Kids' Activites

Finding kids' activities wherever you go on vacation.

I often hear people warning parents away from one destination or another because “there’s nothing for kids to do.” If you take a moment to think about that, you’ll realize it’s silly. Local parents need activities for their kids, and you can tap into those resources. Kid-focused activities don’t need to dominate your trip, and with any luck you’ll find that playground time also provides an opportunity for you to interact with local families. Here are some tips for finding things to do that would work just as well in Istanbul as in grandma’s suburban home.

Use Google Maps satellite view to zoom in and find playgrounds near the attractions you’ll be visiting. They’re the funny looking structures in a field or square.

Local festivals often include fun activities for kids, and also provide insight into the area's culture. They’re not too tricky to find. Look for signs around town, pick up a paper in the local language if you understand it, or in English if you don’t.

Artisan workshops and factory tours are always a good bet with kids. A chamber of commerce or tourism bureau can also point you in the right direction. Be sure to find out tour hours and any restrictions regarding children or strollers in advance.

Public libraries generally have a children’s area and are a great place to take a break from the rain or hot sun. Even if you don’t read the local language, it’s fun to leaf through children’s books and notice how different the images are from those you see in children’s books at home. No library in sight? A bookstore works well, too, and you might consider choosing a wordless book to bring home as a souvenir.

If all else fails, pack a small bag of birdseed in your daypack. Your kids can blow off steam by feeding birds in a park or piazza.