12 Best Things To Do In Cappadocia With Kids (2024)

Planning a family trip to Turkey and trying to figure out the best things to do in Cappadocia with kids?

Then you’ve come to the right place!

Cappadocia is a great family destination in Turkey, but figuring out how to structure your time there with kids can be tricky. Between the various sights, hikes, valleys, and tour options, planning a family trip to Cappadocia can quickly get overwhelming.

After visiting Cappadocia with my two children, I’m amazed at just how kid-friendly Cappadocia is. This worthwhile destination quickly became a highlight of our travels in Turkey, especially for our children.

In this post, I’ll tell you why Cappadocia is a great place for families, as well as provide tips for visiting with kids. I discuss the top things to do in Cappadocia with kids, from visiting the Goreme Open Air Museum and the Ihlara Valley to eating delicious Anatolian food.

Read on to learn more about exploring Cappadocia with children!

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Why Visit Cappadocia With Kids?

Cappadocia is an ideal destination for families with kids of all ages. This stunning Turkish region offers a captivating blend of outdoor adventures and rich cultural experiences. Renowned for its remarkable outdoor sights, it’s the perfect playground for little explorers. 

Since the attractions in Cappadocia are predominately outdoors, it’s easy to travel there with kids. You don’t have to worry about your children being bored or acting out at museums. Instead, they can run around and climb into rock-cut dwellings. 

The hikes in Cappadocia are on the easy to moderate level, which means they’re great for kids of many ages. We hiked in Rose Valley with a two- and four-year-old, and our four-year-old was able to hike most of the way on his own.

Overall, Cappadocia is one big outdoor playground for kids to enjoy and explore!

12 Best Things To Do In Cappadocia With Kids

Goreme Open Air Museum

Experience the enchantment of Cappadocia with your family at the Goreme Open-Air Museum. This remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Site boasts the region’s foremost collection of rock-cut churches and monastic quarters dating back to the Byzantine era. In addition to being historically significant, this site is also perfect for exploring with kids.

The ancient churches and dwellings, which have been carved into the rocks and fairy chimneys, are fun for kids to explore. My kids, especially my four-year-old, loved darting through the rooms and playing in the dirt. Since the Goreme Open-Air Museum is predominately outdoors, it’s the perfect place for energetic children to run around and be free, all while enjoying an incredible historic site.

Ihlara Valley

Nestled within a scenic canyon, the Ihlara Valley offers a verdant oasis and a chance to connect with nature while exploring rock churches and picturesque river-side hiking trails. While it’s the perfect place to cool down during the hot Cappadocia summers, even during the winter months this valley is a captivating destination that families can add to their Cappadocia itinerary.

After descending into the valley, you’ll walk through a forest, following the path of the river. Along the way are spur trails to rock churches, which are fun to go off and explore. This flat and even trail is perfect for kids of all ages and hiking abilities. There’s also a cafe along the way where you can grab tea, salep, or other refreshing Turkish beverages while enjoying views of the canyon walls.

While you can always rent a car in Cappadocia, the best way to visit the Ihlara Valley, even with kids, is through a guided tour. This has the added benefit of dropping you off at one end and picking you up at the other, saving you and the kids a long trek back along the same path. 

Zelve Open Air Museum

The Zelve Open Air Museum is another Cappadocia gem that’s perfect to visit with kids. While similar to the Goreme Open Air Museum, Zelve differs in that it was not merely a monastic settlement but also a thriving village. The Zelve Open-Air Museum gives visitors a peak into the traditional local way of life in Cappadocia.

As you explore Zelve, you’ll witness firsthand how the villagers lived until the 1950s when they were eventually relocated due to concerns about erosion and safety. The rock-carved dwellings and churches within the museum offer an authentic glimpse into the daily routines, traditions, and challenges faced by the inhabitants of this unique village.

What makes Zelve such a great place in Cappadocia for kids is that there are a lot of nooks and crannies for them to climb and explore. Some of the dwellings even require ladders to enter! My kids had a blast running in and out of the caves, while we parents got to learn the history of the area.

Selime Monastery

Nestled in the heart of Cappadocia, the Selime Monastery stands as an awe-inspiring testament to ancient craftsmanship and religious history. Carved meticulously into the volcanic tuff, this remarkable rock-cut structure wows visitors with its sheer size. Acting as the largest religious edifice in the region, the monastery houses a magnificent church with walls adorned with original frescoes that have withstood the test of time and weather, although certainly bearing the scars of age.

In addition to its rich cultural heritage, the Selime Monastery is a sight that kids will love exploring. Many of the former church’s cave-like rooms require a flashlight to see inside, which I think makes the experience all the more exciting for children.

