Fun Things to Do in Turkey With Kids

The Black Sea, the Aegean Sea (good luck pronouncing it) and the Mediterranean Sea are among the waterous (not a word) realms lapping the sides of Turkey. And that means one thing: beaches. Much of the coast lining the edge of this enormous country comprises rugged cliffs, sandy stretches and warm, clear water. The resorts adorning the coast make for an idyllic setting for a family vacation.

Eclectic flora and a rich heritage that mixes the elements of Western and Eastern cultures make it a diverse and fascinating destination, although the children will be more interested in diving in the pools of our deluxe homes by the coast. It’s a vast country, but the Plum Guide is up to the task: here’s our take on the best things to do in Turkey with kids.

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This may sound a little obvious, but family holidays are made of swimming pool adventures. And if you stay in our of our deluxe homes in Kalkan, you’ll almost certainly have a pool and stunning views of the surrounding mountains and the sea. Take Let There Be Water or Gulet's Rest as spectacular examples: you don't have to look far for things to do in Turkey with kids when you're staying at one of these beauties.

Let the kids dive into the swimming pool before lunch (and keep out for half an hour after eating, unless that’s all just a myth). Embark on a family stroll up one of the surrounding hills (as if you’d do that…) and work up a sweat. Make sure to bring enough water and a hat to shelter you from the scorching sun. Summer here really is boiling; you could fry an egg on the floor (not that you’d want to, as our homes tend to have top of the range kitchen utensils). So lather yourselves up in suncream and sit by the pool. And stop feeling guilty, you're on holiday.

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If staying in one of our gems in Marmaris, you’re in luck: you’re right beside the Marmaris Milli Park. Stroll past the Marmaris Marina, showing your kids the range of deluxe yachts and other kinds of boats. Once you reach the adjacent park at the eastern edge of the city, let your kids frolic in the well-kept play area. Stroll over the bridges and enjoy the views of the various waterways that meander through the park. Enjoy a picnic in the shade of a tree and take in the views of the sea, with islands and mountains decorating it. Spot some of the local fisherman awaiting their catch of the day, and see chickens and other wildlife roaming through the park.

We've picked out some truly deluxe places for you to stay in Marmaris, including the Bay of Kumlubuk and the mountainside Villa Bahar.

Explore our family friendly hotel alternatives in Turkey.

Since you’re in Marmaris, embark on a boat trip out on the Mediterranean Sea with one of the main operators. The Marmaris Blue Paradise Boat and the Marmaris Zeus Boat are among the big hitters that’ll take you out on the water and get you up close and personal (if you want to be, that is) with an octopus or a baby turtle. Or simply relax on the deck of the boat, soaking in the sun and working on your tan (though don't forget you will have to entertain the kids at some point). Kalkan boat trips involve journeys to the Mouse Island and day trips around the Turquoise Coast.

This country is positively bursting with beaches, making trips to the seaside of the best things to do in Turkey with kids. Kalkan boasts golden beaches overlooking the eastern end of the Mediterranean Sea. Grab a bite to eat at the Yali Beach Club & Restaurant or head to the Kalamar Beach Club. Go scuba diving with the Kalkan Dive Centre, potentially getting your little ones their first taste of underwater exploration. Clamber down the 200 steps that lead to the Kaputaş Beach and lie beneath an umbrella in this secluded cove. Other popular strands include Akcagerme Beach, Kalkan Public Beach and Patara Beach.

The resort hub of Fethiye is packed with resorts and gorgeous beaches, while a little further west along the coast lies Marmaris. Find a spot to call your own on the Marmaris Downtown Beach or unwind in the quieter stretches of golden sand, such as Amos Beach, Kumlubuk Beach and Cleopatra Beach.

Istanbul tops every list of the best places to visit in Turkey for good reason. Aside from the resort towns that line the coast, Turkey is known for its rich and diverse history and culture, and Istanbul is among the country's most intriguing and iconic cities. If you happen to have particularly learned or curious kids, they might enjoy checking out some of the highlights, such as the Hagia Sophia mosque and the Blue Mosque. But they’re more likely to be keen on the Miniaturk, a model village attraction that’ll teach them all about Turkey’s iconic attractions. The LEGOLAND Discovery Centre, the Istanbul Dolphinarium and the Istanbul Akvaryum are among the other highlights for families.

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