Turkey with Teenagers: A Fun-Filled Family Adventure

Begin your Turkish adventure in Istanbul, a city where East meets West—and where your kids meet the magic of Turkish culture.

Start with Hagia Sophia: This architectural masterpiece will leave the whole family in awe. While you marvel at its history, the kids can play “spot the mosaics” or count its massive domes and arches.

Visit the Blue Mosque: It’s just a short walk away and equally stunning. Keep the visit short if your kids aren’t fans of quiet places, but they’ll love the grandeur of the interior.

Topkapi Palace: Transport them into the world of sultans with tales of treasure-filled rooms and secret courtyards. They’ll especially enjoy the armory and the kitchen exhibits (because food history is surprisingly fun).

Grand Bazaar for Souvenirs: End your day wandering the vibrant maze of the Grand Bazaar, one of the world’s oldest markets. Your kids can practice their haggling skills on colorful lamps and Turkish delights. Don’t forget to grab some snacks for the road!

Start your Cappadocia adventure with the Goreme Open Air Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage site full of ancient rock-hewn churches. The frescoes might not scream “kid-friendly,” but they’ll be mesmerized by the cave-like feel. Next, dive into Devrent (Imagination) Valley, where the kids can spot rock formations shaped like animals—think a natural game of “I Spy.”

Take a breather at Pasabag Monks Valley, where fairy chimneys steal the show, before heading to Avanos, a pottery village that doubles as the perfect hands-on activity for little artists. Wrap up the day with a family selfie at the Goreme Panorama, where the view is almost as stunning as the Instagram likes it’ll rack up.

Kick off day two with a hike through the stunning Rose Valley and a stroll through Pigeon Valley, named for its countless dovecotes carved into the rocks. Your kids will be amazed—and slightly horrified—to learn pigeons used to deliver messages.

Venture underground to either the Derinkuyu or Kaymakli Underground City, where an ancient subterranean labyrinth will make your kids feel like Indiana Jones (without the snakes). Recharge at a local restaurant before visiting the charming Ortahisar Village, where the castle-like rock formation doubles as a playground for their imaginations.

Finally, wind down in the peaceful Avanos Valley before calling it a day.

Take your family to Duden Waterfalls, where the cascading water and lush greenery create a natural jungle gym. From there, head to Antalya’s Old Town (Kaleiçi). Its cobblestone streets are perfect for aimless wandering—or hunting down the best baklava.

Check out Hadrianus Gate, an ancient Roman arch that offers a literal portal into history. Don’t miss the Clock Tower, which your kids will insist looks like a castle. The promise of Turkish ice cream afterward is an excellent way to keep them entertained.

Pamukkale’s famous Travertens (terraced thermal pools) are like nature’s infinity pools. Kids will love splashing around while you attempt to snap a serene family photo (good luck with that).

Visit the Hierapolis Ancient Site to roam ancient streets and the Roman amphitheater—basically a giant, climbable history lesson.

After lunch at a local restaurant, dip into the Hot Thermal Pools, where the mineral-rich waters are said to have healing properties. (Does it work on sibling rivalry? Asking for a friend.) End your Pamukkale day with an adrenaline rush by going paragliding. Because who wouldn’t want to see those travertens from the sky?

Ephesus is a treasure trove of ruins, and the Ephesus Ruins themselves are just the start. Your kids will love hearing the tales behind the Fountains of Trajan and Polio and imagining ancient Romans strolling past the Temples of Hadrian and Domition.

The Library of Celsus might be one of the most photographed landmarks in Turkey, but don’t skip the Bouleuterion and Great Theatre, where the echoes of ancient performances seem to linger.

After lunch at a local restaurant, visit the House of the Virgin Mary, a peaceful retreat even your most screen-addicted kid will find fascinating (especially if you mention its ties to miracles).

Wrap up your trip by exploring Istanbul’s vibrant waterfront.

Bosphorus Cruise: Start with a family-friendly boat ride along the Bosphorus, pointing out palaces and fortresses as you glide between continents.

Spice Bazaar: Head to the Spice Bazaar, where the kids can sniff out exotic spices and sample Turkish delights (free snacks—yes, please!).

Galata Tower: For a fun finale, climb the Galata Tower for panoramic views of the city. It’s a short climb, but the view of Istanbul’s skyline makes it worth every step.