Picture this: School’s out for the summer and the native children are restless. Or you’ve come as a family to the Holy City, and your kids have grown tired of the same old sites. What to do to fill those endless hours when you may need to be at work, or simply can’t come up with anything new?
In Jerusalem feels your pain, and has thus compiled this list of things to do that might catch a child or grandchild’s fancy (and perhaps even an adult’s). Happy activities!
PARKS
➤ Teddy Park
Take in water, sound and light shows replete with 256 water spouts, 1,800 light fixtures and original music by the New Jerusalem Philharmonic piped in. Those interested in getting wet should wear their smartest swimsuit
Hours: Daytime: 11 a.m, 1 p.m., 3 p.m., 5 p.m. (water)Nighttime: 8 p.m.; in summer, additional show at 9 p.m. (lights, music and water)Address: Paul Emile Botta St., Jerusalem
➤ Haniya Spring
A spring, ancient pool and archaeological site all in one
Hours: Sunday–Thursday and Saturday: 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Friday and holiday eves: 8 a.m.-4 p.m.Website: en.parks.org.il/reserve-park/enchinya-2/ THE EXPERIENCE of being in the Time Elevator. (credit: Time Elevator Jerusalem)
➤ Sacher Park
The largest public park in Central Jerusalem, perfect for a calm picnic or an exciting afternoon at Israel’s tallest playground
Hours: 24 hours Location: Adjacent to Ben-Zvi BlvdWebsite: jerusalemfoundation.org/old-project/sacher-park/
➤ Gazelle Valley
Watch wild mountain gazelles as they frolic in their natural habitat
Location: Deer Valley ParkHours: Daily, 6:30 a.m.-7 p.m.Website: www.gazelle-valley.com/eng/
➤ Wohl Rose Garden
400 roses gifted from countries around the world grow here
Hours: 24 hoursLocation: Next to the KnessetWebsite: jerusalemfoundation.org/old-project/wohl-rose-park-of-jerusalem/
➤ Liberty Bell Park
Created in honor of the US bicentennial, this park is now one of the most popular in the city
Hours: 24 hours Location: Souh of Keren Hayesod Street
➤ Garden of Gethsemane
Experience the garden at the foot of the Mount of Olives, where the New Testament says Jesus underwent the agony and was arrested before his crucifixion
Hours: Sunday-Saturday 8:30 a.m.-12 p.m. and 2:30- 5 p.m.Location: Gethsemane, Mount of Olives
➤ Nahal Refaim
Take a refreshing walk along the Nahal Refaim River in a beautifully lush landscape
A repertoire of children’s puppet shows are showcased in this historical theater
Hours: Sunday- Thursday: 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.Location: Liberty Bell Park, next to Skate Park Website: www.traintheater.co.il/en/festival/2022Contact: 02-561-8514Price: NIS 20-45
➤ Israel Aquarium
Encounter a wide variety of Israel’s sea creatures in this nature conservation center
Live like an ancient Roman for a day in this interactive museum
Hours: By reservation only Location: Ein Yael Website: einyael.co.il/Contact: 02-645-1866Price: Public tours: NIS 35-45Private tours: NIS 500-660
➤ The Old City Train
Don’t feel like walking the steps of the Old City? This train takes you through all the must-sees
Hours: Contact for information Location: Jaffa Gate, Old City Website: www.jerusalem-citypass.com/en/8-the-jerusalem-old-city-trainContact: 050-540-0550Price: NIS 30
➤ Jerusalem Biblical Zoo
Bring biblical animals to life! This renowned zoo is known for its broad collection of Afro-Asiatic wildlife
Discover the best that Israel has to offer with a variety of scavenger hunts
Hours: By reservation only Website: israelscaventures.com/Contact: info@israelscaventures.com
➤ Rappelling in the Old City
Take in the views from the walls of the Old City as you rappel down Jerusalem’s ancient structures
Hours: By reservation only Website: www.challengetours.org/t-en/ and www.funinjerusalem.com/rappelling/Contact: 052-893-8921Price: NIS 1,000-1,900
➤ Falcon Tactical Laser Tag Extreme
Water tag, extreme jelly ball and escape spaces will entertain the family for hours
Hours: Sunday-Thursday 9 a.m.-10 p.m., Friday and holiday eves 9 a.m.- two hours before Shabbat/holidayLocation: Armored Corps Museum in Latrun and Kibbutz Nir David in the NorthWebsite: lasertag-il.com/Contact: 072-272-7988 / falcon.lasertag@gmail.com
➤ Horse and pony rides in the Jerusalem Hills
Discover Jerusalem’s beautiful hills on horseback
Hours: Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Thursday 8 a.m.- 7 p.m., Friday 8 a.m.- 4 p.m. Location: Moshav Yad HashmonaWebsite: kingdavidstables.com/en/Contact: 057-739-8866Price: Dependent on number of people and activity
➤ Shuk Dash
An epic tour through the shuk will make you an expert in Jerusalem’s famous outdoor market. But be warned – it’s very competitive!
