Free Exhibitions, Museums and Activities for Children in Istanbul (2026 Guide)
For families with children, Istanbul is a city offering unlimited entertainment and learning opportunities. However, not every activity has to strain your budget. With free museums, science centers, workshops and events scattered throughout the city, your children can have experiences where they both have fun and learn. Especially on weekends and holiday periods, free programs organized by municipalities and cultural centers provide great convenience for families.
In this guide, we have compiled a wide range of options from free exhibition spaces and museums you can visit with children in Istanbul, to workshops, festivals and nature activities you can participate in. You can use this list as a reference when planning your weekdays and weekends, spending quality time with your children without straining your budget.
Quick Recommendations by Age Groups
0-3 Years Babies
For young babies, outdoor and calm environments are ideal. Wide green areas, parks where you can walk comfortably with a stroller and quiet museum gardens should be preferred.
Recommendations: Emirgan Grove, Yıldız Park, Gülhane Park, Bebek Beach, Moda Coastal Park
4-7 Years Children
Children in this age group are energetic and curious. Playgrounds, interactive museums and animal shelters are perfect for this age.
Recommendations: Müze Gazhane, Istanbul Municipality Cultural Centers painting workshops, public library story time, Florya Atatürk Forest
8-12 Years Children
For elementary and middle school age children, educational and social activities are important. Science, technology and art workshops are ideal for this group.
Recommendations: Science centers, coding workshops, chess clubs, reading clubs, history museums
13+ Years Teenagers
For adolescent youth, social activities, technology and art come to the forefront. Drama, music and art workshops are interesting.
Recommendations: Salt Galata youth programs, Istanbul Municipality Cultural Centers drama and music workshops, street art tours, digital art workshops
Free Science Centers and Educational Museums
Müze Gazhane (Kadıköy)
Istanbul’s most comprehensive free museum complex. Climate Museum, Science Center, Cartoon and Humor Museum under one roof. Children can do interactive science experiments, experience game-based learning about climate change.
Address: Hasanpaşa District, Kadıköy
Opening Hours: Every day except Monday 10:00-20:00
Admission: Completely free
Age: All children 4 years and older
Üsküdar Science Center
Interactive experiments on robotics, aviation, space, energy themes. Planetarium sessions are especially popular but require reservation.
Address: Ünalan District, Üsküdar
Opening Hours: Weekdays and weekends 09:00-18:00 (Closed Mondays)
Admission: Free (registration for some special events)
Age: 6-14 years ideal
Eyüpsultan Science Center (Math House + Ali Kuşçu Space House)
Two special centers in one campus. Gamified mathematics at Math House, astronomy and space sciences at Ali Kuşçu Space House. Planetarium shows are free but require reservation.
Address: Eyüpsultan
Opening Hours: Weekdays 09:00-17:00 (Closed Mondays)
Admission: Free
Age: 7-14 years ideal
Santral Istanbul Energy Museum
Energy production and industrial history in a historic power plant. Simple electric circuits can be built in the Energy Detectives workshop.
Address: Silahtarağa, Eyüpsultan
Opening Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 10:00-18:00
Admission: Free
Age: 8 years and older
Istanbul Municipality Cultural Centers and Free Workshops
Cultural centers of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality located in every district organize free workshops and courses for children. These programs are usually opened periodically and require registration.
Types of Workshops Offered
Art Workshops (4-14 years): Drawing and painting classes, ceramics and pottery, sculpture and model making, handicrafts and jewelry design, marbling art
Music and Dance (5-16 years): Music theory and instrument training, children’s choir, folk dances, modern dance
Drama and Theater (6-14 years): Creative drama work, children’s theater, diction and oratory, puppet making and shows
Technology and Science (8-16 years): Coding and robotics, Scratch programming, project development with Arduino, 3D design
Sports and Strategy (6-16 years): Chess clubs, table tennis, gymnastics
Popular Istanbul Municipality Cultural Centers
Kadıköy Barış Manço Cultural Center: One of the most active cultural centers. Music, dance, theater, painting workshops are regularly opened. Children’s concerts and theater performances are free on weekends. Address: Caferağa District, Kadıköy.
Beşiktaş Cultural Center: By the sea, children’s theater and music events are popular. Open-air shows are organized in summer. Address: Barbaros, Beşiktaş.
