Istanbul Toy Museum

Housed in a historical villa, the Istanbul Toy Museum in Göztepe is a great place to spend a rainy afternoon with the kids. Over 4,000 toys are on display, including many antique ones.

Energy Museum

The two engine rooms of the oldest power plant in Turkey (Silahtarağa) have been reintroduced to Istanbul as a multi-purpose complex housing the Energy Museum and santralistanbul. The Energy Museum exhibits various makes of turbine-generator groups, which were crucial components in the electricity production process and represent the advanced technology of their times. The control room, which served as the point from where production and distribution of electricity was controlled and supervised, was preserved and is being exhibited with all its devices. The Energy Play Zone is a great area for kids, featuring 22 interactive units where kids can produce electricity, touch thousands of volts, create magnetic sculptures, and much more!

Miniatürk

Miniatürk houses about 120 miniatures of Turkish and Ottoman monuments and historical sites, such as the Hagia Sofia and the Galata Tower.

Sultan Kayıkları

The Sultan Kayıkları (The Sultan’s Caique) trip on the Bosphorus is a sultanesque experience that is a fun activity for kids on warm and sunny days. Replicas of the original sultan’s boats, the Sultan Kayıkları are made of woodwork, golden embellishments, and feature imperial sofas covered with rich, red fabrics. You can choose to have a private or a group tour, see the palaces on the shores of the Bosphorus or see the old city with the Golden Horn tours.

Bebek Park

Centrally located near Bebek Kahve and the Bebek Mosque, the Bebek Park is a favorite spot among families and dog-lovers. Featuring a playground and a dog run overlooking the Bosphorus, the park was renovated and renamed the Türkan Sabancı Bebek Park in 2008.

Rahmi Koç Museum

Built by the Koç family and situated on the north side of the Golden Horn (Haliç), this privately-owned museum will take you on a tour of Istanbul’s industrial past. Most of the exhibition items are from Mr. Rahmi M. Koç’s private collection and include steam engines, sea and land vessels, locomotive, submarine, vintage airplane, agricultural machinery, and much more.

Büyükada

The largest of the Princes’ Islands, Büyükada is best enjoyed during the spring and summer months. The most modern style of transportation here is horse-drawn carriages and, as such, is ideal for getting some fresh air. Riding donkeys, walking, cycling, barbequing, and swimming are some of the top activities to be enjoyed on the islan