Hours: By reservation only Location: Shuk Mahaneh YehudaWebsite: www.shukdash.com/how-it-worksContact: info@israelscaventures.com
➤ Jubilee Scavenger Hunt
Grab your maps and mission packs and travel from the New City to the Old.
Location: Starts at First Station, route along Jaffa GateWebsite: www.Funinjerusalem.Com/jubilee-scavenger-hunt/
FOOD
➤ Food Truck Festival
Discover new foods and flavors, take in live performances in this summer festival
Dates: July 5- August 31, 2022Hours: Tuesday-Thursday: 6-11 p.m.Location: Guy Ben Hinnom Complex Website: www.jerusalem.muni.il/he/experience/allevents/oto-ochel/Kosher: Some trucks Price: NIS 30-40 per dish
➤ Anthony’s Pizza
Savor Italian-style pizza in many innovative, delectable forms
Hours: Sunday and Thursday: noon to midnight, Monday-Wednesday noon-11:30 p.m., Saturday 7 p.m.-midnightAddress: 4 Shoshan St.Kosher: Yes
➤ Design City food court
Children and adults alike will marvel at the Las Vegas-like ‘sky ceiling’ as they munch. Adults: Try to ignore your kids’ groans and squeeze in shopping at the upscale furniture stores!
Set in a picturesque Beit Hakerem square, service is friendly and dairy food uniformly delicious. Bonus: Light rail will drop you off right there (once trainworks complete at end of August)
Freshly baked bread, sweet potato gnocchi, shakshuka and mouthwatering milkshakes are among the offerings at this popular greenhouse café at Sacher Park
Art workshops, fruit picking, tractor tours and more are offered in this agricultural experience
Website: www.a-shiloh.co.il/en/Families-IndividualsContact: 052-796-6630Price: Contact for information
➤ Trip: Adumim Region
A short drive from Jerusalem, camel riding, ATVs and a Judean Desert lookout await
Address: Multiple sites Website: www.touradumim.com/Contact: 054-527-5404 / Touradumim@gmail.comPrice: Contact for information
➤ Eretz Bereshit (Genesis Land)
Bake pita, make mosaics, camp under the stars and meet biblical figures in Abraham’s tent.
Hours: Sunday-Thursday 8 a.m.- late; Friday 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Special arrangements required for overnight stays Location: Alon, near Kfar AdumimWebsite: http://www.genesisland.co.il/enContact: 02-997-4477 Price: NIS 35-150
AREAS/NEIGHBORHOODS
➤ Beit Hakerem
Take in the scenery of multiple parks, sift through the books in the library and pay tribute to Israel’s fallen at Mount Herzl in this serene neighborhood. You’ll find:
Denmark Square
Gan Hashachar
Gan Hagai
Restaurants, ice cream shops and cafés
National Library of Israel
Mount Herzl
➤ First Station
Art exhibitions, a scavenger hunt, restaurants and shops line this 19th-century train station. You’ll find:
Restaurants, shops and cafés
Art exhibitions
Fitness and dance workshops
Events and concerts
Website: www.firststation.co.il/en/
➤ Yemin Moshe
This quaint neighborhood, characterized by its stone houses and cobblestone streets, is home to the famous Artists Colony and Montefiore Windmill, and offers breathtaking views of Jerusalem’s Old City. You’ll find:
