The weekend is here, the children are full of energy and there is only one question on everyone’s mind. Where shall we go today? If you live on the Asian side of Istanbul or your route brings you this way, the answer is not far off. Places to visit with kids in Kadıköy and Üsküdar range from seaside parks to science centres, from Bosphorus-view groves to an aquarium, with something for every age.
In this guide we have gathered 15 addresses from the two districts. We have also added the current opening hours of the indoor venues so you can plan your day easily. Let’s explore together!
1. Emaar Aquarium and Emaar SkyView (Üsküdar)
Two different experiences in one place! You can explore the underwater world at Emaar Aquarium inside Emaar Square Mall and, on the same day, watch Istanbul from above at Emaar SkyView. Both are open every day 10.00–22.00, with last ticket sales at 21.15. If you are looking for somewhere to go whatever the weather, this can be your first stop.
In the aquarium you can watch rays glide through the glass tunnel and see meerkats, raccoons and vervet monkeys in the forest and river zones. In Kumtopia, children shape their own landscapes out of sand. During the 14–22 November mid-term break the aquarium is running an underwater show and colouring activities, with details on the Mid-Term Break Activities page.
Emaar SkyView is entered from level -2 of Emaar Square Mall. The observation terrace is on the 47th floor of Address Hotel Istanbul. Walking on the glass terrace may well be the most exciting moment of the day for children.
If you are planning both experiences together, take a look at the Aquarium + SkyView combined ticket. The combined ticket has an online-only 15% discount and is valid for 30 days, so you can also visit the two venues on different days. Babies aged 0–36 months enter the aquarium free. Prices and campaigns apply to local visitors. You can find the current ticket options on the Tickets page.
The day can continue under the same roof. Besides a meal break and shopping at Emaar Square Mall, Playland, XP Zone and Play Bowling on level -2, MiniZone on level -3 and the Paribu Cineverse cinema on level -1 offer different ways to spend time with children. You can find all the areas on the Entertainment page.
2. Bilim Üsküdar Science Centre (Üsküdar)
For children curious about science, Üsküdar Municipality’s science centre Bilim Üsküdar is a wonderful address. The centre is at Ünalan Mahallesi Ünalan Caddesi No 15, open 09.30–18.00 and closed on Mondays.
There are 7 themed exhibition areas, covering Finance, Communication, Robotics, Automotive, Blue Planet, Our Body, and National Technologies in the Sky and Beyond. The exhibition areas are suitable for ages 5 and up, and younger children can enter with their parents. For ages 4–6 there is also a separate “Bilime İlk Adım” (First Step into Science) exhibition. Weekend workshops are held for children aged 6–14. To visit the exhibition areas you need to make a reservation and choose a session on the centre’s website. The planetarium is currently closed temporarily for maintenance.
3. Salacak Seafront and Maiden’s Tower (Üsküdar)
The Salacak seafront is one of the closest points for viewing Kız Kulesi (Maiden’s Tower). You can stroll comfortably with a pushchair along the walkway that runs the length of the shore, sit on the benches and watch the ferries and seagulls. At sunset, the silhouette of the Historic Peninsula across the water adds a beauty of its own.
After restoration, Maiden’s Tower reopened to visitors as a museum in 2023 and can be visited every day of the week. Boats to the tower leave from the pier at the Maiden’s Tower Visitor Welcome Centre in Salacak, or from the pier in front of Ziraat Bankası in Karaköy. The short boat trip is an adventure in itself for children. Museum entry and the boat are paid. MüzeKart holders enter the museum free and pay only for the boat. We recommend checking the boat times on the official Maiden’s Tower website before you go.
4. Kuzguncuk (Üsküdar)
With its colourful wooden houses and narrow streets, Kuzguncuk is one of Üsküdar’s most charming neighbourhoods. The streets have served as the set for many TV series and films, so you are quite likely to come across a familiar corner as you walk. A mosque, a church and a synagogue standing side by side in the same neighbourhood also make a nice opening for talking with children about different cultures.