Hike The Rose Valley

For some great family-friendly Cappadocia hikes, head to the Rose Valley. With easy trails and stunning views, this is the perfect valley to explore with little hikers.

The Rose Valley hike takes you past many beautiful fairy chimneys and also contains many lesser-visited rock churches. The highlight for us was the Columned Church. From the outside, it doesn’t look like much, but once inside sunbeams light up this airy columned space.

Visit Pasabag (Monk’s Valley)

At Pasabag, you’ll encounter a mesmerizing display of Cappadocia’s renowned fairy chimneys. These peculiar rock formations, crowned with basalt caps, are among the distinctive natural wonders that have made Cappadocia famous. Exploring this compact valley will take you less than an hour, and it conveniently pairs well with a visit to the nearby Zelve Open-Air Museum.

Visiting Pasabag with kids adds an extra layer of excitement to the adventure. Children can climb and explore the fairy chimneys, turning this unique natural sight into a playground for kids of all ages. 

Tour Underground Cities

The origins of the underground cities in Cappadocia continue to mystify historians. The two main ones you can visit are Derikuyu and Kaymakli underground cities. Explore these mysterious ancient dwellings for yourself during your family trip to Cappadocia.

These intriguing multi-story complexes served as self-contained worlds, equipped with granaries, kitchens, wineries, and even livestock quarters. The small passageways that wind through these underground mazes, which require most adults to crouch doubled over, are perfectly sized for young children to navigate and explore.

While the true purpose of these underground cities remains a subject of speculation, one prevailing theory suggests they were designed to provide shelter and refuge from invading armies. Whether used for temporary hiding or full-time habitation, venturing into the depths of Kaymakli or Derinkuyu underground cities with your kids will offer a fun experience unique to Cappadocia. Kids can let their imaginations run wild as they traverse the secret chambers and narrow corridors, delving into a captivating world hidden beneath the surface.

Uchisar Castle

Uchisar Castle is the highest fairy chimney in Cappadocia and the perfect place to explore with kids. From the top of this ancient fortress, you’ll have breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding area, and kids will love climbing and exploring.

If your kids are too young to take a hot air balloon ride, then visiting Uchisar Castle is the next best thing. From this elevated vantage point, you’ll get a bird’s eye view of the stunning landscapes that have made Cappadocia famous.

Take A Hot Air Balloon Ride

While children under 6 aren’t allowed in the hot air balloons, a Cappadocia hot air balloon ride is an exciting activity for families traveling with older children.

Soar above the magical Cappadocia landscape, high above the fairy chimneys and rock churches. This unforgettable experience will be the highlight of your family trip to Cappadocia!

Watch The Hot Air Balloons Take Off

If your kids are too young to go up for a balloon ride, the second best thing is watching the balloons from the ground.

Wake up early to see the sky slowly fill with floating balloons. It’s an equally magical experience to being in the balloon yourself, and one you can do from the warmth of your hotel room (assuming your hotel has a view of the hot air balloons!). My children were thrilled to eat their breakfast while watching hundreds of balloons fill the skies and float overhead.

Try Delicious Anatolian Food

One of the highlights of our trip to Cappadocia was getting to try some traditional Anatolian food. Some of our best Turkish meals were in Cappadocia. Plus, the food is incredibly kid-friendly. 

Be sure to try manti (Turkish dumplings) and testi kebabi (meat stewed and cooked in a clay pot) — those were some of our favorites! Wash it all down with your drink of choice (as long as it’s not tap water!), and you have yourself a perfect meal!

Let Your Imagination Run Wild At Devrent Valley

Devrent Valley, sometimes referred to as “Imagination Valley,” is famous for its unique rock formations. They all look different, and many resemble animals, body parts, and other objects. The limit is your imagination.

This photogenic valley is also a great place to bring the kids. You can play imagination games together, trying to decipher the rock formations. Kids of all ages will love weaving stories about the creatures they see in the rocks and trying to outdo each other with their creativity.

Map Of Where To Go In Cappadocia With Kids

Best Time To Visit Cappadocia With Kids

One great thing about Cappadocia is that it’s open year-round, and none of the sights close in the off-season. Choosing the best time to visit with kids really depends on your interests and comfort zone.

The high season for tourism falls between June and August when temperatures are at their warmest. While this period may appeal to some families who prefer hot weather, it’s worth noting that it gets really crowded during these months. 

For families looking to avoid crowds, spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) could be the best times to visit Cappadocia. During these months, temperatures are cooler and more pleasant, making it easier to hike without dealing with extreme heat. Plus, fewer tourists mean shorter lines and waits at popular attractions like open-air museums.

