Planning a holiday to Turkey with kids? Turkey has become one of the most popular family holiday destinations for UK families, combining huge all-inclusive resorts with waterparks, sandy beaches, theme parks and plenty of family-friendly days out.
The Antalya region is particularly good for families, with resorts such as Lara Beach, Belek and Side putting you close to some of Turkey’s biggest attractions. Further west, places such as Fethiye, Marmaris and Bodrum offer boat trips, beautiful beaches and more opportunities to explore.
Looking for the best things to do in Turkey with kids? The right activities depend on where you’re staying. Families around Antalya, Belek and Side have easy access to major theme parks and waterparks, while Fethiye, Marmaris and Bodrum are brilliant bases for boat trips, beaches and coastal adventures. Below, we’ve organised the highlights by location and age, with practical tips to help you decide what is worth booking.
Whether you’re travelling with younger children or thrill-seeking teenagers, there’s much more to a Turkey family holiday than staying around the hotel pool.
π‘ Holiday Blueprint Tip: Don’t try to pack an activity into every day. Turkey’s family resorts are often attractions in themselves, so mixing a few big days out with relaxed hotel and beach days usually works best.
π¨ First, Choose the Right Part of Turkey for Your Family
Belek and Lara Beach: Best suited to families prioritising large all-inclusive resorts, hotel waterparks and access to The Land of Legends. Side: A good balance of beaches, family resorts and historic sights. Fethiye, Marmaris and Bodrum: Particularly appealing for coastal scenery, boat trips and exploring beyond the hotel.
Still choosing your resort? Our Best Family Hotels in Turkey guide compares family-friendly properties and helps you explore flight-and-hotel package options before you book separate excursions.
Choose a hotel near the activities your family actually wants to do β travel times between Turkish resort regions can be considerable.
Which Part of Turkey Are You Staying In?
Turkey’s main holiday areas are spread along a very long coastline. A day trip that makes sense from Belek may be impractical from Marmaris. Start with the area closest to your hotel:
| Where you’re staying | Best family days out | Our suggestion |
|---|---|---|
| Belek & Lara Beach | The Land of Legends, hotel waterparks, Antalya attractions | Choose one major attraction day, then enjoy your resort |
| Side | Ancient Side, beaches, Manavgat, nearby waterparks | Mix a short sightseeing trip with a waterpark or beach day |
| Fethiye & ΓlΓΌdeniz | 12 Islands cruises, Blue Lagoon, SaklΔ±kent Gorge | Book a relaxed boat trip and allow time for the coast |
| Marmaris & Δ°Γ§meler | Boat trips, beaches, Dalyan excursions | Pick a family-friendly cruise rather than a party boat |
| Bodrum | Peninsula boat trips, beaches, coastal villages | Plan around the peninsula rather than distant Antalya attractions |
Important: Check the actual pickup point and travel time before booking an excursion. Some tours advertised as being in the same broad region can still involve a long coach journey.
Best Things to Do in Turkey with Kids at a Glance
Turkey has everything from huge theme parks and waterparks to beaches, boat trips and ancient cities. These are some of our top picks for families.
| Attraction / Activity | Best For | Area |
|---|---|---|
| π’ The Land of Legends | π Best Overall Family Day Out | Belek |
| π¦ Waterparks | Waterslides & Pool Days | Antalya Region |
| ποΈ Family Beaches | Relaxed Days | Across Turkey |
| β΅ Family Boat Trips | Exploring the Coast | Fethiye, Marmaris & Bodrum |
| ποΈ Ancient Side | History Without a Long Day Trip | Side |
| π KΓΆprΓΌlΓΌ Canyon | Older Kids & Adventure | Antalya Region |
| π’ Turtle Beaches & Wildlife | Nature & Wildlife | Dalyan Region |
| π Cable Cars & Mountain Trips | Views & Something Different | Antalya Region |
π‘ Holiday Blueprint Pick: If you’re staying around Antalya, Belek, Lara Beach or Side, The Land of Legends would be our first choice for a big family day out. For families staying around Fethiye, Marmaris or Bodrum, we’d make a boat trip one of the highlights of the holiday.
