Family Fun Attractions in Istanbul

Istanbul E-pass provides you a complete guide of the most famous fun attractions in Istanbul. Istanbul is one of the most visited cities in the world you will experience a different kind of vibrancy. Do not miss the chance to explore Istanbul free of cost with the Istanbul E-pass.

Updated Date : 22.02.2023

Attractions For Fun with Family in Istanbul

Istanbul is one of the most foreign visitors cities and one of the most populous cities globally, with a local population of 16 million. Historical buildings, Nature, Bosphorus Tours, are highly preferred by visitors. Also, fun attractions are the most visited places to make your Istanbul trip more memorable with many activities where you can spend an unforgettable pleasant time with your friends, children, family.

Madame Tussauds Istanbul Wax Museum

Would you be interested in taking selfies with world-famous artists or pop singers?

If the answer is yes, Madame Tussauds in Istanbul would be the place to go. This museum has wax models of world-famous people that you can see from really close. Located conveniently in the heart of the new city, you can get public transportation to get to this fascinating museum. What you would see inside is not just world-famous people but also famous characters from the history of the Ottoman Empire and the Turkish Republic.

Visit Information: You can visit Madame Tussauds Istanbul every day between 10:00 to 20:00. You can get a ticket from the entrance and online.

How to get there

The location of Madame Tussauds is in the middle of Istiklal Street, which is the colorful and most famous city of Istanbul located in Taksim. It is easy to access with public transportation.

From the old city hotels: 

  • Get the T1 tram to Kabatas tram station. 
  • From there, it gets the funicular to Taksim Square, which takes 3 minutes. 
  • Madame Tussauds is 7-8 minutes walking distance from the square.

From Taksim Hotels: 

  • From Taksim Square, it is 7 - 8 minutes walking distance.

Madame Tussauds Istanbul

Istanbul Aquarium

If you want to have a different alternative to relax, Istanbul Aquarium offers its visitors everything. Located on the seashore in the Yesilkoy area, The Istanbul Aquarium has a shopping mall, restaurants, and the biggest Aquarium in Istanbul. Compared with other museums, Istanbul Aquarium is one of the best not only in Turkey and globally. You can see lots of different fish from all over the world, including piranhas, or experience the Amazon feel with its original trees and animals or pe into a water tank with sharks inside. All in all, a visit to Istanbul Aquarium is one of a kind experience.

Visit Information: Istanbul Aquarium is open every day between 10.00-19.00

How to get there

From the old city hotels: 

  • Take the T1 tram to Sirkeci station. 
  • From the Sirkeci station, take the Marmaray Line to Florya Istanbul Aquarium station. 
  • From the station, Istanbul Aquarium is within walking distance.

From the Taksim hotels: 

  • Take the funicular from the Taksim Square to Kabatas. 
  • From the Kabatas station, take the T1 to Sirkeci station. 
  • From the Sirkeci station, take the Marmaray Line to Florya Istanbul Aquarium station.
  • From the station, Istanbul Aquarium is within walking distance.

Istanbul Aquarium

Sapphire Observation Deck

Located in the Levent area, Sapphire Shopping Mall offers its visitors one of the most beautiful views of Istanbul, with a height of 261 meters. Sapphire Observation Deck gives the chance to capture the best pictures to its visitors with the views of the Bosphorus from its beginning to its end. While you may enjoy the endless views of the city, you can also try a 4D helicopter simulator with breathtaking animations of the historical building in Istanbul. Last but not least, Vista Restaurant serves fantastic meals to make this visit an of kind experience.

Visit Information: Sapphire Observation Deck is in the Sapphire Shopping Mall, which operates every day between 10.00-22.00.

How to get there

From the old city hotels:

  • Take the T1 to Kabatas station.
  • From the Kabatas station, take the funicular to Taksim station.
  • From the Taksim station, take the M2 to 4. Levent station. 
  • Sapphire Shopping Mall is within walking distance from the 4. Levent station.

From the Taksim hotels: 

  • Take the M2 from Taksim Square to 4. 
  • Levent station. Sapphire Shopping Mall is within walking distance from 4. Levent the station.

