Most of the year, it seems like the weather in Israel is just made for all types of outdoor activities. Amusement parks, camping, and horseback riding, are just a few wonderful outdoor ways to amuse even the most unwilling child. But in the winter months, parents can be hard-pressed to find creative ways to entertain children indoors, away from the elements.

One of the most innovative ideas for winter indoor fun in Israel comes from Kiftzuba. In addition to an arcade and outdoor attractions, the amusement park has a large space dedicated to indoor fun appropriate for even very young children. Kiftzuba has every indoor convenience a mom and her kids could want. For the youngest children, there are all kinds of building toys, indoor scooters, and a large inflatable pool filled with colorful soft plastic balls.

Got kids of all different ages? Not a problem. For school-aged children there are Sony PlayStations galore. Teens and young adults will enjoy the large dance floor with a mechanical “caller” to dictate the moves—something like a cross between square dancing and Twister.

At Kiftzuba, even moms get a chance to shake off their winter doldrums. The playroom is a safe place to let children explore while mothers chat over refreshments purchased at the Mediterranean-style restaurant located on the premises. Maybe that’s why some mothers opt to purchase a membership card. Kiftzuba is located at Kibbutz Tzuba, near Jerusalem. Call 02-534-7952 for more information.

Looking for something more educational but still fun? You can find a great hands-on activity at Sarina Shokolad  where kids can get their hands messy and create edible chocolate truffle treats. The chocolate course is a sure hit, but is a little pricey at 80 NIS per child (adults free). If you’d rather your children be learning and doing, then you may not mind paying a bit extra for the privilege. Not to mention your kids will think you’re the best mom on earth for taking them to a chocolate factory. Bonus: yummy treats and good coffee for mom, too.

Sarina is located in Ein Vered, a ten minute drive from Raanana and only 2 minutes from the Azrieli Center Shopping Mall. That means that going to Sarina gives moms an excuse to shop, too! What more could a mother desire? For more information about Sarina, call 077-525-5370

Is your kid more of a science buff? Or maybe you are in a museum kind of mood? Have no fear, the Bloomfield Science Museum  is here and is just the ticket for indoor educational fun, guaranteed.

The activities at the science museum are designed to pique the interest and scientific curiosity of all ages while incidentally teaching them about the wonders of the world. Your child can explore myriad exhibitions that teach about things like levers, electricity, waterworks, and more. Children have so much fun at this museum they don’t even realize they’re learning!

The Bloomfield Science Museum is on Museum Blvd., near the Givat Ram campus of Jerusalem’s Hebrew University. For more information, call 02-654-4888

Looking for more great activities? Israel Kids is jam-packed with fun things you can do with your children indoors. You won’t even know it’s raining! Article courtesy of Israel Kids.  

NBN News - February 2012

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Indoor Activities

Touring Israel brings to mind mountain hikes, desert excursions and beautiful beaches. What happens when the weather is cold, or our much prayed for rain arrives? There are plenty of indoor activities to do in Israel as well!  Here is just a small sampling of ideas. Information in this article is courtesy of www.funinjerusalem.com.

Coca Cola Bottling Plant - For everyone who’s ever passed the Coca Cola factory on Highway 4 and wondered how they made the popular drink, you can Interactive experience which includes seeing the most advanced production processes in the world. You will learn the story of the world's most famous drink! The tour is guided by certified instructors. Opening hours are Sunday-Thursday, 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM. Length of tour is approximately 1.5 hours.

For more information call 03-671-2226 or go to http://www.cocacola.co.il/index_fb.asp

Michal Negrin Factory Tour - If you have a daughter or if you love Michal Negrin jewelry, then experience a unique tour of her home town factory.  Learn about Michal's life story in a film and see how she went from creating jewelry in her home to having stores around the world. Take a guided tour of the art departments: jewelry, fashion and home decor.  The tour ends with a cup of hot chocolate and a piece of cake in their cafe. This is a great day trip from Jerusalem for ages 7+. The tour is 1.5 hrs. Located in Bat Yam.

