🎟️ What to do in Turkey: activities for adults and kids

A vacation in Türkiye often turns into a string of beaches and buffet tables. Entertainment here costs extra, but it also delivers more memorable experiences. We've put together 20 places from Antalya to Cappadocia: amusement parks, water parks, canyons, cruises, and a hot air balloon ride. Use this list to decide in advance where to go with kids and where to go without them.

💡 In short:

Buy tickets to theme parks and water parks online: the line at the entrance is longer, and some sessions sell out in advance.
Free entertainment in Türkiye exists too: city parks, canyons, and waterfront promenades are open around the clock.

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

1. Aktur Park in Antalya

Aktur Park is located in Antalya and is designed for family outings. During the day, you can ride the Ferris wheel and carousels; in the evening, the lights come on and the arcade machines open. Entry to the grounds is free, you pay only for the rides themselves.

Inside, there's a 5D cinema, a haunted house, cafes, and a miniature castle at the entrance, a favorite spot for selfies. Payments are handled through a plastic park card that you can top up at machines throughout the grounds. On weekdays the park opens later in the day; on weekends it opens earlier and runs until late at night.

How to get there: within Antalya, a city bus will take you to the entrance (see map).
Cost: entry is free, rides are paid for with the park card.
Who it's for: families with kids and evening strolls between rides.

2. The land of legends in Belek

The Land of Legends theme park facade in Belek

© János Korom Dr. >17 Million views from Wien, Austria · CC BY-SAPhoto: János Korom Dr. >17 Million views from Wien, Austria, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0), Wikimedia Commons

The Land of Legends is a theme park by the Rixos chain in Belek, near Antalya. Guests of Rixos hotels get access to the rides and water park at no extra charge; everyone else buys tickets separately. The park is divided into a ride zone and a water park with wave pools, a lazy river, and slides.

In the evening, there are dolphin shows, light displays, and a parade of fairy-tale characters. The parade starts late in the evening and does not run on Mondays. Nearby, there are singing fountains and the Chapito tent circus.

How to get there: about 30 km from Antalya, easier by car or with a transfer (see map).
Cost: tickets are more expensive than at city parks and depend on the date of your visit.
Who it's for: families with kids and those who want to combine vacation with shopping.

Tickets to The Land of Legends

3. Köprülü canyon in Antalya province

Köprülü Canyon lies within a national park in Antalya Province. Entry to the reserve is free, and it is open around the clock. The canyon stretches for many kilometers, and its main value is unspoiled nature: rare trees, shrubs, and birds.

Park staff have marked out hiking and horseback riding routes, and there are programs for rock climbing and rafting. The most popular spots are the ancient Oluk Bridge and the ruins of the ancient city of Selge. Rafting on the Köprüçay River follows a calm section, so it suits beginners and children accompanied by adults.

How to get there: about an hour's drive from Antalya to the park entrance (see map).
Cost: entry to the reserve is free, you pay only for rafting and excursions.
The catch: the current on the river is uneven, so you shouldn't raft without an instructor.

Tours to Köprülü Canyon

4. ATV safari in Göynük Canyon

Turquoise river among the rocks of Goynuk Canyon

An ATV safari through Göynük Canyon is considered one of the most active adventures in Antalya Province. The routes follow mountain trails with views of the gorge and highland scenery. Along the way, you'll encounter turtles and other inhabitants of the canyon.

Instructors hand out helmets and explain the controls before the group sets off. Most routes include a swim in a mountain river, so bring water, sunglasses, and a change of clothes. Photos and videos are taken only by the safari organizers: this makes it easier to keep the group safe.

Cost: depends on the route length and the number of participants, confirm when booking.
Who it's for: active travelers; the rides are not suitable for small children.

ATV safari in Göynük

5. Isfanbul Park in Istanbul

Vialand park entrance with castle and towers

Isfanbul is a large amusement park in Istanbul, often compared to European theme parks. The grounds are divided into three zones: the ancient world, adventure rides, and children's play areas. There's a shopping complex inside, and you can also try water skiing.

Among the rides, the high swings and towers stand out, offering views of the entire city. The park sits on former marshland, and the zone designs reference the era when Istanbul was called Constantinople.

Cost: entry is free for the youngest visitors, and the all-inclusive ticket is more expensive on weekends.
Who it's for: families with kids and those who want shopping and rides in a single day.

