Visit Turkey: A Family-Friendly Travel Guide and Activity Ideas

 If you’re looking for an interesting family summer vacation filled with delicious food and amazing history, Turkey is your dream destination! Turkey is among the most popular summer vacation spots for families around Europe for various reasons. Its geographical location makes it different enough to get you out of your comfort zone and see/try something different, but close enough to be there in a couple of hours and not break the bank on plane tickets. 

You can walk through centuries in Istanbul or Izmir’s countless historical attractions, you can try the unmatched food anywhere in the country, you can try paragliding in Fethiye, or you can relax at a wonderful beach in Antalya. Any type of vacation your family is craving, you can find it in the country. Here are our best activity ideas for a family vacation in Turkey!

Where to travel in Turkey with kids? 

✈️ Istanbul

The Galata Tower
If you want to add some history and city life to your vacation, Istanbul is the perfect place to visit in Turkey. And the best place to see the whole city and the amazing view? The Galata Tower. With its panoramic view over the whole city spread into two continents, it will fascinate your whole family. If you visit around sunset, you can get the most perfect shots as well!

Try Turkish Ice Cream
What’s so special about Turkish ice cream? It’s all about figuring out how actually to get it from the vendor! Children, as well as adults, will love the vendors’ fun tricks!

Rahmi Koc Museum
Rahmi Koc Museum was founded in Istanbul by one of the most prestigious and richest families in Turkey, and the evolution of communications, transport, and industry of the whole country can be seen through it. A remarkable collection of trains, cars, boats, buses, planes, engines, and a submarine will make a hell of a day for your kids!

Bosphorus Cruise
One of the most special features of Turkey is that it is both European and Asian. This means that Turkey is home to one of only five cities that is on two different continents: Istanbul, Europe, and Asia. With the Bosphorus separating the two continents, the city spreads along the coastline and well into the land. People travel across the continents for school or work every day, and it is an 8-30 minute boat ride or a 4-minute drive. However, going on a Bosphorus Cruise will take around 2 hours, and you will see the best attractions on both sides of the Bosphorus. 

Miniaturk
Miniaturk is one of the world’s largest open-air miniature parks, and quite popular for families with kids. You can find iconic places and attractions from all over Turkey, but a lot smaller and all-in-one places. 

👼 Click & check Babonbo providers in Istanbul to rent baby gear! 

Coastline

Visit the Beaches
If you’re in the mood for a relaxed beach vacation, the southern or western coast of Turkey will be calling you! It is important to remember that the southern coast, such as Antalya, will be very hot during summer, around 40 degrees Celcius. The most popular summer vacation spots include Antalya, Izmir, and Mugla. You can find various resorts with amazing activities for kids and families. You can go swimming, paragliding, do water sports, or watch the famous Caretta Caretta sea turtles hatching!

👼 Click & check Babonbo providers in Antalya, Mugla & Izmir to rent baby gear! 

Hike Through the Western Coast
The best hiking spots are usually in Fethiye and Antalya, right on the coastline, where you can enjoy the view of the sea, mountains, and forests altogether. If you are into camping as a family, you can definitely spare a few days hiking around and discovering hidden beaches around the coastline. It is also a great day activity if you're staying at a hotel nearby. 

👼 Click & check Babonbo providers in Antalya & Fethiye to rent baby gear! 

Cappadocia

Formed from lava, volcanic ash, and wind over millions of years, the “fairy chimneys” of Cappadocia are a historic and natural beauty to see in the mid-region of Turkey. Two of the most famous activities in the region are staying in a “cave hotel,” luxury hotels built inside the naturally formed caves, and hot air balloon rides at sunrise! Start your day early with a breathtaking view of Cappadocia from above, and have a delicious Turkish breakfast right after. Believe us; you won’t regret it. Cappadocia requires driving or a plane ride from Istanbul, but it is quite famous and worth seeing for sure.