Amusement and theme parks are one of the most popular attractions in every city visits especially when travelling with kids, as a family or group of young friends. Istanbul offers great theme parks ranging from huge ones with variety of great thrills and rides to aquariums, dolphinariums, themed museums and more. Amusement and theme parks are not only the places for fun, but also great places for your kids’ learning and imagination development.
If you’ll have a short stay in Istanbul and need some recommendations of must see or top 3 theme parks in Istanbul, than we recommend you to visit the Vialand (formerly Isfanbul), Aquarium Sea Life Istanbul and Istanbul LEGOLAND Discovery Center.
Below we gathered the most popular amusement and theme parks in Istanbul. You may read more by visiting our detailed pages. Also note that Hop on hop off Istanbul city sightseeing bus tour has hop off stops just very close to the Istanbul Dolphinarium, Miniaturk and Rahmi Koc Transport Museum. You may take it to get those theme parks.
10 Best Amusement & Theme Parks in Istanbul
1. Vialand in Eyup, Golden Horn
Vialand Istanbul Theme Park (formerly Isfanbul) is a huge complex containing a huge theme park which is one of the best ones in the world, shopping and entertainment areas. Located in the Eyup district of Istanbul, it is a great place to spend a full day out with your family and kids.
You can enjoy the spectacular and magical world of Vialand Theme Park with your family and friends. Have fun on the world’s 4th biggest roller-coaster, as well variety of great rides and thrills. You can also have some leisure time to explore the shopping mall of the park.
Below are the online tickets that you can buy directly from the Venue. No agencies!
Wanna learn more about Vialand Istanbul?
2. Sea Life Istanbul in Bayrampasa
Are you prepared to plunge into the depths of a mesmerizing journey? Sea Life Istanbul is a popular entertainment area in Istanbul. With 6 million m3 of water and home to over 500 different species, it boasts an awe-inspiring collection of more than 15,000 marine creatures. It is also the 5th largest aquarium in the world.
Sea Life Istanbul offers great attractions to its visitors. You can experience and enjoy the lovely sea creatures, the largest collection of sharks in Europe, the Digital Aquarium, the Turtle Hospital where you may see the injured turtles are getting healed, thematic zones, school trips, birthday parties and much more.
Below are the online tickets that you can buy directly from the Venue. No agencies!
No Regrets Booking Advice
- SEA LIFE Istanbul General Admission Ticket online from Viator
- SEA LIFE Istanbul Entry Ticket Online from GetYourGuide
Wanna learn more about Sea Life Istanbul?
3. Istanbul LEGOLAND Discovery Center in Bayrampasa
Istanbul LEGOLAND Discovery Center is a great entertainment and kids’ education area. The center is world famous brand and now in Istanbul Turkey. It promises an unforgettable experience where the joy of building, playing, and exploring comes to life in a LEGO-inspired wonderland!
Embark on a whimsical journey into the world of LEGOLAND Istanbul, where imagination knows no bounds. This vibrant theme park is a haven of thrilling attractions and engaging activities for visitors of all ages.
Below are the online tickets that you can buy directly from the Venue. No agencies!
- Istanbul LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Admission Ticket from Viator
- Istanbul LEGOLAND Discovery Center Entrance Ticket from GetYourGuide
Wanna learn more about Istanbul Legoland?
4. Istanbul Aquarium in Florya (Bakirkoy)
Istanbul Aquarium is one of the best aquariums and theme parks in Europe. It is the biggest thematic aquarium in the world.
Embark on a captivating journey from the Black Sea to the Pacific by following a geographical route composed of a total of 17 themes and a rainforest at Istanbul Aquarium, the world’s latest marvel in comparison to its kind.
Unlike traditional aquariums, Istanbul Aquarium stands out with its unique features such as the itinerary, theming, interactivity, rainforest, and state-of-the-art technology. Each area within the aquarium is meticulously themed to reflect its cultural, geographical, historical, and architectural characteristics.
Below are some of best experiences you can find!
