Kadıköy and Üsküdar, the gems of Istanbul’s Asian side, stand out as ideal districts for families thanks to their safety, convenient transportation, and variety of activities. With their blend of historical charm and modern spaces, these neighborhoods offer a rich selection of places to visit with children. From seaside promenades and parks to aquariums and historical sites, you’ll find a wide array of activities to enjoy.
In this guide, we’ve carefully selected 15 locations in Kadıköy and Üsküdar that are perfect for outings with kids. These fun and educational spots cater to all age groups, making your weekends and holidays memorable. Let’s discover them together!
Emaar Aquarium
Emaar Aquarium Istanbul, located in Üsküdar, is one of the most exciting attractions for children. Situated inside Emaar Square Mall, this state-of-the-art aquarium is Turkey’s first underwater zoo, featuring 9 themed zones and housing around 20,000 marine creatures from 200 species.
The tunnel aquarium, where sharks and rays swim overhead, is especially impressive. The forest area, tropical fish, and feeding times are all favorites among kids. Ideal for children aged 3 and up, the aquarium offers 2-3 hours of family fun. Purchasing tickets online before your visit is recommended for savings and convenience.
Salacak Coast and Maiden’s Tower View
Salacak Coast in Üsküdar, with its view of the Maiden’s Tower, is one of Istanbul’s most photographed spots. As the closest viewing point to the tower, this coast is a must on any list of places to visit with kids. The seaside walking path is stroller- and bike-friendly.
How to get to Maiden’s Tower? Take a short 5-10 minute boat ride from Salacak Pier. The boat trip itself is an unforgettable experience for children. There’s a restaurant inside the tower, but the cafes along the coast are often more practical for families with kids.
Activities to do with kids:
The illuminated Maiden’s Tower at dusk creates a magical view—perfect for family photos. Seaside cafes and fish restaurants offer dining with a view. Mornings are quieter on weekends, while afternoons are livelier.
Quick tips: After arriving in Üsküdar via Marmaray, you can easily access the coast by minibus or bus. Public transport is recommended, as parking can be challenging.
Bağdat Avenue and Kid-Friendly Venues
Bağdat Avenue in Kadıköy is one of Istanbul’s most famous streets, offering a wealth of options for families. Along its 14 kilometers, you’ll find not just shopping, but also parks, playgrounds, and kid-friendly cafes. Suadiye, Erenköy, and Caddebostan are especially popular with families.
What can you do with kids on Bağdat Avenue?
Parks and Playgrounds:
The mini parks along the avenue are equipped with modern play structures. Caddebostan Seaside Park, with its vast green spaces, children’s playgrounds, and seaside walking path, is perfect for letting kids burn off energy. The park also features bike paths, skate areas, and volleyball courts.
Shopping Stores:
The shopping stores on Bağdat Avenue provides you a delighted shopping experience with your kids.
Kid-Friendly Restaurants and Cafes:
Many of the avenue’s restaurants and cafes offer kids’ menus and play corners. Ice cream chains like Mado and Pelit are favorites among children.
How to get to Bağdat Avenue?
You can reach Bağdat Avenue from Kadıköy by ferry, then transfer to a minibus or bus. The M4 metro line between Bostancı and Kadıköy makes transportation easy. While there is parking along the avenue, finding a spot can be difficult on weekends.
Suggested route: Start in Suadiye, walk toward Caddebostan, take breaks in parks, shop, and finish your day at Caddebostan Seaside Park.
Moda Coast and Park
Moda in Kadıköy is one of Istanbul’s most romantic and nostalgic neighborhoods. Starting from the historic Moda Pier, the coastal route is great for walking and spending quality time with children. Moda Park offers playgrounds, vast lawns, and seating areas, making it a perfect picnic spot for families.
Things to do with kids on Moda Coast:
Seaside Walks and Activities:
The coastal walking path is highly stroller-friendly. Children can cycle, skate, or ride scooters. The flat, safe promenade is ideal for younger kids.
