.00 – 18.00 (except Mondays) 10.00- 18.00 (weekends)
- Children’s Science Center: 09.00 – 18.00 (except Mondays) 10.00 – 18.00 (weekends)
- Cartoon and Humor Museum 09.00 – 18.00 (except Mondays) 10.00 – 18.00 (weekends)
- Gallery Gazhane 09.00 – 18.00 (except Mondays) 10.00 – 18.00 (weekends)
- IBB Afife Batur Library 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
- Istanbul Bookstore 11.00- 22.00
- Voice workspace 24/7
- Gazhane square 09.00- 22.00
- Beltur restaurant – cafe 10.00 – 22.00
25. Topkapi Palace Museum
In order to introduce history to children and take a journey into history, Topkapi Palace is on the list of places to visit with children in Istanbul. The palace, which witnessed the glorious history of the Ottoman Era, was turned into a museum on April 3, 1924. Topkapı Palace is also known as the first museum of the Republic of Turkey. Topkapi Palace, considered one of the largest palaces and museums in the world, covers an area of 300,000 square meters.
Entrance fee
- The museum card is valid
- Topkapı Palace + Harem + Hagia Eirene = 950 TL
- Topkapi Palace + Hagia Eirene = 750 TL
Opening hours
- Closed on Tuesdays
- Other days of the week 10.00-17.30
- On weekends, 10.30 – 17.30
26. Dolmabahçe Palace
Visiting this palace is among the best things to do with kids in Istanbul. Dolmabahçe Palace was built in 1856 upon the order of Sultan Abdülmecid. The palace, which was used in different ways by the sultans who came after Abdulmecit, is known to have been used as the modern face of the new state when the Republic of Turkey was established. We recommend you to visit Dolmabahçe Palace, where you can see Atatürk’s personal belongings.
Entrance fee
- 90 TL
- 140 TL with the National Palaces Painting Museum
Opening hours
- Closed on Mondays
- Weekdays 10.00-17.30
- 10.30-17.30 on weekends
27. Kidzania
It is a place where children between the ages of 1-14 can develop their motor skills, and social and physical skills, enable them to experience professions, make their own choices, and use their creativity. By stepping into the world of adults, they have the opportunity to get to know different business areas and experience the professions of adults. They are informed about everything related to the profession they have chosen, and they put on a real uniform and start working.
Entrance fee
- 0-2 years old free
- Adult 250
- 2-3 Years + Adult Entrance 875
- 4-14 Age Entrance 875
- Child Term Card 3 Months 2.750 TL
- Children’s Seasonal Card: 4,000 TL per year
Opening hours
- Monday-Friday 10.00-16.00
- Saturday-Sunday 10.00-20.00
Author’s Note: You must call customer service to purchase group tickets.
28. Bostancı Amusement Park
Bostancı amusement park, a nostalgic classic, opened its doors to visitors in 1983. The park, which has been in service for more than 30 years, offers children an unforgettable day outdoors. The amusement park, which has many toys, is visited especially in the spring and summer months.
Entrance fee
- Admission is free
Opening hours
- Every day of the week 13.00-00.00
29. Maker Çocuk
Maker Children’s workshops are known as workshops based on “learning by doing and learning by experiencing”. Apart from the basics such as robotic coding and 3D Print design, there are workshops ranging from making houses for stray cats and making toothpaste with natural materials, to making 3D design cars and mobile applications. Groups with children between the ages of 8-14 are limited to quota. We recommend that you stay tuned to the website.
Entrance fee
- Prices vary depending on half-day, full-day, and activity.
Opening hours
- Every day of the week 10.00-22.00
30. Istanbul Butterfly Farm
This magnificent place, where children will have fun and enjoy a guided tour of the climate-controlled butterfly greenhouse once they have enough knowledge about butterflies, is located in Beykoz. Here, every stage of the butterfly’s life cycle is monitored live. It is possible to see each of the egg, caterpillar, pupa, and adult stages. You can take a walk among colorful butterflies, tropical plants, and flowers, and let the butterflies land on you.
Entrance fee
- Adult (over 15 years old) 200 TL
- Child (Age 3-14) 180 TL
- Family (2 adults & 2 children) 650 TL
Opening hours
- The facility opens on March 1.
Author’s Note: There is a 50% discount for disabled individuals.
31. İstanbul Dolphinarium
Are you ready for a journey to the fascinating world of dolphins? Opening its doors to visitors in 2008, Dolphinarium offers its guests of all ages the opportunity to get up close with cheerful dolphins, massive walruses, and the majestic beluga whale. While the shows last approximately 45 minutes, you can also have the opportunity to swim with dolphins if you wish.
{working hours } Entrance fee
- show prices
- Baby (0-2 Years) free of charge
- Normal tribune: Cash 1300 TL, Card 1500 TL
- Vip tribune Cash 2000 TL, Card 2300 TL
- Prices for swimming with dolphins
- 10.00- 12.00 (10 min): Cash 3000 TL, Card 3300 TL
- 12.00 – 19.00 (10 min): Cash 3800 TL, Card 4200 TL
- 12.00- 19.00 (20 min): Cash 6800 TL, Card 7300 TL
Opening hours
- Closed on Fridays
- Other days 14:00 and 17:00
32. Permakamp
Permakamp, which organizes events to raise food awareness in children, teaches them how to grow food and how to store and use seeds, and teaches children how important soil and water are, is located in Beykoz. You can find the activities organized for groups with children in the same age group on the campsite’s page. Don’t forget to check the constantly updated dates.
Entrance fee
- Fees vary depending on the type of event.
