Best Amusement Parks in Istanbul

Amusement parks are an important part of Istanbul, adding vibrancy and entertainment to Turkey’s largest city. 

These parks offer a vital escape for relaxation and fun, both for families and tourists alike. 

Beyond being fun destinations, they contribute to the local economy by attracting tourists and increasing the influx of visitors to the city, which boosts commerce and services. 

They also provide multiple job opportunities and play a role in developing the city’s infrastructure and entertainment offerings.

In this article, we will explore the best amusement parks in Istanbul, which enhance its status as a global tourist destination and add more vitality to its social and cultural life.

The best amusement parks in Istanbul

Vialand or Isfanbul

Located in the heart of European Istanbul, specifically in the Yesilpinar area near Eyup Sultan, Vialand is the largest amusement park in Istanbul. It was opened in 2013 under the name Vialand, but last year it was renamed Isfanbul. 

This expansive park features the latest electric rides with safe standards, such as giant roller coasters, high-thrill rides, Ferris wheels, and children’s rides, all divided into fascinatingly named sections like the World of Legends, World of Games, and World of Adventure, offering attractions for history and animal lovers. 

There’s also the luxurious Via Mall. The staff here are known for their friendliness and hospitality, as attested by visitors.

Vialand is suitable for both children and adults and is known for its excellent discount offers, especially the silver, gold, and diamond packages, which include game access, reduced wait times, delicious pizza meals, and memorable photo opportunities, among other temptations you’ll want to capture.

Visitors to Vialand Amusement Park recommend wearing waterproof clothing if they plan to try the water gondola ride. They also suggest purchasing tickets directly from the website to get the best discounts.
 

Aqua Marina Istanbul and Marina Aquapark

If you’re looking for water entertainment, Aqua Marina in the Buyukcekmece area on the European side was the perfect spot, though it’s currently closed due to the end of its contract. It was one of the largest water parks in Istanbul.

Currently, Marina Aqua Park is the ideal place for water game enthusiasts. Located in the Tuzla area on the Asian side of Istanbul, about an hour from the city center, it features many pools with artificial waves, water slides, and restaurants. Families can spend a full day of fun and refreshment to the rhythm of music.
 

Bostanci Lunapark

Also known as Istanbul Amusement Park, Bostanci Lunapark is one of the oldest amusement parks at the crossroads of two continents. Located on the Asian side in Kadikoy, you can try the latest thrill rides here, like the ejection seat that shoots you high like a catapult. 

This amusement park is close to the Marmaray Metro line, making it easy to access for both individuals and families. It has rides suitable for children, such as the octopus ride, car rides, shooting games, and small roller coasters, all at very reasonable prices.

The Bostanci Lunapark stalls offer a wide range of quick snacks like ice cream, popcorn, corn, and other light foods.
 

Snowpark Tourim Mall

One of the main attractions of Torium Mall, located in the Avcilar district on the European side, is Snowpark. It’s a year-round destination for snow lovers, offering a skiing experience over 5,000 square meters, featuring ski slopes, ice paths, and snowmobiles that add more fun and challenge to the atmosphere.

Visitors can enjoy Snowpark in Istanbul between noon and 8 PM, with activities like sledding and racing in a thrilling environment, climbing the three snow-covered mountains, and making various snow shapes while playing snowball in an indoor environment with a stable, suitable temperature.

Experts recommend choosing a weekday to visit Snowpark in Istanbul, as holidays are typically more crowded. They also suggest buying tickets in advance online to get discounts.

Florya Leroz Eglence Merkezi

Known as Florya Istanbul Amusement Park, it is located in the Bakirkoy district on the European side, offering a spectacular sea view with excellent restaurants. 

This amusement park is famous for its roller coasters and gentle yet thrilling rides. It also features a karting track and a bumper car arena, which are favorites among children.

The management provides bicycle and scooter rentals, allowing you to enjoy a great ride on specially designed paths while watching planes take off or land at the nearby Atatürk Airport.

KidZania Istanbul

Located in the Uskudar district on the Asian side, this famous attraction is part of the KidZania chain, known for its professional standards in amusement parks worldwide. 

What sets KidZania Istanbul apart is the opportunity it offers children to experience 120 different professions through various activities, such as being a firefighter, doctor, policeman, or carpenter. 

They are provided with appropriate uniforms and introduced to the spaces dedicated to the professions they choose, helping them discover their future passions or talents.

The facility also includes restaurants that serve pizza, chocolate, donuts, and ravioli, and families are allowed to bring light snacks such as pastries.

