Istanbul is a city where you can enjoy your family vacation with plenty of activities to do. Here are some tips on how to make the most of your time in Istanbul with your loved ones.
MINIATÜRK
Take the kids on a little Turkish adventure. Miniatürk is a tiny park with hundreds of scale models that is available to the public. It depicts the tale of Turkey's rich past, including the Ottoman Empire, on a scale that youngsters can understand. Miniatürk is the world's biggest miniature park, with 105 scale models. TICKET: 50 TL RAHMI M KOC MUSEUM
The Rahmi M Koc is a transport museum unlike any other. Kids may climb all over the displays, which include anything from historic vehicles to railroads, submarines, and aeroplanes. They can sit in a plane's cockpit, pretend to live in a submarine, and conduct scientific experiments. The museum is set in a wonderful nineteenth-century factory, which is worth a visit in and of itself. ADULT TICKET: 35 TL STUDENT TICKET: 15 TL ISTANBUL AQUARIUM
Engage your children in the fun and let them get intimate with the fish. Opened in 2011, Sea Life Aquarium proudly hosts Europe's largest collection of sharks. Don't miss the sea turtle hospital, jellyfish exhibits and interactive touch pool experience. ADULT TICKET: 79 TL STUDENT TICKET: 65 TL VIALAND
Bring the family to Vialand if you want to make a day of it. This massive theme park, located in the Eyüp area, features a plethora of attractions and roller coasters to keep the kids thrilled all day. It's a little off the usual path, so take the free shuttle bus from Sultanahmet at Big Bus Stops #1 and #20. Istanbul Theme Park ADULT TICKET: 169 TL CHILDREN (4-14): 159 TL Jungle Park VISITORS (>4): 30 TL Dungeon VISITORS (>4): 25 TL Safari VISITORS (>4): 25 TL Children aged 3 and under can enter the attractions free of charge. THE PRINCE’S ISLANDS
Why not take a vacation from tourism and the rush and bustle of the major city? The Prince Islands are a group of nine tiny islands where residents and visitors alike gather to unwind and replenish their batteries. Because motorized cars are prohibited, you must go by horse-drawn carriage. To reach here, take a ferry or, for a little more money, a sea bus from Kabatas. ISTANBUL TOY MUSEUM
Toys are an endless source of entertainment for children. Bring them to a venue that has a capacity of 4,000 or so, according to the most recent count. Many of them are antiques, with some dating back more than 200 years. If your children want to be creative, they can participate in classes such as wooden toy painting. While you're here, count how many of your childhood toys you still have. ENTRY FEES: 12 TL ISTANBUL MODERN ART MUSEUM
Okay, we're not expecting your children to be awestruck by the artwork. But they may be creative in Istanbul's modern art gallery. Most days, there are free classes to get youngsters interested in art, such as building sculptures, sketching, painting, and more. ENTRANCE FEES: 72 TL THE NOSTALGIC TRAM
It's similar to a theme park ride, but for a fraction of the cost. The Taksim-Tunel Nostalgia Tramway runs the length of Istanbul's biggest retail thoroughfare, Istiklal Caddesi. So you can enjoy the shopping while they can enjoy the ride. The historical trams, as well as the clothes of the ticket collectors, appear to be from the early 1900s. The Tunel, an underground funicular near Galata Bridge, is not to be missed. LEGOLAND DISCOVERY CENTRE
Rides, a 4D cinema, a Lego-built Mini-Istanbul, a Lego builders academy, and a variety of themed construction areas You will not be forgiven if you do not bring your children here on your visit to Istanbul. But don't think of it as a chore; adults really require a child chaperone (aged 17 and under) to attend Legoland, so consider yourself lucky if you get to go with the kids! TICKETS: 25$-30$ DOLPHINARIUM
The Dolphinarium in Istanbul will appeal to both children and adults. It's an indoor environment for dolphins, northern fur seals, walruses, and even a white beluga whale in Istanbul's Golden Horn district. It's the ideal location for swimming with dolphins or seeing one of their spectacular live performances. ADULTS: 35 TL KIDS: 20 TL ISTANBUL HOP-ON HOP-OFF TOUR: OPEN TOP BUS
With the Istanbul hop on hop off tour, you may observe the architectural grandeur of Istanbul. The Istanbul hop-on hop-off tour allows you to visit all of the city's monuments. Take in the splendour of castles, cathedrals, and mosques. FAMILY TICKETS: 105 - 143€ MADAME TUSSAUDS ISTANBUL
Madame Tussauds Istanbul is a branch of London's famed Madame Tussauds museum. Purchase your tickets and gaze at the life-size reproductions of the biggest and most popular superstars. Spend the day engaging with countless detailed reproductions of many of the world's most renowned actors, sports personalities, musicians, and historical people with your family and friends. Take advantage of the opportunity to photograph yourself with these incredibly lifelike wax reproductions. ENTRANCE FEES: 145 TL TROY DAY TRIP FROM ISTANBUL
The Troy Day Trip from Istanbul transports you from your accommodation to the ancient city of Troy. You will be able to explore the historic ruins of the city where the ancient Greek epic The Iliad is set. Visit the majesty of several of its architectural wonders, such as the Odeon, a stage where poetry recitals and musical concerts were held.
Final words
Choose any of these activities and you'll have a fantastic time in Istanbul with your family. Don't forget that the ideal way to explore the attractions with little children is to take one of the Big Bus Tours. Front-row tickets to all the top Istanbul sights and attractions in a safe and engaging setting are available for the entire family.