✈️ Where to go in Turkey with kids: 10 Riviera resorts and their beaches

Families travel to Turkey with kids for the warm sea, gentle entry into the water, and hotels with water parks. The only challenge: there are dozens of resorts, and they all behave differently.

The season on the Turkish Riviera runs from May through late October, and the water stays warm in September as well. Side and Belek are chosen for their shallow waters, Kemer and Fethiye for the mountains and greenery, and Antalya for having a big city close at hand.

Below are ten Turkish Riviera resorts most often chosen for family trips. For each one: the character of the place, the sea and beach, entertainment, and a hotel reference point.

💡 In short:

The list covers ten Turkish Riviera resorts for family vacations.
Look for shallow water in Side and Belek, mountains and greenery in Kemer and Fethiye.
Season, sea, and resort infrastructure: 09/2026, according to the official tourism portal of Turkey.

Ad: this article contains affiliate links, we earn a commission if you book through them, at no extra cost to you.

1. Alanya

💡 In short:

The list covers ten Turkish Riviera resorts for family vacations.
Look for shallow water in Side and Belek, mountains and greenery in Kemer and Fethiye.
Season, sea, and resort infrastructure: 09/2026, according to the official tourism portal of Turkey.

Ataturk Monument in Alanya with palm trees

Alanya sits in the eastern part of the Riviera, in a bay between mountains and orange groves. It is an easy entry point to a Turkish family summer: hotels with water parks here are cheaper than farther west along the coast.

Cleopatra Beach stretches along the western part of the city. The entry into the sea is gentle and sandy, and the shallow water extends far from the shore. Families with kids choose it more often than others: there are almost no waves, and the depth increases gradually. Look for a hotel closer to this stretch, so you won't have to drive to the beach.

Outside the city, coniferous forests and waterfall valleys begin, and stalactite caves are hidden in the cliffs, where it stays cool even in the hottest weather. Along the coast you can rent jet skis and banana boats, and there is a water park. In the evening, the calmest spots are the promenade and the harbor, where boats depart for sightseeing trips along the shore.

Hotels in Alanya on Trip.com

2. Antalya

Pirate tour boats in the old harbor of Antalya

Antalya is larger than the other resorts on this list. Here the sea comes with a big city attached, so you can easily swap the beach for walks, museums, and shopping. Hotel complexes are designed for families: playgrounds, pools, kids' clubs, show programs, and on-site cafes.

Azure bays wash well-maintained beaches, while mountains and cliffs with waterfalls rise around them. City streets, squares, and promenades are landscaped with parks, fountains, and sculptures.

For kids, keep a water park, an aquarium, a dolphinarium, and an amusement park in reserve: in the heat you can spend a whole day there. These complexes operate all season, so you won't have to look for entertainment outside the city.

Adults should check out the historic Kaleiçi quarter. It has preserved fortress walls, a clock tower, mosques, and minarets, with narrow streets, wooden houses, and small museums tucked between them. The resort suits those who want to alternate beach time with city walks. If you are traveling with kids for the first time, start with the promenade: the shore is flat, cafes are nearby, and you can leave the car by the park.

Hotels in Antalya on Trip.com

3. Belek

Belek grew recently and immediately as a premium-class resort. Eucalyptus, cedar, and pine forests combined with the sea breeze create a special microclimate here, so it feels easier to breathe in the heat.

Hotels sit on the first line along long sandy beaches. The sand is yellow, the bays are shallow and warm, so swimming with kids is comfortable. The catch for those who like city life: outside the walls of the complexes there is almost no urban life, everything revolves around the hotel.

Caretta caretta turtles nest on Belek's public beaches. They lay eggs right next to the hotels, and the nests are fenced off and protected (according to Turkiye Today, 06/2026). For kids, this is a reason to look at the nests in the evening and not touch them.

Hotels offer plenty of entertainment: pools, theme parks, a dolphinarium, and an aquarium. Along the coast you will find conditions for water sports.

