Family & Kids

23 Things To Do With Kids in Istanbul

I am eager to leave my comfort zone and push myself to try new things. The best way to do it is by traveling. So I keep exploring the world and myself.

You are in Istanbul. You want to spend a nice holiday with your children in this city that never sleeps. We have toured and written 23 of the museums and sightseeing areas for you and your children.

Museums

1. Istanbul Illusions Museum

Scientists say that man has not only 5 senses. It is necessary to add the following question to this information: Do our senses always say the truth? Here you will find the answer to this question in Istanbul Illusions Museum. With a lot of fun experiences. Your eyes will be mistaken with fun and fascinating tricks, you will be surprised. Make sure your phone or camera is fully charged before coming to the museum. Free your phone’s memory. Do not forget to take a power bank with you.
Smart Game Room: The smart game room, which will reveal the genius in the children, provides learning while having fun. It improves your cognitive thinking and strategy skills. While your mind is busy with century-old dilemma games, you also do a digital detox. The museum is open every day of the week from 10.00 to 22.00.

More Information

Open Hours: 10:00 – 22:00
Location: View on Google Maps
Phone Number: (0212) 244 06 64
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2. Istanbul Naval Museum

Founded in 1897, the Naval Museum showcases all the ships, boats, galleys, boats and whatever is floating on the water since the reign of the Ottoman Empire. Among the works exhibited, Atatürk’s belongings, historical boats, and reign boats, ship models, badges and tughras used, ship’s head figures, ship nameplates, and furniture. In addition, there are coins, weapons, lanterns, textiles and weaving products, manuscripts, oil paintings and many other handcrafted works representing the period. Maritime Museum is the largest museum in Istanbul, Türkiye’s maritime area, was the first military museum established in Türkiye with the collection of more than 20 thousand pieces.
Everything in this museum you wonder about Türkiye’s maritime history. The museum, which is closed on official holidays and Monday, is open between 09.00 – 17.00 on weekdays and between 10.00 – 18.00 on weekends.

More Information

Open Hours: 09:00 – 17:00 Closed on Mondays
Location: View on Google Maps
Phone Number: (0212) 327 43 46
Website: denizmuzesi.dzkk.tsk.tr
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3. Baris Manco Museum

Barış Manço was one of the artists that Turkish people loved very much. He also had fans from many countries around the world. Especially his communication with the children was incredibly beautiful. He was a singer, program producer, documentarian, traveler and film artist. With his program “from 7 to 77”, he would take the little ones to the TV. Baris Manco lived in Istanbul, Kadıköy – Moda. He was sitting in one of the last remaining mansions of Moda. You can see Baris Manco’s belongings, costumes, photographs and many details in this mansion, which is impressive with its 19th century Victorian architecture. The museum is open except for public holidays and Mondays. You can visit the museum between 09.00 – 17.00.

More Information

Open Hours: 09:00 –  17:00 Closed on Mondays
Location: View on Google Maps
Phone Number: (0216) 337 94 11
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4. Mehmet Naci Akoz Kite Museum

The Kite Museum was founded in 1986. It is a museum with more than 2500 kites from 33 countries from 6 continents. It is one of 18 kite museums in the world. The museum has a kite-making workshop and Kite School where 200 children can make their own kites at the same time. “Gulen Okumus Kite Library”, the world’s first kite library, brings together people who love kite and reading. The entrance to the museum is free. You can also participate in theatrical and interactive excursions in the museum. You can visit the museum, where you can see kites from all the cultures of the world, between 09.00 – 17.00 on weekdays.

More Information

Open Hours: 09:00 – 17:00 Closed on Sundays
Location: View on Google Maps
Phone Number: (0216) 553 23 37
Website: ucurtma-muzesi.business.site
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5. Istanbul Toy Museum

Istanbul Toy Museum was founded under the leadership of Sunay Akin, a beloved writer. In the museum, which was established in 2005, it is possible to see many toys since the toys played by children in the 1700s. Sunay Akın exhibits toys bought from antique shops and auctions in more than 40 countries in 20 years. In the sections where the same themed toys are exhibited, a story is also told. For example, in the section where space-related toys are exhibited, the efforts of people to reach the Moon and the industrial revolution are described in the section where toys such as trains and cars are exhibited. The museum is open every day between 09.30 – 18.00, except Mondays.

More Information

Open Hours: 09:30 – 18:00 Closed on Mondays
Location: View on Google Maps
Phone Number: (0216) 359 45 50
Website: istanbuloyuncakmuzesi.com
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6. Madame Tussauds Wax Sculpture Museum

How about taking selfies with historical and cultural heroes, cinema artists and singers? Madame Tussauds opened a museum in Istanbul after 23 cities with a history of 250 years. New sculptures are constantly being added to the sculptures in the museum. Tickets are required to visit the museum on Istiklal Avenue.

More Information

Open Hours: 10:00 – 20:00
Location: View on Google Maps
Phone Number: 444 3 253
Website: madametussauds.com
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7. Panorama 1453 History Museum

The museum is the world’s first panoramic museum. Describes the conquest of Istanbul by Fatih Sultan Mehmet. Not only does it tell you, it makes you part of the story by immersing you in it. You are experiencing Fatih’s passion to conquer Istanbul. The museum is open every day from 08.00 to 17.00.

