Relocating to a new country with a family is a significant decision that requires careful planning. Ankara, Turkey’s vibrant capital, offers a unique blend of history, culture, and modern amenities, making it an increasingly popular destination for expat families. This guide provides an in-depth, data-driven overview of everything you need to know about moving to Ankara with children—from education and healthcare to neighborhoods, costs, and social life.
Table of Contents
- Childcare and Daycare Costs
- Family-Friendly Neighborhoods
- Parks and Recreation for Kids
- Pediatric Healthcare in Ankara
- Safety for Children in Ankara
- Family Visa Options for Turkey
- Cost of Raising a Child in Ankara
- Activities for Kids in Ankara
- Teen Life in Ankara
- Language Challenges and Solutions
- Expat Family Communities
- Maternity and Paternity Leave in Turkey
- Child-Friendly Restaurants and Spaces
- Final Tips for Relocating to Ankara with Kids
1. Why Ankara? Pros and Cons for Expat Families
Pros
✅ Affordable Cost of Living – Compared to Istanbul or European capitals, Ankara offers lower housing, education, and healthcare costs.
✅ High-Quality International Schools – Several well-established international schools with globally recognized curricula.
✅ Strong Healthcare System – Modern hospitals and pediatric care at reasonable prices.
Family health coverage abroad: SafetyWing covers your whole family internationally from $45/month — including children under 10 for free.
✅ Safe and Family-Oriented – Lower crime rates than Istanbul, with many parks and kid-friendly spaces.
✅ Rich Cultural and Educational Opportunities – Museums, science centers, and historical sites for learning.
✅ Central Location – Easy access to other Turkish cities and Europe via Esenboğa Airport.
✅ Growing Expat Community – Increasing number of foreign families, especially diplomats, academics, and business professionals.
Cons
❌ Language Barrier – Turkish is the dominant language; fewer English speakers than in Istanbul.
❌ Limited International Diversity – Smaller expat community compared to Istanbul or coastal cities.
❌ Harsh Winters – Cold, snowy winters may be challenging for families from warmer climates.
❌ Traffic and Urban Sprawl – Ankara is spread out, and commuting can be time-consuming.
❌ Fewer Entertainment Options – Less nightlife and fewer international events than Istanbul.
Verdict: Ankara is ideal for families seeking a safe, affordable, and culturally rich city with good schools and healthcare, but those who prefer a more cosmopolitan lifestyle may find it lacking.
2. International Schools in Ankara
Ankara has several high-quality international schools, catering to expat families, diplomats, and Turkish families seeking a global education. Below is a detailed breakdown of the top schools, their curricula, fees (2026), and admissions.
A. Bilkent Laboratory & International School (BLIS)
📍 Location: Bilkent, Ankara
🌍 Curriculum: IB (International Baccalaureate) – PYP, MYP, DP
💰 Annual Fees (2026):
- Pre-K (3-4 years): €8,500
- Primary (Grades 1-5): €12,000
- Middle School (Grades 6-8): €14,000
- High School (Grades 9-12): €16,000
🔹 Languages: English (primary), Turkish (secondary)
🔹 Admissions: Competitive; requires entrance exams and interviews.
🔹 Facilities: Modern campus, science labs, sports complex, arts center.
🔹 Expat Community: Strong, with many diplomatic and academic families.
Pros:
✔ One of the best IB schools in Turkey.
✔ Strong university placement (many graduates attend top global universities).
✔ Excellent extracurricular programs.
Cons:
✖ High fees (though lower than Istanbul international schools).
✖ Limited spaces; long waiting lists.
B. Ankara International Community School (AICS)
📍 Location: Çankaya, Ankara
🌍 Curriculum: American (Common Core + AP)
💰 Annual Fees (2026):
- Pre-K (3-4 years): €7,000
- Elementary (K-5): €10,500
- Middle School (6-8): €12,500
- High School (9-12): €14,500
🔹 Languages: English (primary), Turkish (elective)
🔹 Admissions: Rolling admissions; no strict entrance exams.