ποΈ Ready to Plan Your Family Days Out?
Staying near Belek or Antalya? Compare The Land of Legends tickets. Staying around Fethiye, Marmaris or Bodrum? Explore coastal boat trips. Check the meeting point, transfer options, minimum ages and cancellation terms before booking.
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The Land of Legends Theme Park
If you’re visiting Turkey with kids, The Land of Legends in Belek is one of the biggest family days out in the Antalya region.
It’s much more than a traditional theme park. The resort combines roller coasters, family rides, huge water attractions and themed areas, making it particularly good for families with children of different ages.
π’ Rides & Roller Coasters
Older children and teenagers have some genuinely big rides to tackle.
The Hyper Coaster is the headline thrill ride, while Adventure Land also includes attractions such as the Typhoon Coaster and Family Coaster.
There are plenty of gentler attractions too, so younger children don’t have to spend the day watching everyone else have fun.
π¦ Waterparks & Slides
Bring swimwear because a large part of The Land of Legends experience involves water.
The park has extensive waterslide and pool areas alongside its theme park rides, making it possible to combine a theme park and waterpark day rather than choosing between the two.
𧽠Nickelodeon Land
Families with younger children should make time for Nickelodeon Land, featuring themed areas and attractions based around characters including SpongeBob SquarePants and PAW Patrol.
This makes The Land of Legends much more appealing for families who aren’t travelling purely for the big thrill rides.
π¨βπ©βπ§ Is The Land of Legends Good for Different Ages?
Yes β but check ride restrictions before promising children particular attractions.
Some rides have minimum height requirements, including the bigger coasters. Check the parkβs current official ride restrictions before booking or promising a particular ride to your children.
π‘ Holiday Blueprint Tip: Treat The Land of Legends as a full-day attraction. If your family wants to experience both the rides and water attractions, arriving early gives you much more chance of fitting everything in.
ποΈ Book The Land of Legends Tickets
Planning a day at The Land of Legends? Check current ticket options and availability before you travel.
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Best Waterparks in Turkey for Families
Turkey’s warm summer weather makes waterparks one of the easiest ways to break up a family holiday, and there are several excellent options around the main tourist resorts.
π¦ The Land of Legends Water Attractions β Belek
The Land of Legends isn’t only about roller coasters. Its extensive water attractions mean families can combine rides, pools and waterslides during the same visit.
If you’re already planning a day at the theme park, we’d usually make this your main waterpark experience rather than booking another big attraction immediately afterwards.
π Waterhill Water Park β Antalya
Waterhill is a dedicated waterpark in Antalya with a mixture of waterslides, pools and family attractions.
It’s particularly convenient for families staying around Antalya and Lara Beach who want a waterpark day without travelling far along the coast.
π§ AquaJoy Waterpark β Side
Families staying around Side can consider AquaJoy for a day away from the hotel.
It offers a mixture of waterslides and pool areas, making it a useful option if your hotel doesn’t have a substantial waterpark of its own.
π¨ Don’t Forget Your Hotel Waterpark
Some of Turkey’s family hotels have waterparks large enough that you may not need to pay for a separate waterpark day at all.
Hotels such as AQI Pegasos World, Delphin BE Grand Resort and Eftalia Splash Resort are particularly worth considering if waterslides are one of your children’s priorities.
π‘ Holiday Blueprint Tip: Before buying separate waterpark tickets, check exactly what your hotel already includes. Choosing a hotel with a substantial waterpark can save a family a surprising amount of money over a week or two.
π¦ Looking for a Turkey Hotel with a Waterpark?
We’ve compared some of Turkey’s best family resorts, including hotels with huge pools, waterslides, kids’ clubs and all-inclusive facilities.
SEE THE BEST TURKEY FAMILY HOTELS β
Family Boat Trips in Turkey
A boat trip is one of our favourite ways to spend a day when visiting Turkey with kids, particularly if you’re staying on the Aegean or Mediterranean coast.
