12 epic nights in Turkey with kids!

I am not much of a beach person (and so I am probably not much help), but I would look at Patara, several beaches around Fethiye, and Marmaris. There is a lot to explore in that area.

Maybe Bodrum? I haven't been to Bodrum, and so I don't really know.

I do know that most of what they call beaches around Antalya are not really what I would consider beaches. They are more like platforms at the base of cliffs. Konyaalti is the only one I would consider a real beach.

Check out Patara first.

Marie, thank you. Very helpful - as we would (ideally) prefer to stay at beaches with actual shoreline to play on vs. just piers. I've heard Bodrum is beautiful and near an airport, so checking that out. Also considering adding Cappadocia to our itinerary!

Are you thinking about driving or flying between locations? Cappadocia is amazing, but it might be a lot of driving for two nights and presumably one full day. (Of course, I don't especially enjoy driving.) The balloon rides in Cappadocia are the best (and most expensive) I have ever done.

I am in love with the Aegean coast of Turkey. I have spent more time in Antalya than Fethiye, but it's all amazing. I especially enjoy exploring the myriad of ancient sites that are everywhere in that part of Turkey --- and I am betting that teen and pre-teen kids would, too.

I did a trip report on some of the sites I visited last month. I was based in Antalya on my trip, but sites like I describe are scattered all over the place --- Fethiye, Patara, Dalyan, Kas ...

https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/trip-reports/ancient-cities-of-western-turkey

I do think Cappadocia is worth a visit. The hot air balloon ride is pricey but something the kids (and you) will remember forever.

Patara has miles of sandy beach and an interesting archeological site. I highly recommend Akay Pension in Patara — a wonderful, inexpensive place run by a wonderful family. It’s been years since we stayed, but I think they have a pool now. And if they still offer dinner for guests, I highly recommend. It was the best food we had in Turkey.

We also enjoyed Dalyan. It has a sea turtle hospital and nesting beach. You can take a riverboat ride and see Lycean tombs carved into the cliff sides. Our trip ended at a mud bath, which was fun. Dalyan has an airport just outside town. We stayed at the Kilim Hotel and enjoyed it.

I think Istanbul needs 4 nights. You can do a fun boat trip that goes to the Asian side.

Don't know your travel dates but we liked staying at the Blue Sapphire hotel in Kusadasi. It is right on the beach, is owned by locals, felt very "safe", and delicious Turkish meals were included (breakfast and dinner). We had a king with a single bed room with 2 large balconies overlooking the sea. Price was around $89 night. Child friendly. It is a short drive to Ephesus and there is inexpensive shopping if you are looking for that. We loved the area and everyone that we met.