Kemer, in southern Turkey, is a wonderful family holiday destination. As a mommy myself, I am acutely aware of how important it is to have things for your kids to do on holiday, and Kemer doesn’t disappoint in this department. There will be no “I’m bored” or “there’s nothing to do” from the kids when you take a well-deserved break in this beautiful resort.
Here’s my pick of what the kids (and adults) can look forward to.
For Budding Culture Lovers
Located only a short drive from the centre of Kemer, the Folkloric Nomad Theme Park will have kids of all ages captivated in no time. Here they can explore the culture of the Nomadic people of Turkey, and even taste some of the cuisine!
The Nomads of Turkey thrive on rearing animals and they are widely regarded to have an ingratiated connection with their beasts. Their appreciation of nature and their understanding of how their world is the key to their survival have made them one of the most hospitable people in the world.
For Beach Babies
If your kids are anything like my little girl, they will love a day or two on the beach, playing with the sand and paddling in the gentle waves. Kemer has some fabulous beaches to choose from, all of which have beautiful golden sand and wonderfully clean, calm water. Mums and dads can enjoy water sports at several of the beaches, but if you are looking for something for the whole family, a boat trip is a great option.
Moonlight Beach, just behind the Kemer Marina, is the closest, and it’s perfect for families with small children.
For Animal-Loving Tots
Dolusu Park in Kemer is a haven for young kids, offering all kinds of fun activities. The Dolusu Park Aquarium, however, is one of the highlights and will have any animal loving kid simply mesmerised. Here they can explore the underwater world of the Antalya region and even swim with friendly sharks, as well as stingrays and groupers. For the really tiny tots, who may prefer to keep their head above water, there are the comical penguins and the magical, vivid fish of the Mediterranean Sea to marvel at from behind glass.
This part of the park is opening in June this year. Check the website for details.
For Those Who Enjoy a Ride
Also at Dolusu Park is the Aquapark – the biggest one of its kind in this area. There are a huge number of slides that will keep your kids going all day. Tiny tots will enjoy the Kids Parkour, especially designed for the under 7s, while mums and dads might like to try the Slip ‘n Fly slides, which are the only ones of their kind in the country. Be prepared to be thrilled!
Slides are open daily from 10am-4pm, with the Slip ‘n Fly open from 1.45-3pm.
Getting to Kemer from the UK
It is great news for parents travelling with young children that the flight from London to Antalya is only just over 4 hours. Excellent deals from London Gatwick can be booked with Monarch, Thomas Cook Airlines and easyJet, so you can take a family of five for under £1000 if you are flexible with dates and times.
Your transfer to Kemer from Antalya takes around 90 minutes and, as this is the final leg of the journey, you really want to keep the kids happy. This is where Shuttle Direct comes in. Book one of our child-friendly Antalya airport transfers online and you can look forward to seamless onward travel to your accommodation. Having travelled lots with my daughter myself I appreciate that stress-free travel is worth every penny, but with our competitively fixed price service, you don’t need to worry about breaking the bank. For £18.73 per person, you can look forward to a door-to-door, friendly and professional service on all of our very child-friendly Antalya airport transfers.
Where to Stay
Bade Hotel – Child friendly accommodation is a must when travelling with the little ones and we think the Bade Hotel is ideal. Rooms have plenty of space for the tots to spread out and some rooms have an extra seating area, so make sure you request one. With its own pool, private beach and restaurant, you have everything on your doorstep, which means that if the kids need a break you can relax knowing you have all you need just there.
Sultan Homes Classic – Air-conditioned apartments with free Wi-Fi provide a little haven after a long day on the sunny beach. Kids can cool down, watch their favourite show on the iPad, and recharge ready for dinner. Mums and dads will appreciate the sauna and the wonderful views at the Sultan Homes Classic, as well as the private balcony, where they can enjoy an evening drink once the kids have gone to bed.
Orange Center Apart Hotel – This delightful family-run and very family-friendly hotel is right in the centre of town. We love the fact that the Orange Center Apart Hotel has a children’s pool as well as an adult one, a restaurant and snack bar, and even though it is a hotel, the rooms have kitchenettes, which are ideal when the kids are too tired to eat out. Some rooms have baths, so if you have younger kids, you may want to request one of these. The beach is less than a kilometre away but the hotel offers a transfer service, which is especially useful for the way home.
About Shuttle Direct:
When you’re juggling international travel with a few kids and multiple suitcases, you’re going to be looking for any way to make life a little easier. The first step to doing just that is booking your airport transfer online with Shuttle Direct. Shuttle Direct is the number one provider of airport transfers across Europe and North Africa. Wherever you’re headed, let us take you there.