Family boat trips usually combine several swimming stops with coastal scenery and time to relax on board, making them a nice change from theme parks and busy resort days.
β΅ Fethiye Boat Trips
Fethiye is one of the best areas for boat trips, with routes exploring the bays and islands around the Gulf of Fethiye.
The famous 12 Islands boat trips are particularly popular, usually stopping several times during the day for swimming and relaxing.
β Marmaris Boat Trips
Marmaris has a huge choice of boat excursions, ranging from relaxed family cruises to trips visiting nearby bays, caves and beaches.
For families, we’d favour one of the more relaxed cruises rather than the louder party-style boats.
π Bodrum Boat Trips
Bodrum is another excellent base for exploring Turkey’s coastline by boat.
Trips typically visit secluded bays and swimming spots around the Bodrum Peninsula, giving families the chance to see a completely different side of the area.
π¨βπ©βπ§ Are Turkey Boat Trips Good with Children?
Generally, yes β but check the individual excursion before booking.
Look at the length of the trip, number of swimming stops, shade available on board, lunch arrangements and suitability for younger children. Families travelling with toddlers may prefer a shorter cruise rather than spending an entire day at sea.
π‘ Holiday Blueprint Tip: Pack more sun protection than you think you’ll need. The breeze on a boat can make it feel cooler while the reflection from the water increases your exposure to the sun.
β΅ Find Family Boat Trips in Turkey
From relaxed coastal cruises to island-hopping and swimming trips, compare boat trips available around Turkey’s main family resorts.
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Best Beaches in Turkey with Kids
One of the biggest advantages of a family holiday in Turkey is the coastline. Many of the main resorts have beaches within easy reach of family hotels, while others make excellent days out when you want to explore beyond the resort.
ποΈ Lara Beach β Antalya
Lara Beach is one of the easiest choices for families staying near Antalya.
The long beach is backed by many of Turkey’s large all-inclusive family resorts, so it’s particularly convenient if you want a holiday where the beach, pools and hotel facilities are all close together.
π Side Beaches
Side combines a family beach holiday with one of Turkey’s most interesting historic towns.
There are beaches on both sides of the old town, making it possible to spend part of the day swimming and relaxing before exploring the ancient ruins and harbour later.
ποΈ ΓlΓΌdeniz β Fethiye
ΓlΓΌdeniz is one of Turkey’s most recognisable coastal destinations, famous for its turquoise water, mountain scenery and Blue Lagoon.
It’s a beautiful family day out from the Fethiye area, although it can become very busy during the main summer season.
π’ Δ°ztuzu Beach β Dalyan
Δ°ztuzu Beach is famous for its connection with loggerhead sea turtles and is a great choice for families who enjoy wildlife and nature.
The protected beach stretches between the Mediterranean and the Dalyan river system and feels very different from Turkey’s large resort beaches.
π Δ°Γ§meler Beach β Marmaris Area
Δ°Γ§meler is a good option for families staying around Marmaris who prefer a slightly more relaxed setting.
The bay is surrounded by mountains and has plenty of nearby restaurants and facilities, making it straightforward to combine with a day away from the main Marmaris resort area.
π‘ Holiday Blueprint Tip: Don’t assume the beach immediately outside your hotel will be the best one in the area. If you’re staying for 10β14 days, we’d choose at least one day to explore a different beach or coastal town.
Explore Ancient Side with Kids
Turkey has some incredible ancient sites, but Ancient Side is one of the easiest to experience on a family holiday because the ruins sit right alongside the modern resort town.
Rather than spending hours travelling inland, families staying around Side can combine a few hours of sightseeing with lunch, shopping or time at the beach.
ποΈ Temple of Apollo
The Temple of Apollo is Side’s most recognisable landmark, sitting close to the coast and harbour.
It’s particularly impressive around sunset and is easy to include while walking around Side’s old town.
π Ancient Theatre of Side
The enormous ancient theatre gives children a much better idea of the scale of the Roman city than simply looking at ruins from a distance.
Families interested in history can also explore other archaeological remains around Side without needing to make it an exhausting full-day excursion.
