The best things to do in Bodrum with kids

There’s something about the words ‘turquoise coast’ which are irresistible, and keep me idly dreaming about booking a holiday in Turkey. Because while I love Istanbul, and visited Troy during a cruise, I’d love to venture further and explore the sunny seaside gems such as a visit to Bodrum with kids.

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The area, also known as the Lycian coast, has plenty of resorts to tempt, from Fethiye, Oludeniz to Kalkan as well as Bodrum in the west. But with its own airport a little way outside the town, Bodrum has a headstart if you’re looking for easy transfers with younger children.

Built on the site of the ancient city of Halicarnassus – famously the home of one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, the mausoleum of Halicarnassus – the historic Greek city was destroyed by earthquakes in the Middle Ages but there are some remains to be seen.

With sun, sand and a fascinating past, what more incentive do I need? I’ve already started researching my top things to do in Bodrum with kids – here are my top picks.

Hit the beach in Bodrum

Although Bodrum itself doesn’t have the best beaches on the coast, nearby Gumbet has a kilometre of golden sand and shallow waters – easy to get to in a taxi or dolmus minibus if you’re looking for a great day out by the beach in Bodrum for kids.

Slightly further afield is Kargı beach, also known as camel beach, which is less busy and has a handful of camels at one end. And I do love a camel!

Bodrum Castle

The 15th century Castle of St Peter overlooks the harbour and is the perfect fortress to get the imagination going.

But as well as imagining yourself at the heart of tales of adventure and derring-do as you eye up its towers, it’s also home to the Museum of Underwater Archaeology.

The name might seem dry but it’s a fascinating collection of finds from ancient shipwrecks, with items from Roman, Crusader and Ottoman times in its collection of over 3,000.

The only museum of its kind, with its focus on shipwrecks and treasures recovered from under the waves, it’s a great option for older kids especially.

Bodrum Aquapark water park

If you fancy a change from the beach, Bodrum Aquapark has 24 different rides and slides, as well other attractions and plenty of places to chill out in the sun.

There are splash pools and a wave pool for younger kids as well as some more adrenaline-fuelled slides for adventurous tweens and teens (and adults). Children under six get in free as a bonus.

Dedeman Aquapark, formerly the country’s largest water and amusement park has now closed.

Boat trip

I’ve always fancied doing a traditional gulet cruise, now I’ve moved beyond the toddler years – it’s far less relaxing if I spent every day worrying she’s about to fall overboard.

But you needn’t commit to an entire holiday afloat. Day excursions are easy to arrange, as well as longer boat trips along the coast whether you want an entire holiday on board your own gulet or a couple of days to add on to a regular break.

Check out some of the different boat trips you can take from Bodrum, including day options and longer gulet cruises

With older kids, try a boat trip to rabbit island from Gumusluk harbour. You may not see the wild rabbits but the clear waters are great for swimming.

Or it’s hard to beat a cruise aboard a pirate ship with a chance to snorkel in the Aegean Sea and lunch included

You could head to Orak Island with the crystal clear waters of German Bay, while this boat trip includes a string of different islands

Visit Ephesus

There are various archaeological sites in Bodrum, including the amphitheatre not to mention the ruins of Helicarnassus, but the ancient city of Ephesus is also only a day trip away.

Built in the 10th century BCE, it was an important centre in Greek and Roman times and there are still plenty of temples and ruins to explore. Much is surprisingly buggy-friendly and there’s room to run around, but another that’s best for older kids.

You can buy skip-the-line tickets including an audio guide, or book a tour from Bodrum to Ephesus with a guide.

*last updated 2026*

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Images: Depositphotos

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