- Istanbul Aquarium Ticket & Shuttle Bus from Taksim (great one with fast entry and shuttle service)
- Istanbul Aquarium, Wednesday Bazaar & 212 Mall (Solo – Group)
- Istanbul Aquarium and Aqua Florya Shopping Mall Tour (good one)
- Istanbul Aquarium and Aqua Florya Independent Shopping Trip (good one)
Wanna learn more about Istanbul Aquarium?
5. Istanbul Dolphinarium in Eyup, Golden Horn
Step into a world of wonder and awe at Istanbul Dolphinarium, where the captivating tale of marine marvels unfolds. 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 at the Istanbul Dolphinarium.
Wanna learn more about Istanbul Dolphinarium?
6. Moipark
Embark on an exhilarating journey at Moipark, the largest indoor entertainment colony in Europe, sprawling across a vast 12,000 m2 area. With giant swings, high-speed shuttles, adrenaline-filled games, fun tunnels, and a horror-conscious hotel, Moipark promises an action-packed adventure.
The facility features two dedicated floors catering to different age groups. One floor caters to children older than 10 years, while the other is a haven for kids aged 4 to 10. Live stage shows and a myriad of entertainment options invite families into a colorful world of big fun.
7. KidZania
Step into the miniature city of KidZania, where learning meets play in an interactive and engaging environment designed for children aged 2 to 14. Spanning over 80,000 square meters, KidZania offers over 100 exciting careers for children to explore through realistic role-playing games.
In this unique town, children independently navigate various professions, gaining insights into different jobs, city life, and financial literacy. The experience is not just fun; it’s a playful way for children to grasp the concepts of the business cycle.
KidZania introduces a corporate currency called “kidZos,” earned through employment, spent on goods and services, deposited in bank accounts, or even donated to the community. KidZania provides a dynamic and educational playground where children can discover, learn, and have a blast in a city built just for them.
8. Miniaturk – Miniature Turkey Museum in Sutluce, Golden Horn
The miniature Turkey open air museum, the miniature forms of the greatest monuments of Turkey…
This open-air museum showcases meticulously crafted miniature replicas of iconic landmarks, bringing the country’s architectural wonders to life. Perfect for families, kids can explore the intricacies of Turkey’s diverse heritage in a single visit, making Miniaturk an educational and entertaining experience.
Below are some of best experiences you can find!
- Semi Private Tour – Golden Horn and Miniaturk Park Tour in Istanbul
- Istanbul: Miniaturk Museum & Shopping Tour
- Private Guided Tour with Transfer in Miniatürk Istanbul
Wanna learn more about Miniaturk?
9. Madame Tussauds Istanbul Wax Museum in Istiklal Avenue, Taksim
A museum chain for life-size wax replicas of famous celebrities and historic icons as well as historical and cultural heroes from the history… Step into the glamorous world of Madame Tussauds Istanbul Wax Museum, where lifelike wax figures of global celebrities and historical icons await.
From movie stars to political leaders, this museum offers an interactive and immersive encounter with some of the world’s most influential personalities. A thrilling and educational outing for families, kids can pose with their favorite figures and learn about the individuals who have shaped history.
Below are the online tickets that you can buy directly from the Venue. No agencies!
- Madame Tussauds Istanbul Admission Ticket from Viator
- Madame Tussauds Istanbul Entrance Ticket from GetYourGuide
Wanna learn more about Madame Tussauds Istanbul?
10. Rahmi Koc Museum in Haskoy, Golden Horn
Housed in a former anchor foundry, a science and technology museum, a trove of machines, vintage cars, trains and submarines… For young enthusiasts fascinated by machines and technology, Rahmi Koc Transport Museum is a treasure trove.
Located in Istanbul, this museum houses an impressive collection of vintage cars, planes, trains, and maritime artifacts. Kids can explore the evolution of transportation and witness the marvels of engineering up close, making it an engaging and educational visit for families.
Wanna learn more about Rahmi Koc Transport Museum?