π¨βπ©βπ§ Is Ancient Side Worth Visiting with Children?
We think so, especially with school-age children and teenagers.
Younger children probably won’t want hours of archaeology, so we’d keep the visit fairly relaxed and combine the historic sights with something they enjoy afterwards.
π‘ Holiday Blueprint Tip: Visit Ancient Side later in the afternoon if you’re travelling during the hotter months. Exploring exposed archaeological sites around the middle of the day can be uncomfortable for children β and adults!
KΓΆprΓΌlΓΌ Canyon with Kids
If your family prefers adventure to another day around the pool, KΓΆprΓΌlΓΌ Canyon National Park is one of the most popular outdoor day trips from the Antalya region.
The dramatic canyon and KΓΆprΓΌΓ§ay River provide the setting for activities including rafting, canyon adventures and ziplining, with excursions available from many of the main tourist resorts.
πΆ Family Rafting
Rafting is one of the biggest attractions at KΓΆprΓΌlΓΌ Canyon.
Many organised excursions combine stretches of white-water rafting with calmer sections, swimming stops and lunch. However, minimum ages and participation requirements vary between operators, so always check the specific trip before booking for children.
π² Rafting, Zipline & Adventure Packages
Older children and teenagers may prefer one of the combination experiences that adds activities such as ziplining or canyoning to the rafting.
These can make a brilliant change of pace if you’ve already spent several days enjoying the beach, hotel and waterparks.
π¨βπ©βπ§ Is KΓΆprΓΌlΓΌ Canyon Suitable for Families?
Yes, but this is one attraction where we’d choose the excursion based on your children’s ages, confidence and swimming ability rather than simply booking the most exciting-looking package.
Families with very young children may be better choosing a more relaxed day out elsewhere.
π‘ Holiday Blueprint Tip: Read the individual excursion requirements carefully before booking. Age restrictions and included activities can differ considerably between rafting operators.
πΆ Find KΓΆprΓΌlΓΌ Canyon Rafting Trips
Ready for something more adventurous? Compare rafting and outdoor experiences at KΓΆprΓΌlΓΌ Canyon, with options available from several of Turkey’s main family resorts.
Affiliate link: We may earn a commission if you book through this link, at no extra cost to you.
Dalyan & Turtle Beach with Kids
For families staying around the Dalaman, Fethiye or Marmaris region, a trip to Dalyan offers something completely different from Turkey’s theme parks and all-inclusive resorts.
The area is famous for the Dalyan River, dramatic rock-cut tombs and Δ°ztuzu Beach, an important nesting area for loggerhead sea turtles.
π’ Δ°ztuzu Turtle Beach
Δ°ztuzu is often known simply as Turtle Beach because loggerhead turtles use the protected beach as a nesting site.
There’s no guarantee you’ll actually see a turtle during your visit, so we wouldn’t promise children a sighting, but learning about the conservation work can still make this a memorable family day out.
β΅ Dalyan River Boats
One of the most enjoyable ways to reach the area is by boat along the Dalyan River.
The journey through the reeds is part of the experience, with views towards the impressive Lycian rock tombs carved into the cliffs above the river.
π¨βπ©βπ§ Is Dalyan Good for Children?
We think Dalyan works particularly well for families who want a day combining boats, wildlife, scenery and beach time rather than another high-energy attraction.
It’s also a nice contrast if you’ve already visited several waterparks or theme parks during your holiday.
π‘ Holiday Blueprint Tip: Treat seeing a turtle as a bonus rather than the purpose of the trip. Wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed, and Δ°ztuzu’s conservation story is interesting even if the turtles decide not to make an appearance.
Cable Cars & Mountain Trips in Turkey
If you want a break from beaches and waterparks, heading into the mountains can be one of the most memorable things to do in Turkey with kids.
Families staying around Antalya have several opportunities to swap the coast for cooler mountain air and spectacular views.
π Olympos Teleferik β Mount TahtalΔ±
The Olympos Teleferik takes visitors up Mount TahtalΔ±, rising dramatically above Turkey’s Mediterranean coastline.
