Welcome to Istanbul, where East meets West, history meets modern life, and you finally get the family trip you didn’t know you needed.

At first glance, this larger-than-life city might seem like a destination best suited for adults, with its centuries-old mosques, palaces, and bustling bazaars. But as a city straddling Europe and Asia, there's no shortage of fun things to do with kids in Istanbul.

First things first: Any epic family trip starts with choosing the right hotel. Novotel Istanbul Zeytinburnu offers the comfort and convenience everyone needs. You’ll find spacious connecting rooms, as well as onsite dining with kid-friendly menus.

Best of all, you’ll be close to all the best things to do with kids in Istanbul, like Vialand, Istanbul Dolphinarium, Emirgan Park, and the Istanbul Aquarium (we'll get to the complete itinerary shortly). At the hotel, there’s also a play area for the little ones, as well as a gym and spa for parents who want to unwind. It really doesn’t get any better – or easier – than this. And with your stay sorted, you’ll be ready to explore this vibrant city.

This tailored itinerary highlights the best things to do in Istanbul with kids, including interactive museums, outdoor adventures, markets, and theme parks. It’s designed for a three-day trip, but can easily be adapted to suit any holiday length – or pace! You’ll also find practical advice for navigating the city with little ones, so make sure to bookmark this page and get ready for an unforgettable family holiday.

Sightseeing can be a fun and memorable thing to do with kids in Istanbul. Two of the city's most famous landmarks – the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque – are surprisingly child-friendly when approached with an open mind. The domes, mosaics, and towering minarets captivate children and teens as much as adults.

Fun tip: encourage kids to look for patterns and symbols, turning the visit into a game of discovery.

It’s also a good idea to visit early in the morning to avoid crowds. Bring a lightweight stroller, and explain the historical importance of these two landmarks in simple language.

The Topkapi Palace feels like stepping into a storybook. Children can imagine royal life back in the day, because who doesn’t like learning about sultans and Ottoman conquests? The palace gardens also provide space to run around and enjoy a snack break in the warm Istanbul sun. This is definitely one of the most engaging things to do with kids in Istanbul.

With its grand columns and glowing waters, the Basilica Cistern is an underground mystery that fascinates older children and teens alike. The air is damp, the light is dimmed, and Medusa's snake heads hidden in the shadows will spark imagination and (questions) – so be ready to chat with the little ones about this mystical place!

Located on the European side of Istanbul, Florya Beach is a great place to spend the day. You'll be able to enjoy long white stretches of sand, seaside restaurants, and lounge beds with umbrellas. Just be sure to stay vigilant and keep an eye on your belongings and (little ones!) just like you would at any public beach.

Families – and even couples – love Emirgan Park. It’s a beautiful, spacious garden filled with vibrant trees, walking trails, and natural scenery, making it one of the best things to do in Istanbul with kids. Parents can relax in nature and enjoy a picnic, while children can run around freely to burn off energy. In springtime, the citywide Tulip Festival is also held here, adding a burst of colour and beauty.

Vialand has plenty of things to do with kids in Istanbul. With roller coasters, gentle rides for younger children, and live entertainment, it’s also the ultimate destination for thrill-seekers. Often called the “Turkish Disneyland,” this sprawling theme park is home to exciting rides, family-friendly attractions, and water rides. Teens will love the adrenaline, while little ones can enjoy the carnival atmosphere. You’ll also find a great selection of cafés, shops, and restaurants.

This isn’t just a fun thing to do with kids in Istanbul – this is for everybody. After all, who doesn’t love adorable bottlenose dolphins and sea lions? At the Istanbul Dolphinarium, families can watch live performances by both dolphins and sea lions. It's also home to a beluga whale, along with walruses and seals. Kids will enjoy educational shows that highlight marine life in a fun and engaging way.

As you pass the white wooden doors and shutters of this whimsical museum, you’ll be greeted by two towering nutcrackers painted in bold black and red. The Istanbul Toy Museum feels like a maze straight out of Alice in Wonderland. Founded by a Turkish poet, the museum showcases thousands of toys from around the world. Parents will love the nostalgia, while children can enjoy the enchanting displays. It’s a lighthearted break from historical sightseeing and definitely one of the more fun things to do with kids in Istanbul.

