🎒 35 Free Places to Visit with Kids During the School Break

(Istanbul & Nearby Areas)

School breaks are the perfect time to enjoy fun, educational, and budget-friendly activities with children.
Istanbul and its surroundings offer many free or seasonally free museums, science centers, workshops, and open-air attractions for families.

Here is a curated list of free places to visit with kids during the school break 👇

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🏛️ Museums & Historical Sites

1. Panorama 1453 History Museum (Zeytinburnu)
2. Basilica Cistern (Fatih – free on selected days / for students)
3. Şerefiye Cistern (Fatih)
4. Türkiye İş Bankası Museum (Eminönü)
5. Atatürk Museum (Şişli)
6. Museum of Islamic Civilizations (Çamlıca Mosque)
7. Harbiye Military Museum – Mehter Band Show (Şişli)
8. Railway Museum (Fatih)
9. Kemal Sunal Museum (Göztepe)
10. Fire Brigade Museum (Beşiktaş)

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🎨 Art, Workshops & Cultural Spaces

1. Miniatürk (Beyoğlu)
2. AKM Children’s Art Center (Taksim)
3. Pera Museum Children’s Workshops (Tepebaşı – seasonal free events)
4. Müze Gazhane Workshops (Kadıköy)
5. İBB Beyoğlu Cinema – Children’s Screenings (Istiklal Street)
6. Golden Horn Shipyard Art Area (Kasımpaşa)
7. Beşiktaş KDYM Children’s Workshops
8. Cennet Cultural Center Children’s Theatre (Küçükçekmece)

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🔬 Science, Technology & Discovery Centers

1. Üsküdar Science Center (Üsküdar)
2. SantralIstanbul Energy Museum (Eyüp)
3. Space and Technology Museum (Çekmeköy)
4. Mathematics House (Eyüpsultan)
5. Bağcılar Youth Center – Technology Area

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🦕 Fun, Nature & Outdoor Attractions

1. Dinosaur Museum (Maltepe)
2. Fairy Tale Museum (Kartal)
3. Beykoz Glass and Crystal Museum Garden
4. Kite Museum (Üsküdar)
5. UçakPark Aviation Science Center (Çayırova – free entry)
6. Veliefendi Hippodrome (Bakırköy)
7. Silivrikapı Ice Rink (Fatih – seasonal free access)

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🌳 Large Outdoor Areas & Day Trips

1. Ormanya Wildlife Park (Kocaeli / Kartepe)
2. Çobançeşme Children’s Village (Eyüpsultan)

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🎠 Play & Entertainment Areas

1. Aquapark (Bayrampaşa – seasonal free access)
2. Düştepe Playhouse (Ataşehir)
3. Salt Galata – Free Exhibitions & Library (Karaköy)

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🌟 A Perfect School Break Plan

You don’t need a big budget to enjoy the school break with your children.
Istanbul offers countless free, educational, and fun activities that allow kids to learn while having fun.

With this list:
✔️ Children explore and discover
✔️ Families spend quality time together
✔️ School breaks become more meaningful