Isfanbul tickets

6. Aqualand water park in Antalya

Aqualand water park pool with palm trees and swimmers

Aqualand in Antalya opened at the end of the last century and still ranks among the most visited water parks in the region. It operates seasonally, from May to October, and welcomes guests every day. The ticket price includes food, drinks, changing rooms, lockers, and all attractions.

Along with slides of varying heights, there is a wave pool, jacuzzi, fountains, a children's water playground, and a mountain river section for rafting. During the day, the water park hosts dolphin shows.

Cost: depends on age and day of the week; entry is free for toddlers.
Who it's for: families with children; bring swimsuits and don't forget sunscreen.

Aqualand tickets

7. Sealanya Sea Park in Alanya

Sealanya Sea Park in Alanya is most often compared to an interactive marine aquarium. Here you can swim near dolphins, pet stingrays, and observe sharks, coral reefs, and schools of colorful fish. The grounds include a small beach, a lazy river, many pools, and a separate area for toddlers.

Tickets for the park itself and for the dolphin show are sold separately, so buy them in advance. Photo sessions with dolphins and fur seals cost extra.

Cost: the park ticket and the dolphinarium ticket are priced separately.
Who it's for: families with children and marine animal lovers.

Sealanya Sea Park tickets

8. Karaalioglu Park in Antalya

Karaalioglu Park with Hidirlik Tower and sea view

Karaalioglu Park in Antalya remains one of the calmest places in the city even in the heat. It has paths for running, cycling, rollerblading, and scooters, as well as outdoor exercise equipment. The park is open around the clock.

After dark, the lighting comes on, and the sculptures of Don Quixote, the poet Nazim Hikmet, and the frogs at the entrance look almost alive. The park is home to a theater, observation decks, tea houses with terraces, a botanical garden, playgrounds, and a flea market. The ancient Roman tower and the Ataturk Museum deserve special attention.

How to get there: the park stretches along the Antalya coastline; you can walk there from the city center (use a map).
Cost: entry is free; only the local beach is paid.

9. Bosphorus cruise in Istanbul

Panoramic view of the Bosphorus from above

A Bosphorus cruise is impressive at any time of year. The cost depends on the operator: the public ferry is cheaper than private boats, and longer tours cost more than short ones. Most boats depart from the Eminonu and Uskudar piers.

The most budget-friendly options are two-hour excursions, while longer tours take six hours or more and include stops at historical monuments, an old fishing village, and fortress walls. Sunset and full-moon cruises are in high demand, so it's best to book tickets in advance. Official operators offer a discount with a museum card.

Cost: private boats are more expensive than the public ferry.
Who it's for: couples and families; grab a spot by the rail for views of the palaces.

Bosphorus cruises

10. Gulhane Park in Istanbul

Istanbul locals call Gulhane Park an oasis in the megacity. It is open to the public from early morning until late evening, and it offers a great view of the Bosphorus. Topkapi Palace is nearby, and the park's old walls date back to the Ottoman Empire.

The fountains and ponds here were recreated based on historical designs, and flower beds with roses and tulips were laid out. The main feathered residents of the recreation area are green parrots. The grounds include archaeological sites, a museum, a monument to Ataturk, a playground, and small open-air cafes.

Getting there: near Topkapi Palace and Eminonu Pier, a short walk from the tram line (see map).
Cost: park entry is free.

11. Damlatas Cave in Alanya

Damlatas Cave is located in the very center of Alanya and is considered to have healing properties. It was discovered in the last century during construction work, and today this natural monument is protected by the state. Both levels of the cave are open for paid visits every day, with entry starting in the morning.

Inside it is always warm and humid, the air is rich in ions, and the walls are decorated with stalactites and stalagmites in every shade. This microclimate is beneficial for the respiratory system, which is why both tourists and locals come here. A separate morning time slot is reserved for free breathing exercise sessions.

Getting there: in the center of Alanya, a short walk from the waterfront to the entrance (see map).
Cost: paid entry, morning breathing exercise sessions are free.
Who it's for: those treating respiratory conditions who want to combine a walk with wellness.

