Planning a family tour to Israel can be a daunting task, but fear not! If you're heading to Jerusalem, you'll find a plethora of attractions and activities suitable for children. Here are some of our top picks:
Biblical Zoo
The one-of-a-kind Jerusalem Biblical Zoo is a must-see attraction. You'll find all species of animals mentioned in the Torah, as well as endangered animal species from around the world. With approximately 170 species, including lions, cheetahs, and crocodiles, there's plenty to see. The petting zoo with goats, chickens, and other animals, as well as the sculpture park, is sure to delight visitors of all ages.
Blumfeld Science Museum
The Blumfeld Science Museum is a perfect addition to your family tour in Jerusalem. With original and creative interactive exhibitions and displays, everyone is invited to test, touch, and experiment with all the showpieces. Various exhibitions and shows are held here on a regular basis. Daily guided tours and creative workshops, scientific presentations, and interactive shows are available for children and their parents, with special activities held on Saturdays.
The Israel Museum
For families interested in museums, consider allocating a full day to visit the Israel Museum, Israel's largest cultural institution and one of the top 10 museums worldwide. The museum was renovated in 2010 and is known for its Youth and Art Education Wing, where all cultural educational programs are coordinated. Children and teens can visit various creative workshops, exhibitions, and seminars. Older family members might be interested in visiting the famous Archaeology Wing, which houses astonishing artworks and ritual objects of the past. One of the most amazing attractions here is the Shrine of the Book, which contains famous Dead Sea Scrolls, the Qumran library, and various opportunities for interactive tours. You can also find authentic souvenirs and a cozy café.
Mini Israel
During your family tour in Jerusalem, you should definitely visit the Mini Israel museum located in Latrun, not far from Jerusalem. You'll find hundreds of realistic miniature models, most of which are less than seven inches, of almost all of the significant archaeological, historical, and religious attractions in Israel. Children and adults alike will appreciate the excavations of ancient buildings with all the intricate details reduced to miniature proportions. Try to come here on a Saturday or a holiday, when the museum offers a wide range of activities for children, such as multimedia classrooms, simulators, area crafts, outdoor games, and other activities.
Bible Lands Museum
The Bible Lands Museum offers the opportunity to truly immerse oneself in the history of the cultures mentioned in the Torah. Thousands of household items and pieces of art of ancient Canaanites, Egyptians, Phoenicians, Persians, and Philistines are exhibited here. The museum also houses models of ancient Jerusalem and the pyramids of Giza. Children will enjoy educational programs, in-depth master classes and excursions, as well as summer camps, weekend workshops, and Bar/Bat Mitzvah tours. Your family tour in Israel would not be complete without a trip back in time offered in the Museum of the Bible Lands.
Time Elevator
Parents who want to give their children aged 5 and older an overview of the history of Jerusalem should do it with the help of Time Elevator. Time Elevator takes visitors on a journey through time in the company of a guide named Salim. You'll start in the biblical city of Jerusalem and step by step move through epochs. The effect of real presence is achieved through surround sound and moving seats (which can be individually adjusted according to the needs of each particular visitor). Fixed seats are also available.
Summary
These are only a few attractions of Jerusalem for families with kids. In fact, there are many more places to visit during your family tour in Jerusalem, including children's theaters, numerous parks, and gardens. Don’t hesitate to contact us for more details on various opportunities for family tours in Jerusalem with kids, and we will compose an individual program of your visit taking into account all your needs and preferences.