Most kids will love the strangeness and exotic bustle of Istanbul. But they can get tired and fractious if their holiday just becomes one mosaic-full mosque or palace after another. Fortunately, Istanbul has a few attractions specially for them.
The city isn't terribly kid-friendly in terms of playgrounds or parks. The centre of the city is crowded, with frenetic traffic – careful crossing the road! - and few places to relax. You’ll have to get the hang of the bus system, or hire taxis, if you want to visit some of the best sights for children.
For instance the zoo is some way out of the city in Darica, and getting there can involve three changes of transport! However it’s worth persevering. While the collection isn't as large as in many zoos, and some high profile species are missing, the zoo itself is a fantastic place done out in true Turkish style with box topiary and decorated fountains. Birds are a particular focus here, with some marvellously colourful parrots and cockatoos as well as waterfowl and birds of prey.
The toy museum with a poetic touch
Kids will also love the toy museum (Oyuncak Muzesi), off Omerpasa Caddesi 17 in the Goztepe neighbourhood. Its home is a lovely old wooden house which could have come straight out of a fairy tale. Poet Sunay Akin founded the museum in 2005, with toys from his own collection. He hasn't just bought toys – he’s bought an entire old toyshop and re-erected it here. Go at weekends to enjoy the magic show at three in the afternoon, or the puppet theatre.
More active youngsters can enjoy ice skating at the Galleria shopping mall in Atakoy. Since the rink is open till ten in the evening, this can be a great way to finish a day’s sightseeing – and get rid of any surplus energy!
Other activities can be found at the Feshane World Children Entertainment Park. Feshane is a weird mix – an international fair centre and conference facility, together with a children’s playground and food market. Even stranger, it’s based around an iron-framed factory, imported from Belgium in the nineteenth century to house a fez manufacturing business. Park entry is free, but the rides cost money, so beware pester power.
Visit Turkey in miniature
Miniaturk is a quite different kind of experience – a model Turkey where you can do all the sights of the country in a single afternoon. As well as models of standard attractions such as Haghia Sofia, you can see a perfect modern model airport, or use the miniature train. Entrance is YTL 10 (USD 7) and you’ll probably need to pay about the same for a taxi there, or take bus 47C or E.
While Istanbul might not have as many children’s attractions as some cities, it’s definitely improving – the Toy Museum and Miniaturk have both been set up in the last ten years. But kids will find a warm welcome everywhere – the Turks love children, and they’ll be cuddled, kissed, even pinched and given sweeties.
And although the toy shops might not be inspiring, what child could resist the attractions of the Grand Bazaar with its carpet shops and narrow alleys – or the exotic aromas of the Egyptian Spice Bazaar behind the Yeni Mosque?
