10 Best Amusement & Theme Parks in Istanbul to Enjoy

Looking for family-friendly activities, thrill rides, or interactive museums in Istanbul? The city offers more than just historical landmarks—it’s home to theme parks, aquariums, edutainment centers, and museums designed to entertain kids and adults alike. Whether you’re traveling with family or planning a fun day out, this guide covers the best amusement and theme parks in Istanbul, including their locations, highlights, and tips on ticket prices, shuttle access, and seasonal discounts.

⚠️ Important Note: As of 2025, Madame Tussauds Istanbul, SEA LIFE Istanbul, and LEGOLAND Discovery Center Istanbul are permanently closed and no longer operating. We’ve excluded them from this updated list.

At-a-Glance Comparison (2025 Updated)

10 Best Amusement & Theme Parks in Istanbul

Below we gathered the most popular amusement and theme parks in Istanbul. You may read more by visiting our detailed pages.

1. Vialand in Eyup, Golden Horn

Vialand is one of the largest Istanbul amusement parks, located in the Eyüp district near the Golden Horn. It offers an exciting mix of thrilling rides, shopping, and entertainment.

The park’s most famous ride is the Breath Taker, a high-speed roller coaster perfect for adrenaline lovers. Family-friendly attractions like Kingdom Castle and interactive shows make this a great spot for visitors of all ages. You can also have some leisure time to explore the shopping mall of the park.

Wanna learn more about Vialand Istanbul?

2. Istanbul Aquarium in Florya (Bakirkoy)

Istanbul Aquarium is one of the world’s largest thematic aquariums, with 16 different marine zones and thousands of sea creatures. Located in Florya, this attraction offers a unique journey from the Black Sea to the Pacific Ocean.

The Rainforest Zone and Ocean Tunnel are must-see highlights, and it’s perfect for families seeking an educational day out.

Wanna learn more about Istanbul Aquarium?

3. Istanbul Dolphinarium in Eyup, Golden Horn

Istanbul Dolphinarium is one of the most popular theme parks and dolphinarium in Istanbul. It is also the largest indoor Dolphinarium in Europe.

Here, you can enjoy the dolphin shows, discover the world of the sea mammals such as dolphins, playful fur seals, massive walruses and the gorgeous white whale and spend great time.

Wanna learn more about Istanbul Dolphinarium?

4. Moipark

Moipark is the largest indoor amusement park in Turkey, located in the Mall of Istanbul. This multi-level theme park has attractions for all ages, from thrilling rides like roller coasters to arcade games and VR experiences. It’s a fantastic option for families or groups looking for indoor excitement, regardless of the weather.

5. KidZania

KidZania offers a unique educational experience where kids can step into the shoes of professionals like doctors, firefighters, or chefs. Located in Akasya Mall, this mini-city is a family-friendly park in Istanbul that allows children to explore different careers through role-playing games. It’s perfect for children aged 4-14.

6. Miniaturk – Miniature Turkey Museum in Sutluce, Golden Horn

Miniaturk is a fascinating outdoor museum located in Sütlüce, featuring over 130 miniature models of Turkey’s most iconic landmarks. From the Hagia Sophia to the Temple of Artemis, visitors can tour the entire country in just a few hours. It’s a great option for families and anyone interested in Turkish history and culture.

Wanna learn more about Miniaturk?

7. Rahmi Koc Museum in Haskoy, Golden Horn

The Rahmi M. Koç Museum is an industrial museum located in Hasköy, featuring collections of vintage cars, airplanes, and machinery. Kids will love the interactive exhibits like the submarine tour and steam engines. It’s a family-friendly park offering both education and entertainment, with activities for all ages.

Wanna learn more about Rahmi Koc Transport Museum?

Access & Logistics

Most amusement parks and attractions in Istanbul are well-connected by metro, bus, or free shuttle services, especially those near major malls or touristic hubs. Here’s how to reach some of the most popular venues:

• Vialand Theme Park (Eyüp): Free shuttles from Taksim, Sultanahmet, and Beşiktaş; nearest metro: M7 line to Veysel Karani-Akşemsettin

• Istanbul Aquarium (Florya): Accessible via Marmaray (Florya stop); limited parking but direct shuttle buses run from Bakırköy and Avcılar

• Moipark (Mall of Istanbul): M9 Ataköy-İkitelli metro to İkitelli Sanayi, then walk to the mall

• KidZania (Akasya Mall): M4 metro line to Ünalan station, directly connected to the mall

• Miniatürk, Rahmi M. Koç Museum, and Dolphinarium: Reachable by buses from Eminönü, Karaköy or using Golden Horn ferries from Kadıköy

Parking availability:

• Paid indoor parking is available at all mall-based parks (Moipark, KidZania)

• Vialand and Istanbul Aquarium offer large outdoor parking areas

• Miniatürk and Koç Museum have limited parking; public transport is recommended during peak season

Opening hours:

• Theme parks like Vialand: 10:00 – 18:00, extended in summer (10:00 – 21:00)

• Museums & indoor parks: Open daily except Mondays (Koç Museum, Miniatürk)

• Aquariums and Dolphinarium: Typically 10:00 – 19:00

Istanbeautiful Team Tip
“Some attractions open earlier for school groups and close later on weekends. It’s worth checking their official site or your MegaPass dashboard before visiting.”

Best Months & Crowd Tips

The best time to enjoy Istanbul’s amusement parks and outdoor attractions is April to May and September to October. The weather is mild, lines are shorter, and weekday visits are less crowded.

Peak seasons to avoid:

• National holidays (April 23, May 19, Eid breaks)

• School vacation periods (late June to early September)

• Weekends between 13:00 – 17:00

Off-peak benefits:

• More ride availability and seating

• Discounted ticket bundles via platforms like GetYourGuide, Viator, and Tickets-Istanbul.com

• Fewer tourist buses and more relaxed entry

Reddit users consistently recommend weekday mornings, especially for Vialand and Miniatürk, where crowd control is less efficient on weekends.

Istanbeautiful Team Tip
“Avoid visiting after 3 PM unless you’re only going for evening shows or shopping. Many family rides start to shut down by 17:30.”

Itinerary Suggestions

Planning your visit around proximity and themes can help maximize your time. Here are two sample routes:

Family Weekend Plan
Ideal for kids and parents:

• Morning: Istanbul Aquarium (Florya)

• Afternoon: Miniatürk (Golden Horn)

• Evening: Vialand Theme Park or a relaxing Bosphorus cruise nearby

Thrill-Seeker One-Day Route
For teens and adrenaline fans:

• Morning: ViaSea Theme Park (Tuzla)

• Midday: Head to Vialand for high-speed rides

• Night: Catch a show or laser performance at Isfanbul or relax at the mall food courts

Booking Advice & Safety Tips

Where to book:

• Official websites sometimes offer discounted rates, especially for locals

• For international visitors, GetYourGuide and Viator offer mobile tickets and combo deals

• MegaPass Istanbul users can include many of these attractions in their pass itinerary

Payment & fees:

• Some attractions charge higher ticket prices for foreigners (e.g., Vialand)

• Foreign credit cards are accepted, but carry a small amount of cash for food stands and lockers

Avoid weekends unless you’ve pre-booked timed entry

Health & safety:

• COVID-era safety measures (sanitizers, mask zones) still apply in some parks

• Emergency exits and first-aid areas are marked at every major attraction

• Lockers available in waterparks and indoor parks for storing valuables

Istanbeautiful Team Tip
“Buying your tickets at the gate can cost up to 30% more. We suggest booking online at least 24 hours in advance to lock in better deals and skip the long entrance lines.”