Hotels in Belek on Trip.com

4. Bodrum

Bodrum opens the western shore of the Aegean Sea. Secluded bays with turquoise water, pine forests, cliffs, and white houses make it the most photogenic resort on this list.

Hotels stretch along the coastline, and each category has its own section of beach. The entry into the water is gentle, the beaches are sandy, with loungers and umbrellas. Kids have playgrounds, pools, and a water park, while you can enjoy a yacht trip or an excursion.

In the evening, Bodrum transforms: it has more nightlife, discos, and restaurants than the other resorts. If you're traveling with little ones, pick a hotel away from that part of town.

Ancient history sits right next door: the Castle of St. Peter, an amphitheater, the ruins of the Mausoleum, windmills, and fortress walls. You can cover some of them on foot in a day.

Hotels in Bodrum on Trip.com

5. Kemer

Panorama of Kemer with mountains and sea

Kemer lies in a bay at the foot of mountains covered with coniferous forest. The sea here is emerald, the air smells of pine, and the hotels are geared toward families with children: kids' clubs, pools, and small water parks on site.

Kemer's beaches are mixed, with sand alternating with pebbles. The catch for little ones: on pebbly stretches, getting into the water is awkward, so bring water shoes. On the plus side, many beaches carry the Blue Flag, which confirms water quality. That designation is only given to areas with verified standards.

Active families will find everything in one place here: jet skis, water skiing, banana boats, catamarans, diving, and paragliding. School-age kids can handle a river rafting trip through a canyon and hikes along mountain trails.

The surrounding area has ruins of ancient settlements you can visit on a half-day trip.

Hotels in Kemer on Trip.com

6. Side

Ancient ruins with arched opening and niches

Side grew out of a fishing village on a small peninsula and is entirely oriented toward family vacations. Modern hotels stand next to ancient ruins, and that's the main feature of the place.

The beaches here are snow-white and golden, the water is shallow, so kids can swim safely. The streets are lined with juniper, palm, and cypress trees. Every hotel offers its own kids' program: pools with slides, playgrounds, entertainers, and evening shows.

Take a walk through the old town: the ruins of the Temple of Apollo, an amphitheater, remnants of columns, mosques, and wooden houses have survived. With kids, walk to the Temple of Apollo at sunset, where you can capture the sea and the ruins in one frame.

Along the coast you have access to boat trips, water skiing and jet skiing, fishing, and diving.

Hotels in Side on Trip.com

7. Marmaris

Panorama of Marmaris harbor with yachts and castle

Marmaris sits among tall pine-covered hills, between the promenade and hotel complexes. The harbor is surrounded by islands with rocky ridges, so the bays are protected from waves.

The sea in the coves is calm, with gentle currents. If your child is just learning to swim, this is convenient: you can swim nearby while they stay close to the shore. Sailing, diving, snorkeling, jet skis, and water skiing are all available right here.

The beaches are sandy, grayish in tone, with a gentle entry, loungers, and shade canopies. Some of them carry the Blue Flag for water quality and safety.

Kids have playgrounds, entertainment programs, and theme parks with water attractions. The town center is packed with nightlife and discos, which adults will appreciate.

Yachts and boats sit in the harbor, and you can hire one for a sea excursion.

Hotels in Marmaris on Trip.com

8. Fethiye

Fethiye spreads out along a turquoise bay on the Mediterranean. It is the calmest resort on this list: the town is quiet, the surrounding nature is almost untouched, and there are no noisy streets in the evening.

The town is surrounded by hills with dense coniferous forest, and centuries-old pines and cedars fill the air with fragrance. The beaches here are sandy and pebbly, the water is crystal clear, and small islands are scattered across the sea.

Hotels in Fethiye specialize in family vacations. Their grounds are large and green: pools, slides, and play areas are all on site, so you can stay within the complex without going anywhere.