Moda Cape and Photo Spots:
The historic sea bath and pier at Moda Cape make a great backdrop for Instagram photos. Family pictures taken here, especially at sunset with the Islands in the background, are unforgettable.
Picnic and Relaxation:
Enjoy a picnic on the grassy areas of Moda Park while children play safely in the playgrounds. There are benches along the coast for you to relax and watch the sea.
Cafes and Restaurants:
Where to eat in Moda? The abundance of cafes and restaurants nearby makes it easy to stop for brunch or a meal with your family. Many cafes on Moda Avenue offer high chairs and kids’ menus.
How to get to Moda?
It’s a 15-20 minute walk from Kadıköy, or just 5 minutes by minibus or bus. Walking along the coast from Kadıköy to Moda is a delightful activity with kids.
Best time: The atmosphere in Moda is especially charming in spring and autumn. Weekday mornings are quieter, while weekend afternoons are busier.
Fenerbahçe Park
Fenerbahçe Park is one of Kadıköy’s most popular family parks. Its spacious green areas by the sea provide a safe space for children to run and play freely. The park features modern playgrounds, swings, slides, and climbing walls.
Bring your bikes or scooters and enjoy the dedicated cycling paths. There are picnic tables and benches with sea views. While the park is quite crowded on weekends, it’s peaceful and quiet on weekday mornings. Watching the stunning Marmara sunset here is a magical experience for both kids and adults. The presence of cafes in and around the park makes longer visits easy.
Fethi Paşa Grove
Fethi Paşa Grove is one of the largest and most beautiful green spaces in Üsküdar. Covering 17 hectares, it features walking trails, children’s play areas, picnic spots, and sports fields. It’s perfect for families wanting to enjoy nature.
The grove’s highlight is its viewing terraces, offering panoramic vistas of Istanbul. While the kids play, you can savor the scenery with some tea or coffee.
The wooded areas provide cool shade on hot summer days. Entry is free, and visiting early on weekends means fewer crowds. Don’t forget your picnic supplies!
Göztepe 60th Year Park
Located in Kadıköy’s Göztepe neighborhood, 60th Year Park stands out for its large area and diverse activities. The park offers playgrounds suitable for different age groups, basketball and football courts, and walking trails. The safe play structures for young kids are surrounded by seating areas for parents’ comfort.
The café inside the park makes it easy to meet your needs. Enjoy a picnic under shady trees, play ball games with your kids, or go cycling. Weekday afternoons and early weekend mornings are the quietest times. With clean toilets and water fountains, the park also scores high on hygiene.
Validebağ Grove
Validebağ Grove in Üsküdar offers a peaceful nature escape away from the city’s noise. Spanning 42 hectares, it has walking and jogging paths, children’s play areas, and picnic spots. The forest trails are perfect for nature walks.
Children can run freely, explore the trees, and watch birds in this natural setting. Outdoor fitness equipment in various locations means adults can stay active too. In autumn, the grove is covered with colorful leaves, creating a beautiful backdrop for photos. In spring, blooming trees offer a spectacular display. Entry is free.
Kalamış Park
Kalamış Park, located in Kadıköy’s Fenerbahçe district, is a wonderful choice for families thanks to its seaside setting. The park offers playgrounds, walking paths, a basketball court, and spacious lawns. Its proximity to Kalamış Marina makes boat-watching an extra treat for kids.
Cafes and restaurants in the park provide dining options for families. While you relax by the sea, children can safely play in the playgrounds. The park is lively on weekends but quieter during the week. With smooth paths for biking and skating, it’s perfect for active children.
Kuzguncuk
Kuzguncuk is one of Üsküdar’s most colorful and historic neighborhoods. With its narrow streets, wooden houses, and nostalgic atmosphere, it’s a unique experience for children. Explore the historic mansions and churches, and take a break at the cozy cafes on İcadiye Street.
Kuzguncuk’s seaside is a peaceful spot to sit and watch the water with your kids. The calm neighborhood is very stroller-friendly. Toy stores and bookstores in the area make it easy to surprise your child with a little treat. Capture photos in Kuzguncuk to add beautiful memories to your family album. It’s also a great place for a weekend breakfast outing.