🔹 Facilities: Small but well-equipped campus, STEM labs, sports fields.
🔹 Expat Community: Mostly American and European families.
Pros:
✔ More affordable than BLIS.
✔ Strong focus on STEM and college prep.
✔ Welcoming to new expat families.
Cons:
✖ Smaller campus; fewer extracurricular options.
✖ Less prestigious than BLIS for university admissions.
C. British Embassy School Ankara (BESA)
📍 Location: Çankaya (near British Embassy)
🌍 Curriculum: British (National Curriculum for England + IGCSE/A-Levels)
💰 Annual Fees (2026):
- Nursery (2-3 years): €6,000
- Reception (4-5 years): €8,000
- Primary (Years 1-6): €11,000
- Secondary (Years 7-11): €13,500
- Sixth Form (Years 12-13): €15,000
🔹 Languages: English (primary), Turkish (secondary)
🔹 Admissions: Priority for British Embassy staff; limited spots for others.
🔹 Facilities: Small but well-maintained, with a focus on British-style education.
🔹 Expat Community: Mostly British diplomatic families.
Pros:
✔ Authentic British education.
✔ Strong university placement in the UK.
✔ Close-knit community.
Cons:
✖ Very limited availability for non-diplomatic families.
✖ Higher fees for non-British students.
D. TED Ankara College (Private, Bilingual)
📍 Location: Multiple campuses (Çankaya, Yenimahalle)
🌍 Curriculum: Turkish National + IB (for international section)
💰 Annual Fees (2026):
- Kindergarten: €5,000
- Primary (Grades 1-4): €6,500
- Middle School (Grades 5-8): €8,000
- High School (Grades 9-12): €9,500 (IB: €12,000)
🔹 Languages: Turkish (primary), English (secondary in IB track)
🔹 Admissions: Competitive; entrance exams required.
🔹 Facilities: Large campus, sports complexes, arts centers.
🔹 Expat Community: Mixed (Turkish and expat families).
Pros:
✔ More affordable than fully international schools.
✔ Strong academic reputation in Turkey.
✔ IB program available.
Cons:
✖ Mostly Turkish-speaking environment.
✖ Less international focus than BLIS or AICS.
E. Oasis International School Ankara
📍 Location: Gölbaşı, Ankara
🌍 Curriculum: American (Christian-based)
💰 Annual Fees (2026):
- Pre-K: €5,500
- Elementary (K-5): €8,000
- Middle/High School (6-12): €10,000
🔹 Languages: English (primary), Turkish (elective)
🔹 Admissions: Open to all; no strict entrance exams.
🔹 Facilities: New campus, sports fields, chapel.
🔹 Expat Community: Mostly American and missionary families.
Pros:
✔ Affordable American-style education.
✔ Strong community feel.
Cons:
✖ Religious curriculum may not suit all families.
✖ Far from central Ankara (30-40 min drive).
Comparison Table: International Schools in Ankara (2026)
| School | Curriculum | Annual Fees (High School) | Language | Expat Community | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bilkent (BLIS) | IB | €16,000 | English/Turkish | Diplomatic, academic | Top-tier university prep |
| AICS | American (AP) | €14,500 | English | American/European | STEM-focused families |
| BESA | British (A-Levels) | €15,000 | English | British diplomats | UK university prep |
| TED Ankara | Turkish + IB | €12,000 (IB) | Turkish/English | Mixed | Bilingual families |
| Oasis International | American (Christian) | €10,000 | English | American missionaries | Affordable Christian education |
3. Public School System in Turkey
If you’re considering public schools in Ankara, here’s what you need to know:
Structure of Turkish Public Schools
- Preschool (Anaokulu): Ages 3-5 (not mandatory, ~€50-€150/month).
- Primary School (İlkokul): Grades 1-4 (ages 6-10) – free.
- Middle School (Ortaokul): Grades 5-8 (ages 11-14) – free.
- High School (Lise): Grades 9-12 (ages 15-18) – free (but some specialized schools charge fees).