The most child-friendly corner of the neighbourhood is Kuzguncuk Bostanı, the community garden. Opened in 2015 as a joint project between residents and Üsküdar Municipality, the garden covers around 16,500 square metres and has walking paths, fruit trees, a wooden children’s playground and a grass amphitheatre. Seeing vegetable plots in the middle of the city is an interesting experience for little ones. After the garden, you can take a break at one of the cafes on İcadiye Caddesi and walk down to the waterfront.
5. Fethi Paşa Grove (Üsküdar)
Spread across the slopes of Paşalimanı between Kuzguncuk and Sultantepe, Fethi Paşa Korusu (Fethi Paşa Grove) is one of Üsküdar’s best-loved green spaces. From the grove you can see the 15 July Martyrs Bridge and the European side. With its tree-lined walking paths and lawns, it is a lovely escape for a picnic and for children to run and play. In the lower part of the grove near the Bosphorus there is a cafe run by İBB, and a restaurant on the terraces of a restored mansion. Watching the ships pass along the Bosphorus over a tea break is something children enjoy too. It fits comfortably into the same day as a visit to Kuzguncuk.
6. Moda Seafront and Park (Kadıköy)
Moda is one of Kadıköy’s most nostalgic neighbourhoods. The coastal strip starting from the historic Moda Pier is a wonderful route for walking with children. The flat walkway is easy with a pushchair, and children can come along on a scooter or bike. The lawns of Moda Park are ideal for a picnic, and you can see the Princes’ Islands across the water.
The symbol of the seafront is the historic Moda Pier. Reopened in 2022 after restoration by İBB, the pier today houses a library and a cafe, and sea taxis also dock here. It is a nice stop for leafing through books with the children and taking a break facing the sea. You can walk to Moda from central Kadıköy and, on the way back, catch your breath at one of the cafes on Moda Caddesi. Moda’s atmosphere is especially lovely in spring and autumn.
7. Yeldeğirmeni (Kadıköy)
Right behind Haydarpaşa Station, Yeldeğirmeni is like an open-air gallery, with giant murals covering the facades of its buildings. The first works of the Mural Istanbul Festival, which began in Kadıköy in 2012, were painted on these streets, and works by artists from different countries were added in the following years. Exploring these murals street by street can turn into a fun game that feeds children’s imagination. You can even hold a little competition over who spots which mural first. Since it is within walking distance of central Kadıköy, it fits comfortably into the same day as Moda.
8. Kadıköy Market (Kadıköy)
Kadıköy Çarşı (Kadıköy Market) is one of Istanbul’s liveliest and most colourful bazaars. Watching the fishmongers’ stalls, discovering the colours and smells of the spice shops and tasting street food is a small city adventure for children. From the market you can walk to the Bull statue and on to Bahariye Caddesi for a meal break.
At weekend lunchtimes the market gets very crowded and moving through the narrow streets with a pushchair can be difficult. If you are coming with a small baby, a baby carrier is more practical. The market is within walking distance of Kadıköy Pier, so you can combine it with a ferry trip.
9. Fenerbahçe Park (Kadıköy)
Fenerbahçe Park on Fenerbahçe Point is about 1.5 kilometres south of central Kadıköy, right by the sea. The park’s landmark is the historic Fenerbahçe Lighthouse at the tip of the point. Built in 1857, the lighthouse is still in operation today. You cannot climb the tower, but the area around it is open to everyone, and seeing a real lighthouse up close is a thrill for children. With its wide green spaces and shady trees, the park is ideal for a picnic and for running and playing. It gets crowded at weekends and is calmer on weekday mornings. The view of the Marmara Sea and the Princes’ Islands at sunset is worth seeing.
10. Kalamış Park (Kadıköy)
Overlooking Kalamış Bay, Kalamış Atatürk Park is one of Kadıköy Municipality’s seaside parks. The Kadıköy Municipality Kalamış Sports Centre inside the park has an artificial turf football pitch, 2 tennis courts, a half basketball court and 3 beach volleyball courts. The centre also offers different sports for children, from gymnastics classes to summer sports schools. To book a pitch or join a class you need to register on the municipality’s website spor.kadikoy.bel.tr. Right next door are Kalamış and Fenerbahçe Marinas, and watching the sailing boats and yachts moored at the piers is extra fun for children. With its lawns and seaside walkway, the park works both for a short break and for a long day. The park sits on the coastal stretch running from Moda to Fenerbahçe. You can walk along the shore with a pushchair or scooter to Fenerbahçe Park and visit both parks in one day.
