Nua Blog’s Mid-Term Holiday Guide: The Best Locations for Holidays with Children

Holidays when the whole family is together provide life-long memories. The pleasures of family vacations are priceless. So, in order to ensure that all family members are enjoying themselves, it is important to find the right destination.

We have compiled a list of suggested holiday destinations which offer activities for the whole family to enjoy. These great kids holiday destinations will prove essential in planning your next trip.

Cappadocia

Cappadocia is one of the most famous natural wonders in Türkiye. This fairy-tale land with its volcanic chimneys shaped by natural forces, are ideal for a holiday with kids. We are sure that your children will be extremely excited when they see this natural wonder for the first time with their own eyes. You can pack in a lot of activities in the short school break. Cappadocia is well known for its valley tours, horseback riding, and most of all, the famous hot air balloon rides.

Gölcük Nature Park

Gölcük Nature Park and Lake Abant, which boast beautiful changeable nature in every season, provides a unique exploration area for your children. Here, your children can run and play freely in a pristine natural environment. Your family will not soon forget the forests, mountains, the lake, and the rest of the incredible natural surroundings.

Eskişehir

You can get to Eskişehir easily by train, as it is close to İstanbul. It also a great holiday choice because due to the many child-friendly activities. During your trip to Eskişehir, you can visit Odunpazarı, take a walk along the Porsuk Stream, and explore museums with your little ones. We're sure your kids will love it at Fairy Tale Park, which has it’s very own castle! There are also activities in Eskişehir for adults as well.

Bursa

There are so many places to visit in Bursa. You can go on a boat tour among the reeds in Gölyazı or take an unforgettable walk in picturesque Cumalıkızık Village settled with quaint historical houses. You can also visit nearby Trilye, Mudanya, and go to the Bursa bazaars, and of course eat Iskender Kebab! If you want to ski, you can go to Uludağ. There are so many family-friendly activities in Bursa, you only need to decide which ones you would like to do first.

Gulf of Edremit, Balıkesir-Çanakkale

Because Edremit is located remarkably close to İstanbul, it is a great year-round holiday choice for families. The Ida Mountains, which boasts fresh air, historical villages nestled in the foothills, and camping areas, all of which offers you and your children countless activity options. If you are one of the parents who encourage your children to spend time in nature, we can’t think of a better or more accessible place!

Sapanca

Here is another holiday paradise adjacent to İstanbul. Sapanca, makes for easy day trips, but you can also plan a longer holiday if you wish. There are child-friendly accommodation options; if you want your children to have fun while you relax, you can book a place in one of these hotels. There are also many activities you can do with your children. During your holiday, you can take a canoe out in Sapanca Lake, go on forest and nature walks, or even join an ATV tour to get your fill of adventure.

Ankara

We strongly recommend going to Ankara, especially if your children have never been before, to make a visit to Atatürk’s grave, who gave us this wonderful homeland. This will undoubtedly be an unforgettable experience. In addition to the grave site there is also a museum, which consists of personal belongings of our Ata. In Ankara there are also other historically significant places such as Ankara Castle, and the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations. Do not forget to spend time at Kuğulu Park to visit the ducks, geese and swans, and Atatürk Forest Farm which includes a zoo and an aquarium.

Safranbolu

We can now look towards the Black Sea. Safranbolu is famous for its cobblestone streets and wooden houses with bay windows, all in the old Ottoman style. Safranbolu is also an UNESCO World Heritage site. Therefore, we can say without a doubt, that an unforgettable cultural experience awaits you here. Also, not to be missed, are the natural wonders of the nearby Bulak Mencilis Caves.

Ephesus, İzmir

When thinking of important historical and culturally important places Ephesus is at the top of the list. While visiting the ancient city of Ephesus, located in the Selçuklu district of İzmir, with your children, you will see them take inspiration from architecture and history, different cultures and ancient legends. It is an enjoyable and educational experience. Do not forget to visit the Ephesus Ancient City Theatre, the Church of Mary and the Celsus Library which are all found short distances away.

Pamukkale, Denizli

Pamukkale’s incredible white travertines, are fascinating for children and adults alike. After enjoying the healing thermal waters of Pamukkale, you can visit the Ancient City of Hierapolis, the Archaeology Museum, and also take a hot air balloon ride to properly take-in the magnificent views.

Mount Erciyes, Kayseri

Attention Ski bunnies! Erciyes Mountain Ski Centre is a well-known ski resort near Kayseri, Türkiye. Importantly though, it is more economical for families with children compared to other ski areas. During your holiday, you can gift your children with great skiing, and a stay in an all-inclusive hotel, which will ensure a family holiday full of comfort. Après ski, you can enjoy local delicacies such as, mantı (ravioli), su böreği (pastry with feta cheese filling), kete (filled flaky pastry), bazlama (flatbread), sucuk (sausage) and pastırma (pastrami) in one of Kayseri’s many culinary establishments.

Paris, France, and Disneyland

We're taking our school holiday suggestions a little farther west to suggest you take your children to Disneyland Paris. Reservations start to fill up as of summer so, it is never too early to plan. Wouldn’t it be an unforgettable experience for your children to see their favourite characters in person?

There are no end to the activities at Disneyland, as it is one of the largest amusement parks in Europe. Located in Paris and hosting more than ten million visitors every year, Disneyland is of course for children of all ages. If you stay in the city centre you will be able to have sight-seeing excursions to the Seine River, the Eiffel Tower and the Champs Elysees. Paris is world-renowned for is gastronomy so you would be remiss if you did not try the many local delicacies, such as macarons and croissants, which will create lifelong fans out of your children.