Şişli Cultural Center: Painting, ceramics and coding workshops are active. Stands out with modern facilities and spacious workshop areas. Address: Halaskargazi Street, Şişli.
Üsküdar Cultural Center: One of the most comprehensive centers on the Anatolian side. Drama, music and handicrafts workshops are regularly opened. Address: Ahmediye District, Üsküdar.
How to Register?
Cultural center workshops are usually opened at the beginning of terms (October, February). Registration procedures can be done as follows: Visit Istanbul Municipality’s official website, call the cultural center in your district, learn about open workshops and registration dates, apply with required documents (ID photocopy, photograph), register early before capacity fills up.
Public Libraries: Story Time and Free Events
Istanbul’s public libraries are centers that not only lend books but also organize various free events for children.
Activities Offered at Libraries
Story Time: At story hours held on weekends, professional storytellers or volunteers read stories to children. With interactive narration, children become part of the story. Age: 4-8 years. Day: Usually Saturday mornings. Duration: 45-60 minutes
Reading Clubs: In reading clubs organized for children aged 7-12, specific books are read and discussed. Children develop critical thinking and expression skills. Age: 7-12 years. Day: Weekday afternoons or Saturday. Duration: Monthly meetings
Painting and Art Workshops: Colorful painting activities for young children. Paper, paint and materials are provided by the library. Age: 3-7 years. Day: Weekend. Duration: 30-45 minutes
Film Screenings: Children’s movies and educational documentaries are shown free on certain days. Programs usually intensify during school holidays. Age: All ages (depending on film content). Day: Weekends or holidays
Featured Public Libraries
Atatürk Library (Taksim): One of Istanbul’s most central and largest libraries. Children’s section is spacious, event calendar is rich. Address: Mete Street, Taksim. Opening Hours: Monday-Saturday 09:00-19:00. Events: Weekend story time, reading club
Beyazıt State Library: Stands out with its historic structure and extensive children’s collection. Thematic events are organized on special days. Address: Beyazıt Square, Fatih. Opening Hours: Every day 09:00-21:00. Events: Story time, film screenings
Istanbul Municipality City Libraries: Modern libraries located at many points throughout Istanbul. Children’s sections are designed colorfully and interactively. Locations: Kadıköy, Bağcılar, Başakşehir, Ümraniye etc. Opening Hours: Usually 09:00-21:00. Events: Story time, workshops, film screenings
Kadıköy Mustafa Saffet Cultural Center Library: One of the most active libraries on the Anatolian side. Children’s events are regularly announced. Address: Caferağa District, Kadıköy. Events: Story time, reading club, drama workshops
Free Parks and Outdoor Areas
There are dozens of free parks in Istanbul where you can have picnics with children, ride bicycles and play games.
European Side Parks
Emirgan Grove (Sarıyer): Giant 47-hectare park. Especially colorful during tulip festival period (April-May). Wide playgrounds, picnic tables, bicycle paths, ponds.
Belgrade Forest (Sarıyer): 12,000-hectare forest area. Ideal for nature walks, cycling, picnics. Dams and walking trails available.
Gülhane Park (Fatih): In the historic peninsula, central location. Playground, pond, children’s theater shows (seasonal). Within walking distance to Topkapi Palace and Hagia Sophia.
Yıldız Park (Beşiktaş): Historic palace garden. Wide lawns, ponds, cafeteria. Peaceful environment for picnic and relaxation.
Maçka Democracy Park (Şişli): Park with cable car view in city center. Children love watching cable cars. Playgrounds and sports fields available.
Florya Atatürk Forest (Bakırköy): Wide forest area by the sea. Free beach sections in summer, bicycle paths, playgrounds.
Anatolian Side Parks
Fethi Paşa Grove (Üsküdar): 17-hectare park with Bosphorus view. Picnic areas, children’s playgrounds, walking trails.
Validebağ Grove (Üsküdar): 42-hectare nature area. Forest walks, running trails, children’s playgrounds, picnic tables.
Moda Coastal Park (Kadıköy): Popular park by the sea. Playgrounds, coastal walk, seagull feeding, Istanbul view.
Freedom Park (Kadıköy): Modern park in central location. Amphitheater, playgrounds, free children’s shows on weekends (seasonal).
