A Family Holiday to Turkey: What to See and Do

A Family Holiday to Turkey: What to See and Do

Turkey sits between Europe and Asia, and therefore has best of both worlds. The mystery of the orient and classical ancient European culture combines to create a fascinating country that’s you’ll never forget.

If you’re traveling with kids, then there’s no need to worry – there are lots of child-friendly things to do in Turkey that are fun for the whole family.

When Should You Visit?

The weather can vary dramatically in Turkey, but stick to the coast and you’ll have beautiful summers and mild winters. Head in-land to the mountains for cooler climes. July and August can reach temperatures of up to 36 degrees, so if you can’t handle the heat or if you’re concerned about your children, head to Turkey in early June or September for warm, but bearable, weather.

Make sure your accommodation has air conditioning if you’re visiting in the summer months, as this will provide much needed relief. Always take bottled water and avoid being out in the sun during the hottest part of the day, i.e. 12-3, and don’t forget the sunscreen.

What You Should Go and See

One of the great things about turkey is that there are many free attractions. A look at Istanbul’s Blue Mosque or a trip to the ruins of Ephesus is a fantastic way to learn and discover, and it doesn’t cost a lot either.

Haggling is common practice in Turkey, so why don’t you see if you can get discounts at the local attractions. Don’t just go with the tickets from your travel rep for convenience’s sake, as city centre shops will often offer them cheaper.

Take your kids to see the model planes and trains at the Rhami M Koc Museum or explore Bodrum’s Castle with its museum of underwater archaeology.

Kid-Friendly Turkey

The Turks are known for their hospitality, and so the country is very child-friendly. You’ll find a warm welcome whenever you go.

Prayers will begin at 5am, so take earplugs to avoid a disrupted night’s sleep for you and your children.

There will be many stray animals, particularly cats and dogs, and while they’ll be looked after and fed, you may want to stop your children petting them as they are likely to be dirty.

The Beaches

During the summer months, the water is warm enough to swim in, but be careful as they don’t always have life guards. There are jellyfish in the water, but they are harmless. The beaches can get pretty crowded at peak times, but they are usually very clean.

 If you don’t want to plan an itinerary yourself, you could let someone else do it for you by booking a tour, like the ones from Encounters Travel.

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