Istanbul Aquarium
One of the biggest public aquariums in the world, the famous Istanbul Aquarium boasts 64 tanks and thousands of species of marine life – more than enough to impress both kids and parents! This fascinating display is accompanied by a range of unforgettable attractions, such as an interactive walking trail that stretches 1.2 kilometers, a 5D movie theater, gift shops and multiple restaurant areas. As if all that isn’t enough, the aquarium even features its very own rainforest, which covers an astonishing 1,000 square meters.
Istanbul Aquarium, Şenlikköy Mahallesi, Yeşilköy Halkalı Cadessi No: 93, Florya, Istanbul, Turkey, +90 212 574 21 35
Rahmi Koç Museum
Exhibiting the private collection of Rahmi M. Koç, a famous, self-made Turkish businessman, this museum has an excellent collection of antique steam engines, boats, cars, locomotives, submarines, planes, and much more. It is also conveniently located next to the Golden Horn, Turkey’s historic trading harbor, making for a child-friendly day out in this lively area of the city.
Rahmi M. Koç Museum, Piri Paşa, Hasköy Cadessi No: 5, Beyoğlu, Istanbul, Turkey, +90 212 369 66 00
Vialand
You can easily spend a whole day at Vialand, enjoying over 24 different rides, which include everything from classic carousels and roller coasters to adventurous safari tunnels. With its own movie theaters, souvenir shops and restaurants, Vialand is also a great place for a children’s birthday party.
Vialand, Yeşilpınar Mahallesi, Yeşilpınar, Şehit Metin Kaya Sk. No:11, Eyüp, Istanbul, Turkey, +90 850 210 85 63
Istanbul Toy Museum
There’s something distinctly nostalgic about the Istanbul Toy Museum, beginning with the baroque villa that houses it. You’ll find elaborate displays resembling theater stages, which are filled with more than 4,000 beautiful antique toys collected from all over the world. Promising a trip down memory lane for parents, as well as a great day out for kids, this museum is a must-see attraction.
Istanbul Toy Museum, Dr. Zeki Zeren Sok., Ömer Paşa Cadessi No:15, Göztepe, Istanbul, Turkey, +90 216 359 45 50
Miniatürk
All of Turkey’s major sights can be visited at once at Miniatürk, where more than 120 miniature, lifelike models make visitors feel like giants walking in the country of Lilliput. From ancient Ephesus to the Istanbul of the Ottoman era, and even the famous stone houses of Mardin, no attraction has been left out of this amazing mini-universe.
Miniatürk, Sütlüce Mahallesi, İmrahor Cadessi No:7, Sütlüce, Istanbul, Turkey, +90 212 222 28 82
The Naval Museum
Established in 1897 and recently renovated, The Naval Museum pays respect to the maritime legacy of the Ottoman era, as well as the Turkish Republic. Inside, you’ll find a large collection of imperial caïques (small fishing boats), figureheads, naval ship ornaments, historic ship models, and pieces of the Byzantine chain that was used to block the entry of enemy ships into the Golden Horn.
The Naval Museum, Barbaros Meydanı, Sinanpaşa, Beşiktaş, Istanbul, Turkey, +90 212 327 43 45
Hotel Momcierge
Founded by a Turkish-American mother and travel writer, the innovative Hotel Momcierge provides multilingual babysitters, rental equipment for babies and children, airport transfers, family tour guides, and even photographers for families traveling in Istanbul. Hotel Momcierge’s motto is ‘giving parents a break’ and, seeing as it has partnered with over 50 hotels around Istanbul and Bodrum, it’s easy to see how this great resource can offer traveling parents some much-needed help and relaxation!
Hotel Momcierge, Cihangir, Beyoğlu, Istanbul, Turkey, +90 531 777 4580