For more information call 03-555-3326 or go to www.michalnegrin.com

Bible Lands Museum - The Bible Lands Museum, Jerusalem presents exhibits of the cultures of all the peoples mentioned in the Bible – from Egypt eastwards across the Fertile Crescent to Afghanistan, and from Nubia north to the Caucasian mountains. You will learn of the Philistines and the Arameans, the Hittites and the Elamites, the Phoenicians and the Persians. The Mesopotamians, the pyramid builders and the ancient Phoenicians who are no longer with us. The Bible Lands Museum offers a variety of children’s workshops throughout the year.

For more information call 02-561-1066 or go to http://www.blmj.org/en/index.php

Herzl Museum - At the New Herzl Museum you will learn about the life of Binyamin Ze’ev Herzl and his vision of Zionism. The museum has a spectacular audio-visual encounter with the visionary of the Jewish State, and offers a thought-provoking, hour-long portrait regarding the status of the Jews according to Herzl. The Museum recommends bringing kids starting from age 8+ although children in Israel learn about Herzl from the time they are in nursery school and can probably tell you about his life by the time they are 5.

For more information call 02-632-1515 or go to http://www.herzl.org/English/

Tim Tam Mischakiya (Indoor Playground) - This is an indoor play area for kids, from ages 6 months. It includes a large obstacle climbing frame, ride-on toys, pool of balls and more. It is a great place to host a birthday party for toddlers.

Times: Sunday-Thursday 11am-9pm, Fridays 11am-3pm (Holidays 9am-9pm)

Prices:25 NIS per child, ticket for 5 entrances 100 NIS, ticket for 10 entrances 180 NIS

Mall HaPisga in Pisgat Zev – 052-482-7826
Harel Mall in Mevasseret Zion – 077-534-5487
Mishor Adumim – 052-515-5564

NBN News - January 2012

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Winter Activities

Most likely, Israel is not the first place that comes to mind when thinking of ‘winter sports’. With its hot, dry summers, and (we always hope) rainy, cold winters, it is hardly a climate that evokes images of winter vacations such as St. Moritz, Aspen or even Lake Placid. Yet a growing interest in winter sports has been propelling a new movement to open skiing and skating facilities all over the country throughout the season.

For more information call 08-956-2273 or visit: http://www.ashdodnet.com/article/38173

NBN News - December 2011

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AROUND THE HOLIDAYS - October 2011

While it’s always a good time to explore Israel, chagim always provide the opportunity and inspiration to take the entire family on trips around the country. The following is a sample of some of chagim-related fun places to visit in Israel during the season:

Bible Lands Shofar Exhibit: The shofar, an ancient symbol of the Jewish New Year, is explored from its humble beginnings as an animal horn, through the process that creates the powerful symbol it has been for millennia through an amazing display and multimedia.

For more information see the Bible Lands Museum website.

Neot Kedumim Sukkot Celebration: Enjoy seeing the past come to life, plus an unbelievable display across acres of parkland illustrating the various possibilities of kosher and non-kosher life-sized sukkotas described in the mishna. Also enjoy interactive trails, the arba minim in their natural surroundings, musical performances, entertainment and so much more. For more information about Neot Kedumim click here.

Meachorei HaDvash: As the holiday season is the time when we consume more honey per capita than any other time of the year, it is a great time to visit honey-themed attractions. Meachorei HaDvash, in Kfar Chabad, is just one of these places. Learn all about bees and the honey-making process, all in a fun, interactive environment. Special programs available for preschoolers, school-age, families and even seniors.

For more information see the Meachorei HaDvash website.

NBN News - October 2011

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EXTREME FUN IN JERUSALEM 

So you’ve been to the museums and seen the historical sites, now see Jerusalem from a different perspective.

Enjoy Snappling (Rappelling) in Valley Gei Ben Hinom with Challenge Tours just outside the Old City Walls. Meet Israel’s rock climbing champion and let him teach you to rappel down the cliff and rock climb back up with experienced guides.  It is a new way to see the walls of the Old City.

Take a jeep tour through the desert and visit a real Bedouin tent or take a jeep tour through Gush Etzion  and learn about the history of the area while enjoying an off road adventure. Do you know that the Gush plays an important role in protecting Jerusalem? Have you been on the “Path of the Patriarchs” (Derech Avot). While in the Gush you can take the longest Omega zipline in the Middle East at the Deerland Adventure Park. Your heart will take a plunge as you zip over a beautiful forest view of Gush Etzion and younger kids can try the shorter zipline which keeps their feet closer to the ground.