Nakkaştepe National Garden (Beykoz): Modern park with Bosphorus view. Playgrounds, amphitheater, walking trails, sunset viewing point.
Coastal Activities and Seaside Fun
Seagull Feeding Points
One of children’s favorite free activities is feeding seagulls. While feeding seagulls with simit bread, they both have fun and interact with nature.
Üsküdar Coast: Seagull feeding with Maiden’s Tower view. Dense seagull population around the pier.
Kadıköy Pier: Seagulls and pigeons in the square area. Simit vendors always nearby.
Ortaköy Coast: Coast with Bosphorus Bridge view. Interaction with seagulls while eating kumpir.
Bebek Coast: Calm and clean coast. Ideal for family walk and seagull feeding.
Eminönü Ferry Pier: The densest seagull population. Children can feed seagulls while waiting for ferries.
Free Coastal Walks
Moda – Kalamış Coastal Road: 3 km flat road. Suitable for stroller, bicycle, skating.
Üsküdar – Salacak Coast: Walk with Maiden’s Tower view. Playgrounds and seating areas.
Bebek – Rumeli Fortress: Walk with Bosphorus view. Historic structures and greenery.
Caddebostan – Bostancı: Long coastal strip. Bicycle rental points (paid) and playgrounds.
Free Beaches in Summer Months
Florya Atatürk Forest Beach: On Marmara coast. Free sections available, but shower and changing room are paid.
Kilyos Public Beach: On the Black Sea. Certain sections are free, but crowded in summer.
Büyükada Shores: Some coastal sections of the islands are free. Be careful of rocky areas.
Note: Free beaches are generally less maintained than paid beaches in terms of cleanliness and security. Families with young children are advised to be careful.
Special Days and Festival Events
April 23 National Sovereignty and Children’s Day
The most special children’s day of the year. Dozens of free events are organized throughout Istanbul.
Event Types: Taksim Square children’s festivals, free children’s theater in Sultanahmet, Istanbul Municipality and district municipality organizations, free museum admission (many museums are free on this day), open-air concerts and shows in parks, face painting, balloons, gift distribution
Museum Night (May)
On Museum Night held on the third Saturday of May every year, many museums stay open for free until late at night. Some museums also organize special children’s programs.
Museums to Visit with Children: Rahmi M. Koç Museum (with special events), Istanbul Modern (children’s workshops), Pera Museum (family-friendly events), Sakıp Sabancı Museum (garden concerts)
Ramadan Events
Ramadan Streets and Tents: Ramadan streets set up in neighborhoods like Sultanahmet, Fatih, Üsküdar are fun for children.
Activities: Karagöz-Hacivat shows, Meddah shows, traditional toy stands, halva and candy distribution, mehter shows
Free Iftar Tents: Families can have free iftar at iftar tents set up by municipalities. Special menus and activity areas for children. Main Locations: Sultanahmet Square, Fatih Municipality tents, district municipality organizations
Summer Festivals and Outdoor Events
Municipality Summer Cinemas: District municipalities organize free open-air cinema in parks and coasts. Children’s movies are usually shown in early hours.
Harbiye Open Air Theater: In summer months, some concerts and shows are offered free or with symbolic fees. Should be followed for children’s shows.
Street Festivals: Music, dance and children’s activities are free at street festivals organized in neighborhoods like Kadıköy, Beşiktaş, Beyoğlu.
Free Historic Places
Hagia Sophia Mosque
World-famous historic structure. Admission is completely free. Children can see the magnificent dome and architecture, take history lessons.
Address: Sultanahmet, Fatih
Admission: Free
Tip: Less crowded in early morning hours
Sultanahmet Square
Like an open-air museum. Obelisk, Walled Obelisk, German Fountain, Hagia Sophia and Sultanahmet Mosque surroundings. Perfect location for teaching history.
Address: Sultanahmet, Fatih
Free Nearby: Hagia Sophia, Sultanahmet Mosque exterior
Yıldız Park and Yıldız Palace Gardens
Historic palace gardens can be visited free (palace interior museum is paid). Wide green areas, ponds, viewing historic structures from outside.
Address: Yıldız, Beşiktaş
Admission: Gardens free
Animal Shelters and Farms
Istanbul Municipality Animal Shelters
Several municipal animal shelters in Istanbul can be visited for free. Children can interact with street animals, learn about the adoption process.
