10 Fun Activities For Children in Istanbul

Levent Ege Balci

Enjoying the city at its full. Traveling all around the world to find adventures. Keeps coming for more and more.

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Istanbul is a magnificent city connecting two continents and boasts a cultural, historical and colourful atmosphere. If you’re travelling with children and looking for the best places to keep them entertained and family activities in Istanbul then don’t worry; there are plenty of children’s activities in Istanbul!

Tip: For convenient and comfortable transportation with children in Istanbul, it is recommended to rent a car. Check out the options. This link will open in a new tab so you can continue reading the article.

1. Kidzania

Kidzania, first established in Mexico City, Mexico in 1999, currently serves children in 19 different countries. And in Istanbul, you’ll find them in Akasya! Kidzania is a world made just for kids and includes everything you see around you in daily life; streets, sidewalks, neighbourhoods, cars, buses, hospitals, universities, ambulances. But all adapted to the size of children. Istanbul kids activities have a lot to offer! Keep reading to learn more about the family activities in Istanbul.

2. VIALAND Tema Park

Türkiye’s first theme park, VIALAND Tema Park is not just an amusement park in Istanbul. It also includes an entertainment complex with a shopping centre, restaurants, cinema and bowling alley. There is a special entertainment unit for every age group in VIALAND. The most ambitious of these is the roller coaster which runs on the tracks at a speed of 110 km. For children, Spongebob, Tiny Explorers, Tiny Miners, Palace Swing, The Adventures of Dora and Diego, Crazy River and Viking Units are some of the most popular kids activities in Istanbul.

3. Istanbul Aquarium

Activities for kids in Istanbul are countless here! Istanbul boasts one of the world’s leading aquariums thanks to its capacity, variety of species and the activities on offer there. Visitors can follow a travel route which takes them through 17 geographical themes and a rainforest going from the Black Sea towards the Pacific. Also, you can see the aquariums in Istanbul blog to see them all!
Activities:

• A special-themed, 1,2 km long travel route originating in the Black Sea and working towards the Pacific Ocean.
• Approximately 1500 species with 17000 land and sea creatures in total.
• A gift shop with an area of 470 square metres.
• 3 cafeterias on the travel route.
• A restaurant with the Panama Canal view on one side and a sea view on the other.

4. Istanbul Toy Museum

Istanbul activities for kids do not have to be only the amusepark in Istanbul. The Istanbul museum is located in a historical mansion where the most popular examples of toys from history have been exhibited since the 1700s. The Istanbul Toy Museum presents world history to its visitors in an entertaining, educational and memorable way. For example, space toys are exhibited in an effort to reach the Moon, and in the train section, the industrial revolution is described through the toys.

5. Snowpark

What about the indoor playground Istanbul? Türkiye’s first indoor snow entertainment centre, Snowpark offers uninterrupted skiing or snowboarding enjoyment all year round using real snow! Snowpark provides maximum snow enjoyment and an ideal environment for winter sports. Coats, boots and gloves are provided to visitors at the entrance.

6. Miniatürk

A beautiful outdoor museum exhibiting 120 models of Modern Türkiye and Ottoman works; 57 from Istanbul, 51 from Anatolia and 12 from outside the borders of Ottoman Türkiye. Check out our trip plan designed by a mother of two amazing kids to discover family activities in Istanbul!

7. Discovery Museum

If you’re looking for a great place for your children to develop hand-eye coordination through play, Discovery Museum at Bahçeşehir Prestij Mall is for you! Every child can move freely and explore the limits of their imagination in the Discovery Museum, which allows children to discover their talents!

At the Discovery Museum, you’ll see your child start to discover themselves.

Tip: The Galata Tower area is a great choice for families, thanks to its central location and abundance of child-friendly activities. From parks to museums to historical landmarks, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Plus, staying in this area means you’ll be just a short walk or tram ride away from all the excitement.

8. Adventure Island

Adventure Island offers soft play units, climbing walls, adventure bridges and laser games for children. It enhances the capabilities of both children and young people and improves their strength and balance in a fascinating island setting!
Activities:

• Adventure Forest, Adventure Sea
• Adventure Bridge, Adventure Planet
• Bowling
• Sand Island
• Buckets
• Adventure Path
• Escape House
• Pirate Island
• Trampoline Park
• 7D cinema

9. Museum Of Illusions Istanbul

One of the leading museums of things to do in Istanbul with kids list, also having one branch in Beyoglu, Museum of Illusions will make you have great memories with your children. Do not believe in everything you see! Here is full of illusions.

Wanna see the world upside down? Check out this link to experience the Museum of Illusion with your children.

10. LEGOLAND Discovery Centre

The LEGOLAND Discovery Centre is a world of colour, creativity and fun for children. Lego, one of the favourite games for every generation, will steal your children’s hearts this time! There are a lot of Istanbul activities for kids and things to do in Istanbul with kids and we gathered some for you.

Legoland is heaven! Why not get a ticket and discover it first-hand? Get the ticket, and skip the line.

Activities:

• Miniland
• Lego Factory
• Construction site
• Fire Academy
• Laser Games
• 4D Cinema
• Lego toy store

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Don’t forget to immortalize your Istanbul visit with memories. Your children are going to love this DIY Istanbul tram set!