Adults with a drivers license can enjoy an ATV (All Terrain Vehicle) ride through the hills of Jerusalem as they pass by lookout points and streams in the hills above the Biblical Zoo.  Children ages 7+ can ride as passengers and enjoy the off road experience as well. Jerusalem ATV Rides provide all the safety equipment that you will need and they also have a 3 seater Ranger which allows parents to take two seatbelted kids with them. 

If you are up late and looking for a great activity, then join the Jerusalem Midnight Bike Ride where you ride from the Tayelet into the Old City and learn about the areas you ride through. Forgot your bike at home? No worries they provide bikes and helmets and lots of fun.

For those of you who like to keep your feet on the ground, you can enjoy an afternoon in Nachlaot or the Old City as you master a Discover Jerusalem Scavenger Hunt. Each group begins the hunt by choosing a note taker, photographer, navigator and a teacher. You will be given a Mission Pack and sent on your way to discover the streets, people and history of the neighborhood. This is an activity that is great for all ages so bring your kids and the grandparents with you.

By guest author Joanna Shebson. For more exciting Jerusalem activities visit www.FunInJerusalem.com

NBN News - September 2011

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WINE COUNTRY

Israeli wine has come a long way from the Carmel grape juice and kiddush wines of old. Now, with world-class wineries staking their claims to the international wine market and boutique wineries dotting the countryside with their charming facilities often coupled with a small café or shop, Israeli wine has become a culinary force to be reckoned with and Israeli wineries a popular destination.

As wine-routes are developing throughout the country, the wineries are enhancing the experience for tourists, bringing the experience of Burgundy or Napa Valley to the Galilee and the Golan Heights. During the spring, summer and early fall you will find tours on a regular basis at most wineries, ending with a tasting and a chance to purchase of course. Best to call ahead for hours at each place you will visit.

Wine-making is certainly not new in Israel. Grapes and grapevines were a common motif found on many ancient coins and jars in the area, and many ancient wine-presses have been discovered all over Israel. While you may find these antiquities on hikes all over the country, touring the modern facilities is an entirely different type of trip and growing in popularity. There are five wine-making regions in the country. They are the Golan/Galil, Shomron, Shimshon, Judean Hills and the Negev.  As there are at least 25 commercial wineries and 150 boutique wineries, we will only list a few here:

Golan Heights Winery – Has great facilities for tourists, includes an audio-visual display, a walk through the ultra-modern facilities to see the entire process, and includes tastings.

Carmel Wineries– both in Rishon Lezion and Zichron Yaakov offer tours. The Zichron Yaakov site includes a wine workshop which is sure to enhance your wine drinking experience.

Tzora Winery – Located not far from Beit Shemesh, Tzora’s grapes grow in an excellent combination of favorable natural elements to produce a high-quality fruit with potential for a superior-quality product.

Ella Valley Wineries – Considered to be one of the most advanced in Israel, around 40% of its wines are exported which, with a production level of more than 200,000 bottles a year, is unprecedented in Israel.

Tabor Wineries – Located in the Galil, Tabor winery is known for producing a product that is true to the ‘soul’ of the region. The Tabor wines are considered a great value.

Here is a table of just some of the more well-known wineries in Israel, although some wineries have not been included in this list. http://www.israeli-wine.org/wineries/ (Table compliments of wine connoisseur and NBN Oleh Avi Hein)

NBN News - August 2011

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WATER PARKS

There may be plenty of nature to explore in Israel, but man-made attractions have been receiving more attention from vacationers in recent years. As we enter the hot season, water parks are always a big hit. Whether you enjoy relaxing in a wave pool, or zooming down a steep water slide, Israel’s refreshing parks are just the ticket in these long, summer months. 

Shefayim Water Park
One of the largest water parks in Israel, Shefayim also has a motor park complex and an adventure/paintball section. Located in Kibbutz Shefayim, about 20 minutes north of Tel Aviv, Shefayim’s 22 slides, three large pools and eight different water areas for kids and adults alike are only the beginning.

