Istanbul is a beautiful city with a rich history and culture, making it a must-visit destination for families with kids. In this guide, we will explore the top things to do in Istanbul with kids, including fun theme parks, animal attractions, museums, sightseeing tours, sports, and entertainment.

To Istanbul with Family: Is It a Good Idea?

It’s important to plan ahead when traveling to Istanbul with kids, and choosing family-friendly hotels is a must booking a private transfer from the airport to your hotel can also ensure a safe and comfortable arrival for the whole family.

Make Your Arrival in Istanbul a Breeze with Welcome Pickups

We know that traveling to a new city can be both exciting and a bit daunting. That’s why we want to share with you our personal recommendation for a hassle-free airport transfer experience in Istanbul: Welcome Pickups.

Welcome Pickups provides reliable and affordable private transfers from Istanbul Airport straight to your accommodation. Their friendly, English-speaking drivers will greet you with a warm smile at the arrivals hall, holding a sign with your name on it. It’s like having a local friend waiting to welcome you to their city!

What makes Welcome Pickups our top pick for Istanbul Airport transfers?

Transparent, fixed pricing with no surprise fees

• Round-the-clock customer support
• Real-time flight tracking to adjust for any delays
• Free cancellation up to 24 hours before your scheduled transfer
• A range of vehicle options to accommodate your needs

Ready to simplify your arrival in Istanbul? Click the button below to book your transfer with Welcome Pickups. We’re confident that you’ll enjoy their service as much as we do. Safe travels and have a fantastic time in Istanbul!

Where to Stay in Istanbul with Family?

One of the best options is to stay in a family-friendly hotel, which offers amenities and facilities designed specifically for families with kids. Some of the best family-friendly hotels in Istanbul:

• Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet
• Hotel Amira Istanbul
• The Bank Hotel Karakoy Istanbul

These hotels offer spacious rooms, kids’ clubs, outdoor swimming pools, and other family-friendly amenities.

Fun Things to Do With Kids: Our Full List of Activities in Istanbul!

Take your family to the exciting theme parks in Istanbul for a fun-filled day of thrilling rides and entertainment. Here are our best suggestions!

Theme Parks

If your family loves amusement parks, Istanbul has plenty to offer. Here are some of the top theme parks to visit with your kids:

Vialand (Isfanbul Theme Park)

Featuring over 50 rides and attractions, from thrilling roller coasters to family-friendly rides, there’s something for everyone.

But that’s not all – the park also boasts a shopping mall, a movie theater, and even a hotel! It’s truly a one-stop-shop for entertainment and excitement for the whole family. Read more…

Buy Skip-the-Line Tickets Online to Avoid Crowds

Fun Lab

Fun Lab is a unique and exciting destination for families with kids in Istanbul. With a trampoline park, a rope course, and a virtual reality experience, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

This park is perfect for a day of fun and adventure, rain or shine. Your kids will love the unforgettable memories they’ll make at Fun Lab, and you’ll love the chance to bond as a family in this exciting environment.

Animal Attractions

If your kids love animals, Istanbul has plenty of attractions to keep them entertained. Here are some of the best animal attractions in Istanbul:

Istanbul Dolphinarium

Immerse yourself in a stunning setting as you watch dolphins, sea lions, and seals perform incredible tricks and stunts. The mesmerizing displays are sure to captivate the imagination of children and adults alike.

It’s an unmissable experience that will leave the whole family with unforgettable memories.

Istanbul Aquarium

With over 15,000 sea creatures from all around the world, including sharks, stingrays, and sea turtles, this attraction is sure to captivate the imagination of children and adults alike. Read more…

Experience the thrill of getting up close and personal with these magnificent creatures, and learn about their habitats and behaviors from knowledgeable guides. It’s a fun and educational experience that will leave kids with a newfound appreciation for the wonders of the sea.

Ticket Packages with Shuttle Service

Moipark

Moipark is a must-visit destination for families with kids looking for an interactive animal experience in Istanbul.

Here, visitors can feed and play with a variety of animals, including llamas, kangaroos, and deer, making it a unique and exciting attraction for animal lovers.

Kids will love getting up close and personal with these friendly animals and learning about their habitats and behaviors!

The park also features beautiful gardens and walking trails, allowing families to enjoy the peaceful surroundings while interacting with the animals.

Museums

Istanbul has a rich history and culture, making it a great destination for museum enthusiasts. Here are some of the best museums to visit with kids:

Rahmi Koc Museum

The Rahmi Koc Museum is a hidden gem in Istanbul that will delight both kids and adults alike. Read more…

This unique museum is home to a fascinating collection of antique cars, trains, and other vehicles, showcasing the evolution of transportation through the centuries. But what sets this museum apart are its interactive exhibits that allow kids to get hands-on with the exhibits and learn about the history of transportation in a fun and engaging way.

Official Site

Istanbul Toy Museum

The Istanbul Toy Museum is a wonderland for kids and toy enthusiasts alike.

Housing an impressive collection of toys from around the globe, including dolls, trains, and action figures, this museum is a must-visit destination for families. Children can explore the museum’s interactive exhibits, marvel at the vintage toys, and learn about the history of play. Read more…

It’s a fun and educational experience that will leave kids of all ages with a new appreciation for the world of toys.

