9 fabulous things to do in Antalya for families
Not only is Antalya* Turkey's fifth-largest city, it's also a major destination for families hoping to enjoy some sun, sea and sand along the country's glorious southwest coast.
Here, we take a look at the vast selection of things to do for families of all ages in and around Antalya, from museums and waterparks to child-friendly beaches, hikes and historic sites.
Tried and tested by our writer, these experiences are all kid-approved with a spin on how to ensure everyone is able to make the most of their holiday to Turkey*.
Getting to Antalya: you'll find fabulous offers on holidays to Antalya for all the family with TUI*, which departs from airports across the UK.
Take a Düden waterfall cruise
The Düden waterfalls tumble off a cliff near Antalya airport. Families can stroll and picnic in the park above, as the whitewater roars below. Far more fun is a waterfall boat tour from Antalya port, which allows you to witness the tumultuous spray up close.
The sunny two-hour boat tour around the Düden waterfalls promises great city views. Look out for the city beaches of Mermerli and Inciraltı en route.
On sunny days, of which Antalya has 300, sunlight refracts through the Düden waterfall to cast a series of rainbows above the Mediterranean Sea.
Witness the sculptures of Sandland
Sandland claims to be one of the largest open-air sand museums in the world. Hundreds of sand sculptures rise from the beach, from cartoon characters to the Seven Wonders of the World. The selection will make your family sand castle look distinctly average.
Snap the children next to giant Roman gladiators and the Egyptian sphinx. At night the display, which is located in the family-friendly Lara Beach* district, is illuminated with multi-coloured LEDs. Kids can also get sandy hands by taking part in a sculpture workshop.
Tour Turkey's greatest Roman theatre
The ancient city of Aspendos contains one of the most pristine Roman theatres in the world. A 45-minute drive east of Antalya, this massive monument rises like a stone opera house from the forested flatlands.
The acoustics remain so intact that opera performances, from Aida to La Traviata, are still held here today.
Families should allow half a day to explore. Little ones can stroll to the theatre's upper tiers. Or sing their hearts out from the ancient stage.
The fragrant hinterland includes remnants of an aqueduct, agora and Roman baths; the perfect set-up for a junior Indiana Jones. The nearby town of Serik, accessible by bus from Antalya, is a fine place for lunch.
Bathe on the city beach of Mermerli
Have Antalya's markets left kids hot under the collar? Need a beach bribe after a museum tour? Then stroll past the orange juice stalls in Keçili Park to a magnificent clifftop panorama.
Down below is Mermerli Beach, a strip of sand dotted with friendly beach clubs abutting the Mediterranean Sea.
Paddling at Mermerli is shallow and safe, the water is warm and crystal clear. Food and drink equal fresh kebabs and endless glasses of tea. The view includes pirate ship tours chugging out from Antalya's historic port, just around the bay.
Scream for more at Land of Legends
Turkey's biggest entertainment park is more than just rollercoasters. Although it does have white-knuckle rides aplenty including the 62 m-high Hyper Coaster and the self-explanatory (and blatantly scary) Power Fall.
Land of Legends is sited in the upscale hotel zone of Belek*. Expect a vast complex featuring a Secret Lagoon waterworld and the Adventure Land theme park.
There are enough activities to occupy a week here, including a family scuba immersion experience and a static wave surfing ride.
The ultimate stay is at the park's family-themed Kingdom Hotel* (every room has a cartoon wall and a PlayStation) for which your kids will thank you forever more.
Hike back in time at Karain Cave
The earliest humans elected to live on a sunny hillside just north of Antalya. From 200,000 years ago until the Bronze Age, the Karain Cave complex hosted hunters and farmers, who worked the rich countryside below the cavern.
Today, the complex, with its stalactites and stalagmites illuminated by multi-coloured lights, is an eerie testimony to ancient history. The screech of bats is common as are new archaeological discoveries, including an axe head found in 2019.
The stroll around the site, plus the 400 steps up to the cave complex, will tire unruly kids. Karain is best paired with a hike around Termessos, an abandoned ancient city, a short drive south.
Walk alongside emperors at the museum
The cream of southern Turkey's archaeological sites is displayed in 13 exhibition halls overlooking the Antalya seafront. The Antalya Museum majors in Ancient Greek and Roman era finds.
This is best seen in the Hall of Imperial Statues, where imposing sculptures of Roman emperors gaze down on awestruck tourists below.
Kids will revel in the Children's Room, a collection of toys and games from antiquity. The museum has a final bonus: a cute outdoor tea house with fabulous views over the Konyaaltı Beach and hotel district.
Take a shark selfie at Antalya Aquarium
One of Europe's largest sea life complexes resides in the Konyaaltı* hotel district. The Antalya Aquarium has 64 tanks split into geographical areas, plus a 131 m-long tunnel that contains a life-size aeroplane wreck.
The most colourful area is the tropical reef section where clownfish and seahorses hide behind living coral. The aquarium also has a daily shark feeding show performed by a brave curator in a scuba suit.
There's more. A virtual reality zone allows families to don headsets to explore Turkey's tourism highlights, including a hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia. Meanwhile, the WildPark area hosts Amazonian tree frogs and snapping caymans.
Meander the Kaleiçi quarter
Antalya's most buzzing neighbourhood is Kaleiçi, its historic city centre. Stroll a telegenic zone of winding alleys packed with restaurants and boutiques, where every outlet has its own story.
Archaeological sites dot the ancient district, including Hadrian's Gate, a triple archway built for the emperor's visit to Antalya in 130 CE, which remains an entrance to the old town today.
Descend past shisha pipe cafés to the Kaleiçi district's historic port. Boat tours run to sandy islands like Suluada, while fishing boats return with fresh ingredients for the restaurant terraces above.
Weather in Antalya
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The above guide shows the weather in Antalya. Find out more about the conditions along Antalya's coast as well as further afield in our complete guide to the weather in Turkey.
Ready to take your kids to Antalya? Check out the latest offers on holidays with TUI.
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