A fully equipped recreation area with lockers, picnic and sports areas, hot showers and more make for a complete experience.  And unlike some water parks, Shefayim is open every day of the week until the last day of September.  www.waterpark.co.il

Spark Yamit 2000
This water park in Holon markets itself as "the water park of Israel." With a great combination of spa facilities for the adults and the water park for the entire, anyone can have a wonderful, wet experience at Spark Yamit 2000. Unlike some of the other water parks which offer single-sex days with some regularity, Spark Yamit is co-ed every day. It’s also open every day, year-round. There are some amazing slides here some which will truly make your stomach drop. When you’re all dry you can go to the gym, the squash court, tennis court, games and sports halls.  www.yamit2000.co.il

The Luna Gal
You know that water park you always see when you’re heading up the eastern side of the Kinneret? That’s Luna Gal. The first water park in Israel, Luna Gal also allows access the Dugit Beach on the Kinneret. With slides and activities for every age from the shallow pools for the youngest toddlers to the large water slides for the biggest kids, this exciting water adventure site is known for providing a good time to all. And with its location in the beautiful Galil, why not make it a whole trip and enjoy the region for the weekend? Kayak rentals and inner tube rides are also available at Luna Gal.   www.dugal.co.il

The Meymadiyon
Near the Yarkon Park in Tel Aviv, Maymadiyon is a great family place with lots of water and LOTS of children. Though it seems to fill up its 5,000 person capacity regularly, it is still great fun though this water adventure park is a little heavier on the water and lighter on the adventure. Even still there are always plenty of teenagers chasing their friends down the slides. There is also a wave pool and a special area for younger children.    www.meymadion.co.il

Ashkeloona 
The beach city of Ashkelon’s contribution to the water park scene is a small one at best, but has some cool rides, a homey feel, and is right next to the beach. A nice bonus is the ability to barbecue right on the beach – a no-no at most other beaches in the area. Due to its smallness, the lines are short, beach umbrellas are plentiful, and it’s an easy stroll across the whole of the park – and back again, and again. With its admission price considerably cheaper than other water parks, Ashkeloona is a great choice if you want a good, wet time without breaking the bank.   http://www.ashkeluna.co.il/

Nah'shonit 
Really three separate parks in one, Nachshonit’s water park is just one part of this great adventure. While the water park includes water slides, fun swimming pools, and a toddler area, there are also traditional amusements, go-carts, and safari and jeep trips. You can spend all day in Nachshonit and your kids will still want more. There are also special days designated for the religious public where the water area switches off between male-only and female-only, while in the rest of the park families can enjoy together.    http://www.nachshonit.co.il/

Hafetz Haim
This combination water/dry park at Kibbutz Hafetz Haim is aimed toward religious people. The clever design has completely separate water and regular mechanical ride parks, and a common picnic area between. Men and women take turns at each area, and meet for lunch mid-day. This is fine as long as there are older kids/adults who can be with the kids of each gender. The mechanical rides have fallen into a bit of disrepair over the years so don’t expect much, but the water park is lots of fun and refreshing and has areas suitable for all ages. There is also a nearby zoo right in the kibbutz.  www.hafetz-hayim.co.il

So pick a park, cool off and have a blast. Just remember – being in water is no substitute for drinking water. And don’t forget your sunscreen!

NBN News - July 2011

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WATER HIKES

The month of June in Israel heralds the beginning of the summer which heralds the tiyul season for many locals. Okay, in Israel people can go on outings all year long. But starting in June you can bet money on the weather being in your favor; and with the longer days, there just isn’t a better set up for a great tiyul. Thankfully, Israel has had a fair amount of rainfall this year, so take advantage of the waterfalls, springs, and water tunnels that can be found in locations in nearly every region in Israel. Here are a few of our favorites:

The Banias: Located at the foot of the Hermon in the Golan Heights, the Banias waterfall is truly one of the wonders of the north. A lush and beautiful site, it is a must-see for any tourist, all the more so for those who live here. Follow the ancient paths for a pleasurable hike along one of the Jordan River’s many tributaries, down to the Banias waterfall which splashes down into a freshwater grotto.

For more information on this Israel Parks Authority nature reserve go to Hermon Stream (Banias) Nature Reserve.

