Ankara is the capital of Turkey and the country's second-largest city, home to around 5.8 million people in the metropolitan area. Founded as the Republic's capital in 1923 by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, Ankara replaced Istanbul as the seat of government and grew rapidly throughout the 20th century. The city blends its ancient Hittite and Roman heritage with modernist Republican architecture and a vibrant contemporary urban scene. Anıtkabir — Atatürk's mausoleum — is the defining landmark, while the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations ranks among the world's finest archaeological collections. Ankara sits on the central Anatolian plateau at roughly 850 metres above sea level, giving it a continental climate with hot dry summers and cold snowy winters.
Family activities
Engaging experiences for travellers of every age.
Ankara Zoo (Atatürk Orman Çiftliği Zoo)
1,500+ animals from 200 species. Highlights: lion enclosure, giraffe feeding, elephant habitat, penguin pool. Surrounding farm grounds have picnic areas and pony rides.
Gençlik Parkı Amusement Area
Classic amusement park with rides, bumper cars, and paddle boats on the artificial lake. Vast green space for children to roam freely. Great for a spontaneous morning or afternoon.
Rahmi M. Koç Museum
Museum of transport and industry: steam locomotives, vintage cars, aircraft engines, submarine, and interactive science displays. Hands-on and highly engaging for children.
Eymir Lake Circuit
Flat, 7-km paved trail around a scenic lake — pushchair-friendly and ideal for young children. Rowing boats and canoes available for hire. Picnic tables along the shore.
Atatürk Forest Farm (AOÇ)
Historic farm with pony rides, paddle boats, farm animals, and play areas. AOÇ dairy sells ice cream and cheese on site. Excellent for a relaxed half-day family outing.
Anıtkabir Changing of the Guard
The hourly changing of the guard ceremony captivates children. The Peace Park is open space for children to walk freely. Museum displays Atatürk's personal possessions in an engaging visual format.
Family-friendly hotels
Accommodation designed with families in mind.
JW Marriott Ankara
Family features: Indoor pool, Family suites, Kids' menu in restaurants, Babysitting service on request
Dedeman Ankara
Family features: Indoor pool, Connecting rooms, Children's menu, Play area
Hilton Ankara
Family features: Indoor pool, Family rooms, Kids' club in season
Crowne Plaza Ankara
Family features: Indoor pool, Connecting rooms, Central location for sightseeing
Airbnb / Serviced Apartments, Çankaya
Family features: Full kitchen for self-catering, More space than hotel rooms, Washing machine, Home environment
Dining with kids
Eating out as a family.
Turkish culture warmly welcomes children in restaurants — families with children are common in all but the most formal fine-dining establishments.
Köfteci Ramiz (multiple locations including Kızılay) has a dedicated children's menu and high chairs available — good for quick, familiar food.
Pide salonu (flatbread restaurants) and börekçi (pastry shops) in Ulus offer simple, appealing food for children at very affordable prices.
AOÇ Farm Restaurant in Yenimahalle offers outdoor seating and a large garden — perfect for families with young children who need space.
Most mid-range restaurants will prepare simple pasta or rice dishes not on the menu for children — just ask.
Supermarkets (Migros, CarrefourSA) stock international baby food, nappies, and infant formula brands throughout the city.
Pharmacies (eczane) — recognisable by the green cross — stock children's medicines without a prescription; pharmacists speak some English in central districts.
Family travel tips
Practical advice for stress-free family trips.
Build downtime into every day — over-scheduled kids melt down faster than tired adults.
Carry snacks, water, and a small first-aid kit at all times.
Many attractions offer discounted family tickets — ask at the ticket window.