Language of Instruction
- Turkish is the primary language.
- Some schools offer English or German as a second language, but not immersion programs.
- No public bilingual schools in Ankara (unlike Istanbul).
Pros of Public Schools
✔ Free (except for supplies and uniforms).
✔ Strong academic foundation (Turkish schools rank well in PISA scores).
✔ Cultural integration (helps kids learn Turkish quickly).
Cons of Public Schools
✖ Language barrier (non-Turkish speakers will struggle).
✖ Large class sizes (30+ students).
✖ Rote learning (less critical thinking than international schools).
✖ Limited extracurriculars (few sports/arts programs).
Best Public Schools in Ankara (2026)
If you choose public education, these are the top-ranked schools:
- Ankara Fen Lisesi (Science High School) – Elite, exam-based.
- Ankara Atatürk Lisesi – Strong academics.
- Ankara Anadolu Lisesi – Good university placement.
Verdict: Public schools are viable for long-term residents who want their children to integrate fully into Turkish society, but not ideal for short-term expats due to the language barrier.
4. Childcare and Daycare Costs (2026)
Types of Childcare in Ankara
- Private Daycare Centers (Özel Kreş)
- Ages: 0-6 years.
- Cost: €200-€600/month (full-time).
- Examples:
- Minik Kalpler Kreş (Çankaya) – €400/month.
- Sevgi Yuvası Anaokulu (Eryaman) – €350/month.
- Pros: Structured learning, socialization.
- Cons: Expensive compared to public options.
- Public Daycare (Devlet Kreşi)
- Ages: 3-6 years.
- Cost: €50-€150/month (subsidized).
- Pros: Affordable, good for Turkish immersion.
- Cons: Long waiting lists, limited English.
- Nanny/Babysitter (Bakıcılık)
- Cost: €3-€6/hour (€500-€1,000/month for full-time).
- Where to find: Facebook groups, Bebek Bakıcısı Ankara (local agencies).
- Pros: Flexible, one-on-one care.
- Cons: No structured learning.
- Montessori & International Preschools
- Cost: €600-€1,200/month.
- Examples:
- Ankara Montessori School – €900/month.
- Kids Academy International – €1,100/month.
- Pros: Bilingual, play-based learning.
- Cons: Very expensive.
Comparison of Childcare Costs (2026)
| Type | Age Group | Monthly Cost (EUR) | Language | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Public Daycare | 3-6 | €50-€150 | Turkish | Budget-conscious families |
| Private Daycare | 0-6 | €200-€600 | Turkish | Working parents |
| Nanny/Babysitter | 0-6 | €500-€1,000 | Depends | Flexible schedules |
| Montessori | 2-6 | €600-€1,200 | English/Turkish | Expat families |
| International Preschool | 3-6 | €800-€1,500 | English | Wealthy expats |
Verdict: If you need affordable childcare, public daycare is the best option. For English-speaking or high-quality early education, private Montessori or international preschools are ideal but costly.
5. Family-Friendly Neighborhoods in Ankara
Ankara is a sprawling city, so choosing the right neighborhood is crucial for families. Here are the best areas for expat families:
A. Çankaya (Most Popular for Expats)
✅ Pros:
- Safest district in Ankara.
- Best international schools (BLIS, AICS, BESA).
- Many parks and green spaces (Kuğulu Park, Seğmenler Park).
- Walkable with cafes, restaurants, and shopping.
- Good public transport (metro, buses).
❌ Cons:
- Expensive (highest rents in Ankara).
- Traffic congestion in central Çankaya.
Average Rent (2026):
- 2-bedroom apartment: €500-€900/month.
- 3-bedroom villa: €1,000-€1,800/month.
Best Sub-Areas:
- Bilkent (near BLIS, quiet, family-oriented).
- Kavaklıdere (central, upscale, near embassies).
- Gaziosmanpaşa (GOP) (green, diplomatic area).
B. Eryaman (Affordable & Family-Oriented)
✅ Pros:
- More affordable than Çankaya.