The cable car climbs to a summit station more than 2,000 metres above sea level, where families can enjoy panoramic views across the mountains and coast.
The journey itself is a big part of the experience for children, particularly if they’ve never travelled high into the mountains by cable car before.
β°οΈ Is Mount TahtalΔ± Good with Kids?
For families who enjoy scenery and something a little different, absolutely.
It works particularly well as a change from Turkey’s more energetic attractions and can be enjoyable with both school-age children and teenagers.
Remember that temperatures at the summit can be considerably cooler than at your resort, even when it’s hot down on the coast.
π Other Cable Cars Around Antalya
Depending on where you’re staying, there are other cable-car experiences around the Antalya region, including options closer to Antalya city.
These can be easier to fit into a sightseeing day if you don’t want to travel all the way towards Mount TahtalΔ±.
π‘ Holiday Blueprint Tip: Check the weather before travelling. Mountain cloud can dramatically reduce the views, so if your holiday dates are flexible, save this trip for a clear day.
Shopping & Markets in Turkey with Kids
Shopping in Turkey can be a fun experience for the whole family, especially in the colourful bazaars and local markets found in popular holiday resorts.
Children will enjoy browsing stalls packed with souvenirs, Turkish sweets, colourful lamps, football shirts and gifts, while parents can pick up everything from spices and ceramics to bags and clothing.
Popular family resorts including Antalya, Side, Marmaris and Fethiye all have markets worth exploring. Haggling is common in many tourist markets, so don’t be afraid to negotiate the price β it can be part of the experience.
For families, an evening visit can be particularly enjoyable when the temperature is cooler. Just keep younger children close in the busier bazaars, as they can become crowded during the summer months.
π‘ Holiday Blueprint Tip: Donβt accept the first price youβre offered in Turkeyβs tourist markets. Friendly haggling is expected in many bazaars, and starting below the asking price is all part of the experience. Take some Turkish lira as well as a card, as smaller stalls may prefer cash.
Turkish Food to Try with Kids
Trying the local food can be one of the most enjoyable parts of a family holiday in Turkey, and there are plenty of dishes that even fussy eaters may enjoy.
Turkish pide is a great place to start. Often described as a Turkish-style pizza, it comes with a variety of toppings including cheese, chicken and minced meat. KΓΆfte β small grilled meatballs β is another family favourite and is usually served with rice, chips or salad.
For something quick, gΓΆzleme is a thin Turkish flatbread filled with ingredients such as cheese, potato or spinach and cooked on a hot griddle. You’ll often find it freshly prepared in markets and around tourist resorts.
And don’t forget dessert. Baklava is probably Turkey’s most famous sweet treat, while Turkish ice cream β known as dondurma β is particularly fun for children thanks to the playful way many vendors serve it.
Families staying in the main tourist resorts will also find plenty of familiar food, so you won’t have to persuade the kids to eat Turkish cuisine at every meal.
π‘ Holiday Blueprint Tip: Encourage the kids to choose one new Turkish food to try during the holiday. Pide and kΓΆfte are good starting points for fussy eaters, while getting a Turkish ice cream can become an experience in itself.
Best Family Day Trips in Turkey
If you want to explore beyond your resort, Turkey has some brilliant family day trips combining scenery, history and adventure.
One of the best options for families staying around Antalya and Side is a trip to the spectacular Manavgat Waterfall, which can easily be combined with a visit to Manavgat’s market or a boat trip along the river.
Families staying around Fethiye can visit SaklΔ±kent Gorge, where wooden walkways lead into one of Turkey’s most impressive natural attractions. Older children and teenagers may particularly enjoy exploring further into the gorge when conditions allow.
Another memorable option is a trip to Pamukkale, famous for its striking white terraces and thermal waters. It’s a longer day from many of Turkey’s beach resorts, but the unusual landscape makes it one of the country’s most distinctive sights.
π‘ Holiday Blueprint Tip: Check travelling times before booking a Turkey day trip with younger children. Some excursions to places such as Pamukkale involve several hours on a coach, so a closer half-day adventure may be a better choice for younger families.