Gan Hashlosha:   If you’re looking for a bit of Paradise on your tiyul, you can’t do better than the stunning pools of Gan Hashlosha, also known as ‘Sachne’. With a steady year-round temperature of 28 degrees Celsius, early Spring is not too early for a tranquil dip in one of the cascading pools or relax under the waterfall.

For more information about this piece of Paradise go to Gan Hashlosha National Park (Sahne)

Alexander Stream: If you’re looking for an easy hike and a blend of nature and history, this year-round stream, a little north of Netanya, is filled with rich vegetation, sand dunes, an ancient ruin, and is also home to soft-shell turtles. You can enjoy a relaxing hike, a picnic area in a eucalyptus grove, explore the ruins, and even camp there overnight if you choose.  (Lifeguards for swimming are there in summer only).

For more information go to Alexander Stream Hof Bet Yanai National Park.

Nahal Arugot:  If you’re reading this article, chances are you’ve been to Ein Gedi already. But if you’re like most people you hiked the easier Nahal David and missed the exhilarating trail on Nahal Arugot. Be sure to have time when you go – the long trail is a 2-3 hour hike and is not to be missed. While the hike is long, it is not technically difficult and in fact families with children as young as five can be found hiking the lush, green trail and splashing in the cool refreshing water. Watch for wildlife such as the plentiful ibexes, all different types of birds, lizards, frogs, even the occasional hyena.

For more information go to Nachal Arugot at Ein Gedi.

NBN News - June 2011

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Wild for wildflowers

Seasons are a little different in Israel. There’s the long hot summer, followed by a brief, mild fall, which transitions us to a cold and (hopefully) rainy winter. As early as Tu B’Shevat, when it seems that winter has just started in earnest, the first hints of spring appear with the first buds emerging on almond trees. From there the land continues to bloom into and through the spring.

It is no wonder that one of the most beautiful and colorful times of the year in Israel is in March, when the whole country seems to bloom. Mountains that looked brown and dry only weeks before are now verdant and lush, with wildflowers dotting their surface. It is this annual explosion of color that brings Israelis out from all over the country to view the beauty and wonder of Israel in bloom.

Flower seekers can find beautiful places to hike, picnic, or just pull over during a scenic drive – just don’t pull out any flowers. A lot of them are protected species!

Givat Haturmusim near Beit Shemesh with its beautiful turmusim (lupines), kalaniyot (anemones), and other wildflowers.    

Mt. Gilboa in the Jezre’el Valley is a beautiful nature reserve where you can find kalaniyot, rakafot (cyclamens) and the beautiful Gilboa Iris.

The Golan Heights, beautiful in any season, sports many shades of seasonal flowers in its mountains and valleys from the eastern bank of the Lake Kinneret up to the foothills of the Hermon – and higher, later in the season.

For more information go to The Wildflowers of Israel at Israel’s Ministry of Tourism website or to Wildflowers of Israel. 

NBN News - March 2011

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Looking for something Are you an avid runner? The first ever Looking for something to do? Whether it's culture, sports or entertainment, there's just about everything here for all types and every budget. Here are just a few. 

 Jerusalem full-marathon will take place on March 25^th. But beware, because Jerusalem is so hilly – you can’t go 2 km without having to go up or down – it’s probably going to be the most challenging full-marathon anywhere in the world. For more information visit www.jerusalem-marathon.com. 

If you'd like to see Israel as you've never seen it before, try off-road biking on trails all over the country. In fact some of the best biking anywhere can be found in Israel if you know where to look and there are trails for all riding levels. You can find tons of information on the internet. Here are some sites: http://groopy.co.il/

http://www.mfa.gov.il/MFA/IsraelExperience/Tour_dIsrael_2011-March_2011.htm

Another way to see Israel on two wheels is on one of the various Segway tours available in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv and other places. Lots of fun and a great experience, this option is generally available to ages 16 and up. Here are just a few links to some of Israel’s segway tour sites:

http://www.zu-zu.co.il/SegwayTours.html?gclid=CNvPuLLoraYCFQ8f4Qod_3aRaA

http://www.segway-jerusalem.co.il/

http://www.segwaytlv.co.il/index_Eng.html

http://www.segways.co.il/

http://www.segwayguidedtours.com/segwaytours.cfm?Country=ISRAEL

NBN News - January 2011