nature

Visit to Ihlamur Kasiri (Palace & grounds)

An oasis  of calm in the busy Sisli/ Besiktas area!

I recently went out with my 3 year old boy to spend the morning in nature and we both had a blast! 


What’s to see?

                          Spectacular palace (Entry to the palace for a separate fee)


                                        Beautiful peacocks always a pleasure to watch.


                                    Ample space to walk around beautiful trees and flowers.

                Rabbit hatch – take along carrots and lettuce to feed the animals.

                                                            Two ponds, with ducks & turtles 

Look out on my Instagram account for the FULL video of the cute turtle trying to get up on the edge next to his turtle friend and not quite making it! 

FOOD:

Cafe /restaurant with full menu.
It’s technically a museum so picnics aren’t allowed. Small snacks are ok.

Flat, stroller friendly. Good for toddlers, but requires a watchful eye near the main pond area as it’s open with no barrier.

Across the road from the palace are two playgrounds with swings, slides etc so you could add that to your day if the kids want more activity.

A great way to spend some time in nature and be near animals – a precious find in Istanbul!

Will you go to visit ?

discovering Istanbul, one kid-friendly place at a time,

Taskeen
Productive Muslim Mom

Our recent FOREST EXCURSION to Kemerburgaz Kent Ormani

FOREST EXCURSION: Alhamdulillah, we took a much needed nature break recently. It’s been a long winter holiday home so we enjoyed a day out in nature for fresh air and a welcome change of scenery! 
📍Kemerburgaz Kent Ormani
We have been here before, but this time we discovered more as we went by car, whereas last time we went by taxi and therefore saw just what we could on foot! Check my previous post for details
on that visit.
This time we explored these areas:


 

Lake (Gol): 

It’s so beautiful to sit near and take in. There are just a few benches and tables near the lake to sit at for a picnic, as well as benches to sit on to view though its on a hill. 

However there is a long pathway alongside the lake where you can probably find more places to sit.


Forest : We drove along a little deeper into the forest this time, where it was super isolated. There are even playgrounds here- almost for our private personal use! We had our picnic  lunch here as well as nap and quiet time amongst the trees which was awesome.


bonus : hearing the adhan amongst the trees (yes they have a mescit – prayer facilities)

Animals: We were thrilled to come across a pygmy goat family. This is nearby to the main entrance on the way to the ice-rink

Rides: always a favourite- there is a carousel, train and water car rides – plenty of options. You need a ticket (20TL/ride- bit pricey but kids loved it) 

Sahlep in the forest


Food: I’m not sure if the restaurant is was open for takeaway. However there were two kiosks serving everything from fresh gozleme, sahlep, sandwiches, biscuits, drinks and snacks. Some hot food ran out though so I wouldn’t rely on it for main food but it was perfect for snacks.

This has become one of our favourite nature places out of the busy-ness of the inner city. Just great for a day out as there’s something for everyone!

Discovering Istanbul, one fun family spot at a time!
Taskeen,

@Productive_Muslim_Mom




Kemerburgaz Kent Ormani Istanbul

There is alot to discover at this amazing park in Gokturk,  and you will probably only be able to see it all if you have a car. We travelled by taxi (Progo to be precise), and therefore covered what we could on foot- with 2 strollers (2 toddlers under 4)

It took us 20/25 minutes to get there by car. We spent 5 hours and probably could do with more. Entrance fee is 15TL per car, and more for minibuses etc. As we entered on foot since we were dropped off, there was no charge. (however costs added up with all the rides and activities- see below!)

To eat:There are plenty benches located in the forest and around the park if you want to bring your own food for a picnic. You could camp out for the day! There is also a Beltur restaurant selling breakfast items (till 1 pm) and then a lunch menu including pasta, kofte, sandwiches as well as drinks and desserts. It overlooks the green open field so it has a great setting and prices are reasonable.

Being in Nature: There is plenty of open green space to run around in, picnic or just relax. The kids enjoyed rolling down the gently hills. You can hire a car buggy to zoom around in and discover more (additional 50TL for 1 hour).

                                

Fun Fair : There are rides such as carousel, trampoline, train, bumper cars in water (very cool!) and the grownups are allowed to go on with the kids, making it really appealing. They range from 15/20 TL per kid per ride, depending on the type of ride. Some are located right at the entrance, and others a little into the park. There are directions and security guards around for further help.

                                          

Playgrounds: There are at least two playgrounds (slides and climbing) for little ones, and also more intense adventure type activities (pay extra 50TL and includes helmet and harness) for older ones.                                                                              
Fast climbing (parkour- obstacle equipment) for kids over 150cm and adults.
                                                        

Animals: There are ponies located further into the forest at 20TL per ride.

.
                   
We certainly did not cover everything at the one visit- so thanks to the moms from my local group for sharing some of their pics and areas that they discovered!
Discovering Istanbul, one exciting outdoor place at a time,
Taskeen
Follow me on Instagram for more reviews and proven toddler play ideas : @productive_muslim_mom