33. Polonezköy Country Club
You can have pleasant moments with your child at Polonezköy Country Club, where you can have a pleasant time in nature, walk in pristine nature, relax your soul by watching the swans in the lake, and encounter deers, peacocks, alpacas, and storks in the area.
The facility also has an accommodation section, a picnic section, and a park section. The accommodation section has a capacity of 100 people, ensuring that visitors have a nice accommodation experience with their children. In addition to those who come to the facility to stay, there are also daily visitors. Here, visitors can also benefit from facilities such as children’s parks, game rooms, swimming pools, picnic areas and chess areas in both indoor and outdoor areas.
The most striking part of the facility is the animal park, which dates back to 1995. Interesting animals such as kangaroos, deer, and llamas also begin to live in the park, which expands over time.
34. Atatürk Arboretum
Kirazlıbent, built during the Ottoman Empire within the borders of Atatürk Arboretum, which was established on an area of 296 hectares, and Atatürk Arboretum, Turkey’s first nursery, founded by Neşet Hoca in 1916, cooperates with arboretums and botanical gardens in other countries on seeds and saplings.
We recommend you visit the Atatürk Arboretum, which has a postcard beauty in spring and autumn. At the same time, you can shoot movies, or attend special day shoots at the Atatürk Arboretum for a small fee.
Entrance fee
- Weekend
- Full 45 TL
- Student 17 TL
- Mid-week
- Exactly 17 TL
- Student 6 TL
Opening hours
- Closed on Mondays
- Other days 09.00-17.00
Author’s Note : You can only pay for visits with a credit card or debit card.
35. Sea Life Aquarium
Are you ready to dive into the adventure? Sea Life Aquarium, which is home to 6 million m3 of water, 500 different species, and more than 15,000 marine creatures, also has Europe’s longest ocean tunnel and the largest shark family. There is also a turtle hospital within the aquarium. You can visit turtles, one of the oldest and most beautiful creatures in the world, in our rehabilitation center and learn the interesting stories of the turtles that were treated and released back into the sea. You may also encounter various species of stingrays during your trip to the aquarium. The cute spotted eagle stingray, which resembles a smiling face, the thorn-tailed giant stingray, the cow-headed stingray, and the honeycomb stingray are among the species you can see.
Entrance fee
- Box office 300 TL
- Online 225 TL
- SEA LIFE Istanbul + Madame Tussauds Istanbul: Box Office 490 TL, Online 392 TL
- Annual Membership: Box Office 900 Online 720
Opening hours
- 10.00-19.00
Author’s Note : If you buy your ticket online, you can pay 25% less.
36. Emaar Aquarium
Are you ready to have a different aquarium experience? It brings together thousands of species with its visitors, from sharks living in coastal areas to giant spider crabs living in the cold waters of the seas, from gobies to piranhas, the curious fish of the seabed, and manta rays, one of the fastest species of the seas. We definitely recommend you to visit Emaar Aquarium, which offers unique experiences for children.
Entrance fee
- Adult 783 TL
- Child 670 TL
Opening hours
- Every day of the week 10.00-21.15
37. Viasea Aquarium
Are you ready to explore Istanbul’s longest underwater tunnel? Viasea Aquarium, which hosts 12,000 creatures and 686 species in an area of 8,000 square meters, is known as the world’s first climate-themed aquarium. At Viasea Aquarium, you can witness the lives of thousands of undersea creatures and magnificent reptiles living in different climate zones. There are 47 different themed exhibitions in Viasea Aquarium, which presents the history of the Bosphorus to its visitors in chronological order. You can see dozens of species in the tunnel, such as predatory sharks, Nile crocodiles, and giant turtles that are nearly 100 years old.
Entrance fee
- Aquarium adult 249 TL
- Aquarium student 229 TL
- Aquarium 3-12 years old 199 TL
- Aquarium-adult + Aslanpark adult 399 TL
Opening hours
- Every day of the week 10.00-18.00
38. Nezahat Gökyiğit Botanical Garden
Nezahat Gökyiğit Botanical Garden, where approximately 50,000 trees and shrubs were planted in an area of 32 hectares, appears as a social initiative that aims to protect biodiversity and inform the public on this issue. After the soil destroyed due to road construction was rehabilitated, it was opened to visitors as a Monument Park in 2002 and was named Nezahat Gökyiğit Botanical Garden in 2003.
Entrance fee
- Entrance to the garden is free
Opening hours
- Closed on Mondays
- Other days Opening 09.30
- November, December, January, February and March- 17.00
- April, May, September and October – 18.00
- June, July and August- 19.00
39. Bubble Up Activity and Entertainment Center
Spreading over an area of 1000 square meters, Bubble Up Activity and Entertainment Center includes an educational escape house created for the first time in Turkey for 8-14 year olds and adults, a trampoline/soft play area, karaoke rooms for different age groups, and children’s workshop classes. You can also organize birthday parties and special events for your child at the entertainment center, which has a children’s hairdressing area and a play room.
Entrance fee
- You must contact the entertainment center for prices.
Opening hours
- Every day of the week 10.00-19.00
40. Torium Snowpark
If you and your children want to experience the joy of snow, Snowpark in Istanbul offers a great option, even when it’s not winter. Located centrally, Snowpark provides fun activities like snowboarding and snow tubing that you can enjoy as a family throughout the year. The entrance fee covers the necessary clothing and equipment, and you also have the opportunity to receive professional ski training.
Entrance fee
- Contact Snowpark for prices
Opening hours
- Monday-Sunday 12.00- 20.00
