There's plenty of fun to be had in Turkey, with a host of aqua parks, theme parks, wildlife and beaches to enjoy.
Tourism in Turkey is on the rise and it is one of the most popular destinations for families. With its sun-soaked beaches and fun activities, there is plenty to keep everyone happy.
Adventure seekers
If you are a family of adventure lovers, then Turkey has many wonderful activities you can try. Watersports are hugely popular and you can try anything from sailing to rafting to underwater diving. The more adventurous can try parachuting and paragliding, both of which are very popular in the southern regions of Turkey such as Fethiye.
For older children and teens up for a challenge, Saklikent Gorge is a beautiful natural wonder where you can enjoy an exhilarating hike. This largest gorge in Turkey is about a 40 minutes' drive from Fethiye. Here you can enjoy a 4km hike along the gorge to one of the impressive waterfalls, so be prepared to get very wet.
For something a little more laid back, but no less impressive, take a visit to Butterfly valley in Ölüdeniz at the base of the Babadag Mountain. Here you can enjoy swimming, gentle hiking to a waterfall or just relaxing in a hammock.
Hot air balloon rides in Cappadocia are also exhilarating. A wonderful way to view the region's amazing natural landscapes and human carved homes. One of Turkey's and the worlds wonders.
Waterparks
Children need to burn off their excess energy and what better way to do it than at one of Turkey’s numerous waterparks, splashing the day away.
Atlantis Marmaris Waterpark will keep the entire family entertained all day. There are lots of slides for all ages as well as a kid’s pool, wave pool, mini golf, bowling, restaurants, bars and entertainment. The waterpark is located right on the sea front with private beach and offers free sunbeds and umbrellas all day long.
Aquapark in Antalya features the most amazing water attractions, for all ages. Surrounded by luxuriant vegetation, the youngsters can enjoy the wave pool, the children’s areas and Kid’s Lagoon featuring twisting slides, and crazy rivers.
There’s no chance of getting bored at Dedeman Aqua Park in Bodrum, featuring 23 waterslides, a 350 metre river with artificial waves, variety of pools and many different restaurants. For the intrepid swimmer, try the kamikaze slider and several near vertical slides or simply relax in the huge Jacuzzi.
In Fethiye, the Oludeniz Water World Aquapark has all the slides and wave pools that you will want plus a children’s club where kids can recharge their batteries in the shade of the tent while painting, reading or spending time with the professional staff. There are also bars and restaurants where you can take a break from the sun.
Theme parks
Enjoy hours of thrills, fun and entertainment at one of Turkey’s superb theme parks.
Vialand Theme Park just outside Istanbul City is Turkey’s one and only theme park plus shopping complex. You can combine the thrills of riding the rollercoasters, or watching the little ones on the carousels, playgrounds or mini-car circuits with watching shows, movies and visiting a bowling alley. There is also a shopping mall with designer and big name brands of clothing, plus food outlets, making this the perfect day out for all ages.
What little boy or girl doesn’t love dinosaurs! Jurassic Land Istanbul is the biggest dinosaur themed entertainment and education park in Europe. Discover the world of dinosaurs at Jurassic Land located in Bayrampaşa, Forum İstanbul Life and Shopping Centre. Combining education and fun, Jurassic Land features one-to-one moving models of 70 dinosaurs, the largest 4D-6 effect cinema in Turkey. It also includes a laboratory where people both learn and have fun, a show garden and interactive museum.
For something a bit different, Space Camp Turkey uses space technology to educate children in the fields of astronomy and science. Through interactive, space-related simulations, the young people can work in a dynamic, fun-filled environment. It is located in the Aegean Free Zone, a high-tech industrial park in Gaziemir metropolitan district of Izmir.
Beach life
Soft sand, warm waters and plenty of sunshine makes Turkey’s beaches one of the most popular ways to spend a day for the millions of families who visit each year.
Patara beach in Antalya offers a stunning 11 miles of unbroken sand dunes, particularly popular with children for its warm waters and waves suitable for body surfing. The beach is off-limits after sunset to allow for the nocturnal life of the loggerhead sea turtles.
Oludeniz’s blue lagoon has a lovely laid-back vibe and is popular with families. The waters are protected from the winds and surf of the ocean, so great for little ones to go paddling.
Both the beaches in Side are popular. The east beach is a bit quieter and the west is long and very child-friendly and boasts restaurants with private areas and sunbeds.
Mermerli beach in Antalya is a real hidden treasure and tucked away from the hustle and bustle of Antalya's shopping, eating and drinking centre. The cost to enter is about £3.40 at the entrance to the Mermerli restaurant and you will be offered sun loungers and shades and served drinks, ice-creams or freshly cooked food from the restaurant above.
Hot Tip
Tolga Ertukel, Founder of Turkey Homes says: “Children are very welcome in Turkey and you will notice that Turks will take their children everywhere, especially to dinner in the evening.”
Istanbul