Özgürlük Park
Located in the heart of Kadıköy in Göztepe, Freedom Park stands out for its modern design and child-friendly atmosphere. The park features play areas for all age groups, fitness equipment, and seating areas. Despite its central location, its green space and spacious feel make it a comfortable place for kids to play.
Surrounding cafes and markets make it easy to shop as needed. The park is well-lit in the evenings, ensuring safety. The playground surfaces are made of soft materials to prevent injuries. Its proximity to Kadıköy Market means you can combine shopping with your park visit.
Acıbadem Neighborhood and Parks
Acıbadem is one of Üsküdar’s quiet, green neighborhoods. There are many small parks and playgrounds in the area. The parks near Acıbadem Hospital stand out for their modern play equipment and cleanliness.
Walking through the neighborhood, you’ll find peaceful streets and green gardens. There are kid-friendly cafes and restaurants on Acıbadem Avenue. Its tranquil atmosphere makes it perfect for outings with babies. Since the parks are mostly used by locals, your child will have the chance to make new friends.
Kadıköy Market
Kadıköy Market is one of Istanbul’s most vibrant and colorful bazaars. With historic shops, street food, and a nostalgic atmosphere, it’s a fun experience for families. The market is not just for shopping but also for cultural discoveries.
What to do with kids in Kadıköy Market?
Watching fresh fish at the fish market
Exploring the colors and aromas of spice shops
Listening to and watching street performers
Tasting street foods like fresh simit, börek, and çiğ köfte
Where to eat with kids in Kadıköy?
You can reach Boğa from the bazaar and then Bahariye Street. The cafes and restaurants along the street offer pleasant options.
Practical tips: The market is very crowded on weekend mornings. With a stroller, navigating can be tough—baby carriers are more practical. The market is walking distance from Kadıköy Pier and can be combined with a ferry trip.
Mihrabat Grove
Mihrabat Grove, located in the Kanlıca district of Üsküdar, is a natural paradise with stunning views of the Bosphorus. With its historic mansion, large picnic areas, and playgrounds, it’s an ideal getaway for families. The biggest advantage: you enjoy both nature and breathtaking Bosphorus views.
Kids can play hide-and-seek among the trees and explore the walking trails. Enjoy a traditional Turkish breakfast at Mihrabat Köşkü Cafe inside the grove, offering a memorable meal with a Bosphorus view. Baby care rooms and high chairs are available for families with young children.
Running and walking trails encourage active family time. In spring, blooming trees create a dazzling spectacle. You can reach Mihrabat Grove by minibus or bus from Üsküdar.
Yeldeğirmeni Neighborhood
Yeldeğirmeni has become one of Kadıköy’s trendiest areas in recent years. With its colorful murals, this open-air gallery is a place that sparks children’s imagination.
Things to do with kids in Yeldeğirmeni:
Photo paradise:
Yeldeğirmeni is perfect for Instagram-worthy shots. Photos of your kids in front of the murals will add color to your family album.
How to get to Yeldeğirmeni?
It’s a 10-15 minute walk from Kadıköy. Its proximity to Moda means you can combine both neighborhoods in a single trip.
Suggested route:
Yeldeğirmeni Avenue → Explore murals → Break in cafes → Walk to Moda Coast
Practical Tips and Visit Suggestions
When planning outings with children in Kadıköy and Üsküdar, these practical tips will make your trip easier. Especially in winter, opt for indoor venues to stay comfortable.
If using public transport, make sure your Istanbul Card has enough balance. Select activities suitable for your child’s age to maximize enjoyment. For ages 0-3, choose quiet parks and seaside walks; for ages 4-7, opt for playgrounds and aquariums; for ages 8 and up, consider theaters and historical sites.
Plan weekend outings for early in the morning to find parking more easily and avoid crowds.
Look out for special events during school breaks to give your child new experiences. Always carry a small first aid kit, and make sure your child has your contact info with them.