In summer, Kalamış Atatürk Park turns into one of Kadıköy’s liveliest meeting points. The International Kalamış Summer Festival, held for the sixth time by Kadıköy Municipality in 2026, hosted 32 events in the park’s event area between 30 July and 30 August. Outside the festival too, concerts, events and football matches on a giant screen throughout the summer make the park a place to go as a family. If you are coming in summer, we recommend checking the municipality’s events calendar.
11. Bağdat Avenue and Caddebostan Seafront (Kadıköy)
Bağdat Caddesi (Bağdat Avenue) runs about 14 kilometres from Kızıltoprak to Cevizli in Maltepe and is one of Istanbul’s best-known avenues. It takes its name from Sultan Murad IV’s recapture of Baghdad in 1638. Neighbourhood names such as Selamiçeşme and Çatalçeşme also come from the Ottoman fountains built along the road, a little history lesson you can share as you walk with the children. Large parks such as Özgürlük Park and Göztepe 60th Year Park are right next to the avenue. On the Caddebostan seafront, which runs parallel to the avenue, walking and cycling paths, wide lawns and sea views await you.
For getting there, the Marmaray rail line is the most practical option. You can walk down to the avenue from Göztepe, Erenköy, Suadiye and Bostancı stations. Finding a parking space by car can be difficult at weekends.
12. Göztepe 60th Year Park (Kadıköy)
Göztepe 60. Yıl Parkı (60th Year Park), between Bağdat Avenue and Operatör Cemil Topuzlu Caddesi, is one of Kadıköy’s large parks with an area of around 80,000 square metres. With children’s playgrounds, flower gardens and sports areas, it is a place where children of different ages can spend time.
Inside the park is the Kemal Sunal Museum, opened in 2024. The museum, run by İBB, displays film posters, the personal belongings of the much-loved Turkish comedy actor Kemal Sunal, costumes he wore in his films and a wax figure. For families who know his films, seeing the costumes together can be fun for children too. We recommend checking the visiting hours with the museum before you go. Özgürlük Park and the Istanbul Toy Museum are in the same neighbourhood.
13. Özgürlük Park (Göztepe, Kadıköy)
Özgürlük Parkı in Göztepe, also known as Selamiçeşme Özgürlük Park, is one of Kadıköy’s biggest parks with an area of around 130,000 square metres. Its wide green spaces, 1,700 metre cycling path and 1,500 metre walking track are more than enough for children to run and play to their heart’s content. The municipality’s sports centre inside the park has an artificial turf pitch, basketball courts and a tennis court, and summer sports schools for children are held in the summer months. The park also has an open-air theatre and a little train that children adore.
In summer the park really comes alive with fairs, concerts and other events. The Children’s Theatre Festival, held by Kadıköy Municipality every summer, also takes place on the park’s open-air stage. At the 24th edition in 2026, a different children’s play was staged free of charge every evening at 21.00 between 26 June and 10 July. If you are coming in summer, we recommend following the festival programme.
Özgürlük Khalkedon, the cafe and restaurant newly opened by Kadıköy Municipality, is a practical option for starting the day as a family with its open buffet breakfast or taking a meal break between games. The park also has areas that can be used for children’s birthday parties. Since 60th Year Park and the Istanbul Toy Museum are in the same neighbourhood, you can plan a full day with children in Göztepe.
14. Istanbul Toy Museum (Göztepe, Kadıköy)
An address parents will enjoy at least as much as the children. The Istanbul Toy Museum was founded on 23 April 2005 by Belgin Akın and Sunay Akın. Housed in a historic mansion in Göztepe, the museum displays toys from the 1700s to the present day. The space toys section tells the story of the race to the Moon, and the toy trains section tells the story of the industrial revolution.
The museum is open on weekdays except Monday 10.00–18.00 and at weekends 10.00–18.30. Entry is paid. Children aged 3 and over, students and teachers can buy discounted tickets, and children under 3 enter free. Address Ömerpaşa Caddesi Dr. Zeki Zeren Sokağı No 17, Göztepe. It is about a 10 minute walk from Erenköy train station.