More Information

Open Hours: 08:00 – 17:00
Location: View on Google Maps
Phone Number: (0212) 415 14 53
Website: panoramikmuze.com
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8. Pelit Chocolate Museum

Türkiye’s first chocolate museum was founded by Pelit Pastaneleri. Many famous buildings in Istanbul and the world are made of chocolate. Here, you can see a real chocolate house, Noah’s Ark, paintings depicting the history of chocolate, Istanbul’s most famous buildings, the busts and artists of Turkish elders. Visiting hours are between 10.00 – 17.00 every day of the week.

More Information

Open Hours: 10:00 – 17:00
Location: View on Google Maps
Phone Number: (0212) 411 13 00
Website: pelitcikolatamuzesi.com
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Check out most loved Istanbul attractions by HeyTripster readers:

9. Sabancı University Sakıp Sabancı Museum

Türkiye’s famous businessman Sakip Sabanci’s mansion in 1998, was donated to Sabanci University. Private line and painting collections started to be exhibited in the residence. In 2002, a gallery for temporary exhibitions was added to the museum. In addition, it offers a versatile museum environment with conservation units, exemplary training programs, concerts, conferences, and seminars. The museum is open between 10:00 and 18:00 except Mondays.

More Information

Open Hours: 10:00 – 18:00, Wednesdays 10:00 – 20:00 Closed on Mondays
Location: View on Google Maps
Phone Number: (0212) 277 22 00
Website: sakipsabancimuzesi.org
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10. Rahmi Koç Museum

The museum, which is one of Türkiye’s famous businessman Rahmi Koc’s collections are on display. The museum consists of many separate sections. Atatürk, founder of the Republic of Türkiye’s private collection, special tools in the history of science, wagons and other railway reigns of the Ottoman Empire collection, marine, aviation’s tools. In addition, the museum also has private collections.

More Information

Open Hours: 09:30 – 17:30 Closed on Mondays
Location: View on Google Maps
Phone Number: (0212) 369 66 00
Website: rmk-museum.org.tr
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11. Miniatürk

There is a work left by every civilization that ruled this land in the past. Miniatürk is a museum that consists of the same shrinkage of these works. In this museum, there are nearly 150 historical regions and miniature models of the building which have been reduced by 1/25. The museum is open every day from 09.00 to 18.00.

More Information

Open Hours:  09:00 – 18:00
Location: View on Google Maps
Phone Number: (0212) 222 28 82
Website: miniaturk.com.tr
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12. Istanbul Aviation Museum

The aviation museum, located in Yeşilköy, Istanbul, contains the planes used since the First World War. There are planes and helicopters displayed on a total area of 65,000 square meters, indoor and outdoor. In addition, there are souvenirs belonging to people identified with the history of aviation in the Memories Hall, jets and aircraft engines in the Engine Department, and various weapons used in wars in the Guns Hall. In the Clothing Hall, there are aviator clothes used since the Ottoman Empire.

More Information

Open Hours: 09:00 – 17:00 Closed on Monday
Location: View on Google Maps
Phone Number: (0212) 663 24 90
Website: istanbulhavamuze.hvkk.tsk.tr
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Parks and Amusement Places

13. Darica Zoo

There are over 250 species in the zoo. More than 3000 animals live here. This is the country’s most diverse modern zoo, licensed by the Ministry of Forestry. He was also commissioned by the Ministry of Forestry as the “Center for Wildlife Protection and Rescue”. Thus, the zoo has 62 animal species that are under the threat of extinction, 52 animal species that require critical protection, 16 Anatolian species that are at risk of extinction, more than 400 plant species and rich botanical centers with over 8,000 plant population. The park is open every day from 10.00 to 18.00.

More Information

Open Hours: 10:00 – 18:00
Location: View on Google Maps
Phone Number: (0262) 653 66 66
Website: farukyalcinzoo.com
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14. Emaar Aquarium and Underwater Zoo

An experience that has not been experienced until now. The rocky shores, the main tank, including the tunnel aquarium, the forests, rivers and waterfalls, the penguin island, the crocodile kingdom, and the aquarium consisting of thematic sections and the underwater zoo are home to over 20,000 marine creatures and amphibians of 200 species. Thousands of species bring visitors to the mysterious and colorful world of the oceans, from sharks living in coastal areas to giant spider crabs living in the dark and cold waters of the sea, the most curious fish of the seafloor, from gobies to piranhas, from the fastest species of the sea to manta stingrays.

More Information

Open Hours: 10:00 – 22:00
Location: View on Google Maps
Phone Number: (0850) 290 80 90
Website: emaarakvaryum.com
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15. Nezahat Gokyigit Botanical Garden

Nezahat Gokyigit Botanical Garden was established by Ali Nihat Gokyigit to create a souvenir forest on behalf of his wife Nezahat Gokyigit, on the lands that were completely degraded by road works. The soil, whose structure was completely damaged due to road construction, was rehabilitated and 50,000 trees were planted in an area of 46 hectares. It was opened to the public in 2002 as a botanical garden. Admission is free, garden threatened endemic in Türkiye and the world’s many varieties to protect natural and cultivated plants. Garden opening time is 09.30 and closing time changes according to the season.