- Newer buildings with modern amenities.
- Good public schools (TED Eryaman).
- Less traffic than central Ankara.
❌ Cons:
- Far from international schools (30-40 min drive).
- Less expat community than Çankaya.
Average Rent (2026):
- 2-bedroom apartment: €350-€600/month.
- 3-bedroom house: €600-€1,000/month.
C. Oran (Upscale & Green)
✅ Pros:
- Luxury villas and compounds.
- Close to international schools.
- Quiet and safe.
- Many parks (Oran Park, Botanik Park).
❌ Cons:
- Very expensive.
- Limited nightlife.
Average Rent (2026):
- 3-bedroom villa: €1,200-€2,500/month.
D. Yenimahalle (Budget-Friendly & Local)
✅ Pros:
- Affordable housing.
- Good public transport (metro line).
- Local markets and authentic Turkish life.
❌ Cons:
- Fewer expats.
- Less English spoken.
Average Rent (2026):
- 2-bedroom apartment: €250-€500/month.
E. Beysukent (Middle-Class & Convenient)
✅ Pros:
- Well-connected (near Eskişehir Road).
- Good shopping malls (AnkaMall, Armada).
- Affordable.
❌ Cons:
- Traffic noise.
- Fewer green spaces.
Average Rent (2026):
- 2-bedroom apartment: €300-€600/month.
Best Neighborhoods for Families (Summary)
| Neighborhood | Best For | Rent (3BR, EUR) | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Çankaya | Expats, diplomats | €1,000-€1,800 | Best schools, safe, walkable | Expensive, traffic |
| Eryaman | Middle-class families | €600-€1,000 | Affordable, modern | Far from international schools |
| Oran | Wealthy expats | €1,200-€2,500 | Luxury, green, quiet | Very expensive |
| Yenimahalle | Budget-conscious families | €250-€500 | Cheap, local life | Fewer expats |
| Beysukent | Convenience | €300-€600 | Good transport, shopping | Noisy, less green |
Verdict: Çankaya (Bilkent/Kavaklıdere) is the best for expat families, but Eryaman and Oran are good alternatives if you want more space for less money.
6. Parks and Recreation for Kids
Ankara has plenty of green spaces, playgrounds, and family-friendly attractions. Here are the best:
A. Top Parks for Kids
- Kuğulu Park (Çankaya)
- Why? Famous for its swans and ducks, playgrounds, and walking paths.
- Best for: Picnics, bike rides, feeding ducks.
- Facilities: Playground, café, boat rentals.
- Seğmenler Park (Çankaya)
- Why? Large playgrounds, mini-golf, and open spaces.
- Best for: Running around, sports.
- Facilities: Basketball court, picnic areas.
- Gençlik Park (Altındağ)
- Why? Amusement park with rides, a lake, and walking trails.
- Best for: Weekends, family outings.
- Facilities: Ferris wheel, bumper cars, cafes.
- Atatürk Forest Farm (Gazi)
- Why? Zoo, picnic areas, and a small train ride.
- Best for: Animal lovers, nature walks.
- Facilities: Playgrounds, petting zoo, restaurants.
- Botanik Park (Oran)
- Why? Beautiful gardens, walking paths, and a lake.
- Best for: Relaxing, photography.
- Facilities: Café, benches, open spaces.
B. Indoor Play Centers & Entertainment
- KidZania Ankara (Armada Mall)
- What? Interactive city for kids where they can role-play jobs.
- Age: 4-14.
- Cost: €15-€25 per child.
- Why? Great for rainy days.
- Ankara Aquapark (Eryaman)
- What? Water park with slides and pools.
- Age: All ages.
- Cost: €10-€20 per person.
- Best for: Summer fun.
- Ankara Science Center (Bilkent)
- What? Interactive science museum for kids.
- Age: 5-15.
- Cost: €5-€10.
- Why? Educational and fun.
- Ankara CerModern (Altındağ)
- What? Art workshops and kids' activities.
- Age: 5+.
- Cost: Free-€5.
- Best for: Creative kids.
