Istanbul is not just a dreamy, must-visit destination for young people and adult travelers. The city packs many activity centers and magical places that will blow the minds of your kids. After all, this is a metropolitan with over 15 million inhabitants and the current trend in urban development is carefully taking into account the needs of children as well as adults. The newly forming centers for real estate investment in Istanbul have all started to include parks, shopping malls and recreation and activity centers, where children can have fun safely. If you are short on time, at least put one of these 3 top destinations on your agenda, as they will be unforgettable memories not just for them, but for the entire family.
Istanbul Aquarium, Florya
Did you know that Istanbul is home to the largest thematic aquarium in the world? Approximately 1.500 species and 17.000 land and sea creatures can be seen in this magical place that blends interactivity with cutting-edge technology. Expect to see any species from tiger sharks to sea turtles, from caimans to piranhas. Visitors are taken through a geographical route that hosts 16 themes and 1 rainforest, from the Black Sea towards the Pacific. Fish feeding sessions organized at 15:00 everyday are not to be missed. The aquarium also has two 5D movie houses, 3 cafeterias, a restaurant, gift shop and a 1.200 vehicle parking lot. Make sure to spend a whole day at this magical place that appeals to kids and adults alike. The aquarium is located in Florya, close to the Atatürk International Airport. It is a beautiful area by the Marmara shore, full of luxury flats and homes for sale.
Istanbul Toy Museum, Göztepe
Founded by poet/author Sunay Akın, the museum features amazing examples from toy history, spanning from the 1700’s to modern day. Established with toys that were purchased from auctions and antique shops from over 40 countries in 20 years by Sunay Akın, it is located in a historical mansion designed by stage design artist Ayhan Doğan. The museum prides itself on being a place for everyone and not just for kids. Its doors are open to all three generations of families including children, parents and grandparents, promising a great time for everyone. There are very few old mansions left standing in the area and the museum building is one of them. The area being one of the oldest neighborhoods on the Asian side, it has recently started seeing its share of urban transformation projects. Naturally, these are opening new opportunities for those hoping to buy Istanbul property.
Istanbul Sealife Aquarium, Forum Bayrampaşa
For aquarium lovers, Istanbul offers yet another amazing destination to witness the wonders of the oceans around the world. Sealife, one of the world’s biggest aquarium groups, invites families and children to its branch located inside the Forum Mall in Bayrampaşa. Boasting a 83m-long underwater Ocean Tunnel, 270 degree panoramic viewing Sea Bed, 21 themed zones with 47 display tanks and more than 15,000 sea creatures, Sealife is also committed to the conservation of our oceans. The “Breed, Rescue, Protect” initiative is designed to inspire children to preserve the heritage of our seas for future generations. You can easily combine a trip to Sealife with a day of shopping at Forum, as this is one of the largest malls in Istanbul. Bayrampaşa is a large district in Istanbul that is easily accessible by public transportation, including the light rail system. In recent years, it has been on the radar of many planning to invest in real estate in Istanbul. Forum also houses a Legoland, another kids’ favorite and an Ikea store, among many other shopping alternatives.