Family Activities in Ankara
Although Ankara, the capital of Turkey, is usually known for its official identity, it is home to many different activities and destinations that you can enjoy as a family. With its natural beauties, historical and cultural sites, entertainment centers for children and culinary destinations, Ankara offers both an educational and entertaining experience for families. In this article, we explore in detail the most enjoyable family activities in Ankara.
Spending Family Time in Nature
No matter how busy Ankara’s city life is, there are many green areas where you can spend time in touch with nature. Especially on the weekends, these areas are ideal if you want to take your children and take a breath, play games and take a walk.
Atatürk Forest Farm attracts attention not only for its natural beauty but also for its historical importance. This farm, which has large areas for family walks, has a zoo, markets where organic products are sold, glass greenhouses and miniature train tours. It is an ideal environment especially for children to meet nature and see small farm animals.
Göksu Park is located in Eryaman and is very popular for its bike tours around the pond, walking paths and children’s playgrounds. There are also cafes and restaurants in the park where you can sit and have a bite to eat with the family. Small activities such as water biking are very enjoyable for children.
Close to the city center, Seğmenler Park and Kuğulu Park are ideal for short weekend getaways. Seğmenler Park stands out with its wide walking paths and lush green lawns, while Kuğulu Park attracts children with its swans. These parks, which are quieter especially in the morning hours, offer a nature experience in the city.
Mavi Göl and Karagöl Nature Park are ideal for families who want to escape to nature. Although Mavi Göl is an artificial pond, it offers a peaceful environment to spend time with the family with its walking paths, benches and picnic areas. Karagöl is located in Çubuk district and is an attractive place for nature photographers and hiking enthusiasts.
Altınköy Open Air Museum is another alternative that combines nature and culture. In this area where traditional village life is recreated, children can try on old period clothes, grind flour in the mill and tour the inside of village houses.
Cultural and Historical Trips
As Ankara is an important city that witnessed the founding of the Republic of Turkey, cultural and historical excursions with the family can be both educational and inspiring.
Anıtkabir is a special experience for people of all ages. The final resting place of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk is a meaningful place not only for adults but also for children. The museums next to the monument display Atatürk’s personal belongings, objects from the war years and the original Nutuk.
The Museum of Anatolian Civilizations is an ideal environment for children to learn about historical development. With a large collection ranging from the Paleolithic to the Ottoman period, children can see examples of archaeological excavations and trace civilizations.
Rahmi Koç Museum is based on the themes of science, technology and transportation. In this museum full of old cars, train wagons, airplanes, watercraft and scientific instruments, children have the opportunity to learn by touching and experimenting.
Ankara Castle and the surrounding Hamamönü district offer a historical journey with its Ottoman-era stone houses and narrow streets. It turns into a cultural trip with shops displaying traditional handicrafts, souvenir stands and restaurants serving local food.
The Ethnography Museum is also very instructive, especially for introducing the culture of daily life in Anatolia to children. Here you can find old clothes, kitchen utensils, musical instruments and materials on folk dances.
Entertainment Centers for Children
There are many entertainment areas for children in Ankara. These are not only fun, but also educational.
Wonderland is one of the largest thematic parks in Europe. With statues of fairy tale heroes, large playgrounds and picnic areas, it is an area where children can spend hours. The walking paths around the pond are also relaxing for families.
Aqua Vega Aquarium is located in Nata Vega Shopping Center and is one of the largest tunnel aquariums in Europe. With sharks, stingrays and colorful tropical fish, it gives children the chance to get to know the undersea world closely.
Feza Gürsey Science Center allows children to explore scientific phenomena through interactive exhibitions. Especially the sections where physical experiments can be performed are exciting for children.
Ankara Toy Museum offers nostalgia and innovation together. The museum, which includes old Turkish-made toys as well as examples from around the world, is a journey into the past for both children and adults.
Fairy Tale World Park is full of structures that will stimulate children’s imagination. Colorful themes, giant figures and amusement parks make for a nice family day out.
Nature Getaways and Day Trips
There are many natural escape points that you can reach in a short time from the center of Ankara. There are ideal options for families who want to plan day trips, especially on weekends.
Soğuksu National Park in Kızılcahamam is perfect for nature walks, picnics and fresh air. You can also have a family thermal experience in the geothermal facilities here.
Beypazarı fascinates visitors with its historical houses and natural beauties. Children can see the Ottoman architecture up close and try local flavors. Inözü Valley can also be preferred for nature walks.
Mogan and Eymir lakes in Gölbaşı district are suitable for both nature and sports activities. You can rent a bicycle and go hiking around Lake Eymir. Bird watching is also possible in Mogan Lake.
Karagöl Nature Park, located in Çubuk district, is a natural wonder built around a small pond. Camping is also possible here.
Art and Culture Events for the whole family
Ankara is a city rich in artistic activities. State theaters, opera and ballet performances, concerts and children’s plays continue throughout the year.
State Theaters’ children’s plays have both entertaining and educational content. Going to the theater as a family allows children to get acquainted with art at an early age.
CerModern attracts families with contemporary art exhibitions as well as children’s workshops and creative activities.
Ankara Painting and Sculpture Museum offers a peaceful atmosphere for families interested in visual arts. After visiting the museum, you can walk to Hamamönü.
Culture Trail festivals include music, theater, dance and handicraft events spread across different districts of Ankara. These festivals increase interaction with the city.
Throughout the year, piano concerts, ballet performances and creative children’s workshops are organized in various cultural centers.
Gastronomic Discoveries
Ankara cuisine brings together the different flavors of Anatolia. Local restaurants that can be visited as a family also give children the opportunity to try new flavors.
Delicacies such as Beypazarı casserole, Ankara frying pan, flatbread, pancake and höşmerim can be preferred to discover local tastes. You can try these dishes in the historical mansions in Hamamönü.
Restaurants offering child-friendly menus, cafes with playgrounds and ice cream shops are also places where families can spend time comfortably.
Ankara is not only the center of civil service life; it is also a living space that offers nature, history, culture and entertainment together. It is possible to embark on a different adventure every weekend in this city that supports the development of children and where families can spend quality time together. With the right planning, family activities in Ankara can turn into unforgettable memories.
