Tay Park (Pony Park)

Tay park is another one of Izmir's hidden gems.  As the name implies, the park hosts several ponies and horses, and children are allowed one free ride per visit.

In addition to being able to ride and pet the ponies and horses, there are other farm animals in the park as well.  There are enclosures with goats, ducks, rabbits, and chickens, and viewing areas for pheasants and lizards.

How to get there:
If you are coming from Alsancak or Konak, take the ferry to Karşıyaka.  When you walk out of the ferry station, cross the street, and walk to your left until you reach the Osman Bey Parkı stop.

The most direct route I have found so far is to take the 777 bus.  Get off at the bus stop AFTER the Carrefour.  It should take about 15 minutes.  After getting off the bus, walk up to the stop light and cross the road.  Walk towards the sign that says Tay Park, the entrance is on the left.

Note: The bus comes frequently on weekends (about every 15-20 minutes), but less so on weekdays (about every 45 minutes).  This bus also gets very busy on Wednesdays as it passes by a very popular bazaar.

For the most up to date hours, you can visit the website below, choose 777 from the dropdown, and click "Hareket Saatleri"
http://www.eshot.gov.tr/HareketSaatleri.aspx?TIP=TumHatlar

Cost:
Free

Hours:
I could not find official hours, but some websites have said that you can ride the horses from 8-12 and 1-5

Features:
Playground
Benches
Cafe

More Information:
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Taypark-Mavisehir/253351341359539?rf=208791745857407
Article (in Turkish): http://www.karsiyakalife.com.tr/2012/01/tay-park-ziyaretcilerini-bekliyor/