Here is my guide to help you discover the best water parks In Istanbul. From all kinds of slides to wave pools, experience the perfect summer outing with your family.
Istanbul is a city packed with things to see and do. It’s a very cultural spot, and there is an abundance of historical things to explore. However, if you’re visiting in the summer months, it’s possible that you’ll want to cool off, chill out a bit, and enjoy a fun-filled day.
In that case, you might want to visit a water park in Istanbul.
Now, there isn’t a considerable amount, but the ones that exist are high quality, large, and offer a lot of facilities on site.
Of course, you’ll struggle to find a huge water park right in the middle of the most historic parts of the city. For instance, you’re hardly going to see waterslides in Taksim, which means you’re going to need to travel to the further reaches of the city to find a fabulous water park.
However, the good news is that most have shuttles, which makes fun in the sun a whole lot easier!
In this guide, let’s look at Istanbul’s main and most beautiful water parks and explore each one in detail so you can decide where to head when you need a break from the city’s hustle and bustle.
Skip Ahead To My Advice Here!
The Best Water Parks In Istanbul
Let’s break down the best water parks you can visit in Istanbul. Most don’t require you to book tickets beforehand, but it’s best to arrive early if possible so you can grab a sun lounger and avoid the crowds.
1. Vialand
Vialand isn’t only a water park; it’s an entire entertainment complex with a shopping center, housing, and entertainment all rolled into one. This is a huge park, and you’ll need a full day to enjoy it. While you can turn up and queue when you arrive, you can book tickets online if you want to jump in line and just get straight into having fun.
The theme park section has rides for all ages, including small children. However, the big rides are definitely adrenaline-pumping, with the famous LSM Nefeskesen Rollercoaster, which is thought to be one of the best in the world.
There is also the terrifying yet strangely addictive Drop Tower, which is a little like Terror Towers in Florida’s Disneyworld. The watercoaster is a great way to cool off during a busy day, and there is also a huge King Kong ride.
But we’re here to talk about water parks, right? Well, while the water park here isn’t huge, there is a swimming area, and the watercoaster itself isn’t going to leave you very dry by the end.
This is an excellent spot for families to spend a fun day out – no matter what the month, but the water area is closed during the winter.
- Location: Eyupsultan, Istanbul
- Entrance Fee: 1500TL for adults and young children over three years of age. Children 0-3 enter for free
- Getting There: because this park is in one of the busiest areas of Istanbul, it’s not the best idea to drive, but you can if you choose. There is plenty of parking. however, public transport will get you there with less stress. The Metro M1B and M7 lines all pass close to Vialand, and several buses head that way from Sultanahmet and Fatih
- Main Attractions: endless attractions! From rides to shows, shopping to eating out, water-based fun to wildlife, you’ll find it all.
- Best Suitable For: the whole family
2. Marina Aquapark Waterland
If you want a full day of splashing, sunbathing, and general water-related fun, such as in a waterpark, t has to be Marina Park.
Located in Tuzla on the Asian side of the city, this water park is huge and has around 17 slides, a wave pool, a playground, and several different pools, all within a massive complex. The huge looping rocket tube plummets you 25 meters down into the water and is currently the highest on the continent.
Kids will love the wave pool with its intermittent waves of varying sizes, and there is a dedicated pool for small children with rides and games in shallow water. Older children can enjoy the larger pool with different watersports on offer, and all around each pool, there are sun loungers to enjoy the moment.
Marina park also has several restaurants and cafes on-site, so it makes sense to visit here for a full day. However, during the Turkish school holidays from July to September and on special events, such as Bayram celebrations, it’s best to arrive as early as possible.
- Location: Tuzla, on the Asian side
- Entrance Fee: 699TL for adults and children. Children under three years enter for free
- Getting There: your best starting point is on the Asian side, so if you’re on the European side, take the ferry over to Kadikoy or Uskudar, where you’ll find buses heading to Tuzla water park. The 133P and KM12 buses both go in that direction, or you can take the train using the B1 line. A taxi will be pretty expensive, but if you hire a car, you’ll be able to get to the water park in less than an hour, depending on traffic
- Main Attractions: several large slides, many pools, bars, restaurants, cafes, and a large wave pool
- Best Suitable For: the whole family
3. Aqua Club Dolphin
The Dolphin water park is a massive aqua park on the European side, and the plus point of this attraction is that there are several shuttle buses you can take from various points in the city, which take you to the park without you having to navigate the journey yourself.
This is one of the oldest water parks around, and it’s been open since 2001. It’s a very popular spot during the summer months, and it’s no wonder when you see the number of pools, slides, and facilities on offer.
The park covers a huge area and contains several pools, including one for small children, which is shallow throughout. It has plenty of space to roam and includes games and small rides. There is also a large family pool, which has a shallow end and then goes a little deeper, and a wave pool.
As far as slides go, you’re spoiled for choice. The Cobra slide is a big favorite, but the funnel slide and the Rocket Slide are great for older children who love an adrenaline rush. There are also several for smaller children too.
In addition, there is a snow party every day at 3 pm and a beach volleyball area.