Damlatas Cave tours

12. Moipark amusement park

Ferris wheel with bright illumination at night

Moipark is open Tuesday through Sunday, with hours varying by season. The park is divided into areas for children and adults: carousels, bumper cars, a Ferris wheel, an Adventure House, and robot games for children. Adults can enjoy arcade machines, extreme rides, and a Horror Hotel.

The park has its own legend: it supposedly grew on the site of a meteorite impact, and the land was saved by cheerful one-eyed aliens. They still live in the park and entertain guests.

Cost: no single admission ticket, rides are paid for individually.
Who it's for: families with children of different ages.
The catch: the park is closed on Mondays.

Moipark tickets

13. Wonderland Eurasia park in Ankara

Ferris wheel under construction in an Ankara park

Wonderland Eurasia in Ankara opened in 2019 and was intended to be the largest amusement park in Europe. It featured giant dinosaur sculptures and transformer robots, indoor pavilions, roller coasters, and one of the few flying theaters in the world.

The facility operated for less than a year: the park was closed and mothballed in February 2020 (as of 2026, Wikipedia). Today the rides and pavilions stand abandoned, and no tours are offered inside. We kept it on the list as a warning: check whether a venue is operating before you go.

Status: closed since February 2020, visiting is not possible.
Not for: those looking for currently operating attractions.

14. Adaland water park in Kusadasi

Adaland in Kusadasi opened at the turn of the millennium and has held a spot in global water park rankings for years. Its grounds feature more than ten pools and around two dozen slides, a lazy river, and a dedicated rafting course. Here you can experience a free fall on a tall slide and join a rain disco.

The complex includes a dolphinarium and a marine park, and the water park itself is open every day. Fans of water shows come here specifically for the marine animal program.

Cost: tickets are more expensive in high season and cheaper on weekdays.
Who it's for: families with children and fans of extreme slides.

Adaland tickets

15. Hot air balloon flight in Cappadocia

Hot air balloons over Cappadocia rocks at dawn

© This Photo was taken by Wolfgang Moroder . Feel free to use my photos, but please mention me as the author and send me a · CC BY-SAPhoto: This Photo was taken by Wolfgang Moroder . Feel free to use my photos, but please mention me as the author and send me a, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0), Wikimedia Commons

A hot air balloon flight in Cappadocia is the region's main morning spectacle. More than twenty companies operate here, so you can find a spot for almost any date. The best flying season runs from May to October; in winter, flights are more often canceled due to wind and low temperatures.

A standard flight lasts about 45 minutes, and baskets range from small to large. After landing, you receive a personalized certificate. Prices depend on the category, season, and basket size: a standard flight costs several hundred euros per person, private flights are more expensive, and the exact amount for your date is quoted by the operator at booking. Children are only taken with adults, and insurance is already included in the ticket.

Cost: a standard flight with insurance costs several hundred euros and depends on the season.
Who it's for: those willing to get up before dawn; bring warm clothing and sunglasses.

Hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia

16. Pirate yacht cruise

A pirate yacht cruise is part of the program in various seaside cities in Turkey. An animation team greets guests on board, the yacht sails along the coast toward a famous landmark, and a show program runs along the way. Toward the end, the performance turns into a party with foam dancing.

The program usually includes swimming in the open sea, face painting, and selfies against the backdrop of cliffs. The cruises are designed for family vacations, but you can book a youth party or a birthday on board for a small extra fee.

Cost: depends on the city and route length, the extra fee for changing the program is reasonable.
Who it's for: families with children; bring a swimsuit and a towel.

Pirate yacht cruise

17. Florya Aquarium in Istanbul

Cave hall with colored lighting in Istanbul Aquarium

Florya Aquarium is open every day and is considered the largest aquarium in Istanbul. The halls house inhabitants of all seas and oceans, with conditions created to closely resemble their natural environment. There are many sections, from coral reefs to deep-sea species, so exploring takes a couple of hours.

The aquarium is located on the grounds of the Aqua Florya shopping center, with a panoramic restaurant, souvenir shops, and cinemas nearby. Interactive technologies were used in the space design to enhance the sense of immersion.

How to get there: on the grounds of the Aqua Florya shopping center, a suburban train will take you to the entrance (using your transit card).
Cost: tickets are cheaper on weekdays and for children.

