It’s incredibly easy to plan a whole trip around family-friendly activities and attractions, such as the Bloomfield Science Museum, Ein Yael Active Museum, Bible Lands Museum, Kiftzuba Amusement Park, the Biblical Zoo and much more. We’ve taken the liberty of mapping out a fun-packed itinerary for families coming to Jerusalem to make sure you get the most out of your visit!
Day 1 - Educational Fun in the Museum District!
It’s always a good idea to get your kids comfortable with the idea that fun and learning don’t have to be mutually exclusive, and Jerusalem has a variety of options thanks to its rich collection of museum that have special exhibitions and activities that cater to children. And no need to worry if you’re the parent. Many of the activities are either adult-friendly as well or supervised so that you can do the adult thing with the peace of mind that your children are being well looked after. So let’s get started!
10:00 am The Bloomfield Science Museum
This largely interactive museum is the perfect way to start off the day when you and your kids are both fully charged. Join guided group tours of the museum, check out some of the hands-on exhibitions and watch educational movies in the resource center.
Read more about the Bloomfield Science Museum >>
Where: Sderot Hamuzeonim, Jerusalem
12:30 pm Lunch at Modern
While we recommend packing your own lunch, if you prefer to eat out, you can head over to either Cafe Haivrit at the Hebrew University campus or Modern restaurant at the Israel Museum. Both are kosher dairy restaurants with charming atmospheres that specialize in healthy, Middle Eastern-inspired cuisine and offer vegetarian and vegan options.
2:00 pm Israel Museum
For adults, we’d normally recommend spending at least a half-day in the amazing Israel Museum, but the massive complex can be a bit much to handle when you have the whole family with you. That said, you should still at least stop by the museum and take the kids to the Ruth Youth Wing for Art Education, where everybody can enjoy the Illustration Library or the interactive Recycling Workshop, while also getting a taste of one of the best museums in the world.
Where: 11 Derech Ruppin, Jerusalem
4:00 pm The Bible Lands Museum
If you want your kids to learn about the ancient Near East, then the Bible Lands Museum is a must-visit. While it doesn’t have the sheer volume of artifacts that the Israel Museum has, let’s be honest, kids are more interested in interesting stories than old stuff. And the Israel Museum obliges with fun and intriguing exhibitions that offer insight into history through the stories of real people. Get to the Bible Lands by 4:00 pm on Wednesdays and the whole family will be able to enjoy Bible Lands Storytime. This activity brings to life the characters of ancient Middle Eastern history and mythology, including King Solomon, the Queen of Sheba, Pegasus the flying horse and many more.
Where: 21 Shmuel Stephen Weiz Street, Jerusalem
Day 2 - Outdoor Amusement
10:00 am Kiftzuba
Located in the Jerusalem Hills just outside the city limits, Kiftzuba is one of the best amusement parks in the country, offering 30 acres of fun for all, including arcade games, activities like spongeball shooting, carnival games, inflatable castles, sports, video games and more.
3:00 pm First Station
After an exciting morning at Kiftzuba, you’ll probably want to go someplace where the kids can find some independent entertainment while you relax and have some adult time. Your best bet is to head over to Jerusalem’s First Station cultural and entertainment complex. At the Kids Station, children can take a ride on the Kids Train' among other activities. Meanwhile, the adults can relax with a beer and enjoy some drinks and snacks and rest assured that the kids are safe and in plain sight.
Where: The First Station, 4 David Remez Street, Jerusalem
5:00 pm Dinner
A busy day like this calls for an early dinner, and luckily if you’re already at the First Station, you don’t have to look far. Lechem Basar, Landwer Cafe, Adom and Station 9 all have family-friendly atmospheres and menus.