You’ll also find several restaurants, including a pizzeria, an ice cream spot, a grill house, a fast food area, and a pool bar.
- Location: Esenyurt, European side of the city
- Entrance Fee: weekdays 80TL, weekends 90TL. Children 55TL and children under five years of age enter for free. However, do bear in mind that these prices may change for 2024, as the up-to-date prices aren’t published yet.
- Getting There: there are free shuttle buses from many points on the European side, including Taksim Square, Mecidiyekoy, and Fatih. Check their website for the number to call and book your shuttle transfer
- Main Attractions: countless pools, including a shallow pool for small children, sun loungers for relaxation, many slides, a wave pool, restaurants, and bars
- Best Suitable For: the whole family, with many attractions for small children
Brands We Use And Trust
Other Aqua Parks In Istanbul
4. Istanbul Water Park Moipark
Moipark, located in the Mall of Istanbul, is a family-friendly entertainment park that is recognized as the largest indoor amusement park in Europe.
It spans two floors covering 12,000 square meters, with attractions suitable for various age groups. The park features a range of entertainment facilities, including giant swings, tunnels, roller coasters of different sizes, shuttles, carousels, video games, and bowling.
There’s a special horror-themed area, ‘The Hunted Hotel’, and other attractions for older kids and adults. Moipark is part of the Mall of Istanbul, which offers shopping, cinema, shows, dining, and other services.
5. Büyükçekmece Grand Aqua Marine
Büyükçekmece Grand Aqua Marine in Istanbul is known for its exciting water attractions and on-site spa, offering a variety of slides and pools suitable for both children and adults. It’s a popular destination for families and individuals seeking a fun-filled day with water-based activities.
6. Water Valley Park
Water Valley Park in Istanbul is another recreational spot, although specific details about its features and attractions are less readily available. Like most water parks, it likely offers a range of activities centered around water entertainment.
Why Visit A Water Park In Istanbul?
Water parks aren’t really something you’d generally associate with Istanbul, but there’s a lot more to this city than history, culture, and food. During the summer months, both locals and visitors alike want to cool down and enjoy the weather. You might also be surprised to learn that there are many beaches and beach clubs around Istanbul, mostly in the Kadikoy and Sariyer areas.
However, not everyone likes the beach, and some prefer water parks instead. These are great for families because there are many amenities on site, lifeguards are always around, and there are usually water slides, which can’t be found at the beach. Of course, at this water park there is also the total absence of sand, which many people don’t like.
Istanbul is an amazing city, but it is an exhausting one. Walking around is very tiring, and while there are so many amazing must-do things to check out, a break from the hustle and bustle is a must. Rather than spending that day in your hotel or sitting in a café, why not head to a water park and soak up the summer sun instead?
Families traveling with children will also find water parks to be an excellent break for the kids. You can then trade off a day of historical sightseeing with a water park day of fun!
Move This Adventure To Your Inbox & Get An Instant Freebie
No spam. Unsubscribe at any time.
What Is The Weather Like In Istanbul In Summer?
All of Istanbul’s water parks close down at the beginning of October when the weather starts to change. However, between May and the end of September, they’re swamped, especially during weekends and the Turkish school holidays.
The weather in Istanbul is very sunny and warm during the summer months. However, it can rain, so keep an eye on the weather forecast before you decide to visit a water park.
However, the weather isn’t quite as hot as on the south coast of Turkey, which experiences scorching temperatures between May and October. That’s good news for anyone who wants to walk around with sweating too much.
During the peak summer months, you can expect an average temperature of around 30 degrees, and if it does rain, it tends to be short-lived. Evenings are cooler, at around 20 degrees, but you’ll probably still need air conditioning because while humidity isn’t a huge problem, it can make sleep a little uncomfortable.
Are water parks open in Istanbul all year round?
No, Istanbul’s water parks close during the winter months, from around the beginning of October, and open again in May.
What is the best way to get to the Istanbul water parks?
Most of Istanbul’s water parks are away from the main central reaches of the city, so you will need to either drive or take public transport. However, all of the water parks are connected by bus or Metro.
Aqua Club Dolphin is the easiest to get to, as there are shuttle buses that take you directly to the door.
Which is the biggest water parks in Istanbul?
Aqua Club Dolphin is the largest water park in Istanbul. However, Vialand is a huge entertainment venue that has a water park section.
Are there any beaches in Istanbul?
Yes! Istanbul has some great beaches.
The closest beach to the city center is Caddebostan Beach in Kadikoy. However, Sariyer has some fantastic beaches.
Many of these beaches are private beach clubs that you pay to enter for the day, but some public beaches are free to use, too.
Is Istanbul a good city for water parks?
Istanbul has three water parks, although only two of those are dedicated solely to water-based fun.
The city is more about sightseeing and culture, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy splashing in the sun! The water parks on offer are all excellent value for money and will undoubtedly fill an entire day with ease.
Are Istanbul’s water parks safe for small children?
There are pools and slides for small children in all of the water parks; however, do read the signs before using any of them because some are specifically for older children.
Aqua Club Dolphin, in particular, is great for small children because it has a dedicated play pool, which is quite significant in size, and small slides for infants.