You’ll notice immediately that kids in Istanbul are adored by the locals. If you’re moving here with little ones, the city doesn’t disappoint: you have access to everything from interactive technology centres to ancient historical sites. Between the various parks, coastal resorts, and nearby islands, your weekends will fill up quickly.
That said, the city isn’t without its headaches. Istanbul can be tough on parents with toddlers. Narrow streets and gridlocked traffic are standard, and many pavements lack ramps. Pushing a pram through the crowds is often a workout in itself, although the municipality is slowly upgrading the streets to make them more accessible.
Entertainment for kids in Istanbul
You won’t struggle to find entertainment for your kids in Istanbul, whether you want intense rides or just some fresh air away from the concrete.
Isfanbul Theme Park (formerly VIALAND)
Isfanbul Theme Park in Eyüp is a firm favourite for family outings. The amusement park pairs enchanted castles for toddlers with serious rollercoasters for teenagers. Parents can walk down ‘Once Upon a Time in Istanbul’, a retro street that recreates the city’s 80s and 90s atmosphere – an ideal spot for a Turkish coffee while the kids run riot.
Ferry trip to the Princes’ Islands
A ferry trip to the Princes’ Islands puts plenty of distance between you and the city noise. Sitting in the Sea of Marmara near the Asian side, these islands enforce a strict ban on fuel-powered cars, leaving the streets safe and open. Electric buses replaced the traditional horse-drawn carriages in 2020, but you can still hire a bicycle or just walk to explore the pine forests and Victorian-era architecture.
Kid-friendly museums in Istanbul
Culture isn’t just for adults here; there are plenty of kid-friendly museums in Istanbul that manage to entertain younger minds without boring the parents.
The Istanbul Toy Museum
The Istanbul Toy Museum sits in a wooden mansion in the Göztepe neighbourhood on the Asian side. Founded by the poet Sunay Akın, this collection packs in over 4,000 antique toys from around the globe. It appeals to the parents’ sense of nostalgia as much as the children’s curiosity.
Miniatürk
Miniatürk lets you tour the whole country in an afternoon through its open-air collection of scale models. It sits on the northeastern shore of the Golden Horn and stays open around the year. Beyond the miniature historic structures, the park features a life-sized chessboard and a labyrinth. There is also a playground, which helps when the children need to burn off energy after the history lesson.
Rahmi M Koç Museum
Dedicated to the history of transport and industry, the Rahmi M Koç Museum is situated on the banks of the Golden Horn. It encourages hands-on interaction; children can climb into vintage cars or sit in an aeroplane cockpit. The museum also runs real-life scientific experiments, so you can sneak some education into your day out.
Istanbul Modern
Istanbul Modern, housed in a distinctive Renzo Piano-designed building on the Karaköy waterfront, displays a massive collection of contemporary art. While galleries can sometimes drag for younger visitors, this one features interactive areas and workshops for various age groups. They can learn about artistic concepts through play while parents admire the permanent collections.