Many people have always dreamed of visiting Istanbul. But if you are a parent, you are probably wondering if the country is also child friendly.
Well, the good news is yes, Istanbul is perfect not only for adults but even for children! Sure, the moment you hear Istanbul, the first images that might to mind are those countless historical sightseeing attractions and the vast and extensive history of the place.
You might have also heard of those stories about how hectic life can get in the metropolis of Turkey. Some of you might also be familiar with the odd way of driving in the city.
But what many people don’t know and realize is that Turkey and its people actually love kids a lot! So, instead of worrying if you can bring the whole family on your next trip or not, why not check out the following list of different activities? For sure, both young and young at heart will surely enjoy their Istanbul visit with everything that awaits them.
Summary
Explore Basilica Cistern
Basilica Cistern or Yerebatan Sarayı is one of the unique attractions in the city that never fails to amaze young and old alike. What makes it interesting, you ask? Basilica Cistern is a massive underground water cistern that features 336 marble columns that hold the roof.
Children find the attraction enchanting because of the somewhat eerie lighting combined with the dripping of water. Don’t miss the chance to walk to the very end on the raised platforms where you will find the wishing corner, Medusa heads, and big carp fish.
Tour the Bosphorus
Almost all kids enjoy boat rides. The good news is that there are many options available for cruising the Bosphorus. These include the quick and cheap back-and-forth trip to the Asian side and the full-length Bosphorus tour that goes as far as the Black Sea. You can even do this longer tour at dusk in the summer months and be back right before midnight for a more exceptional boat ride experience.
Reach for the Sky in Galata Tower
Curious kids will surely notice the Galata Tower or Galata Kulesi which stands at 60 meters, with its captivating Golden Horn feature. A familiar attraction in the Istanbul skyline, walking on the top balcony of the tower is a delightful and one-of-a-kind experience not only for the bigger kids but even for their parents. An elevator ride will take you to the 9th floor and a flight of stairs will lead you to a commanding 360-degree view of the metropolis.
Be in Awe of Istanbul Aquarium
Despite its far distance from the city center, Istanbul Aquarium is worth the visit for families. Located in Florya a short distance away from the airport, making the trip will be worth it, especially for those who love fish. Watch your kids be in awe of the colossal aquarium and the aquatic life living there.
Have Fun at Legoland Istanbul
The Legoland Discovery Center has been designed for kids up to 14 years of age with lots of exciting activities to keep your children busy and happy for hours on end. You and your kids can enjoy several highlights in this child-friendly atmosphere and environment:
- Creative workshops
- Factory Tour: Watch the animated video where Professor Brick-a-Brack takes the children on a guided tour of the LEGO® Factory
- Kingdom Quest: Fun rides are available for children.
- Miniland: It is the most popular sightseeing spot in Istanbul completely built in Lego.
- Lego 4D Cinema
- Lego DUPLO Farm: This is perfect for kids aged 1 to 5 years old.
Go Small at Miniaturk
Miniaturk is an open-air miniature park located on the Golden Horn’s banks that features more than 105 scale models that are all 1/25th of the size of the original Ottoman, Anatolian, and Istanbul structures. With its 15,000 square meters miniature park with a total area of 60,000 square meters, Miniaturk is the largest miniature park in the world.
Miniaturk also features a labyrinth, a life-sized chessboard, and a playground. The park is open daily from morning till afternoon and sometimes even later during the summer months. There are also free English audio guides available with admission.
Embark on New Discoveries at Rahmi M Koç Museum
Aside from Miniaturk, the shore of the Golden Horn is also home to the exquisite 19th-century factory that now serves as the home to Rahmi M Koç industrial museum. While the building itself already deserves a visit, kids will surely love all the activities that await them at the museum.
They can try real-life scientific experiments, climb over a vintage car, ride a submarine, and even sit in the cockpit of a real plane. The premises also have two fine restaurants when you and the kids feel hungry after all the discoveries.
Experience Riding the Nostalgic Tram
Was there ever a time that you visited a theme park with the kids, but they didn’t get the chance to ride the train or tram circling the premises? Well, don’t deny them this chance in Istanbul!
After you drag them from one store to another all over the stretch of Istiklal Caddesi, the best reward you can give them is an exciting ride on the nostalgic tram. The costumes of the ticket collector and the trams still boast the feel and look reminiscent of the 1900s.
Don’t be surprised if you see a few local kids hanging from the tram. It just makes the ride even more exciting because it is like you have been brought back to the old days!
Be Free at The Princes’ Islands
Kids will surely have a blast at the Princes’ Islands where people go about by carriages and horses. It saves you from worries about your little one getting hit accidentally by rushing vehicles. Instead, they can bask in the fresh clean air and run around in complete freedom. You can also go for a pleasant nature walk or invite your older kids to ride a rented bicycle to tour the island.