C. Sports & Extracurricular Activities
- Football (Soccer): Many local clubs (e.g., Ankara Gençlerbirliği youth teams).
- Swimming: Ankara Swimming Club (€50-€100/month).
- Tennis: Ankara Tennis Club (€80-€150/month).
- Horseback Riding: Ankara Equestrian Club (€100-€200/month).
- Music & Arts: Ankara State Conservatory (private lessons €20-€50/hour).
Verdict: Ankara has plenty of outdoor and indoor activities for kids, but fewer options than Istanbul. Kuğulu Park, Gençlik Park, and KidZania are must-visits.
7. Pediatric Healthcare in Ankara
Turkey has a strong healthcare system, and Ankara is home to some of the best pediatric hospitals in the country.
A. Top Pediatric Hospitals & Clinics
- Hacettepe University Children’s Hospital
- Why? Best pediatric hospital in Turkey (ranked #1 in 2025).
- Specialties: Oncology, cardiology, neurology.
- Cost: Free for Turkish citizens, €50-€200 for expats (without insurance).
- Language: Turkish (some English-speaking doctors).
- Ankara University Children’s Hospital
- Why? Top-tier research hospital.
- Specialties: Infectious diseases, genetics.
- Cost: €30-€150 per visit.
- Güven Hospital (Private)
- Why? Best private pediatric care in Ankara.
- Specialties: General pediatrics, vaccinations, emergencies.
- Cost: €50-€300 per visit (with insurance: €10-€50).
- Language: English-speaking doctors available.
- Medicana International Ankara
- Why? International standards, English-speaking staff.
- Specialties: Neonatology, allergies.
- Cost: €60-€250 per visit.
- Liv Hospital Ankara
- Why? Luxury private hospital with pediatric specialists.
- Cost: €80-€400 per visit.
B. Vaccinations & Routine Checkups
- Mandatory Vaccines (Free for Turkish citizens, ~€50-€150 for expats):
- BCG (Tuberculosis)
- DTaP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis)
- MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)
- Polio
- Hepatitis B
- Private clinics (e.g., Güven, Medicana) offer English-speaking pediatricians for expats.
C. Health Insurance for Expats
- Public Healthcare (SGK):
- Cost: €20-€50/month (if employed in Turkey).
- Coverage: Free or low-cost care at public hospitals.
- Private Insurance (Allianz, AXA, Anadolu Sigorta):
- Cost: €30-€100/month (family plans).
- Coverage: Private hospitals, English-speaking doctors.
- International Insurance (Cigna, Aetna):
- Cost: €100-€300/month.
- Coverage: Global coverage, best for expats.
Verdict: Private hospitals (Güven, Medicana) are best for expat families, while Hacettepe is ideal for serious conditions. Private insurance is highly recommended.
8. Safety for Children in Ankara
Ankara is generally safe, but like any big city, precautions are necessary.
A. Crime Rates (2026 Data)
- Violent Crime: Low (homicide rate: 1.2 per 100,000, lower than Istanbul).
- Petty Crime (Pickpocketing, Scams): Moderate (mostly in Ulus, Kızılay, bus stations).
- Traffic Safety: Moderate risk (drivers can be aggressive; always use car seats).
B. Safest Neighborhoods for Families
- Çankaya (Bilkent, Kavaklıdere, Oran) – Safest, low crime, many expats.
- Eryaman – Family-friendly, low crime.
- Yenimahalle (Batı Sitesi) – Middle-class, safe.
- Beysukent – Safe but busy.
C. Safety Tips for Families
✔ Avoid walking alone at night in Ulus, Altındağ, or Mamak.
✔ Use school buses or trusted drivers (traffic is chaotic).
✔ Teach kids basic Turkish phrases (e.g., "Yardım edin!" = "Help!").
✔ Register with your embassy (for emergencies).
✔ Use apps like BiTaksi (safe taxi service) instead of street taxis.
Verdict: Ankara is safer than Istanbul for families, but Çankaya and Eryaman are the best areas for expat kids.