Sapphire Observation Deck

Isfanbul Theme Park

Isfanbul Theme Park opened in the year 2013 with an investment value of 650 million dollars. With a massive investment like that, it became the biggest theme park in Istanbul and the top 10 in Europe after the construction. It offers shopping malls, restaurants, accommodation centers and many more. In the theme park, there are lots of different concepts suitable for every age group. Starting from the classic Merry Go Around to Drop Tower, from bumper cars to the Magical Room, 4D cinemas are some of the things you can enjoy inside Isfanbul Theme Park.

Visit Information: Isfanbul Theme Park is open every day between 11:00-19:00. It depends on whether it may be closed some days in winter.

How to go there

From the old city hotels: 

  • Take the T1 tram to Eminonu station. 
  • From the Eminonu station, take bus number 99Y from the big public bus station on the other side of the Galata Bridge to Maliye Bloklari station. 
  • From the Maliye Bloklari station, Isfanbul Theme Park is within walking distance.

From the Taksim hotels: 

  • Take the funicular from the Taksim Square to Kabatas. 
  • From the Kabatas station, take the T1 tram to Eminonu station. 
  • From the Eminonu station, take bus number 99Y from the big public bus station on the other side of the Galata Bridge to Maliye Bloklari station. 
  • From the Maliye Bloklari station, Isfanbul Theme Park is within walking distance.

Isfanbul Theme Park

Museum of Illusions Istanbul

Do you want to challenge your instincts and challenge them? Museum of Illusions opened in the year 2015 in Zagreb for the first time with this motto. After the Zagreb museum, there are 15 different museums of Illusions in 15 different cities. Museum of Illusions Istanbul offers visitors from every age group and guarantees a good time, especially for families. There are many interesting sections such as Infinity Room, The Ames Room, Tunnel, and Reverse House. Unlike other museums, photography and videos are allowed to increase the fun and make this visit unforgettable. In addition, there are gift shops and a cafeteria area in the museum.

Visit Information: The museum is open every day between 10.00-22.00.

How to get there

From the old city hotels: 

  • Take the T1 to Eminonu station. 
  • From the Eminonu station, take bus number 66 from the big public bus station on the other side of the Galata Bridge to Sishane station. 
  • The museum is within walking distance from the Sishane station.

From the Taksim hotels: 

  • Take the M2 Metro from Taksim Square to Sishane station. 
  • The museum is within walking distance from the Sishane station.

Museum of Illusions

Faruk Yalcin Zoo

Opened in 1993, Faruk Yalcin Zoo has more than 250 species with more than 3000 animal populations. Being a private initiative, Faruk Yalcin Zoo became the house of 62 kinds of animals in the danger of extinction and more than 400 plant kinds. This famous zoo attracts more than 500,000 visitors in a year, which 150,000 students brought for educational purposes. Faruk Yalcin Zoo is the biggest zoo with the number of animals accredited by the Ministry of Forestry in Turkey.

Visit Information: Faruk Yalcin Zoo is open every day between 09.30-18.00.

How to get there

From the old city hotels:

  • Take the T1 tram to Kabatas.
  • From the Kabatas station, take the ferry to Uskudar.
  • From the Cayiroglu station, take bus number 501 to Darica.
  • From the Darica station, Faruk Yalcin Zoo is within walking distance.

From the Taksim hotels: 

  • Take the funicular from the Taksim Square to Kabatas. 
  • From the Kabatas station, take the ferry to Uskudar. From the Uskudar port, take the Harem-Gebze minibus to Cayiroglu. 
  • From the Cayiroglu station, take bus number 501 to Darica. 
  • From the Darica station, Faruk Yalcin Zoo is within walking distance.

Sealife Aquarium Istanbul

Located inside of the Forum Istanbul Shopping Mall, Sealife Aquarium is the biggest not only in Istanbul but also in Turkey. In 8,000 square meters and with 80 meters long underwater observation tunnel, Sealife Aquarium is also among the world's biggest. More than 15,000 species, including 15 different kinds of sharks, thornback, and many others. In the Sealife Aquarium, there is also the Rain Forests section for an exciting experience to feel the tropics.

Visit Information: Sealife Aquarium is open every day between 10.00-19.30.

