Nickelodeon has opened Nickelodeon Play! Tersane Istanbul, a brand new indoor family entertainment park themed around the brand and located along Istanbul’s historic Golden Horn.
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| Nickelodeon Play! Tersane Istanbul has opened its doors in Istanbul, Türkiye, Dec. 12, 2025. (Courtesy of Nickelodeon) |
The new venue opened on Friday, November 28, 2025, following the success of Nickelodeon Play! in Antalya. It is situated within Tersane Istanbul, a large-scale redevelopment project that blends the city’s centuries-old maritime heritage with contemporary urban life.
Designed for children and families, Nickelodeon Play! Tersane Istanbul offers year-round indoor entertainment. Spanning approximately 5,000 square meters, the park features attractions inspired by some of Nickelodeon’s most iconic characters, including SpongeBob SquarePants, PAW Patrol, Dora the Explorer and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
Visitors can explore interactive play zones, themed activity areas and character meet-and-greet experiences, as well as licensed retail stores. One of the park’s key attractions is Nickelodeon Journeys, a newly introduced multi-sensory “flying theater” simulation. The experience combines motion-based seating with wind and scent effects, offering guests a virtual journey through Nickelodeon’s animated worlds.
The park also includes several themed sections. PAW Patrol: Adventure Bay features slides, towers and teamwork-focused activities, while Dora’s Rainforest invites children to explore colorful environments filled with music and surprises. A dedicated Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles zone takes visitors from city streets to underground tunnels, and Bikini Bottom recreates the underwater world of SpongeBob and his friends.
Play can work up an appetite, which is why the venue also boasts two restaurants for hungry guests: Goofy Goobers, themed after the establishment featured in SpongeBob SquarePants, and Mr. Porter's Café, based on the café featured in PAW Patrol.
Beyond entertainment, the project is positioned as an experiential space designed to strengthen emotional connections among visitors. It is also expected to contribute to the cultural and social vitality of Tersane Istanbul, which has emerged as a growing hub for culture, arts and city life.
In addition to Nickelodeon Play!, the area is hosting Tersane Istanbul Winter Town, a seasonal attraction running until Feb. 15, 2026, offering winter-themed experiences that combine the historic atmosphere of the Golden Horn with contemporary leisure activities.
For more information about Nickelodeon Play Tersane Istanbul and to visit the Nickelodeon Shop, visit https://www.nickelodeonplayistanbul.com.
Update (1/29/26):
Now Open: SpongeBob’s Crazy Carnival Ride at Nickelodeon Play! Istanbul
Proven interactive dark ride anchors Istanbul’s new year-round family entertainment destination
Nickelodeon Play! at Tersane Istanbul, has officially opened SpongeBob’s Crazy Carnival Ride, an interactive dark ride that brings the world of SpongeBob SquarePants to life through playful competition, immersive storytelling, and family-friendly fun.
The attraction opened November 28, 2025, along the shores of the Golden Horn, introducing a 5,000 sq. m. indoor entertainment destination designed to engage children and families in every season.
Designed with Nickelodeon's beloved characters, this indoor entertainment world, following its overwhelming success in Antalya, is now coming to Istanbul to delight children and families. Tersane Istanbul is poised to become one of the city's most vibrant destinations. - Rixos Group Business Development Director Hande Tezerdi
A Carnival Adventure in Bikini Bottom
Guests step into Mr. Krabs’ wacky carnival alongside SpongeBob, Patrick, and friends, traveling through a series of interactive challenges, lively visuals, and laugh-out-loud moments. Riders compete for points while helping thwart Plankton’s latest scheme, creating a repeatable, high-energy experience that appeals to guests of all ages.
Blending character-driven storytelling with hands-on gameplay, SpongeBob’s Crazy Carnival Ride delivers the perfect mix of accessibility, interactivity, and re-rideability making it a natural centerpiece for family-focused indoor parks.
A Proven Anchor Attraction
“This attraction hits the sweet spot for operators,” said John Wood, President and Chairman of Sally Dark Rides. “It’s the ‘Goldilocks’ of dark rides: not too big, not too small, but just right in footprint, fun factor, and price point. It delivers the storytelling and interactivity guests expect from a major theme park experience in a format that works perfectly indoors.”
SpongeBob’s Crazy Carnival Ride has evolved into a purpose-built solution, designed specifically for family entertainment centers and positioned as a true anchor attraction for Nickelodeon locations. It's compact footprint strikes an ideal balance between immersive scale, operational efficiency, and guest accessibility. The Istanbul installation marks the third iteration worldwide.
“Seeing partners return for additional units is the strongest endorsement we can receive,” added John Wood. “It proves the ride drives attendance, extends dwell time, and consistently delivers guest satisfaction.”
A Year-Round Nickelodeon Universe
Nickelodeon Play! Istanbul invites children into fully realized physical worlds inspired by globally loved characters including SpongeBob SquarePants, Paw Patrol, Dora, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. The result is a holistic indoor entertainment ecosystem that operates seamlessly throughout the year.
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