Side with kids: an itinerary for the day
The essentials in 10 seconds
- Entry
- 3 of 4 free; paid: Manavgat Waterfall
- Duration
- 5 h 50 min · 09:30–15:19
- Start and finish
- Temple of Apollo → Manavgat Waterfall
- On foot
- ≈ 11 min in total
- Transport
- 1 ride, ≈ 38 min
- Lunch
- around 12:56
- With kids
- fine: short walks
- Best time
- The old town in the morning before the heat, the waterfall after lunch when it is cooler by the river.
The plan, stop by stop
Times include walking and lunch. Drag a stop by ≡, remove it with the cross or add one nearby — the plan updates.
Side09:30–15:19 · 4 places · 5 h 50 min
Temple of Apollo
· 30 min · Free
- 6 min on foot
Side Harbour
· 45 min · Free
- 5 min on foot
Side Old Town
· 2 h · Free
- Lunch · 1 h
- 38 min · transport or taxi
Manavgat Waterfall
· 45 min · 50 TL, students 10 TL
Add nearby
Places near the plan — Yes puts one into the day and the times update.
What the route costs
3 of 4 are free; 1 charge entry — prices below, check them on site.
| 1 | Temple of Apollo | 44 | 30 min | Free |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | Side Harbour | 44 | 45 min | Free |
| 3 | Side Old Town | 54 | 2 h | Free |
| 4 | Manavgat Waterfall | 30 | 45 min | 50 TL, students 10 TL |
| Total | 4 h | 3 of 4 free |
Tips for each stop
- 1
Temple of Apollo. Start by the sea: columns on the cape and waves on the rocks. Since May 2026 the temple is in restoration scaffolding — see it from the promenade.
- 2
Side Harbour. Boats, fishermen and cats at the quay. Short boat trips leave from here — agree the price in advance.
- 3
Side Old Town. Lanes with ice cream and souvenir shops, gates and columns — for children it is a walk through a 'Roman town'.
- 4
Manavgat Waterfall. A low, wide waterfall with footbridges and spray — cool even in summer. About 50 TL; closed in high water.
Who this route is for
- Families with children aged 4 and up
- Staying in Side, Manavgat or Kumköy
- A day without long tours
- Museums and ruins bore children quickly — there are few on this route
- High water — the waterfall entrance closes
The old town in the morning before the heat, the waterfall after lunch when it is cooler by the river.
Things to do in Side with kids
The morning is the old town on the peninsula: the sea by Apollo's columns, the harbour with its boats, the lanes with ice cream. We left the museum and the agora for the 'Side in 1 day' route: children prefer water and boats.
After lunch — Manavgat Waterfall, 20 minutes by taxi. A wide cascade, footbridges and shady trees make a good break from the heat.
More family activities near Side
Green Canyon is a day on a boat with swimming, good for older children. Short boat trips leave the Side harbour, and the sandy beaches along the coast are the main children's activity of any holiday here.
Side with kids in summer
The peninsula has little shade: walk before 11:00 and after 16:00, and spend the middle of the day by the sea or the waterfall. Hats, sunscreen and water are a must.
With a toddler
The old town is mostly flat — a buggy works, though the cobbles are bumpy. The waterfall has steps, so carry little ones.
How to do it right
- The old town and the harbour are free; Manavgat Waterfall is about 50 TL.
- To the waterfall: a 20-minute taxi or a dolmuş to Manavgat with a change.
- Choose a short boat trip for children.
- The Temple of Apollo is in restoration scaffolding — you cannot get close.
- Turkey uses the lira (TRY). Cards work almost everywhere; carry some cash for dolmuş minibuses, boats and small cafés. Museum tickets for foreigners are priced in euros and paid by card.
Questions
What to do in Side with kids?
The Temple of Apollo by the sea, the harbour with boats, the old-town lanes and Manavgat Waterfall.
Is Side good for families?
Yes: the old town is compact and flat, the beaches are sandy and the waterfall is close.
How much is Manavgat Waterfall?
About 50 TL; the entrance closes in high water.
How do I get to Manavgat Waterfall?
By taxi in about 20 minutes, or by dolmuş to Manavgat with a change.
Are there free things to do in Side with kids?
The old town, the harbour and the promenade by the Temple of Apollo are free.
Can I use a buggy?
In the old town, yes, though the cobbles are bumpy; carry little ones at the waterfall.
Can kids take a boat trip?
Yes, short trips leave the Side harbour; agree the price first.
What else is there for older children?
Green Canyon: a day on a boat with swimming.
When is the best time of day?
The old town in the morning, the waterfall after lunch.
What currency is used?
Turkey uses the lira (TRY). Cards work almost everywhere; carry some cash for dolmuş minibuses, boats and small cafés. Museum tickets for foreigners are priced in euros and paid by card.
Sources and fact-check
- Prices, opening hours and time on site come from each place's page, with its own sources and check date
- Wikipedia: Side (Turkey), Manavgat Waterfall