This interactive science and technology museum is just a 15-minute cab ride from Novotel Istanbul Zeytinburnu. It’s one of the best things to do in Istanbul with kids who are curious and inquisitive. Exhibits range from vintage cars and planes to hands-on experiments. Families used to be able to step inside a real submarine – yes, you heard that right. Just offshore from the museum sat a decommissioned WWII-era vessel: the USS Thornback, a U.S. Navy submarine measuring about 93 meters in length. It was a memorable part of the museum experience where visitors could go inside, though it has reportedly been moved elsewhere for renovations.

One of the world’s largest aquariums, the Istanbul Aquarium in Florya has themed zones, walk-through tunnels, and touch pools that keep children engaged for hours. It’s also just a 15-minute drive from Novotel Istanbul Zeytinburnu.

Markets in Istanbul deserve a spot of their own, simply because they're captivating and so full of life. From street food and handmade leather goods to fragrant spices, teas, and baklava oozing with honey, every corner holds a sensory surprise.

You can easily pair a market visit with another activity on Day 1, 2, or 3 of your trip. But if you have the time, Istanbul’s bazaars are definitely worth stretching your itinerary for. Wandering through the Grand Bazaar or Spice Bazaar feels like stepping into a living storybook, where colours and aromas swirl around you.

At the Grand Bazaar, children can check out traditional lamps, carpets, and trinkets. Just make sure to keep an eye on the little ones so they don't get lost in the crowds.

Also, traditional Turkish food is perfect for families, and there are endless options and restaurants near the Grand Bazaar. Kids usually enjoy pide (Turkish pizza), kebabs, and treats like baklava, sweet corn, or Turkish delights. Many restaurants also provide high chairs and welcome children warmly.

Getting around Istanbul is safe and easy, with trams and taxis making things convenient, especially when you’ve got a stroller.

Most big attractions offer many fun things to do with kids in Istanbul – and you’ll find that many families with strollers are also exploring the city or picnicking at various parks. Just watch out for those bumpy cobblestones in the Old City.

Spring and autumn are the best times to visit, when the weather is mild enough for outdoor adventures. While Turkish is the main language, you’ll find many English speakers in tourist areas. Still, greeting locals with a cheerful Merhaba (hello) can spark smiles.

If you plan to extend your trip, start by exploring more places to visit in Istanbul, where you’ll find recommendations for hidden spots and must-see landmarks.

Yes, Istanbul is very family-friendly. It offers many landmarks, theme parks, aquariums, and green spaces that appeal to all ages. Restaurants and hotels are welcoming to families, and most attractions provide child-friendly facilities.

Families with toddlers will enjoy Emirgan Park for its playgrounds, the Istanbul Toy Museum for colourful (and whimsical) exhibits, and the aquarium for an immersive ocean journey. Many eateries provide high chairs and child-friendly menus, making mealtimes easier.

Teens can enjoy thrilling rides at Vialand, exploring the mysterious Basilica Cistern, or bargaining at the Grand Bazaar. Interactive museums like Rahmi M. Koç Museum also keep older children entertained with science and history. Also, if your teen is a foodie, then Istanbul is definitely in the right place!

Novotel Istanbul Zeytinburnu is an excellent choice, offering family rooms, play areas, and easy access to kid-friendly attractions. Parents can also relax with an onsite spa and dining options. For more choices, see Novotel's family-friendly hotels in Istanbul.

Spring (April-June) and autumn (September-October) are the best months to visit Istanbul. The weather is mild, crowds are manageable, and outdoor attractions like Emirgan Park and the Bosporus are very enjoyable for families.

Public transport is accessible, though trams and ferries are easier with strollers than buses. Sidewalks in the Old City can be uneven, so lightweight strollers are recommended. Taxis and Uber are convenient options for shorter journeys.