How to get there

From the old city hotels: 

  • Take T1 to Yusufpasa station. 
  • From the Yusufpasa station, change the line to M1 metro to Kocatepe station. 
  • Sealife Aquarium is within walking distance to Kocatepe station inside the Forum Istanbul Shopping Mall.
  • From the Taksim hotels: 
  • Take the funicular from the Taksim Square to Kabatas. 
  • From the Kabatas station, take T1 to Yusufpasa station. 
  • From the Yusufpasa station, change the line to M1 metro to Kocatepe station. 
  • Sealife Aquarium is within walking distance from Kocatepe station inside the Forum Istanbul Shopping Mall.

Emaar Aquarium Istanbul

Opened in the Asian side of Istanbul inside of one of the newest shopping malls of Istanbul, Emaar Aquarium offers more than 20.000 sea animals with 200 different kinds. Emaar Aquarium gives you the chance to see the animals in their natural living conditions with more than five different theme sections. With a tunnel 3.5 meters from the Aquarium, visitors have the chance to experience life underwater at 270 degrees.

Visit Information: Emaar Aquarium is open every day between 10:00-22:00.

How to get there

From the old city hotels: 

  • Take the T1 tram to Kabatas station. 
  • From the Kabatas station, take a ferry to Uskudar. 
  • From Uskudar, it takes 10 minutes by taxi to Emaar Aquarium.

From the Taksim hotels: 

  • Take the funicular from the Taksim Square to Kabatas. 
  • From the Kabatas station, take a ferry to Uskudar. 
  • From Uskudar, it takes 10 minutes by taxi to Emaar Aquarium.

Emaar Aquarium

Legoland Discovery Center Istanbul

Opened in 2015 inside the Forum Istanbul Shopping Mall, Legoland gives the chance of a unique experience for families with kids. If you want your kids to test their imagination by playing fun games, Legoland will be the best fit for you. With five different sections of the Lego games are separated according to age group, a laser gun game with a 4D cinema center is also separated. Also, there is a theme cafeteria and a gift shop to make the experience unforgettable.

Visit Information: Legoland is open every day between 10:00-20:00.

How to get there

From the old city hotels: 

  • Take T1 to Yusufpasa station. 
  • From the Yusufpasa station, change the line to M1 metro to Kocatepe station. 
  • Legoland is within walking distance to Kocatepe station inside the Forum Istanbul Shopping Mall.

From the Taksim hotels: 

  • Take the funicular from the Taksim Square to Kabatas. 
  • From the Kabatas station, take T1 to Yusufpasa station. 
  • From the Yusufpasa station, change the line to M1 metro to Kocatepe station. 
  • Legoland is within walking distance to Kocatepe station inside the Forum Istanbul Shopping Mall.


Legoland Istanbul

Xtrem Aventures Istanbul Zip Line

Serving for more than ten years worldwide, Xtrem Aventures opened its branch in Istanbul Maslak UNIQ in 2015. In the Xtrem Aventures Park, there are tracks for age group 3-8, over eight years old, and adults. There are also 180 meters long Zipline Track, Quick Jump track that you can jump from 15 meters with a robe attached to you, rope sections in 4 different difficulty category and many more. If you want to challenge yourself while in Istanbul, Xtrem Aventures is the right place.

Visit Information: Xtrem Aventures is open every day except on Mondays between 10:00-19:00.

How to get there

From the old city hotels: 

  • Take the T1 tram to Kabatas station. 
  • From the Kabatas station, take the bus number 41E to Maslak Kultur Merkezi station. 
  • Xtrem Adventures is within walking distance of the station.

From the Taksim hotels: 

  • Take the funicular from the Taksim Square to Kabatas. 
  • From the Kabatas station, take the bus number 41E to Maslak Kultur Merkezi station. 
  • Xtrem Adventures is within walking distance of the station.


Xtreme Adventures Istanbul

Viasea Lionpark Istanbul

Opened in 2018, Viasea Lionpark is home to 30 different wild cats with ten different kinds. Amongst what you can see in this theme park are lions, tigers, leopards, and jaguars. Viasea Lionpark is also home to some endangered species, such as White Lion. With a decreasing number of 30 worldwide, 5 White Lions are under Viasea Lion Park's protection. Besides seeing the lions, you can also feed them and take pictures with them in Viasea Lion park.

Visit Information: Viasea Lionpark is open every day between 11:00-19:00.