KidZania offers regular discount offers, which are sold on its official website.
 

Miniaturk

While not a traditional amusement park, Miniaturk is an ideal destination for children and young people interested in Turkish history and culture. 

Miniaturk is a park that contains miniature models of Turkey’s famous landmarks. Visitors to this place, located on the European side of Istanbul in the Sutluce area overlooking the Golden Horn, can enjoy over 120 miniature models of historical buildings and landmarks from all over the country, such as castles, mosques, palaces, bridges, transportation stations, and natural sites like mountains, caves, straits, and waterfalls.

The park also offers small boat rides, toy trains for children, and strolls through vast green spaces with a selection of fun physical games, family football, or swimming in the on-site pool.

IBB-Feshane Park

This amusement park in Istanbul is located in the Eyup Sultan district on the European side, along the shores of the Golden Horn. It’s the perfect amusement park for those who love traditional rides like the ship, scissors, bumper cars, and the thrilling massage chair, among other moving rides.

IBB-Feshane Park is a suitable place to take your kids if you live nearby or are passing through. Although it’s not a large facility, you can still spend a whole day here, as the park has food stalls and allows you to bring your own food and drinks.

Luna Park

Luna Park is located in the Cekmekoy district of Asian Istanbul and is one of the cheapest amusement parks in this massive city. 

It features a dirt floor and a family-friendly atmosphere, with a carousel, bumper car track, and acrobatic shows that attract children—all for a ticket price of only 70 Turkish lira.

Aqua Club Dolphin

Aqua Club Dolphin is another fantastic water park in Istanbul, located in the Esenyurt district on the European side. 

It stands out with its modern design and vibrant colors, offering many pools for children, men, and women, in addition to mixed pools, water slides, waterfalls, areas for adorable dolphin shows, rubber boats, and tracks for biking and scootering.

Entrance prices are discounted for children, with special offers during weekdays, while fees increase on holidays. 

The management prohibits bringing in food and drinks, as there are plenty of options available inside.
 

Istanbul Toy Museum

Located in the Kadikoy district on the Asian side, the Istanbul Toy Museum is a true doll museum and a unique destination that combines entertainment and education, displaying the history of toys from around the world. 

The museum was founded in 2005 by the famous Turkish poet and writer Sunay Akin, who wanted to create a bridge between generations through toys dating back nearly 200 years.

The exhibits in the museum’s four floors range from traditional handmade toys to modern ones, including dolls, cars, trains, educational toys, and more. 

Most visitors are adults who love to relive their childhood memories and learn about the evolution of toys over time.

The exhibits are creatively arranged, with each section representing a different era or type of toy, offering visitors a delightful and nostalgic historical experience.

Ada Park

Ada Park is located in the Bayrampasa district of European Istanbul. It is a vast amusement park with a lake in the center, offering fun rides, an amphitheater, horse riding arenas, picnic tables, dedicated dog-walking paths, a basketball court, restaurants, and tracks for athletes.

The park features high-rise Ferris wheels, easy-to-steer boats, and an upside-down house that is perfect for taking fun photos. It is a favorite place for families who enjoy vast green spaces and the relaxation they provide.

Hayrola Lunapark

A popular amusement park in Istanbul, located in the Avcilar district on the European side of Istanbul’s western side. 

It boasts a great view of the Sea of Marmara, a vast area, and a wide variety of exciting electric rides, especially the Ferris wheel, which will leave you and your friends with unforgettable adrenaline-filled memories. 

Other thrilling rides include the ship, scissors, and train.

Hayrola Lunapark also features a restaurant and café offering delicious options and the opportunity to relax with family and friends.
 

Florya Aquarium Istanbul

One of the world's largest and most modern aquariums, located on the coast of the Florya district in Bakirkoy, on the European side of Istanbul. It spans a vast area housing over 17,000 species of marine and terrestrial creatures, taking visitors on a unique journey through seas and oceans.

This aquarium is considered one of Istanbul's best amusement and theme parks. It is designed to simulate various aquatic environments, such as the Black Sea, the Pacific Ocean, the Red Sea, the Mediterranean Sea, and the Atlantic Ocean. 

It consists of 16 different geographic zones, each reflecting the natural environment and biodiversity of the area, in addition to giant tanks that feature colorful fish, sharks, octopuses, and coral reefs.

Florya Aquarium offers many interactive and educational activities, such as diving with sharks, guided tours, and special shows for children.

Written by: Reyana Tourism Team