Whether it's a museum full of antique toys or aeroplanes, a unique bike ride by the sea or a horse ride through a magical landscape, Turkey offers so many experiences that your children will remember forever.
Here are the top ten activities for families to enjoy and cherish together👇
With more than 8,000km of coastline, it's no wonder that Turkey is a great destination for watersports of all kinds. While Alaçatı is the most popular spot for windsurfing and kitesurfing, almost all of Turkey's beaches have their own watersports clubs where equipment can be hired. Get your children excited about kayaking, sailing, windsurfing or kite surfing in the clear waters of the Aegean and Mediterranean Seas. If you are in İstanbul, you can also book private rowing or sailing lessons on the Golden Horn or along the shores of Kadıköy.
Since 2016, İzmir has officially been part of the EuroVelo Route 8-Mediterranean, which stretches from the Atlantic coast of Europe to İzmir. On the İzmir section of the route, more than 650 points have been marked with signposts, linking ancient cities such as Pergamum and Ephesus, which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, with natural and cultural heritage sites. You may not be able to cover the 495km in one go with your children, but even a small tour can be an achievement.
There's plenty to explore in Cappadocia for children and adults alike, including an iconic hot air balloon ride to soak up the otherworldly beauty of the fairy chimneys and volcanic peaks. As well as exploring the fascinating rock-hewn churches and underground cities, take part in a ceramics workshop in Avanos and spend a night in the famous cave hotels. However, seeing the awe-inspiring scenery from horseback is certainly one of the most unique experiences, taking you back in time and giving your children memories they are unlikely to forget.
In the cultural capital of Turkey, there are countless museums to explore, many of which are suitable for children. See antique cars, trains, boats and even aeroplanes at the Rahmi M. Koç Museum. Get nostalgic at the Istanbul Toy Museum with its collection of antique toys from over 40 countries. See all of Turkey's major attractions in one day at Miniatürk, where more than 100 miniature models make visitors feel like giants. Let the kids play with visual illusions like a vortex tunnel or an upside-down room at the Museum of Illusions. And don't forget to check out the programme at Istanbul Modern, the city's art centre, which often holds workshops for children.
When you've had your fill of strolling and ferry rides on the Bosphorus, spend some time in the city's many beautiful parks. Be sure to visit Emirgan Park in April to see the tulips in full bloom during the annual Tulip Festival. Or head out of the city to Belgrade Ormanı (Belgrade Forest) to hunt for mushrooms with a professional guide or just to enjoy some time running free among the trees.
For a relaxing family holiday, book a stay at one of the five-star resorts in Fethiye or Antalya, all of which have been awarded the Safe Tourism Certificate. Relax in the spa or read a book on the beach while the little ones enjoy the hotel's special kids' club with all-day activities. You can always spend a day together later, taking a private boat trip or exploring the many historical sites such as the Lycian Olympus, the mythical home of the gods, or the Church of St Nicholas in Demre. St Nicholas was known as the protector of children and sailors in Turkey in the 3rd century AD and is said to have inspired today's popular icon of Santa Claus.
Your children will be fascinated by the intricate sculptures made entirely of sand that are built each year for the International Sand Festival in Antalya. Held since 2006, the sand art festival has a different theme each year and transforms a 7,000 square metre area on Lara Beach into a giant outdoor exhibition. Visitors can even watch artists from all over the world in action as they create their fascinating sand sculptures. This summer's theme is all about space, so get ready to take off into the cosmos with a range of unique sculptures.
Let your children live out their time travel fantasies in Urfa, where historical landmarks such as the Balıklıgöl (Sacred Fish Pool) have become the stuff of legend. Visit the 12,000-year-old Göbeklitepe to be enchanted by the world's oldest megaliths, a valuable history lesson for all ages. Recognised as one of the largest museums in Turkey, the 34,000 square metre Şanlıurfa Archaeological and Mosaic Museum offers an even more intricate look at ancient history with artefacts and figures depicting prehistoric cave life, as well as the famous mosaic of Orpheus enchanting birds and animals with his lyre.
One of Turkey's most beautiful historical sights, the labyrinthine streets of Mardin, with their ornate Artuqid stone architecture, are fascinating in their own right. As if the ancient city couldn't be more beautiful, the annual Mardin Kite Festival adds an extra dose of magic to the whole experience, as kite flyers from all over the world send their giant creations soaring into the sky, celebrating a tradition that has been part of Mardin's history for centuries. The Mardin Museum, one of the festival organisers, also has an award-winning Archaeo Park where children can recreate archaeological excavation and conservation techniques. Another experience your children will cherish for years to come.
This special beach in the western province of Muğla has become a prime nesting site for the loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta Caretta), which arrives every year in early summer to lay its eggs. About two months later, the baby turtles emerge and tentatively make their way to the sea. Join volunteers at this special time to help protect and save these rare reptiles.