Always a great activity for kids. They get to do hands on activities such as basket weaving, wine pressing, making bricks, creating beautiful mosaics etc... the staff is very friendly and helpful and gave us a great tour of the grounds.
Ein Yael Active Museum
Ein Yael is situated the Emek Refaim valley in the heart of nature on the outskirts of Jerusalem. The site includes ancient terraces, a spring, gardens and agricultural areas, and a reconstructed Roman street with shops and workshops. Ein Yael is also home to various archaeological remains such as a Roman villa and bathhouses, as well as impressive mosaics. Each of these areas come to life through a variety of workshops and activities that focus on ancient crafts and agricultural practices.
Activities at Ein Yael include weaving, pottery, mosaic making, fresco painting, scented oil production, construction , basket making , musical instruments and more. During specific times of the year and depending on the agricultural season, Ein Yael operates an olive press to make oil, a wine press to make grape juice, and a granary to thresh wheat. Workshops enable participants to experience the process of creating tools, objects and food that have been used since ancient times.
The Ein Yael Active Museum is a remarkable location, offering a unique combination of nature and encounters with ancient lifestyles in Israel. The site seeks to give children an experience that is not available in today’s modern world; one that connects them to nature through hands-on sensory experiences.
Details
Where: Ein Yael is located about two minutes from the Malha Mall (mailing address: Ein Yael Museum, PO Box 46169)
Hours: Open to groups year-round with advance registration; and to individuals and families during July and August, on the intermediate days of Passover and Sukkot and school holidays
Directions:From the roundabout next to Malha train station , cross the railway barrier and after 200 meters turn left ( there is a sign near the entrance).
TripAdvisor Reviews
Based on 15 traveler reviews“Disappointment ”
We heard wonderful things about Ein Yael for younger children only to finally arrange a tour and be completely disappointed. The place is not child friendly. Carriages are difficult to navigate. There is zero options to even purchase a water bottle and we were not given a warning about this. We communicated with them...
MoreWe heard wonderful things about Ein Yael for younger children only to finally arrange a tour and be completely disappointed. The place is not child friendly. Carriages are difficult to navigate. There is zero options to even purchase a water bottle and we were not given a warning about this. We communicated with them on multiple occasions by phone and email and not once did they say oh bring your own drinks. It was extremely hot and uncomfortable and the adults and kids were irritable without drinks. The grounds are not well maintained and are quite dirty. Wrappers all over the place (obviously not from snacks sold there). Half our group left early after pita break making and did not stay for the weaving because they were dehydrated. Also it is very difficult to get a taxi there so arrange with your ride there to come back. I would only go well prepared with snacks and drinks and on an early tour. Not Monday when it is hot. Teaches the kids what life was like 2000 years ago. You see some bathes and floors and tunnels of homes from then.
Less“open air living museum JERUSALEM”
The origin of YALU Spring connecting to the Refaim streamJust across the road to the Jerusalem ZOO, Site of an old farm dating to the time of the First Temple 7th Century B.C.,ON TOP Remains of a Roman period VILLA RUSTICA Style farm with some mosaics and roman baths.Nice living exhibition of weaving,pottery,painting,olive...
MoreThe origin of YALU Spring connecting to the Refaim streamJust across the road to the Jerusalem ZOO, Site of an old farm dating to the time of the First Temple 7th Century B.C.,ON TOP Remains of a Roman period VILLA RUSTICA Style farm with some mosaics and roman baths.Nice living exhibition of weaving,pottery,painting,olive oil production,old time vinery,cosmetics and old time dress and agriculture
Less“Good place- many activities. ”
There is a good amount of hands-on activities, demonstrations, exhibits and performances (most recreating ancient times) at this place. It is best for children age 10 and younger- very good for them. There is of course walking to the different areas, and it is not too stroller friendly (surprising given the target age here)....
MoreThere is a good amount of hands-on activities, demonstrations, exhibits and performances (most recreating ancient times) at this place. It is best for children age 10 and younger- very good for them. There is of course walking to the different areas, and it is not too stroller friendly (surprising given the target age here). The cost is reasonable and the guides- mostly native Russian speakers working in Hebrew- are good and very friendly and knowledgable and enthusiastic. Parking leaves something to be desired. I recommend this!
Less“One of the best kdis activities in Jerusalem”
“Lots of activities for the kids”
This was not the most impressive place at first glance but turned out to be a lot of fun for the kids. They had archery, basket weaving, pottery, a petting zoo and lots of other activities for the kids. Signage was not so clear so it was a little confusing getting around. Also, not...
MoreThis was not the most impressive place at first glance but turned out to be a lot of fun for the kids. They had archery, basket weaving, pottery, a petting zoo and lots of other activities for the kids. Signage was not so clear so it was a little confusing getting around. Also, not everyone guiding the activity spoke English, but it was not a big issue. Great fun for the kids.
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