Phew, we made it through the holidays! This first weekend of January (03-04), let's get those kids out before the mid-term slump hits. Forget the usual spots; we've got a cool birdhouse design workshop at Akbank Sanat and the brand-new, super-hyped Nickelodeon Play! Tersane İstanbul is still buzzing with its opening energy. Let’s make the most of this winter chill!
Quick Picks
Family Sundays
Aga Khan Museum
Free arts and crafts activities for families every Sunday.
Nickelodeon Play! Tersane İstanbul
Tersane İstanbul
An all-indoor, immersive theme park perfect for a guaranteed fun, dry day.
Family Sundays
Aga Khan Museum
Hands-on arts and crafts activities tailored for younger children.
Nickelodeon Play! Tersane İstanbul
This place is the talk of the town! It’s a massive indoor theme park with PAW Patrol, SpongeBob, and Ninja Turtles zones. Since it just opened, expect high energy and definitely book tickets in advance for a full day of interactive fun.
Why we picked it: It's the massive new indoor attraction and everyone is still flocking to see it.
Dost Gezegenler (Friendly Planets)
This appears to be a children's theatre play happening on Saturday; 'Dost Gezegenler' sounds sweet and age-appropriate for the younger crew. Hop onto Biletinial or Tiyatrolar.com to lock down the exact location and seats.
Why we picked it: A specific, named children's theatre performance scheduled for Saturday.
Exhibition: As the Sun Appears from Beyond: Twenty Years of the Al Burda Award
This exhibition features incredible calligraphy and art from the Al Burda Award, which might actually capture the older kids' attention if they like intricate designs. They also have extended evening hours for 'Light Up the Dark' if you fancy a late visit.
Why we picked it: A high-quality art exhibition that might appeal to art-loving teens.
Following Migratory Birds: Birdhouse Design Workshop
A really cool, themed workshop where kids learn about Istanbul's migratory birds and then build their own imaginative birdhouses from recycled stuff. Perfect for a slightly older child interested in nature or making things.
Why we picked it: Unique theme focusing on nature and sustainability for a specific age group.
Family Sundays
If the weather is iffy, head to the Aga Khan Museum for their Family Sundays. It's a dedicated arts and crafts session in the Education Centre, usually very welcoming for the little ones.
Why we picked it: A reliably free, structured activity perfect for toddlers and preschoolers.
Clay Tile Workshop (Winter Workshop)
This is one of the last chances for their winter workshop series—they’re making clay tiles, which is super tactile and fun for kids. Check the museum site immediately for booking, as these usually fill up fast.
Why we picked it: Limited run winter workshop ending this weekend.
Creative Waste Material Art Workshop
Another great Akbank Sanat workshop, this one is all about sustainability—kids use everyday waste materials to create art. Good for teaching them about reusing things while they get crafty.
Why we picked it: Focuses on sustainability and creative reuse, perfect for curious minds.
Frequently Asked Questions
What free kids events are on in Istanbul this weekend?
This weekend (Jan 03-04), the best genuinely free option is the Family Sundays arts and crafts at the Aga Khan Museum on Sunday afternoon (12 PM - 4 PM).
What's the best indoor activity if it rains on Saturday?
You absolutely must check out the Nickelodeon Play! Tersane İstanbul ([id:istanbul-1]). It’s an entirely indoor, new theme park experience, so rain is no issue, but book your tickets fast!
Are there any good educational workshops for my 8-year-old this weekend?
Yes! Akbank Sanat has two fantastic options for that age range on Sunday, January 4th: the Following Migratory Birds: Birdhouse Design Workshop ([id:istanbul-2]) and the Creative Waste Material Art Workshop ([id:istanbul-6]).