You won't be bored: sailing, jet skiing, boat trips, and paragliding are all available. A trip to Butterfly Valley, where colorful insects cover the rocks, is worth adding to your itinerary. In the surrounding area there are ancient rock-cut tombs, the ruins of a Roman theater, and a medieval knight's castle.

Hotels in Fethiye on Trip.com

9. Didim

Ruins of the Temple of Apollo in Didyma with columns

Didim opens up a quiet stretch of the Aegean coast. It is a resort for a leisurely vacation: long sandy beaches, azure bays, and many ancient monuments nearby.

There are no noisy nightlife spots or large shopping malls here. People come for seclusion, sun, and warm sea. The shoreline is cut by coves, the water is clean, and the entry into the sea is gentle, so it is easy for children. You should choose a hotel by the water so you don't have to travel to the beach.

Evergreen coniferous forests and olive groves stretch around Didim. There are plenty of hotels for every taste, many set among greenery and offering guests pools, playgrounds, saunas, and cafes.

The coast has conditions for diving, snorkeling, and spearfishing. Put the Temple of Apollo on your itinerary: majestic columns, steps, and marble passageways remain from it. Further afield, you can take a trip to ancient Ephesus.

Hotels in Didim on Trip.com

10. Kusadasi

Cruise ship in Kusadasi port with the city in the background

Kusadasi sits on the western Aegean coast and operates as a port. It is a resort with a rich history and a large hotel stock, and a convenient base for excursions.

The shore is broken up by small coves, and the sea is calm and clean. Flat terrain alternates with mountains and rocky shores, and the streets are planted with palms, conifers, and olive trees. The beaches are long, with golden sand and fine pebbles.

Families with children have it easy here: hotels offer pools, play areas, sports grounds, and show programs. Several water parks with slides and attractions will keep your kids busy all day.

Boat trips, parasailing, and jet ski rentals are available along the coast. Diving enthusiasts will find the underwater rocks interesting. A separate day trip: Dilek National Park, with its mountain range, pine forest, and its own beach.

Hotels in Kusadasi on Trip.com

Which beach to choose

Turkey's beaches fall into three types: sandy, pebbly, and rocky. Some belong to hotels, others to the municipality, so access may be free or restricted to guests of the complex. Beach time here is the main asset of the coast.

Sandy beaches are the most convenient with small children: the entry into the water is gentle, and the depth increases slowly. The pebbly beaches in Kemer and Fethiye seem cleaner, but walking barefoot hurts, so bring water shoes. Below is a guide by resort from this selection.

Resort	Beach	Who it suits
Side, Belek, Alanya	sand, gentle entry	families with toddlers
Kemer, Fethiye	sand and pebbles	school-age children
Bodrum, Marmaris, Didim	sand, sheltered coves	those who love swimming

Look for sections with the Blue Flag: it is an international mark of water cleanliness and safety. On such beaches, water quality is monitored, and lifeguards and changing rooms are provided.

Most beaches are equipped with loungers, umbrellas, and shade canopies, and some have playgrounds and cafes. If you are traveling with a child, check in advance that your hotel provides its own beach section, otherwise you will have to walk to the public shore.

Entertainment

Colorful hotel with water slides and a pool by the sea

Entertainment at the resorts is designed for children and adults. Hotels offer pools, playgrounds, and kids' clubs on site, and in the evening there are show programs, concerts, and sports competitions.

Along the coast, water activities await: diving, snorkeling, surfing, boat trips, jet skiing, and sailing catamarans. Rocky coves, caves, and turquoise bays are perfect for underwater swimming.

Water parks are popular: complexes with slides, lazy rivers, and fountains. Children enjoy dolphinariums and aquariums where they can watch shows.

For older kids and adults, hot air balloon flights, mountain river rafting, and quad bike trips are available. These programs run under instructor supervision, which matters if you are traveling with children. Routes of varying difficulty lead through canyons, forest groves, and mountain switchbacks.