Kemerburgaz Animal Shelter: Istanbul Municipality’s largest shelter. Meeting dogs and cats, feeding experience (supervised). Address: Kemerburgaz, Sarıyer. Visit: Weekend (recommended to call ahead for information)
Polonezköy Farms
Some farms in Polonezköy offer free or symbolic fee visit opportunities. Children can meet animals like chickens, cows, sheep, horses.
Address: Polonezköy, Beykoz
Activity: Nature walk, watching farm animals
Tip: Can be added to family nature trip
Seasonal Free Activities
Spring (March-May)
Tulip Festival – Emirgan Grove: Millions of tulips bloom in April. Free admission, photography paradise.
Picnic Season Start: All parks open. Belgrade Forest, Emirgan Grove ideal.
Bird Migration Watching: Migratory birds can be watched on Bosphorus shores. Nature lesson for children.
Summer (June-August)
Open Air Cinemas: Free film screenings with municipality organizations.
Beach and Coastal Activities: Free beaches, coastal walks, seaside games.
Sunset Watching: Free sunset enjoyment on coastlines.
Autumn (September-November)
Leaf Collecting: Belgrade Forest and Emirgan Grove are colorful in autumn.
Photography Trips: Parks with autumn colors are ideal for photography.
Chestnut Collecting: Natural chestnut collecting in forest areas.
Winter (December-February)
Snow Days: Belgrade Forest snowball fight, snowman making when it snows.
Indoor Activities: Museums, libraries, science centers more comfortable in winter months.
Hot Tea and Simit: Sharing simit with seagulls on coastlines, hot tea as a family.
Special Experience at Emaar SkyView and Emaar Aquarium
After spending weeks full of free activities, if you can allocate a small share from your budget, Emaar Aquarium and Emaar SkyView can be an unforgettable reward for your children.
Emaar Aquarium: 200+ sea species, shark tunnel, interactive aquariums. Children both have fun and learn about marine life.
Emaar SkyView: Istanbul’s observation deck at 300 meters height. Children see the city from bird’s eye view, learn about the city with interactive screens.
Why We Recommend? After exploring Istanbul with free activities, these experiences can add value to children for a special day. More advantageous prices possible with online tickets.
Weekly Free Program Suggestion
Monday – Museum Day: Visit Müze Gazhane. Do experiments at Science Center. Walk in Kadıköy bazaar.
Tuesday – Coast Day: Feed seagulls on Üsküdar coast. Have picnic at Fethi Paşa Grove.
Wednesday – Park Day: Ride bicycle at Emirgan Grove. Watch ducks at ponds.
Thursday – Library Day: Attend story time at local public library. Read books, play quiet games.
Friday – Historic Tour: Explore Sultanahmet Square. Visit Hagia Sophia Mosque. Play games at Gülhane Park.
Saturday – Nature Day: Hike in Belgrade Forest. Prepare picnic and spend time in nature as a family.
Sunday – Event Day: Watch free children’s show at Istanbul Municipality Cultural Center. Or complete the day at Moda coast.
Practical Tips
Transportation
Istanbulcard is discounted for children. By using public transportation, you can avoid both budget and traffic stress.
Food and Snacks
Simit and tea are the cheapest snacks. Prepare picnic basket from home when going to parks.
Safety
Don’t take your eyes off your children in crowded places. Have your child memorize your phone number.
Timing
Prefer to go to places to visit in early hours. You will avoid crowds. Consider nap time for small babies.
Clothing
Wear comfortable shoes, you will walk a lot. Choose layered clothing appropriate for the season. Carry spare clothing for young children.
Event Tracking
Follow Istanbul Municipality website and district municipalities’ social media accounts. Don’t miss free events.
Istanbul offers dozens of options for families with children to have fun without spending budget. From science centers to libraries, from parks to coasts, from workshops to festivals, you can experience a different experience every weekend. With free activities, you can ensure that your children both have fun and learn, while also protecting your budget.
Using this guide, you can create your own weekly program, plan activities according to the season, and make maximum use of the free opportunities Istanbul offers.
Remember: Many events and free admission hours may change. We recommend checking official websites or social media accounts before visiting.