Winter might not seem like an obvious choice for a family vacation, but if you don’t mind the cold it’s a great time to visit Cappadocia. Everything is open, and there are fewer crowds. Hotel prices are cheaper in winter, which is good for families looking for a deal to fit their travel budget.

Cappadocia With Kids: 2-Day Suggested Itinerary

Day 1

If your kids are old enough (and if you’re all up for an early morning!), begin your first day in Cappadocia with a hot air balloon ride. There are countless balloon operators throughout Cappadocia, and it’s important to find a reputable one with a good safety record. I suggest consulting with your hotel to find a reputable operator who follows safety protocols.

You’ll be picked up at your hotel before sunset and transited to the launch spot. Even in the summer, the temperatures in the air can be cold, so wear warm clothes and dress in layers.

After your balloon ride, you’ll be transited back to your hotel where you can enjoy a late breakfast.

After breakfast, rent a car for the day and head to the Goreme Open Air Museum. 

Tour the Goreme Open Air Museum, popping in to see the rock-hewn churches and well-preserved Byzantine fresco murals. A visit to the site takes approximately two hours, so after your visit plan on grabbing lunch at either the onsite cafe or one of the food trucks parked outside the entrance.

After lunch, drive to the Rose Valley for some hiking. In the Rose Valley, you’ll hike past hidden rock churches which you can explore at your leisure. The highlight for us was the columned church, with slanting shafts of lights entering through slit windows near the ceiling.

When you’ve had your fill of hiking, head to some other must-see spots in Cappadocia: Love Valley, Pasabag, and Zelve Valley.

All these sights are within a 10-minute drive of each other and easy to navigate between. Stop first at Love Valley and take in the views from the overlook. This is also a nice spot to grab a cup of Turkish tea and a snack for the kids after your hike.

From Love Valley, drive on to Pasabag for more beguiling fairy chimneys, then end your day at the Zelve Open Air Museum. 

Return to Goreme for a filling dinner after a whirlwind day of sightseeing.

Day 2

Start your second day in Cappadocia with breakfast and a view by watching the hot air balloons ascend over the valley. 

Then head to some further-off sights in the region via a guided tour. The Green Tour and Red Tour are both popular sightseeing packages offered in Cappadocia, but we found the Green Tour to be better suited for our children.

Highlights of the Green Tour include Pigeon Valley, either Kaymakli or Derinkuyu underground city, the Ihlara Valley, and the Selime Monastery. There’s a lot of driving involved to reach these sights, so it’s nice to be taken care of by a driver. Plus, your guide will explain the history of the region and provide context for your visit.

Give yourself some time in the evening to wander the town of Goreme, and maybe even shop for souvenirs to bring home from Turkey. Recharge over dinner in Goreme while reflecting on an amazing time exploring Turkey’s outdoor gem.

5 Tips For Visiting Cappadocia With Kids

1. Stay in a real cave hotel. While many hotels have “cave” in their name, they’re not all true caves. That’s why I recommend Aydinli Cave Hotel. Not only is the staff amazing, but you get the true cave hotel experience.
2. Pack a carrier (and leave the stroller at home). If you’re visiting Cappadocia with a toddler or baby, then be sure to bring a comfortable baby or toddler carrier. For larger children, consider a structured hiking carrier. Carrying your young child will enable you to explore the many wonderful hikes in the valley.
3. Avoid visiting Cappadocia in the summer. The summer months are the hottest and most crowded. Given the exposed nature of Cappadocia’s valleys, the summer sun and heat can be tough on young travelers. If you have flexibility with your dates, try to visit Cappadocia in the fall or spring. Visiting Cappadocia in December or January is also great, as there are fewer crowds and steep discounts on hotels.
4. Plan your itinerary wisely. Do your research ahead of time so you’re not scrambling in the morning trying to figure out what to do. Cappadocia offers a variety of activities suitable for kids, such as underground cities, open-air museums, and hiking trails. Create a well-balanced itinerary so you can see the highlights while still doing child-friendly activities and working in downtime.
5. Let the kids lead. This advice isn’t solely specific to Cappadocia, but this is the perfect place to let your kids dictate (at least a portion of) your itinerary. Let your kids lead you down a spur trail while hiking, give them time to explore the rock churches and uncover hidden nooks and crannies. Cappadocia is one large, outdoor playground that’s perfect for children. So let them explore and let their imaginations run wild!

