Things to Do in Alanya with Children: Parents' Questions
Things to do in Alanya with children: practical answers, for late October, to the questions parents ask about duration, sun, boat trips, castle and canyon tours.
When choosing things to do in Alanya with children, the most important measure is how long the activity lasts and whether it includes a break. A half-day boat trip or a castle and cave visit suits most families. Full-day programmes lasting more than six hours should be considered according to the child's age and stamina. At the end of October the sea is usually still suitable for swimming, but the days are shorter and the evenings cooler. For that reason, it helps to plan around the morning and midday.
How many hours can you spend outdoors with a child in a day?
With young children the problem is usually not the activity itself but the waiting and travel time between activities. Consider the pick-up from the hotel, the time on the road, lunch and the return together.
A practical rule: plan one major activity per day and leave the remaining time free at the hotel or on the beach. The duration on tour pages shows the total time from hotel pick-up to return. Check the pick-up time on the tour page, as it matters for children who need an afternoon nap.
What should you wear and bring for a child at the end of October?
The sun can still be strong during the day. Hats, sunscreen and a spare T-shirt should be in your bag. On the boat, wind combined with wet hair quickly chills children. Bring a light jumper or windproof jacket, a towel and spare dry clothes.
A thin T-shirt worn under a swimsuit protects from the sun and reduces the chill. Water shoes make things easier at rocky coves and canyon stops. Always check the weather on the morning of the trip.
Do children get bored on the boat, or feel seasick?
On calm seas most children are comfortable on the boat, but seasickness varies from person to person. If your child has previously felt sick in a car or on a boat, it is sensible to do a short trial before booking a long programme. Give a light snack rather than a heavy breakfast in the morning.
Catamaran or pirate boat?
Alanya: Catamaran Cruise with Lunch and Soft Drinks catamaran tour lasts 4.5 hours. You sail between caves and coves, with lunch and soft drinks included. The duration is reasonable for a family with children. A swimming stop in a cove helps children burn off energy. Alanya: Pirate Boat Lunch & Soft Drinks w/Transfer pirate boat tour takes about the same time, with stops for lunch, swimming and snorkelling. Preference for music and crowds varies from family to family. If your child dislikes noise, read the description on the tour page and ask the operator if necessary.
For small children, check details such as life jackets and age rules on the tour page before booking.
Is the castle walk possible with a pushchair?
Alanya Castle sits on a hilltop. Inside the walls there are sloping, stone-paved paths. A pushchair is of little use here; a baby carrier or carrying in your arms is more comfortable. For children who walk, non-slip shoes are essential.
Alanya Castle, Damlatas Cave and City Tour by Cable Car tour lasts 4 hours. The castle, Red Tower, shipyard and Damlatas Cave are all in the same programme, and the cable car is part of the tour. The best thing for children is that it is divided into short stops rather than one long walk. The Red Tower and shipyard are good material for telling stories to curious children. The inside of the cave is cool and damp, so bring a thin top layer. Opening hours for the castle and cave may change, so check before your visit.
Is the Sapadere Canyon worth it for a long day?
Alanya: Sapadere Canyon Tour with Lunch and Cave Visit Sapadere Canyon tour lasts 6 hours. The route passes between banana and avocado orchards. The first stop is a historic stone bridge and a traditional gözleme break, followed by a cave visit and lunch. A good day for children who enjoy walking in nature and cope well with travelling. For babies and children who get restless on long car journeys, it may be too long.
The ground in the canyon can be wet and slippery. Don't let go of a small child's hand, and wear proper shoes rather than flip-flops. At the end of October the mountain side can be cooler than the coast, so bring an extra layer.
Are night programmes suitable for young children?
Not always. Alanya: Night Jeep Safari, Boat Trip and Dinner night jeep safari starts at 18:30 and lasts 5 hours. There is a photo stop near the castle entrance, followed by a boat trip and dinner. It is too late for children with early bedtimes. It works better for children of primary school age and older. In October it gets dark early, so the viewpoint section may be short.
An option for you: take an early daytime boat trip and let the children rest in the evening. Add the night programme only if your children's sleep routine allows it.
Frequently asked questions
Can you take a baby on a boat trip?
This depends on the operator's rules and the baby's age. Before booking, check the age conditions and safety equipment information on the tour page, and ask if you are unsure.
Can you swim with children in October?
At the end of October the sea is suitable for swimming on most days, but on windy days it feels cool on the boat. Keep a towel, spare clothes and a jumper with you.
Can you visit Alanya Castle with a pushchair?
The sloping, stony paths inside the walls are difficult with a pushchair. A baby carrier or carrying in your arms is easier.
Which tour is the shortest for a family with children?
Among the options in this article, Alanya Castle, Damlatas Cave and City Tour by Cable Car at 4 hours and Alanya: Catamaran Cruise with Lunch and Soft Drinks at 4.5 hours are the shortest. Decide by taking into account the pick-up time and your child's afternoon nap.
