Side-Turkey.

Side is one of those rare places where you can chase your kids around 2,000-year-old columns in the morning and have them building sandcastles by lunch. The whole old town sits on a small peninsula in the Manavgat district of Antalya, and the ancient ruins are woven right into the modern streets — which means strollers, ice cream stops and Roman history all happen in the same afternoon. If you are planning a trip to Side with children, here is an honest, practical guide to making it work for everyone.

The Ruins Kids Actually Enjoy

The great thing about Side for families is that most of the ancient city is open-air and free to wander. You do not need to herd children through a ticketed gate and keep them quiet — they can run along the colonnaded streets, peek through the monumental Vespasian Gate and find their own favourite carved stones.

Temple of Apollo

The Temple of Apollo, with its Roman columns standing right at the water's edge, is the photo everyone wants — and it is genuinely magical for kids at sunset, when the stone turns gold. It is open-air and sits by the sea, so it pairs perfectly with an evening ice cream stroll.

The Ancient Theatre

The large ancient theatre is one of the biggest in the region, and children love climbing the tiers and testing the acoustics. Note that the theatre and the Side Museum may charge separate entrance fees — always check the official site for current tickets and hours before you go.

Side Museum

Housed in a restored Roman bath, the Side Museum is small enough that little legs do not get tired and full of statues that spark curiosity. It is an easy, shaded break on a hot day.

Beaches Near the Old Town

Side's appeal for families is that the beaches sit right beside the history. After a morning among the ruins, you are only a short walk from the sand. Shallow, gently sloping shoreline near the old town is reassuring for younger swimmers, while the broader beaches toward Sorgun and Kumkoy give space for buckets, spades and shade. Bring hats, water and reef-safe sunscreen — the Mediterranean sun is strong, especially midday.

Making a Family Day Work

The smart move with kids is to go early or late. Mornings and the golden hour before sunset are cooler and far less crowded, so children stay happier and your photos look better. Many of the old-town lanes are pedestrianised, so a stroller is doable, though some ancient paths are uneven cobblestone — a baby carrier can be easier for the rougher stretches. Cafes and ice-cream shops are everywhere, so snack emergencies are never far from a solution.

Quick Facts

• Duration: Open-air old town, walk at your own pace; if a guided tour is referenced, duration confirmed at booking
• Pick-up: Hotel pick-up from Side, Manavgat & nearby resorts; time confirmed at booking
• Includes: Walking access to the open-air ancient old town and colonnaded streets
• Excludes: Side Museum and theatre entrance fees (paid separately — check the official site)
• Family Friendly: Yes — stroller-doable lanes, shallow nearby beaches, short museum visit
• Best Season: Spring and autumn for comfortable temperatures; visit early morning or sunset in summer
• Difficulty: Easy, mostly flat; some uneven cobblestone in the old town

Related Excursions

• Things to do in Side
• Antalya excursions
• Alanya day trips
• Belek family activities
• Kemer tours
• More travel guides on our blog

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Side good for families with young children?

Yes. The open-air ruins let children explore freely, the museum is short and the beaches are close by, so you can mix history and play in a single day.

Do we need tickets for the ruins?

Most of the old town and ruins are open-air and free to walk through. The Side Museum and the theatre may charge separate entrance fees — check the official site for current prices and hours.

Can I bring a stroller?

Many old-town lanes are pedestrianised and stroller-doable, but some ancient paths are uneven cobblestone, so a baby carrier can help on the rougher sections.

When is the best time to visit with kids?

Go early morning or around sunset to avoid the heat and crowds. Spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons overall.

Are the beaches near the ruins safe for children?

The shoreline near the old town tends to be shallow and gently sloping, which suits younger swimmers, but always supervise children in the water.

Is there shade and food for kids?

Yes — the old town is full of cafes and ice-cream shops, and the museum offers a shaded indoor break on hot days.

How do we get there from our hotel?

We arrange hotel pick-up from Side, Manavgat and nearby resorts; the exact time is confirmed at booking.

Can you organise a guided visit?

Yes. If you would like a guide for the family, contact us and we will tailor it; any tour duration is confirmed at booking.

Ready to explore Side with the kids? Book direct with the Murat Atalay team via WhatsApp or info@side-turkey.com. As a local operator we cut out the agency and OTA commission, with a best-price guarantee — message us and we will help you plan the perfect family day.