Balat Toy MuseumThree floors of vintage toys in colourful Balat, from antique cars and trains to dolls and model towns, with a puppet show and a cafe upstairs. A nostalgic stop in a photogenic neighbourhood.
Istanbul Aviation MuseumA quiet museum near the old Yeşilköy airport, with indoor halls on Turkey's aviation history and an outdoor field of real aircraft to explore, including a full-size passenger plane. Out west near Bakırköy, and children below 18 go free.
Istanbul Robot MuseumA small museum of robots and animatronics in Avcılar on the European side. It is about an hour by transit from the centre, but robot-loving children tend to enjoy it. Best combined with other plans on that side of the city. Free below 3.
Istanbul Toy Museum (Göztepe)Founded by the poet Sunay Akın in a historic house on the Asian side, with around 4,000 vintage toys from the 1700s onward, gathered from 40 countries. There is a themed cafe and a toy-painting room. Suitable for all ages. Free below 3.
MiniatürkAn open-air park of 1/25-scale models of Turkey's best-known landmarks, from Hagia Sophia to more distant monuments, with a walkable mini-Bosphorus bridge. A relaxed, stroller-friendly way for children to see the whole country in an afternoon. Free below 6.
Museum of IllusionsA hands-on optical-illusion museum on İstiklal Street, with a vortex tunnel, an infinity room, an anti-gravity room and more than 60 photo-friendly illusions. Central and suitable for all ages, with staff on hand to help with photos. Free below 4.
Naval Museum (Deniz Müzesi)A modern maritime museum in Beşiktaş on the Bosphorus, with ornate imperial caiques (royal rowing boats), cannons and ship models, plus a maritime-themed children's playroom. Children go free, and it works well on a hot or rainy day.
Rahmi M. Koç MuseumAn industrial museum on the Golden Horn in Hasköy, with planes, trains, trams, classic cars, boats and a submarine children over 8 can climb inside. There are hands-on science exhibits, a planetarium and cafes, including one on an old ferry. Allow about half a day.