More Information

Open Hours: 09:00 – 17:00 Closed on Monday
Location: View on Google Maps
Phone Number: (0216) 456 44 37
Website: ngbb.org.tr
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16. Atatürk Arboretum

Atatürk Arboretum is very close to the Belgrad Forests. You can see it coming towards Sariyer. It has unique nature with more than 1500 plant species and three artificial lakes. There are some rules for this nature not to be spoiled. Except for water and baby food, it is forbidden to enter with sports items such as food and beverage entrance, pets and balls. Picnic is also prohibited. In other words, it is an area where you can see the most untouched state of nature and make scientific trips with your children. At the bottom of the plants, there is a variety of information about the plant.

More Information

Open Hours: 09:00 – 17:00 Closed on Monday
Location: View on Google Maps
Phone Number: (0212) 226 19 29
Website: istanbulobm.ogm.gov.tr
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17. Istanbul Butterfly Farm

Butterfly species are decreasing. A group of people who are aware of this came together and founded the Istanbul Butterfly Farm. When you come here, you feel like you are in a completely different world. Butterflies in the butterfly greenhouse are from all over the world. Some of them are about to run out. After watching a documentary about butterflies, you set off to explore the mysterious world of butterflies, accompanied by guides. Butterflies are very friendly to you. Do not be afraid, they will be put on your shoulder, head and hands. They will show you how they feed. Worth to try! The garden and the Voracious Caterpillar Cafe are open every day of the week from 10.00 to 18.00.

More Information

Open Hours: 10:00 – 18:00
Location: View on Google Maps
Phone Number: 0532 617 30 00
Website: istanbulkelebek.com
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18. Bakirkoy Botanical Park

Bakırköy Botanical Park was built on an area of 96 thousand square meters. With 11.50-meter rigs Türkiye’s highest tower games here. Dinosaur sculptures welcome you at the entrance to the park. The water park and playground equipment, thematic gardens, medicinal plants, culinary and garden plants are grouped together, aiming to have both fun and information for children and adults. You can visit the botanical park, which is open every day of the week, between 07.00 – 23.00.

More Information

Open Hours: 07:00 – 23:00
Location: View on Google Maps
Phone Number: (0212) 414 97 00
Website: bakirkoy.bel.tr
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19. Forestanbul

Serving within an area of 25,000 square meters in an area of 2600 acres, Forestanbul calls you to adrenaline sports intertwined with nature. Make sure that you will have a lot of fun with your children in Forestanbul, which prepares events for adventure fans of all ages in the open space. There are challenging tracks you have to pass. You choose the track and the adventure begins.

More Information

Open Hours: 10:00 – 19:00 Closed on Monday
Location: View on Google Maps
Phone Number: 0542 740 07 40
Website: forestanbul.com.tr
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20. Hupalupa Family Entertainment Center

HUPALUPA was established in Ataşehir Metropol Istanbul on a total area of 12,000 square meters. It is open to entertainment lovers of all ages. It brings you the latest entertainment trends and technology in the world with its rich game tracks focused on performance, adrenaline and entertainment. The playgrounds are incredibly beautiful. Embracing guests of all ages with different entertainment options, HUPALUPA offers the most desired ‘spending time and having fun together’ theme!

More Information

Open Hours: 10:00 – 22:00
Location: View on Google Maps
Phone Number: 0850 255 55 88
Website: hupalupa.com.tr
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21. İsfanbul Tema Park, Vialand

Isfanbul Mall - Shopping in Istanbul

İsfanbul was created by combining both the theme park, the mall, and the show center. The complex, which covers an area of 600,000 square meters, has more than 200 stores, bowling, a movie theater, and a large theme park. İsfanbul is one of the top 10 parks in Europe’s 800 theme parks.

More Information

Open Hours: 10:30-23:30
Location: View on Google Maps
Phone Number: (0212) 600 01 00
Website: isfanbul.com
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22. Legoland Discovery Center Istanbul

Do you like LEGO? Legoland is for you. You can see the small models of Istanbul’s most famous buildings created with Lego, watch movies in 4D cinema, play family games in the Kingdom Adventure Laser Game, and do new things from the Lego.

More Information

Open Hours: 10:00 – 22:00
Location: View on Google Maps
Phone Number: 444 3 253
Website: legolanddiscoverycentre.com
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23. Aslan Park, Tuzla Marina

The park, specially designed for big cats, is in Viaport Marina. It is home to animals that cannot live and are difficult to live in their natural habitat. You can see many different species while visiting Aslan Park. There is no cage, you look behind the windows. You can feed the little lions with a bottle.

More Information

Open Hours: 11:00 – 20:00
Location: View on Google Maps
Phone Number: (0216) 560 18 00
Website: aslanparktuzla.com
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