9. Family Visa Options for Turkey
If you’re moving to Ankara with kids, you’ll need the right visa. Here are the best options for families:
A. Short-Term Residence Permit (Touristic)
- For: Families staying <1 year.
- Requirements:
- Passport (valid for 6+ months).
- Proof of accommodation (rental contract).
- Health insurance (€30-€100/month).
- Bank statement (~€1,500 per person).
- Cost: €50-€150 (application fee).
- Duration: 6-12 months (renewable).
B. Long-Term Residence Permit (Family Visa)
- For: Families staying >1 year.
- Requirements:
- Sponsor (parent) must have a work permit or long-term residency.
- Marriage certificate (if applicable).
- Birth certificates (for kids).
- Health insurance.
- Proof of income (~€500/month per person).
- Cost: €100-€300 (per person).
- Duration: 1-2 years (renewable).
C. Work Permit + Family Residency
- For: Expats employed in Turkey.
- Process:
- Employer applies for work permit (€200-€500).
- Apply for family residency (spouse + kids).
- Cost: €100-€300 per family member.
- Duration: Linked to work permit (1-3 years).
D. Student Residency (For Kids in International Schools)
- For: Children enrolled in international schools.
- Requirements:
- School acceptance letter.
- Health insurance.
- Passport.
- Cost: €50-€150.
- Duration: 1 year (renewable).
E. Citizenship by Investment (For Wealthy Families)
- For: Families investing €200,000+ in Turkish property.
- Requirements:
- Buy property (€200K+).
- Hold for 3 years.
- Apply for citizenship.
- Cost: €200K+ (property) + legal fees (~€5K).
Verdict: Long-term residency (family visa) is the best option for most expat families. Work permits are ideal if one parent is employed in Turkey.
10. Cost of Raising a Child in Ankara (2026)
Ankara is more affordable than Istanbul or European capitals, but costs vary based on lifestyle.
A. Monthly Costs (Per Child)
| Expense | Budget (EUR) | Mid-Range (EUR) | Luxury (EUR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daycare (Private) | €200-€400 | €400-€800 | €800-€1,200 |
| International School | N/A | €800-€1,500 | €1,500-€2,000 |
| Public School (Supplies) | €20-€50 | €50-€100 | N/A |
| Health Insurance | €20-€50 | €50-€100 | €100-€300 |
| Food (Groceries) | €100-€200 | €200-€400 | €400-€600 |
| Clothing & Shoes | €30-€80 | €80-€150 | €150-€300 |
| Extracurriculars | €20-€50 | €50-€150 | €150-€400 |
| Toys & Books | €20-€50 | €50-€100 | €100-€200 |
| Total (Monthly) | €410-€930 | €1,680-€3,300 | €3,200-€5,000 |
B. One-Time Costs (Per Child)
| Expense | Cost (EUR) |
|---|---|
| Stroller | €50-€300 |
| Car Seat | €80-€400 |
| Crib | €100-€500 |
| School Uniform | €50-€200 |
| Laptop/Tablet | €200-€800 |
| Bike/Scooter | €50-€300 |
C. Annual Costs (Per Child)
| Expense | Cost (EUR) |
|---|---|
| Summer Camp | €200-€1,000 |
| Family Vacation | €500-€3,000 |
| Dental Checkups | €50-€200 |
| Eye Checkup | €30-€150 |
Verdict:
- Budget family: ~€5,000-€10,000/year per child.
- Mid-range family: ~€15,000-€30,000/year per child.
- Luxury family: ~€35,000+/year per child.
Ankara is ~30-50% cheaper than Istanbul or European capitals for raising kids.
11. Activities for Kids in Ankara
Ankara offers plenty of fun activities for children of all ages.
Family relocation essentials: Kids Travel Journal | Universal Stroller Bag | International Power Adapter Family Pack
A. Museums & Educational Attractions
- Museum of Anatolian Civilizations
- Why? Best archaeology museum in Turkey (Hittite, Roman, Ottoman artifacts).
-