How To Get To Cappadocia, Turkey

While Cappadocia is a popular tourist destination, it’s pretty far from other stops on Turkey’s main tourist circuit. Luckily, it’s accessible through many transit options. The best option for you and your family to get to Cappadocia will depend on time, budget, travel style, and where you’re coming from.

Travel to Cappadocia by air

Flying is by far the easiest way to get to Cappadocia and the one I recommend for families visiting Cappadocia with kids. 

There are two airports: Kayseri Airport (ASR) and Nevsehir Airport (NAV). There are several flights a day from Istanbul to both airports, serviced by Turkish Airlines and Pegasus Airlines.

The flight from Istanbul takes approximately one hour. Costs vary, but tickets are cheaper if you book in advance.

The drive from Kayseri Airport to Goreme takes just over an hour. Most people book an airport transfer to take them directly to their hotel, but renting a car at the airport is another option. 

The drive from Nevsehir Airport to Goreme takes about 40 minutes. Again, a direct transfer is your best option to get from the airport to your hotel. 

Travel to Cappadocia by bus

The bus is the cheapest way to get to Cappadocia, but may not be the best option for families (especially those traveling with young children).

The bus from Istanbul to Cappadocia takes 11 hours. Most buses run overnight, so if you and your kids can sleep comfortably on a bus this could be an option. 

Taking a bus to Cappadocia with kids could be a fun adventure, but personally, I’d choose flying.

Travel to Cappadocia by car

If you’re road-tripping around Turkey, you can drive from Istanbul to Cappadocia in 8-10 hours, depending on traffic.

If you have the time, driving is a great option for seeing more of the beautiful Turkish countryside. It’s also nice to have a car in Cappadocia. This will allow you to see more of the region and explore at your own pace — always a great option when traveling with kids!

Where To Stay In Cappadocia With Kids

While in Cappadocia we stayed at Aydinli Cave Hotel. We couldn’t have been more pleased with the experience, especially how child-friendly they were.

The staff at this family-run hotel doted on our kids, doling out sweets and filling their pockets with raisins. Our room was clean and well furnished with a single bed for our eldest and a crib for the toddler. 

The absolute highlight of our stay, however, was the buffet breakfast. Not only was there an abundance of delicious cheeses, fruits, olives, bread, and sweets, but the meal was served on the rooftop with panoramic views of the hot air balloons. It was an incredibly atmospheric way to start the day and a highlight of our time in Cappadocia (and particularly memorable for our kids!).

Aydinli Cave Hotel is an affordable option for families looking for a welcoming environment during their trip to Cappadocia. You won’t regret staying at this wonderful cave hotel!

Check rates and availability!

Where To Eat In Cappadocia With Kids

Many restaurants throughout Cappadocia offer tasty Anatolian fare, but these three were my favorites. All three are especially great for families, and even parents with young children will feel comfortable eating at these restaurants. (Just don’t forget to show your appreciation for good service by leaving a tip.)

Topdeck Cave Restaurant (Goreme)

If you’re looking for a unique dining experience in Cappadocia, look no further than Topdeck Cave Restaurant. This family-run restaurant is built inside a rock cave, providing a truly one-of-a-kind ambiance that sets it apart from other dining options in the area. The small, homey dining room offers a relaxed atmosphere that makes guests feel right at home. 

Dibek (Goreme)

At Dibek Restaurant, diners have the option to sit on cushions around low rectangular tables, providing a comfortable and intimate atmosphere that transports you to the Turkey of yesteryear. The restaurant is particularly renowned for its testi kebab, a famed Anatolian dish of stewed beef cooked inside a clay pot. 

The tasting menu is another standout at this delicious restaurant. With a variety of dishes, including manti (Turkish dumplings), stewed okra, Turkish meatballs, and more, this is the best way to try many of the incredible dishes this restaurant serves up. 

Pumpkin (Goreme)

If you’re looking for a hidden gem in Cappadocia, then Pumpkin in Goreme is a must-visit. The warm and welcoming atmosphere of the restaurant is especially perfect for families. The standout dish at Pumpkin Restaurant is their delicious lamb pots – slow-cooked for hours to tender perfection. This savory dish is sure to satisfy even the most picky of eaters. 

FAQ: Visiting Cappadocia With Kids

Final Thoughts On Visiting Cappadocia With Kids

Cappadocia is an excellent addition to your family trip to Turkey, offering a wealth of engaging activities for kids. From its captivating landscapes to the many family-friendly outdoor activities, this enchanting region in Turkey is the ultimate destination for adventurous families. I hope this article helps you plan the best possible family trip to Cappadocia, where you can witness the magic of the fairy chimneys, embark on thrilling adventures, and create cherished memories with your loved ones that will be treasured for years to come.