Family-Friendly Things to Do in Side, Turkey
Side is a great destination for families, with beaches, boat trips, nature tours, evening shows and easy day trips from nearby Manavgat and Antalya. This guide highlights the best family-friendly activities for visitors travelling with children.
Explore Family ActivitiesQuick Family Guide
- Best For: Families with children of all ages
- Top Activities: Boat Trips, Green Canyon, Beaches, Evening Shows
- Family Favourite: The Land of Legends
- Easy Day Trips: Green Canyon and Manavgat Market
- Recommended Stay: 3–7 Days
Best Family Activities in Side
Side offers many easy and enjoyable activities for families. Families with children can enjoy sandy beaches, relaxed boat trips, the ancient old town, Manavgat Market, Green Canyon tours and evening shows. The best choice depends on your children’s age, the weather and how active you want your day to be.
Quick Family Activity Comparison
- Boat Tours – Best for all ages
- Green Canyon – Best for nature-loving families
- The Land of Legends – Best for children and teenagers
- Side Beaches – Best for relaxing family days
- Manavgat Market – Best for local culture and shopping
Easy Day Trips for Families
For families who want an easy day outside Side, Green Canyon, Land of Legends, Side boat tours and Manavgat Market are good options. These activities are popular because they are not too difficult, offer enough free time and are suitable for different age groups.
Tips for Visiting Side with Children
If you are travelling with children, avoid the hottest hours of the day in summer, carry water and sun protection, and choose tours with hotel pickup when possible. Shorter tours, shaded areas and flexible free time can make the day much easier for families.
Best Family-Friendly Places to Visit in Side
Families visiting Side can enjoy a mix of beach time, history, nature and easy entertainment. Side Old Town is a good place for a relaxed walk, especially in the late afternoon when the weather is cooler. Families can also visit the Temple of Apollo, spend time on the beach, join a calm boat trip or take a short trip to Manavgat Market. For children, simple activities are often the best choice, especially when the day is not too long or tiring.
Best Beaches in Side for Families
Side offers several beaches that are suitable for families with children. East Beach is often preferred for its calm atmosphere and wide sandy areas, while West Beach provides shallow water and plenty of facilities nearby. Families can enjoy swimming, building sandcastles, and spending a relaxing day by the sea. Many beach areas also have cafes, sunbed rentals, and walking paths that make visiting with children more comfortable.
Planning a beach day? Discover more in our guide to the best beaches in Side.
Family-Friendly Hotels and Resorts in Side
Side offers a wide range of family-friendly hotels and resorts, many of which provide children's pools, water slides, playgrounds, and entertainment programs. Families staying in the Side, Kumköy, Evrenseki, and Colakli areas can find accommodations close to the beach and popular attractions. Choosing a hotel near the sea can make family vacations more comfortable, especially when traveling with young children. Many visitors also combine their hotel stay with family-friendly excursions and day trips around the region.
Why Side Is One of the Best Family Destinations in Turkey
Side is one of the most popular family holiday destinations on the Turkish Mediterranean coast. The combination of sandy beaches, family-friendly hotels, historical attractions, boat tours, and outdoor activities makes it suitable for visitors of all ages. Parents can enjoy a relaxing holiday while children have access to safe beaches, water parks, and entertainment options. With its warm climate and variety of attractions, Side continues to attract families from across Europe every year.
What to Avoid with Children in Side
When travelling with children in Side, try to avoid very long tours, crowded midday hours and activities without shade during the hottest summer months. It is better to choose flexible activities with hotel pickup, enough breaks and easy return options. Families with young children may prefer shorter boat trips, beach time in the morning or evening, and relaxed attractions instead of tiring full-day programs. Always check the tour duration, pickup time and return time before booking, especially if you are travelling with babies, toddlers or older family members.
What to Bring for Family Activities in Side
When joining family activities in Side, it is useful to prepare a small day bag, especially in summer. Bring water, sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, swimwear, towels, wet wipes and a change of clothes for children. For boat trips or water activities, waterproof phone protection and light sandals can also be helpful. If you are visiting places like Green Canyon, Land of Legends or Manavgat Market, try to carry only what you really need so the day stays easy and comfortable. Families with babies or toddlers should also check whether the tour has enough breaks, shade, toilets and suitable pickup times before booking.
Choose the Best Family Tours from Side
If you are planning a family holiday in Side, choosing the right activity can make your day much easier. Boat trips, nature tours, evening shows and relaxed day trips are usually the most comfortable options for families with children.
View Family-Friendly ToursQuick Questions About Family Activities in Side
Is Side good for families with children?
Yes. Side is a good destination for families because it offers sandy beaches, easy boat trips, historical places, nature tours and relaxed evening activities. Many hotels are also close to beaches and family-friendly attractions.
What are the best family-friendly activities in Side?
Some of the best family-friendly activities in Side include boat tours, Green Canyon, The Land of Legends evening show, Manavgat Market, beaches and relaxed walks around Side Old Town.
Is The Land of Legends good for children?
Yes. The Land of Legends is a popular choice for families with children, especially for evening shows, lights, music and entertainment. It is best to check the tour details and transfer times before booking.
Should families book tours with hotel pickup?
For most families staying in Side or Manavgat, hotel pickup is the easiest option. It saves time, avoids transport stress and makes the day more comfortable, especially with young children.
What is the best beach in Side for families?
West Beach is usually considered one of the best beaches in Side for families because of its shallow water, soft sand and nearby facilities. Many families also enjoy East Beach for its relaxed atmosphere and easy access from Side Old Town.
Are boat tours suitable for young children?
Many boat tours in Side are suitable for young children, especially family-friendly cruises with swimming stops and hotel pickup. Parents should check the tour duration, available facilities and sun protection options before booking.