Even though Turks are notorious pushovers for their children, Istanbul isn't really a kid-friendly destination; even the most privileged and well-educated children will get bored trudging around the recesses of ancient Byzantium. Istanbul does have a series of kid-related cultural events, though, including the Rahmi M. Koç Museum (Hasköy Caddesi 27; tel. 0212/297-6639; www.rmk-museum.org.tr/english), a hands-on series of exhibitions a la Smithsonian showcasing the history of human ingenuity in the areas of transportation, industry, and communications. The transparent washing machines, carburetors, decommissioned submarine bridge, trains, and aircraft will definitely push the buttons of any preteen boy (and then some), and is definitely worth a visit. Admission is 6.50YTL ($4.75) for adults and 3.60YTL ($2.70) for students, plus 3.15YTL ($2.30) and 2YTL ($1.50) for entry to the (formerly free and currently overpriced) submarine exhibit.
The Feshane International Fair Center and Children's Playgrounds (Eski Feshane Caddesi, Defterdar Duragi; Eyüp; tel. 0212/501-7326) offers another option for parents and kids alike. Installed in an old Ottoman fez-making factory, this open-air park offers food and activities especially fun for kids. Adults can look forward to the Feshane market outside the fairgrounds, as long as the kids aren't too pooped.
Miniaturk (Imrahor Caddesi Sütlüce/Istanbul on the eastern banks of the Golden Horn opposite Eyüp; tel. 0212/222-2882; www.miniaturk.com.tr), which opened in 2003, is an open-air minimuseum sprouting models of Turkey's most-loved monuments reconstructed here at 1/25th of their actual size. The park is open from 10am to 10pm in summer (until 6pm in winter); admission is 10YTL ($7.50).