Which hotel to choose

Sandy beach in Antalya with sun loungers and mountains in the distance

Turkey's hotel stock is built around the all inclusive format, and most resorts are designed for families with children. The grounds are enclosed, food and drinks are included, entertainment is on site, so you don't have to make decisions every day.

Below are eight hotels that families book most often. We've noted what makes each one different and who it's for. Prices change by season, so check them via the link before your trip.

Amara Dolce Vita

A five-star resort in the village of Tekirova near Kemer. Buildings and villas sit on a large property surrounded by pine forest and green hills, with a calm-water bay nearby.

Who it's for: families with children who need a kids' club and a water park on site.
Not for: those who want to stay in a town with a promenade and cafes just outside the gate.
Location: Tekirova, about 15 km from Kemer (on the map).
The catch: there's only a village around, so you'll have to drive to Kemer for nightlife.

Everything runs at once inside: play zones with rides, a water park, sports courts, outdoor and indoor pools, shaded walkways, movie rooms, and kids' cafes. Animators and performers run evening events, concerts, and workshops. For adults there's a wellness center, spa salons, bars, and shops.

The sandy beach is long, with canopies, loungers, and lounge bungalows. A palm-lined promenade runs along the shore.

prices at Amara Dolce Vita on Trip.com

Liberty Hotels Lykia

A resort of separate three-story cottages on the Mediterranean coast in the village of Oludeniz. The buildings sit on hilly terrain among flower gardens, manicured walkways, and pine groves, with mountains rising around.

Who it's for: large families and active kids who need more than a pool.
Not for: those who aren't willing to walk a lot on hilly grounds.
Location: Oludeniz, a resort near Fethiye.
The catch: part of the beach is pebbly, so bring water shoes for little ones.

A whole "Kids' Paradise" complex operates here. Children get play zones with pools, caves, water slides, and sports areas, with animators and instructors working with them.

Adults and older kids have access to a gym, soccer and golf fields, tennis courts, basketball and volleyball areas. You can do water sports, go paragliding, visit the spa and sauna, ride a bike or go horseback riding. The private sand-and-pebble beach has loungers, umbrellas, and changing rooms, and breakwaters protect the lagoons from waves.

prices at Liberty Lykia on Trip.com

VONRESORT Elite

A resort 12 km from Side on the Mediterranean coast. The grounds are well kept and green, with swings, hammocks, and lounge areas.

Who it's for: families with children of any age, the water park here has slides for adults and toddlers.
Not for: those who want to stay in central Side and walk to cafes.
Location: 12 km from Side (on the map).
The catch: the town isn't nearby, so evening walks in Side need to be planned separately.

The infrastructure covers almost everything: apartments, restaurants and pools, play and sports areas, kids' clubs, fitness, spa salons, and Turkish baths. Animators put on show programs.

The water park consists of adult and kids' slides, so it's fun for everyone. The wide sandy beach has a Blue Flag for cleanliness, the sea entry is gentle, and the shore is equipped with loungers and canopies. A wide pier with pavilions and a bar extends into the sea.

prices at VONRESORT Elite on Trip.com

Nashira Resort & Aqua

A resort on its own sandy Mediterranean shore 6 km from Side. The five-story building stands in a pine forest, and the grounds are planted with palms and flowers.

Who it's for: kids who love water, pools, and slides.
Not for: those who need a sandy-only sea entry.
Location: 6 km from Side (on the map).
The catch: the beach is sand-and-pebble, with rocks along part of the shore.

The entire property is covered by a chain of pools: you can swim, sit in a jacuzzi, and sunbathe by the water. There are play and sports areas, a fitness center, restaurants, a kids' club, and spa salons. Animators run show programs, contests, and competitions.

