Wondering what to do with your kids during your Bodrum holiday? We’ve listed the best things to do with children in Bodrum, so you’re never at a loss for fun-filled activities to keep your little ones occupied. Ideal for everyone from toddlers to teens to adventurous adults, get ready for some fun family days out in this beautiful area of Turkey.
1. Bodrum Aqua Park in Ortakent
Bodrum Aqua Park boasts an impressive array of slides, rides, and pools spread over 40,000 square meters, making it one of Turkey’s largest waterparks. With around 20 slides, including kamikaze and multi-slides, and a variety of pools from toddler-friendly to deeper wave pools, it offers something for all ages. Teenagers can seek thrills on the Black Hole and Big Hole rides, while younger children enjoy water bikes and baby bungees. With plenty of sun loungers and eateries, you can easily spend the entire day here. Some hotels even offer transport to the waterpark.
2. Bodrum’s Child-Friendly Beaches
The Bodrum peninsula is home to a variety of beaches, from pebbly coves to sandy shores. Our top pick for families is Gumbet Beach, known for its clean, sandy seashore and excellent facilities like cafes and sunbeds. The shallow, calm waters are perfect for younger children, and older kids can try out various water sports. Another great option is Bitez Beach, located seven kilometers west of Bodrum. This beach offers a cool breeze, calm waters, nearby restaurants, and the unique sight of orange and mandarin gardens. Turgutreis Beach is also a bustling spot with sandy shores, water sports, and plenty of facilities for a fun family day out.
3. Visit Bodrum Castle and Museum
Overlooking the harbor and marina, the 15th-century Bodrum Castle, originally constructed by the Knights of Rhodes, is now home to the Museum of Underwater Archaeology. Older children will be fascinated by the museum’s collection of incredible finds from underwater excavations, including the Uluburun Shipwreck, the earliest and wealthiest wreck ever discovered. Younger children will enjoy exploring the castle’s towers and hallways, though the dungeon exhibition might be too intense for them.
4. Daily Boat Trips
Children will love exploring the Bodrum coastline on a daily boat trip. Numerous tour operators offer family-friendly tours on powered boats or traditional wooden gulets. These trips often visit islands with shallow waters and provide floaties for children, offering an excellent opportunity to learn about Turkey’s sea life, including brightly colored fish and turtles. Most tours last a few hours, making them suitable for children over five.
5. Kids Clubs in All-Inclusive Hotels
Kids clubs in larger hotels are perfect if your children need some parent-free time. These clubs offer a variety of activities, including crafts, games, and swimming, supervised by trained staff. Prices and age ranges vary, but they typically cater to children between three and eleven years old.
6. Fun Town Yahsi Park
Located in Ortakent, Fun Town Yahsi Park offers activities like table tennis, go-karting, paintball, and remote-control cars. Set in picturesque surroundings with on-site refreshments, the park also features a football pitch illuminated at night. Horse riding is another popular activity, with instructors leading riders into the hills to enjoy stunning views and explore hidden ruins and pine forests. Children over the age of five are generally welcome, with rides lasting from a couple of hours to day-long excursions.
General Tips for Visiting Bodrum with Kids
- Be cautious of stray dogs, which are generally harmless but should not be approached by children.
- Ensure children are hydrated and covered up during peak sun hours, especially in July and August.
- Always supervise children around pools and shorelines.
- Keep spare change handy for public toilets, as small children often need immediate access.
- While Bodrum water is drinkable, young stomachs might react to the high mineral content, so be cautious.
- Visit local tour agencies for additional activities like jeep safaris, which are great for teenagers.
Enjoy a fun-filled and memorable family holiday in Bodrum with these fantastic activities tailored for kids!