Entertaining and thematic attractions to enjoy this weekend

With dozens of thematic parks and attractions, Turkey offers you a nice weekend plan for spending time with your children and loved ones. From Sandland in the southern province of Antalya to giant theme parks in Istanbul, each touristic destination has vivid attractions for you to enjoy.

Sandland in the southern province of Antalya




With this year's theme of "Seven wonders of the world & Mythology," the International Antalya Sand Sculpture Festival (SANDLAND) calls you to enjoy the art of sand.



This mega exhibition of sand sculptures is considered one of the largest such events in the world as millions of tourists flock here each year to see the impressive sculptures.



A different theme is selected every year by festival organizers, and scores of artists from around the world come to Antalya to create their own art with the sands in Antalya's Lara district. The festival is built on 22,000 square meters and the sand sculpture exhibition will cover approximately 7,000 square meters.



The remaining area is reserved for events that will take place throughout the day and night. About 10,000 tons of sand is used to build the sculptures and visitors will be able to watch the artists on the job. The LED lighting system also offers a magnificent atmosphere at night and there will be documentary screenings throughout the festival. The festival is open to visitors between Nov. 15 and April 30 of next year.

MiniaTurk in Istanbul



MiniaTurk, a miniature park located on the shore of Golden Horn in Istanbul, hosts models built to a 1/25th scale of 122 significant structures which span 3,000 years of history in the Turkish and Ottoman geography.



Since it opened more than a decade ago, Miniatürk has had 6.5 million visitors. Out of the 122 models on display, 59 are of significant structures located throughout Istanbul, 51 are from the greater Anatolia region and 12 are remnants of the Ottoman geographical region.



With an excellent play area for children, a restaurant, snack stands, a gift ship, a helicopter simulation ride, huge chess board and a maze, Miniature Park is the best way to spend your weekend. There is also a mini train ride around the pool in the park where you can let your inner child come loose and have a blast!

Vialand in Istanbul



One of the best theme parks in Istanbul, Vialand is located in the Eyup district's Golden Horn neighborhood, offering local and foreign tourists a great day out with many attractions, shopping malls and festivals. Vialand has drawn 22 million local and international visitors with its theme park, Vialand Palace Hotel and Performance Center, since it opened its doors to visitors. The Game World, Legends World and Adventure World are the main themes and areas in Vialand and there are more than 50 amusement parks.



Covering 120,000 square meters, Vialand Theme Park features the fourth-best roller coaster in the world. The roller coaster, which cost $17 million to construct, can reach a speed of 110 kilometers in three seconds. Moreover, the theme park continues to be the center of attraction with more than 30 entertainment units including "The Dream of Mehmed the Conqueror," which cost $20 million and is spread over 4,000 square meters, as well as the popular "Viking" ride. Theme Park is open daily between 10am and 7pm (Monday-Thursday) and 10am and 9pm (Friday-Sunday). To have a perfect day with your children or loved ones, Vialand awaits you.