There's also a separate water park with spiral slides of varying heights: they deliver a rush of excitement for both adults and kids.

prices at Nashira Resort on Trip.com

Ela Quality Resort Belek

A resort of two buildings and separate cottages in a landscaped garden. It sits a few kilometers from the village of Belek, and its concept is built around calm and active family vacations.

Who it's for: families who want a calm stay with a full program.
Not for: those who want to walk to the village.
Location: near Belek (on the map).
The catch: the village isn't within walking distance, so in the evening you stay on the property.

The large grounds feature pools, a water park, bars, restaurants, a movie theater, kids' clubs, and sports areas. Pine groves, manicured lawns, and flower-lined walkways create a calm atmosphere.

Guests have access to a gym, Turkish bath, spa salon, and jacuzzi, plus tennis, soccer, basketball, and golf. The amphitheater hosts circus, dance, acrobatic, and musical performances. The sandy shore with a gentle entry is fully equipped, and the beach has a large wooden pier and a bar.

prices at Ela Quality Belek on Trip.com

Aska Lara Resort & Spa

High-rise hotel buildings with balconies against a blue sky

A resort in the Lara district near Antalya, designed in a modern style. The property is built for family vacations and sits on the Mediterranean coast.

Who it's for: families with kids who want a theme park nearby.
Not for: those who want to walk around the old town on foot.
Location: Lara district, Antalya.
The catch: the theme park is across the road, so you have to cross a highway to get there.

Guests have access to pools, restaurants, saunas, sports courts, game rooms, water attractions, and a gym. The beach is sandy.

The Wet'n Wild theme park operates across the road from the main building. It's a recreation area for kids and adults: a water park with slides, a cowboy town, a rope park with a maze, spa centers, an amphitheater, and bars.

prices at Aska Lara on Trip.com

Ilica Hotel Spa & Wellness Resort

A hotel in the town of Cesme on the Aegean coast. The main building and a two-story wing feature open terraces for sunbathing.

Who it's for: families who want spa and wellness facilities close to the beach.
Not for: those looking for a secluded resort enclave away from town.
Location: Cesme, Aegean coast.

Rooms are spacious, some with whirlpool tubs and floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows. The green grounds include a water park, pools, a separate kids' section with playrooms, and sports courts. For adults, there's a wellness center with a beauty salon, sauna, jacuzzi, and fitness room. Animators run show programs and themed parties.

The beach is sandy and holds a Blue Flag designation, and you can walk to it. Water sports are available on the coast.

prices at Ilica Hotel Cesme on Trip.com

Titanic Beach Lara

A resort 12 km from Antalya on the Mediterranean coast, in the Lara district. The building is shaped like a cruise ship, and the interiors carry the nautical theme throughout.

Who it's for: families with kids and fans of nautical themes.
Not for: those who want to walk to Antalya's historic center.
Location: Lara district, 12 km from Antalya (on the map).
The catch: the area is far from the old town, so a trip to the center needs to be planned separately.

The property has pools of varying depths, water attractions, bowling, an internet cafe, tennis courts, soccer fields, playgrounds, a movie theater, a fitness room, and a spa center. Kids' clubs operate for children, and the amphitheater hosts shows with dance and music groups.

Palm and pine-lined walkways run through the grounds, offering plenty of shade. The sandy beach is long, with loungers and canopies, and comfortable pavilions sit right at the water's edge along the shore.

prices at Titanic Beach Lara on Trip.com

Best time to visit

Peak season in Turkey runs from May through late October. On Mediterranean resorts, summers are scorching, with temperatures reaching +40 °C, while Aegean resorts are easier: humidity is lower, a breeze blows in from the sea, and the thermometer stays around +27-30 °C. For a trip with kids, June and September are the most comfortable: warm without exhausting heat (around +25 °C), and fewer crowds than in July. Mediterranean bays warm up to +28 °C, while Aegean waters stay around +25 °C even in October (as of 09/2026, Turkish meteorological service).