Madame Tussauds Wax Museum

If you’re looking for a fun and unique experience in Istanbul that the whole family will enjoy, look no further than Madame Tussauds Wax Museum. Get up close and personal with lifelike wax figures of your favorite celebrities and historical figures from all around the world. Read more…

Your kids will love posing for photos with their favorite stars, from actors to musicians to world leaders. It’s a great opportunity to learn about the people who have shaped our world in a fun and interactive way.

Buy Tickets Online in a Couple of Clicks

Official Site

Miniaturk Miniature Park

Miniaturk Miniature Park is a must-visit destination for families with kids in Istanbul. Here, you can explore Turkey’s historical landmarks in miniature form, including over 100 models of mosques, palaces, and bridges. Read more…

It’s a fun and unique way for kids to learn about Turkey’s rich history and culture, and the intricate details of the models are sure to captivate their imaginations.

Official Site

More Museums Your Kids Would Love in Istanbul

Sightseeing Tours

One of the best ways to explore Istanbul with kids is through a sightseeing tour. Here are some of the best tours to take with your family:

Bosphorus Cruise

A boat tour on the Bosphorus Strait is not only a great way to see Istanbul’s stunning skyline, but it’s also a fun and educational experience for kids.

Get ready to be amazed by Istanbul’s stunning skyline while enjoying a relaxing boat tour along the Bosphorus Strait. With guides to share fascinating stories and fun facts, this experience is perfect for families looking to create unforgettable memories.

Official Site

City Sightseeing Bus

The City Sightseeing Bus is a fantastic way to see Istanbul’s major landmarks and attractions with your kids. Read more…

Hop on and off to explore the city at your own pace, while enjoying the breeze in your hair and taking in the stunning views. The bus offers a fun and educational experience for the whole family, with knowledgeable guides sharing interesting facts and stories about the city’s rich history and culture.

Book Tickets online in a Couple of Clicks

Kids & Students Bike Tour

Led by an experienced guide, this tour is designed specifically for kids and students and is a great way to get some exercise while seeing the city’s top sights.

Explore the vibrant streets of Istanbul on two wheels and discover the city’s fascinating past and present. This fun and active adventure is a great way for the whole family to make unforgettable memories and experience the energy and excitement of this beautiful city.

Official Site

Sports and Entertainment

Istanbul has plenty of sports and entertainment options to keep the whole family entertained. Here are some of the best things to do:

Besiktas Football Club Stadium & Museum

The Besiktas Football Club Stadium & Museum is a must-visit spot for families with kids looking for a unique and exciting experience in Istanbul.

Take a tour of the stadium and learn about the rich history of one of Turkey’s most famous football clubs. The museum features interactive exhibits that are sure to capture the imagination of children, and visitors can also take a tour of the stadium to see behind the scenes.

It’s a great opportunity to learn about the culture and passion for football in Turkey, and to make some unforgettable family memories.

Official Site

Topkapi Palace

Topkapi Palace is not just a destination for history buffs, it’s also a great place to take the kids! Read more…

With its beautiful architecture and stunning views of the city, the palace is sure to capture the imagination of children of all ages. Let your kids explore the intricacies of Ottoman design and learn about the opulent lifestyle of sultans.

Plus, the panoramic views of Istanbul from the palace are truly breathtaking and make for some unforgettable family photos.

Official Site

Galata Tower

Galata Tower is a must-visit spot for families with kids looking for breathtaking views of Istanbul. Climb to the top of the historic tower and marvel at the panoramic views of the city. Read more…

It’s a great opportunity to take some memorable family photos and enjoy the stunning scenery. The tower has a rich history and kids will love learning about its past.

Don’t forget to bring a camera, as the views from the top are truly unforgettable.

Official Site

Gulhane Park

Gulhane Park is a perfect spot for families with kids who want to take a break from the crowds of Istanbul. This peaceful green park offers walking trails, playgrounds, and picnic areas, making it an ideal place to relax and unwind. Read more…

Take a leisurely stroll through the park and admire the stunning flowers and trees, or let your kids run around on the playground equipment. Pack a picnic and enjoy a family lunch in one of the designated picnic areas, surrounded by nature.

Fethi Pasa Grove

Fethi Pasa Grove is an ideal location for families looking for a peaceful green oasis in the heart of Istanbul.

The park boasts walking trails that are perfect for exploring with your children, playgrounds that offer endless hours of entertainment, and picnic areas that are perfect for enjoying a family lunch. Take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy a day of relaxation and fun in this beautiful park.

Dolmabahçe Palace Visit

The palace offers a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of Ottoman sultans and is filled with intricate details and beautiful designs that will capture the imagination of children. Plus, the stunning views of the Bosphorus from the palace will leave the whole family in awe. Read more…

Official Site

Conclusion

Istanbul is a great destination for families with kids, with plenty of activities to keep everyone entertained. When planning your trip, be sure to book a private transfer from the airport to your hotel and choose a family-friendly hotel. We hope this guide has given you some inspiration for your trip to Istanbul, and we invite you to share your experience with us!