How to get there

From the old city hotels:

  • Take the T1 to Sirkeci station.
  • From the Sirkeci station, take the MARMARAY to Tuzla station.
  • From the Tuzla station, take bus number C-109 to Viaport Marina station.
  • Viasea Lionpark is within walking distance from the Viaport Marina station.

From the Taksim hotels: 

  • Take the funicular from the Taksim Square to Kabatas. 
  • From the Kabatas station, take the T1 tram to Sirkeci station. 
  • From the Sirkeci station, take the MARMARAY to Tuzla station. 
  • From the Tuzla station, take bus number C-109 to Viaport Marina station. 
  • Viasea Lionpark is within walking distance from the Viaport Marina station.

Jungle & Safari & Dungeon Istanbul

Located inside of the Istanbul Theme Park, Jungle&Safari&Dungeon gives travelers a unique experience. If you want to enjoy your day with an enjoyable activity as a family, Jungle&Safari&Dungeon is a good fit for you. You can visit the jungle theme with lots of wild animals inside; you can take a jeep safari suitable for all ages and see the dungeon theme for a bit of excitement. Don't miss this unique activity while in Istanbul Theme Park.

Visit Information: Istanbul Theme Park is open every day between 11.00-19.00.

How to go there

From the old city hotels: 

  • Take the T1 tram to Eminonu station. 
  • From the Eminonu station, take bus number 99Y from the big public bus station on the other side of the Galata Bridge to Maliye Bloklari station. 
  • From the Maliye Bloklari station, Istanbul Theme Park is within walking distance.

From the Taksim station: 

  • Take the funicular from the Taksim Square to Kabatas. 
  • From the Kabatas station, take the T1 tram to Eminonu station. 
  • From the Eminonu station, take bus number 99Y from the big public bus station on the other side of the Galata Bridge to Maliye Bloklari station. 
  • From the Maliye Bloklari station, Istanbul Theme Park is within walking distance.

Jungle Park is closed temporarily.

Safari Istanbul

Besiktas Stadium Tour

If you are a fan of soccer & football, this tour is a must to do in Istanbul. Being the oldest sports club in Turkey, Besiktas Football and Gymnastic. BJK opened its doors to supporters and football lovers worldwide to enjoy its venue, Vodafone Park. In this tour, you can see the press tribune, press lodge, administration offices, changing rooms, and pitch accompanied by an official guide of the club. With the help of the Green Box technology, you can take pictures of yourself with your favorite players and backgrounds.

Visit Information: The stadium tour is available every day except for match days and national/religious holidays.

How to get there

From the old city hotels: 

  • Take the T1 tram to Kabatas station. 
  • From the Kabatas station, the stadium is within walking distance.

From the Taksim hotels: 

  • Take the funicular from the Taksim Square to Kabatas. 
  • From the Kabatas station, the stadium is within walking distance.

Besiktas Stadium

Fenerbahce Stadium Tour

Being one of the biggest football clubs in Turkey, Fenerbacçe football stadium is waiting for its guest for a different stadium experience. Located in the Asian side of Istanbul, Fenerbahce Football stadium is the 4th biggest stadium in Turkey. You can join the tour to see the history of the football club opened in the year 1907. Collections are starting from the important players, trophies, notable coaches and presidents, and many more. Furthermore, for a different experience, you can contact us for VIP tours to celebrate birthdays or special events.

Visit Information: The tour is available every weekday between 10:00-17:30

How to get there

From the old city hotels: 

  • Take the T1 to Kabatas station. 
  • From the Kabatas station, take the ferry to Uskudar. 
  • From the Uskudar station, take the MARMARAY to Sogutlu Cesme station. 
  • From the Sogutlu Cesme station, the stadium is within walking distance.

From the Taksim hotels: 

  • Take the funicular from the Taksim Square to Kabatas. 
  • From the Kabatas station, take the ferry to Uskudar. 
  • From the Uskudar station, take the MARMARAY to Sogutlu Cesme station. 
  • From the Sogutlu Cesme station, the stadium is within walking distance.

Fenerbahce Stadium

The Final Word

There are plenty of fun attractions in Istanbul to visit. You can enjoy some of the main fun attractions with family in Istanbul free of cost with Istanbul E-pass. a complete guide to reach the famous fun attractions of Istanbul has been provided by Istanbul E-pass, which is mentioned above.

Frequently Asked Questions

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