Florya Aquarium tickets

18. Pamukkale and thermal springs

Pamukkale in Denizli Province is famous for its snow-white travertines and geothermal springs. Salts deposited on the surface have formed pools with mineralized water, and nearby lie the ruins of ancient Hierapolis with well-preserved temples. A combined ticket costs €30 and covers the travertines and Hierapolis, while the Hierapolis Archaeological Museum is free for foreigners (as of 09/2026, DÖSİMM museum rates). From April 1, 2027, the ticket price will rise to €35 (as of 09/2026, Pamukkale Haber).

Swimming at the top is allowed only in the Cleopatra Pool for an additional fee. The springs are located on high ground, offering the best views of the valley, and the mineral water is considered therapeutic. People come here to treat cardiovascular conditions, joints, and respiratory organs.

How to get there: from the city of Denizli, drive about 20 km to the lower entrance (using your transit card).
Cost: combined ticket €30, from April 1, 2027 €35, the Cleopatra Pool is paid separately.
Who it's for: nature lovers and thermal spa enthusiasts.

Pamukkale tickets

19. Diving in Turkey

Striped lionfish over an underwater reef

Turkey is considered one of the best places for scuba diving in the Mediterranean. Dives run almost the entire season, and a single dive costs a few dozen euros, but each dive station has its own terms, so check the price on site. Taking corals and shells is prohibited, and both tourists and locals are fined for it.

Diving is allowed only in designated areas and with an international certification. If you don't have one, you join a local dive club and, after a briefing, descend with an instructor. Near Kemer there is a sunken military vessel, near Kalkan you can see sharks and large sea turtles, and in the bays of Kas and Antalya the ruins of ancient cities are visible.

Cost: a single dive costs a few dozen euros.
Who it's for: beginners can try introductory dives with an instructor.

Dives with an instructor

20. Dolusu water park in Kemer

Turquoise water channel among tropical greenery in a water park

DoluSu in Kemer attracts children and adults with its colorful attractions. The complex sits on the shore, and from the top of the slides it looks like its pools continue into the sea. The dolphinarium allows swimming with dolphins, rays, and fur seals.

The grounds have more than twenty water slides, pools with diving boards, and extreme attractions inspired by legends of one-eyed cyclopes. For those who want a calm swim, inflatable boats and a dark cave pool are a good fit. Food lovers can enjoy Turkish cuisine here.

Cost: the ticket includes slides and pools; some shows are paid separately.
Who it's for: families with children and water slide enthusiasts; bring a change of clothes.

Tickets to DoluSu

Tours and tickets in Istanbul

Guided tours, skip-the-line tickets and activities — most offers can be cancelled free of charge.

See offers on Tiqets

The widget loads once you give your consent.

⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions

Which activities in Turkey are good for children?

Water parks and theme parks are the best fit for children: Aqualand, Adaland, DoluSu, The Land of Legends, and Moipark. At Sealanya and Florya Aquarium, children can see marine animals, and in Alanya you can combine the beach with Damlatas Cave. Buy tickets online so you don't have to stand in line with a child.

How much does entry to water parks and amusement parks cost?

Prices depend on the season and day of the week. At most water parks, the ticket includes all slides and pools, and young children often get in free. Dolphinarium tickets and animal photo sessions are sold separately. Check exact rates on park websites before your trip.

Where should I go for nature rather than attractions?

For nature, head to Koprulu Canyon, Goynuk Canyon for a safari, and Pamukkale with its white travertines. A calm option is city parks: Gulhane in Istanbul and Karaalioglu in Antalya. Both are free and open almost around the clock.

When is the best time to take a hot air balloon flight in Cappadocia?

The optimal season runs from May to October, when there are few windy days. Flights are possible in winter, but they are more often canceled due to low temperatures and wind. Schedule your flight for the first day of your trip: that way, if it's canceled, you'll have time to reschedule.

In short: what to book

If you're traveling with children, book a water park and a theme park: tickets to Aqualand, Adaland, and The Land of Legends are sold online, so you won't waste your morning in line. If you prefer nature, plan for Pamukkale and Koprulu Canyon, and in Cappadocia schedule your balloon flight for the first day of your trip. For Istanbul, combine a Bosphorus cruise, Gulhane Park, and Florya Aquarium: all three fit into one route. Book dolphinariums and shows in advance, as spots run out by high season.

Choose tickets and tours on GetYourGuide

Where to go in Turkey: 20 best activities with tickets and prices