Kid Friendly Places and Activities in Israel

One of the things that make the country of Israel stands out right away is their utmost love and devotion towards children. School teachers are more like second parents to their student, freely handing out hugs and parental devotion. Neighbors and colleagues are always waiting to greet your kids with open arms. The entire country itself is one that is warm, loving, and welcoming towards children. Consequently, there are numerous family-friendly activities to do with your children in Israel. Remember to also include Israel’s amazing religious sites on your agenda as well. Many people are concerned that their children will not be interested in exploring these ancient sites. Often, that is not the case. Even young kids can be captivated by the beauty and history that these sites behold. As a general recommendation, you should visit only one religious site per day, and visit in the morning when your kids’ minds are freshest and Israel’s temperatures are coolest. Then, you can devote the rest of the day to some of the following amazing and fun kid-friendly activities.

Zoos and Wildlife Parks

Israel’s zoos and wildlife parks offer a day's adventure for children of all ages and nature-loving parents. At Gan Ha’em Park in Haifa, your family can visit the 7.5-acre Haifa Educational Zoo, home to about 350 animals, including monkeys, lions, a tiger and some rare Israeli species. It also features a petting corner, reptile house and a walk-through water bird exhibit. The 250-acre Zoological Center of Tel Aviv offers a drive-in safari experience and boasts the largest collection of animals in the Middle East. The Ben Shemen Monkey Park, between Tel Aviv and Jersusalem, features primate exhibits, nature trails and a children’s recreational area with a climbing wall, rope bridge and playground. The Biblical Zoo in Jerusalem is home to animals mentioned in the Bible. Signs display appropriate verses of Scripture throughout the 61-acre site. See elephants and raptors, visit the Noah’s Ark-themed visitor center and take a ride on the zoo train.

Paintball

If your children are looking for adventure and action, then they will enjoy Paintball, Israel’s special program that is designed for children ages 6-12. The 2-hour activity is designed to mimic a novice soldier’s basic training course. The program involves completing an army-style obstacle course, climbing a rope bridge, jumping from a diving tower, going through a shooting-on-the-run course where each combatant receives 20 paintballs, and more.

 Luna Park

The Tel Aviv Luna Park is a beautiful amusement park filled with an array of attractions and rides for all ages. Everyone from your preschool-aged children to your grandma and grandpa can find something to do here. Luna Park is owned by Entertainment Town Ltd, a company which also owns four other amusement parks within Israel: Super Land, Iskate, Tzafari, and Memadion.

Dead Sea

A visit to the Dead Sea could be among highlights of your children's visit to Israel. Children might be impressed that this is the lowest elevation on Earth at almost 1,300 feet below sea level. It's also one of the saltiest bodies of water on the planet. But what might interest them most is the chance to float in the extremely buoyant waters and coat themselves with thick, black mud from the lake bed. The purported therapeutic properties aside, give kids the chance to get as muddy as they like, and they will have an unforgettably fun time. Combine your Dead Sea trip with a visit to the place where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found, take a jeep or camel excursion into the adjacent Judean Desert or visit the region's cliff-side monasteries.

Tunnel of Shiloh

When you visit Jerusalem, take time to explore the City of David, the earliest remnant of biblical Jerusalem, founded more than 3,000 years ago by King David. Make a historical tour more exciting for children with a visit to the Siloam Tunnel. The 1,500-foot long tunnel was constructed circa 701 BCE in order to protect Jerusalem’s water source from Assyrian invaders. To take a 45-minute tour through the tunnel, remove your shoes, grab a flashlight and wade through the shallow flowing water. The tour is suitable for any child or adult who is capable of safely wading through about two feet of moving water. You can see the pick-axe marks on the tunnel’s inner walls, the work of ancient teams of laborers who started digging at opposite ends and met in the middle, a fact detailed by an ancient Hebrew inscription near the exit.

Swimming and Snorkeling

Head for the Bay of Eilat where the whole family can paddle, swim or snorkel in the narrow strip of the Mediterranean containing Israel's only coral reef. The Coral Beach Nature Reserve is filled with colorful tropical fish; snorkel equipment rentals are widely available. The high season for Israel’s Mediterranean beaches is April to October, and lifeguards patrol the main public beaches during this season. Pay attention to the flags that indicate safety conditions for swimming in the sea. The beach towns in Israel--along with the shores and waters of the Red Sea, Dead Sea and Lake Kineret (the Sea of Galilee)--are popular with domestic and international vacationers, so there are plenty of opportunities for water sports, banana boat rides, water bicycle rentals and other family recreational activities. Alternatively, you can take the children to one of the water parks at Luna Gal, Tsemakh or Gai Beach.