Antalya with Kids: Family Attractions and How to Get There

With kids, the length of the transfer matters as much as the hotel. After a flight, a 20-minute ride is a very different experience from a two-hour one. The areas closest to Antalya Airport (AYT) are therefore the easiest family bases:

• Lara (≈ 14 km, ≈ 20 min): long sandy beach, big family hotels, and the city attractions close by.
• Kundu (≈ 18 km, ≈ 26 min): the eastern end of Lara, full of large family resorts and close to Kadriye.
• Belek (≈ 35 km, ≈ 40 min): spacious resorts with gardens and pools, and The Land of Legends next door in Kadriye.

Side (≈ 75 min) and Kemer (≈ 70 min) also work well for families; just expect a longer first ride. Not sure which to pick? See our Lara or Belek comparison.

The biggest family day out on the coast. The Land of Legends in Kadriye combines a theme park with rides for different ages, a large water park and a shopping and restaurant area, and it is known for its evening shows. Many families spend a full day there, and some go back for an evening visit.

From Belek and Kadriye hotels it is a very short ride; from Lara and Kundu it is an easy drive along the coast. A private car is handy here because you leave when the children are tired, not when a bus timetable says so. Practical details are in our Land of Legends guide.

Antalya Aquarium sits at the Konyaaltı end of the city, near the long pebble beach. It is best known for its walk-through tunnel aquarium, where fish and sharks swim around and above you, and it makes an excellent plan for a hot or windy day when the beach is less inviting.

From Lara the drive crosses the city, so allow some extra time at busy hours; from Konyaaltı hotels it is very close. Combine it with a stroll on the Konyaaltı seafront or an afternoon in the old town. More in our Antalya Aquarium guide.

Two outings on the Lara side are short, easy and great for younger children:

• Upper Düden Waterfall lies in a green park in the city, with shady paths and a walkway that lets you look at the falls up close – cool and pleasant even in summer.
• Lower Düden Waterfall is where the river drops from the cliffs straight into the sea, at the edge of Lara. Children love seeing the water fall into the waves; keep a firm hand on little ones near the cliff edge.
• Sandland is a sand-sculpture park on Lara beach, with huge sculptures made around a new theme. It is a short visit and works well in the late afternoon.

Both Düden falls can be seen in a half-day; see our Düden waterfalls guide.

Most families spend the majority of their time on the beach. The long sandy beaches around Lara, Belek and Side generally slope gently into the water, which suits small children; Konyaaltı is pebbly, so beach shoes help. Conditions vary by spot and by day, so always check the flags and ask your hotel about the beach in front of it.

A classic family excursion from the Side and Manavgat area is a boat trip on the Manavgat river: a relaxed cruise between green banks, usually towards the river mouth where it meets the sea. It needs no walking and suits all ages. You can pair it with the small Manavgat waterfall nearby.

• Child seats are free on request. When you book, tell us each child's age so the right baby seat, child seat or booster is ready in the car.
• Strollers and travel cots go in the luggage space. Mention them when booking, together with the number of suitcases, so we can suggest the right vehicle.
• Choose the vehicle by luggage, not just people: a Minivan (1–6) or VIP Mercedes-Benz Vito (1–7) suits most families; a Sprinter (8–16) is ideal when two families travel together.
• Late flights: the driver tracks your flight and waits if it is delayed, and the price stays the same with no night surcharge.

For babies and toddlers, read our tips for travelling to Antalya with babies.

In summer, plan sightseeing for the morning or the late afternoon and keep the hottest hours for the pool or a nap. One outing every two or three days is plenty for most children. A private car makes day trips easier: one fixed price per vehicle, not per person, door-to-door from the hotel, child seats already fitted, and you set the pace. Book 24/7 on WhatsApp or online, get a fixed-price quote, and pay in the vehicle with no prepayment.