π€ Browse More Turkey Excursions
Looking for a day out beyond your resort? Explore available Turkey excursions and check the itinerary, pickup area and included activities before choosing a trip.
For a Manavgat outing, look for an itinerary that specifically includes the river cruise, waterfall or market stops you want β not every excursion covers all three.
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Best Evening Activities in Turkey with Kids
Evenings in Turkey can be just as enjoyable as the daytime, particularly during the summer when temperatures become much more comfortable after sunset.
Family resorts such as Side, Antalya, Marmaris and Fethiye come alive in the evening, with waterfront promenades, shops, restaurants and ice-cream stalls staying open until late.
A walk along the harbour or seafront is one of the easiest ways to spend an evening with children. Many resorts also have small amusement areas, playgrounds and family entertainment, while older children and teenagers may enjoy browsing the shops and lively bazaars.
If youβre staying near Side, the illuminated Temple of Apollo is particularly impressive around sunset. In Antalya, families can spend an evening exploring the Old Town and harbour, while Marmaris and Fethiye both have attractive waterfront areas that are ideal for an after-dinner stroll.
π‘ Holiday Blueprint Tip: Turkish families often stay out much later than UK families, particularly during summer. Donβt feel you need to rush back to the hotel after dinner β an evening walk, ice cream and a browse around the shops can be one of the nicest parts of a family holiday in Turkey.
Is Turkey Good for Families?
Turkey is an excellent choice for a family holiday, particularly if youβre looking for warm weather, family-friendly hotels and plenty of things to do away from the pool.
Popular resorts such as Antalya, Side, Belek, Marmaris and Fethiye offer a huge choice of family activities, from waterparks and beaches to boat trips, ancient ruins and outdoor adventures.
Turkey can work particularly well for families with older children and teenagers. Theme parks such as The Land of Legends, white-water rafting, canyon trips and watersports provide plenty of options for families who want a more active holiday.
Families with younger children are well catered for too, with large all-inclusive resorts, kidsβ clubs, shallow pools and sandy beaches available across many of the main holiday areas.
Another advantage is choice. You can spend the entire holiday relaxing at an all-inclusive resort, or use it as a base to explore some of Turkeyβs incredible scenery, historic sites and attractions.
π‘ Holiday Blueprint Tip: When choosing where to stay, donβt look at the hotel alone. Check whatβs within easy reach of the resort too. Picking the right area can make a huge difference if you want to combine pool days with family days out.
Best Turkey Activities by Age
| Children’s ages | Good options to consider |
|---|---|
| Babies & toddlers | Hotel splash pools, shaded beach time, short promenades and gentle boat outings where suitable |
| Ages 5β10 | Waterparks with suitable slides, family rides, shorter cruises and Ancient Side |
| Ages 11β15 | The Land of Legends, bigger water slides, boat trips, gorge visits and suitable outdoor adventures |
| Older teenagers | Thrill rides, watersports, rafting and adventure combinations, subject to operator rules |
Age alone isn’t enough to judge suitability: check ride height limits, swimming ability, activity requirements and the length of any transfers.
What Age Is Turkey Best For?
Turkey works well for children of almost any age, but the best resort and activities will depend on the age of your children.
Families with babies and toddlers may prefer the large all-inclusive resorts around Antalya, Belek and Side, where pools, kidsβ clubs, restaurants and entertainment are all within easy reach.
Primary-school-age children have even more choice, with waterparks, beaches, boat trips and family attractions providing plenty to do outside the hotel.
Turkey is particularly good for families with older children and teenagers. Activities such as white-water rafting, canyon adventures, watersports and theme parks can make it a great alternative to a traditional beach holiday.
If youβre travelling with children of different ages, choosing a resort with plenty of facilities and then adding a couple of family day trips can be a good way to keep everyone happy.
π‘ Holiday Blueprint Tip: Donβt try to fill every day with excursions. Turkeyβs heat can be tiring during the summer, so alternating busy sightseeing days with relaxing hotel or beach days usually works much better with children.
