Family-Friendly Activities in Jerusalem

Jerusalem, a city with thousands of years of history, offers a range of family-friendly attractions that cater to all ages. Here’s a guide to help you plan your next family trip to this ancient city.

1. Tower of David Museum

The Tower of David Museum is an excellent starting point for families with kids, offering interactive exhibits and multimedia presentations that make learning about Jerusalem’s history engaging. Don’t miss the nighttime sound and light show, “Kingdom of David,” which takes place on select nights during summer months.

2. Israel Museum

The Israel Museum houses a vast collection of archaeological artifacts, including the Dead Sea Scrolls, as well as a children’s wing where younger visitors can take part in hands-on activities and workshops.

3. City of David

The City of David is an archaeological park that provides a glimpse into ancient Jerusalem. Kids will enjoy Hezekiah’s Tunnel, a 500-metre (1,640-foot) water tunnel excavated in the 8th century BCE. The tunnel can be dark and wet, so wear appropriate footwear and bring a flashlight or headlamp.

4. Jerusalem Biblical Zoo

A day at the Jerusalem Biblical Zoo offers families a chance to see animals mentioned in the Bible while enjoying a day outdoors. Highlights include the African savannah, the monkey forest, and the reptile house.

5. Liberty Bell Park

Liberty Bell Park (Gan HaPa’amon) is a large park with playgrounds, an amphitheatre, skate ramps, and open lawns, a straightforward place to let kids run around between the city’s more structured sights.

6. Mahane Yehuda Market

No visit to Jerusalem would be complete without a trip to the Mahane Yehuda Market. Sample Middle Eastern food, pick up souvenirs, and let your kids take in the colours and flavours of this lively marketplace. Keep a close eye on younger children amidst the crowds.

7. First Station

End your day at Jerusalem’s First Station, a former train station turned leisure complex. Here you can find restaurants, outdoor activities like zip-lining and trampolines, art studios, and seasonal events for families.

Yad Vashem

Yad Vashem, Israel’s official memorial to the Holocaust, is not a children’s outing, and it does not belong on a list of family fun alongside a zoo or a market. The institution’s own guidance recommends the museum for ages ten and up. Whether an older child is ready for it is a decision each family needs to make on its own terms, separate from the rest of a Jerusalem itinerary built around the sights above.