That way you get mild weather and avoid the peak heat. If you're traveling in July or August, plan beach time for morning and evening, and spend the middle of the day by the pool or in the shade.

Turkey resorts for family vacations on the map

Turkey's resorts for family holidays with kids

Places on the map

1Alanya Cleopatra Beach with a gentle sandy entry
2Antalya Big city with a water park, aquarium and the Kaleiçi quarter
3Belek Premium resort with sandy beaches where turtles nest
4Bodrum Secluded bays, turquoise water, St. Peter's Castle
5Kemer Bay by pine-covered mountains, mixed beaches with a Blue Flag
6Side Hotels next to ancient ruins, shallow water
7Marmaris Sheltered bays with calm water
8Fethiye The calmest resort, a turquoise bay and the Butterfly Valley
9Didim Quiet coast, the Temple of Apollo nearby
10Kuşadası Port resort with a rich history, Dilek Nature Reserve nearby
11Amara Dolce Vita Complex in Tekirova near Kemer, kids club and water park
12Liberty Hotels Lykia Cottages in Ölüdeniz with a Children's Paradise complex
13VONRESORT Elite Complex 12 km from Side with a water park for all ages
14Nashira Resort & Aqua Complex 6 km from Side with a chain of pools and a water park
15Ela Quality Resort Belek Complex near Belek with an amphitheatre and relaxed family holidays
16Aska Lara Resort & Spa Complex in the Lara district near the Wet'n Wild theme park
17Ilica Hotel Spa & Wellness Resort Hotel in Çeşme on the Aegean coast with spa and water park
18Titanic Beach Lara Complex shaped like a cruise liner in the Lara district

All ten resorts are marked on the map above. Open it and compare driving distances between them and where your hotel is located. Before booking, check on the map how far the hotel is from the center and the beach.

⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions

Where to go in Turkey with a small child?

For toddlers, Side, Belek, and Alanya are the most convenient. They have sandy beaches with gentle slopes, shallow water extends far from the shore, and hotels offer kids' clubs and pools with slides. If you want peace and quiet, add Didim and Fethiye to your list.

When is the best time to visit Turkish resorts with kids?

June and September are the most comfortable: less heat and fewer tourists than in July and August. Weather and sea temperatures by month are described in the "Best time to visit" section.

Where is the sea calmest at the resorts?

In the bays of Marmaris, Fethiye, and Bodrum: islands and rocks shelter the coves from waves, and currents are gentle. Side and Belek win with shallow water. In Kemer and Fethiye, some beaches are pebbly, so they're less suitable for very young children.

Do I need a hotel with a water park?

If you're traveling in the heat with school-age kids, a water park makes the vacation noticeably easier: all-day entertainment for the child and a break for you. In this selection, water parks are available at VONRESORT Elite, Nashira Resort & Aqua, Aska Lara, and other properties.

Which resorts are good for teenagers?

Marmaris, Bodrum, and Kemer: they have jet skis, diving, snorkeling, paragliding, and sailing. In Kemer, add white-water rafting on a mountain river, and in Fethiye, a paragliding flight. In the evening, teenagers will find Bodrum and Marmaris more interesting.

Where to stay if you want both the sea and the city?

Look at Antalya and Kusadasi. In Antalya, the beach comes with a big city full of museums and the historic Kaleici quarter, while Kusadasi has a port, restaurants, and shops, plus ancient cities nearby for excursions.

In short: what to book

If you have a toddler under three: choose Side or Belek, where the sea is shallow and the sand is soft.

If your kids are older and want activities: Kemer, Marmaris, or Bodrum, with water sports and mountains.

If having a city nearby matters to you: Antalya or Kusadasi.

If you want peace and greenery: Fethiye and Didim.

At hotels, look for the all-inclusive format and a kids' club, so you won't have to find entertainment elsewhere. Compare prices for your dates in advance.

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Turkish Riviera with kids: which resort to choose and where the sea is better