Summertime is a great time to explore Israel. For families with children or for those who are expecting family with children from abroad, exploring Israel with kids is a fun, adventurous and educational experience - one that you and the children will remember forever. There’s so much to do and see it’s important to plan ahead to make the most each trip.

Here are some ideas to inspire you: Little one’s can enjoy fun Gymboree’s, petting zoos, arts and crafts, puppet plays, donkey rides and bee farms; while for kids with lots of energy, think Action Park, ATV/Jeep rides, kayaking, rock climbing and horseback riding. There are plenty of options for educational experiences as well – Jewish museums, tours of interesting factories, learning the art of ancient spices, silk and honey, scavenger hunts where you can explore Jerusalem and other neighborhoods. For some fun in the sun don’t miss out on glass bottom boat rides, dolphin reef and Israel’s national parks.

You can also visit www.Israelkids.co.ilto get a full list of fun activities for children and coupons for many of these attractions!

Central 

·         Pe’alton Gymboree has locations throughout Israel (Toddlers) http://www.pealton.co.il/he/home/main/01/

·         Beedvash in Kfar Chabad for petting zoo fun! (Ages 3+)

·         http://beedvash.co.il/

·         Diaspora Museum, Beit Hatfutzot in Tel Aviv University to learn about the unique ongoing story of the Jewish People. (Age 6+)

·         http://www.bh.org.il/

·         Tnuva factory Visitor Center in Rehovot to learn the ins and outs of how milk gets from the cow, to your fridge! (Ages 6+)

·         http://www.visit-tnuva.co.il/center.php?id=3

·         Tel Aviv’s Sportek Climbing Wall offers rock-climbing lessons. (Ages 9+)

·         http://israelkids.co.il/israel-directory/attractions-and-family-outings-sportek-climbing-wall-685

Jerusalem

·         Jerusalem Scavenger Hunt (Ages 9+) http://www.jerusalemscavengerhunts.com/

·         Ammunition Hill Museum to learn about the liberation and reunification of Jerusalem. (Ages 9+) http://israelkids.co.il/israel-directory/attractions-and-family-outings-ammunition-hill-museum-1039

·          Keyad Hadimyon outside Modiin for arts and crafts fun! (Ages 3 +) http://www.hadimyon.co.il/

·         Bowling Center is a great way to spend a rainy day. (Ages 6+) http://israelkids.co.il/israel-directory/birthday-parties-bowling-lev-talpiot-987

·         Train Theatre offers puppet plays, story telling and more. (Ages 2+) http://www.traintheater.co.il/english/

South

·         Philip Farm in the Northern Negev for donkey rides andother fun activities. (All ages) http://www.philipfarm.co.il/

·         Eilat’s Yisrael-Yam (Glass Bottom Boat Ride)to enjoy a relaxing ride along the Red Sea.  (All ages) http://israelkids.co.il/israel-directory/attractions-and-family-outings-israel-yam-glass-bottom-boat-622

·         Dolphin Reef Eilatto observe dolphins in their natural habitat. (All ages) http://www.dolphinreef.co.il/

·         Kiryat Gat’s Action Park offers thrilling rides, games and more. (Ages 6+) http://www.action-park.co.il/

·          Eilat’s Camel Ranch offers adventurous horseback riding. (Ages 6+) http://www1.camel-ranch.co.il/

North

·         Devorat Hatavorin Moshav Shadmot Devora, for a fun bee farm and petting zoo experience. (Ages 3+)http://www.dvorat-hatavor.co.il/

·          101 Kilometer, south of Paran, for fun Jeep/ATV rides and reptiles galore. (All ages) http://israelkids.co.il/israel-directory/attractions-and-family-outings-101-kilometer-home-to-the-largest-reptile-farm-in-the-middle-east-605

·         The Galilee’s Etz Habakbukim (Bottle Tree)to learn to make ancient spices. (Ages 6+) http://www.ein-tzurim.org.il/apage/768.php

·          Achziv Beach National Park, north of Nahariya, for stunning views and a natural and artificial seawater pool. (All ages) http://www.parks.org.il/BuildaGate5/general2/data_card.php?U=no&SiteName=parks&ItemID=315529539&ValuePage=Card1

·         Hagosherim Kayaks, in Hagoshrim, offers adventurous kayak ride down the Jordan River.  (Ages 3+) http://www.kayak.co.il/

Avital Cohen, MSW, is the founder of Israel Kids, an exciting new website for kids and family activities, local events, and services in Israel, the first of its kind in English. In her spare time, she enjoys hiking and visiting many of the attractions listed on the site. Visit www.Israelkids.co.il for more ideas for touring Israel- and check the coupons page for great deals.

Avital made Aliyah with Nefesh B’Nefesh in 2005 from Riverdale with her husband, Rafi. They have three children.