15. Halis Kurtça Children’s Culture Centre (Merdivenköy, Kadıköy)
Kadıköy Municipality’s culture centre dedicated to children is at Merdivenköy Mahallesi Ressam Salih Ermez Caddesi No 46. The centre hosts children’s theatre and workshops. The workshops are free and by reservation, with registration opening on the centre’s website five days before each workshop. By following the monthly programme you can pick the plays and workshops suited to your child’s age.
Tips for Your Day Out
- Watch out for Mondays. Bilim Üsküdar and the Istanbul Toy Museum are closed on Mondays. Emaar Aquarium, Emaar SkyView and Maiden’s Tower are open on Mondays too.
- Remember to book. Bilim Üsküdar’s exhibition areas and workshops and Halis Kurtça’s workshops require registration in advance.
- Combine nearby addresses. Kuzguncuk and Fethi Paşa Grove fit comfortably into one day. Kadıköy Market, Yeldeğirmeni and Moda are within walking distance of each other. Kalamış and Fenerbahçe parks sit side by side along the shore. In Göztepe you can plan 60th Year Park, Özgürlük Park and the Toy Museum together.
- Choose by your child’s age. For ages 0–3, seaside walks, parks and Emaar Aquarium are good options, and babies aged 0–36 months enter the aquarium free. MiniZone at Emaar Square Mall is also designed for the youngest age groups. For ages 4–6, Bilim Üsküdar’s First Step into Science exhibition and the children’s plays at Halis Kurtça are a nice start, with the age limit of each play stated in the programme. Children aged 7 and over get more out of Bilim Üsküdar’s exhibition areas and workshops, the boat trip to Maiden’s Tower and the Toy Museum.
- Go indoors if the weather is bad. Emaar Aquarium and SkyView, Bilim Üsküdar, the Istanbul Toy Museum and Halis Kurtça are good alternatives for rainy days.
- Use public transport. Marmaray and the ferry are the most practical ways to travel between the two districts. Finding parking in the seaside areas can be difficult at weekends.
For free museums, workshops and parks across Istanbul, including the free entry rules by age, see our guide to Free Museums, Exhibitions and Activities for Children in Istanbul.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the free places to visit with kids in Kadıköy?
Moda Seafront and Park, Fenerbahçe Park, Kalamış Park, the Caddebostan seafront, Göztepe 60th Year Park, Özgürlük Park and the mural-lined streets of Yeldeğirmeni are free. The workshops at Halis Kurtça Children’s Culture Centre are also free and can be joined by reservation.
Where can I go with kids in Üsküdar?
Emaar Aquarium and Emaar SkyView, Bilim Üsküdar, the Salacak seafront and Maiden’s Tower, Kuzguncuk and Fethi Paşa Grove are the main places to visit with children in Üsküdar.
Where can I go with a baby or toddler in Kadıköy and Üsküdar?
For ages 0–3, the flat seaside walkways are the most comfortable option. You can stroll easily with a pushchair along the Moda, Kalamış, Fenerbahçe and Caddebostan seafronts. If you prefer somewhere indoors, babies aged 0–36 months enter Emaar Aquarium free, and MiniZone at Emaar Square Mall is designed for the youngest age groups. Children under 3 enter the Istanbul Toy Museum free. For ages 4–6, Bilim Üsküdar’s First Step into Science exhibition is a nice start. In the narrow streets of Kadıköy Market, a baby carrier is more practical than a pushchair.
Where can I go with kids in Kadıköy and Üsküdar when it rains?
Emaar Aquarium, Emaar SkyView and the entertainment areas at Emaar Square Mall, Bilim Üsküdar, the Istanbul Toy Museum and Halis Kurtça Children’s Culture Centre are the indoor options.
How do I get to Maiden’s Tower?
Boats to Maiden’s Tower leave from the pier at the Maiden’s Tower Visitor Welcome Centre in Salacak, Üsküdar, or from the pier in front of Ziraat Bankası in Karaköy. The museum is open every day of the week.
Last updated 4 November 2026. Opening hours and programmes may change. We recommend checking the venues’ official channels before your visit.
