In the heart of Ankara, where the city’s rhythm is set by the traffic and official buildings, Gençlik Park spreads out like an oasis of life and tranquillity. Inaugurated in 1943, this historic green lung is not just a landscaped haven, but a place where the city takes a break without losing its energy. Its artificial lake reflects the funfair’s lights, its dancing fountains mesmerise with their play of water and colour, and its paths invite both a quiet stroll and the hustle and bustle of families looking for a day of leisure or a break while sightseeing.
- Context and history of the park: the grand project for a changing Ankara
- Sightseeing and attractions: dancing fountains and a vintage funfair
- Recommendations and information for visitors: tips for enjoying the park
- Other family-friendly activities in Ankara: beyond Gençlik Park
Context and history of the park: the grand project for a changing Ankara
At the turn of the 20th century, Ankara was undergoing a profound metamorphosis. After becoming the capital of the newly founded Republic of Turkey in 1923, the city grew from a modest provincial centre to a political and urban development hub. In that context, the idea arose to create a large public park that would balance the rapid growth of the metropolis with a recreational area for its inhabitants.
The project for Gençlik Park (‘gençlik’ means youth in Turkish) began to take shape in the 1930s, when the authorities selected a marshland near the train station to be transformed into a recreational area. Based on the designs inspired by the European parks of the time, it was inaugurated in 1943 as one of the first city parks in the new Ankara. Since then, it has witnessed the city’s growth and evolved to adapt to the changes, adding new attractions and services without losing its original spirit.
Over the years, Gençlik Park has been the scene of national celebrations, cultural festivals and social gatherings. During the 1950s and 1960s, its open-air theatre hosted era-defining performances, and its funfair became a focal point for Ankara families. In recent years, the authorities have carried out several renovations to modernise its facilities and improve the quality of the green spaces, making sure that the park remains an attractive destination for both residents and tourists.
Sightseeing and attractions: dancing fountains and a vintage funfair
Gençlik Park covers an area of more than 38 hectares, offering a combination of traditional gardens, playgrounds and attractions. One of its most striking features is the large artificial lake in the centre of the park, where visitors can hire small boats for a relaxing ride on the water. At night, this area comes alive with the illuminated dancing fountains, which synchronise their movements with music in a display of colours and shapes.
For those looking for entertainment, the park is home to a funfair with a Ferris wheel, carousels and other rides that evoke the nostalgia of traditional amusement parks. Also, the open-air theatre is still active, offering concerts and performances at certain times of the year, especially during cultural festivals and national celebrations.
Gençlik Park also has large picnic areas, shaded walking trails and children’s playgrounds, making it an excellent choice for those travelling with their family. In the surrounding area, it is common to see locals practising sport, from jogging to yoga or tai chi sessions in the early hours of the morning.
Recommendations and information for visitors: tips for enjoying the park
To make the most of your visit to Gençlik Park, you should go in the evening, when temperatures are more pleasant and you can enjoy the night-time display of the dancing fountains. If you plan a picnic, you should bring some food with you, although there are cafés and fast-food stalls inside the park where you can try Turkish specialities such as gözleme (a stuffed turnover) or simit (a popular sesame bread).
The park is safe and well-lit, so you can visit both day and night without worry. Nevertheless, weekends and public holidays tend to be busier, especially in the amusement area and at cultural events.
Admission to the park is free, although some attractions, such as the fair and boat hire, charge a small fee. If you want to explore the area in depth, you should combine your visit with a stroll through the nearby Ankara Railway Station, a historic building with interesting architecture, or a walk to the Ulus district, home to some of the city’s top museums.
Other family-friendly activities in Ankara: beyond Gençlik Park
Ankara has a variety of activities for families looking for entertainment and education. The Rahmi M. Koç Museum is an interactive space devoted to science and technology. There, children can go on vintage trains, explore historic vehicles and participate in educational workshops, so their experience is both fun and educational.
Another highlight is the Atatürk Forest Farm (Atatürk Orman Çiftliği), a large recreational area that houses a zoo, several small agricultural farms, greenhouses, restaurants, a dairy farm and a brewery. Founded in 1925 by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the farm aims to introduce modern agricultural techniques to Turkey and raise public awareness of agriculture. Ankara Zoo, located within the farm, is a 32-hectare zoological garden founded in 1933, which houses big cats, various birds, monkeys, ungulates, snakes and an aquarium.
For those seeking a cultural experience, the Museum of Anatolian Civilisations is a must-see. Although it may seem more adult-oriented, its impressive collection of prehistoric artefacts and its carefully designed museography make it an enriching experience for children as well.
