Has the summer heat arrived, leaving you dreaming of a deep blue sea, golden sands, and a brilliant sun? But perhaps you don't have the time or means to head down to the Aegean or Mediterranean coasts? Don't worry, because the student city of Eskişehir has a wonderful surprise for you! If you're wondering how you can enjoy a beach day in a landlocked city in the middle of Anatolia, let us introduce you to Kentpark. This place is the most concrete proof of the city's creative spirit that transcends geographical boundaries; it's like an oasis in the middle of the steppe. In this article, we'll tell you everything you need to know about things to do at Kentpark's Artificial Beach, because this place, with its massive 300,000-square-meter area , promises much more than an ordinary park.

Feel Like You're at the Seaside on Turkey's First Artificial Beach

Yes, you heard that right! Eskişehir is a city that broke new ground in Turkey by building its own beach . When you step into Kentpark, you're greeted by a sparkling 350-meter-long beach right next to the Porsuk River . And do you know the best part? The sand used on this beach is real sea sand! . The moment you bury your feet in the sand, you'll feel like you're in a Mediterranean coastal town.

The beach's water, with its safe depth of 1.45 meters, is ideal for both swimmers and those just looking to cool off . The facility has thought of everything for the comfort of its visitors. There are showers, changing cabins, and special areas where you can spend quality time with your family . Lifeguards and watchtowers are on duty for your safety, so you can enjoy your day without a worry . Just a small warning: the Kentpark beach is very popular, especially on weekends, and can sometimes host more than 2,000 people . As one visitor said, go early, the sunbeds run out quickly. Therefore, we recommend choosing the morning hours to secure your spot.   

After your beach day at Kentpark, you might want to explore the other beauties the city has to offer. You can easily plan your trip by checking out our comprehensive Places to Visit in Eskisehir guide.

Enjoy a Swim in the Olympic Swimming Pools

Kentpark impresses not only with its artificial beach but also with its swimming pool options. Whether you want to enjoy the water with your family or have a serious swimming workout, there's an option for everyone here. The facility includes an outdoor Olympic swimming pool right next to the beach, a separate children's pool, and an indoor Olympic swimming pool .

However, there's an important distinction to be aware of here. While the artificial beach has a relaxed and free atmosphere, the Olympic pools have a much more disciplined and rule-bound environment. This facility is designed more for those who take swimming seriously. Therefore, there are some strict rules you must follow before entering the pool. To avoid any surprises during your visit, we have prepared tables with the most current entrance fees and the most important rules for you.   

Kentpark Beach and Pool 2024 Entrance Fees

Note: Fees were announced by the Eskişehir Metropolitan Municipality at the beginning of the season and are subject to change .

5 Golden Rules to Know Before Entering the Pool

Try Horseback Riding at the Park's Riding Arena (Manège)

The surprises at Kentpark don't end with the beach and pools. Inside the park, there's another activity that will completely take you away from the city's hustle and bustle: Horseback riding! Yes, this huge park features stables, a paddock, and a special 500-meter-long horse riding trail .

This activity is a nod to Eskişehir's deep-rooted equestrian culture. It's possible to feel the spirit of this region, especially known for the Mahmudiye district where purebred Arabian horses are raised, in Kentpark's manège . Hobby rides are organized for both adults and children under the supervision of expert trainers. Specially trained ponies for younger visitors provide them with an unforgettable experience .

A short ride in nature, accompanied by the noble posture of horses, will add a completely different color to your day. For group visits or more detailed information, you can contact the facility by phone to make a reservation . This unique experience offered by Kentpark makes it one of Turkey's most special city parks. If you're curious about other great green spaces in the country, you can also check out our article on Mount Nemrut National Park.

While You're Here, See These Places Too

If you still have energy after cooling off and having fun at Kentpark, Eskişehir has much more to offer. After experiencing the modern and innovative spirit of Kentpark, you can turn your route to these two wonderful spots to discover different faces of the city:

Sazova Science, Culture, and Art Park: This place is like a fairy tale land! With its Fairy Tale Castle, Pirate Ship, Zoo, and Eti Underwater World, it's a major attraction, especially for families with children. You can spend a fantastic day at Sazova Park, which has an atmosphere reminiscent of Disneyland .

Historical Odunpazarı Houses: If you want to travel back in time, your destination should be Odunpazarı. This area, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List, will take you back to the Ottoman period with its colorful bay-windowed houses, narrow cobblestone streets, meerschaum workshops, and boutique museums .

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Is there an entrance fee for Kentpark? No, entry to Kentpark itself is completely free. However, special activity areas within the park, such as the artificial beach, Olympic pools, and horse riding, have their own entrance fees .

2. What are the opening hours for the beach and pools? They generally operate every day from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM during the summer season. However, these hours may vary depending on the season, public holidays, and weather conditions .

3. Can we bring outside food and drink to Kentpark? You can have a picnic in the general green areas of the park. However, bringing food and drink, except for bottled water, into the pool area is prohibited according to the rules. There are various cafes and kiosks within the park .

Bibliography

The fees and rules mentioned in this article are the most current information as of the publication date. We recommend checking (https://www.eskisehir.bel.tr/) for the latest tariffs and regulations before your visit.