Fethiye with children: the best kids activities in Fethiye

If you are wondering if Fethiye is a good place for a family holiday, the answer is yes. As one of Turkey’s most family-friendly holiday destinations, many parents and kids descend to enjoy the delights every year. Lovely beaches, friendly shops and cafes and green hills mean little ones always have something to do. Naturally, given Turks’ insistence on family culture, restaurants, cafes, hotels, and attractions all accommodate kids in the friendliest way. Keeping kids smiling makes the parents happy, and Fethiye does this with 100% passion and enthusiasm. So, we have listed our favourite things to do and places to go to ensure kids smile.

 9 Kids Activities in Fethiye

1: Gorgeous Beaches

Fethiye is full of gorgeous child-friendly beaches. Try Calis Beach, which is busy over the summer months but perfect for children with its gently sloping sandy shore. Oludeniz Beach, the area’s most famous, offers a sheltered beach and lagoon. Or hop on a dolmus to a more secluded bay: try Aksazlar Bay, Samanlik Bays, Boncuklu or Kuleli. Bear in mind that Sundays get busy with Turkish families hitting the beach, so these days go further afield - Ksazlar Bay (before Letoonia Club Hotel), Samanlik Bays, or Kuleli Boncuklull.

2: Activities at Fethi Bey Park

Sitting at the opposite end of the harbour, this park opened in 2018, and to date, has won many rave reviews from locals and holidaymakers. As the perfect family-friendly destination, hang out and enjoy this large recreational area. Green spaces, fun monuments and statues, bike tracks and a designated children’s zone possibly make it the most kid-friendly place in Fethiye. Otherwise, when the sun goes down on Fethiye summer evenings, the fountains turn on and light up. The fountains of Ugur Mumcu Park, about six minutes’ walk away behind the town square, appear to dance to the music and light up with brilliant flashes of colour. The fountains turn on each evening during summer, and keep an eye out for posters advertising times for the shows.

3: History at Fethiye Museum

On a rare wet day, pop into Fethiye Museum with older children. Located off the main street, the small but almost perfectly formed museum contains Lycian artefacts from the Bronze, Archaic, Hellenistic, and Roman ages, including coins, statues, ornaments, pieces of tombs, jewellery, and vases. One fascinating exhibit from Letoon, a grave artefact, was crucial in deciphering the ancient Lycian language. Outside there is an open-air gallery with more fascinating exhibits.

4: Island tours on a Boat

Several tour operators offer 12 island tours, a leisurely island-to-island trip visiting five quiet islands off the coastline. Enjoy plenty of stops for swims and sunbathing and tuck into a hearty lunch. Twelve island tours usually take the whole day, so these trips won’t be suitable for very young children. Some tours which visit three islands are more ideal to start your day later. An alternative is to get a group together - befriend another family, for example - and charter a private boat.

5: Jeep safaris for the Kids to Explore

An off-road, open-top jeep safari to see parts of Turkey away from the beaches excites everyone. Jeep safaris take in Fethiye’s natural surroundings and ancient ruins, including the ancient city of Tlos. Visit Saklikent Canyon to walk through the cool gorge, and splash in the waters. After enjoy fresh fish in the riverside restaurants. Please note, this activity is only ideal for kids aged eight and above.

6: Horse riding and Trampolining

To see the surrounding area slightly slower - and quieter - pace, go on a horseback tour. Tours vary, but we recommend a horseback trip to Kayakoy ancient ghost town. Riding experience isn’t necessary, but it isn’t suitable for toddlers. Little ones expend their energy on the huge trampolines at Olgun Trampolin on Cahit Gunduz Street for just a few lira. While children jump frantically on the trampolines (surrounded by safety nets), parents relax with a cup of cay for adult time.

7: Water Splashing Fun at the aqua park

Fethiye has two aqua parks. Oludeniz Water World in Ovacik features nine slides, a children’s pool, a wave pool, and a public swimming pool. There is a restaurant and two bars and a couple of cafes serving up Turkish food. A children’s club is ideal for confident kids to spend time away from their parents. The older Sultan Aqua Park in Fethiye has lots of slides and pools, entertainment for the kids and lots of sunbeds and shade for parents.

8: Dining and Eating Out

If your kids are good eaters (and let us face it, Turkey is a great place to introduce them to fresh new flavours), they will enjoy local dishes in Fethiye. Look for gozleme and nar suyu (pancakes and pomegranate juice), fresh figs, cheese, Turkish delight, and nuts at the Tuesday farmer’s market. Head to Popeye’s boat restaurant for fish sandwiches, or pick out fresh seafood at Fethiye fish market and watch someone cook it on the spot. Try an iskender (slices of lamb doner over grilled bread, covered with tomato and butter) from Bursa, on Ataturk Street across from the post office. The great thing about Fethiye is everyone is friendly and accepting of children, and taking them out to eat is hassle-free.

9: Tranquillity at Yaka Park

Gorgeous Yaka Park is an ideal spot to relax and unwind while your kids play on the grass - and tickle the local trout. Located high above the Xanthos Valley, 45 minutes from Fethiye Centre, the cool breeze and ample shade at Yaka are refreshing after the seaside heat. The restaurant sits within spacious grounds filled with waterfalls, streams, shady trees, and many seating areas. Let the kids get up and close to the trout and their babies. The excellent food is simple but high quality. Sample the pancakes, meatballs, mezes, salads and - naturally - trout.

Why We Love Fethiye

So, as you can see when it comes to kids’ activities in Fethiye, we are sure the whole family will be happy. However, if you still need persuading Fethiye is one of Turkey’s best places to visit, read our article about why we love the region. Whether it is the beaches, things to do, delightful weather climate or taking our tastebuds on a culinary journey, admiration for the area stems far and wide.

About Us

We are Property Turkey, an investment and lifestyle specialist with offices all over the country, including Fethiye. We took all our local knowledge and expertise and added it to our blog about Turkey. Find out more about Fethiye, other destinations, attractions, tradition, culture, and expat life.