Is Turkey Safe for a Family Holiday?
Turkeyβs main tourist resorts are popular with families from the UK, and areas such as Antalya, Belek, Side, Marmaris and Fethiye have a well-established tourism industry.
As with any overseas holiday, itβs sensible to take normal precautions. Keep an eye on belongings in busy areas, use reputable excursion and transfer providers, and make sure you have suitable travel insurance before travelling.
Families should also be particularly careful with the Turkish sun during the summer months. Temperatures can become very high, so pack plenty of sunscreen, encourage children to drink regularly and consider planning outdoor activities for the morning or later afternoon.
Before travelling, always check the latest UK government travel advice, as guidance can change.
π‘ Holiday Blueprint Tip: Save a copy of your travel insurance details and passport information somewhere you can access from your phone. It can make things much easier if you need them while youβre away.
How Many Days Do You Need in Turkey with Kids?
For a family beach holiday in Turkey, 7 to 10 days gives you enough time to enjoy the hotel and pool while still fitting in a couple of days out.
A week works well if you mainly want an all-inclusive break with one or two excursions. Families who want to explore more of the surrounding area may find 10 to 14 days a better option.
With two weeks, you can comfortably mix relaxing days with waterparks, boat trips, historical attractions and family adventures without making the holiday feel rushed.
Remember that Turkey is a large country, so trying to visit attractions in completely different resort areas during one holiday can involve long travelling times. Itβs usually better to choose the best things to do close to where youβre staying.
π‘ Holiday Blueprint Tip: For a 10 to 14-night family holiday, try alternating an excursion day with a quieter pool or beach day. Youβll see plenty of Turkey without everyone needing another holiday to recover!
FAQs About Visiting Turkey with Kids
Is Turkey good for kids?
Yes. Turkey is particularly well suited to family holidays, with large family-friendly resorts, sandy beaches, waterparks, boat trips, theme parks and plenty of outdoor activities. There is enough variety for younger children as well as teenagers.
Which part of Turkey is best for families?
Antalya, Belek and Side are excellent choices for families wanting large resorts, waterparks and plenty of organised activities. Marmaris and Fethiye are also great options if you want beautiful scenery, boat trips and easy access to family days out.
Is Antalya or Marmaris better for families?
Antalya and the surrounding resorts generally offer a larger choice of luxury all-inclusive family hotels and major attractions such as The Land of Legends. Marmaris has a lively waterfront, beaches and excellent boat trips. The better choice depends on whether your family prioritises resort facilities and attractions or a smaller coastal resort atmosphere.
What are the best things to do in Turkey with teenagers?
Some of the best activities for teenagers include The Land of Legends, white-water rafting, canyon adventures, watersports, boat trips, waterparks and cable-car trips into the mountains.
Can children go on excursions in Turkey?
Yes, many excursions in Turkey are suitable for children, although minimum ages can apply to activities such as rafting and some adventure tours. Always check the individual excursion details before booking.
Do you need a car in Turkey with kids?
Not necessarily. Families staying in the main tourist resorts can use organised excursions, hotel transfers, taxis and local transport for most days out. Hiring a car can give you more flexibility if you want to explore independently.
Final Thoughts: The Best Things to Do in Turkey with Kids
Turkey is a brilliant destination for a family holiday because thereβs so much more to do than simply spend the week around the hotel pool.
From huge waterparks and theme parks to boat trips, beautiful beaches, ancient ruins, mountain cable cars and outdoor adventures, there are activities for children of almost every age. Families with teenagers are particularly well catered for, with plenty of more adventurous experiences to choose from.
The key is not trying to do everything. Choose a few activities close to your resort, leave plenty of time for relaxing and youβll get a great balance between exploring Turkey and enjoying your family holiday.
If youβre still deciding where to stay, take a look at our Best Family Hotels in Turkey guide to find the right base for your trip.
π‘ Holiday Blueprint Tip: Pick two or three must-do activities before you travel and leave the rest of your itinerary flexible. Some of the best family holiday days are often the ones you didnβt plan.
