While Israel is famous as a religious pilgrimage destination, many families don’t immediately think of it as a top spot for a holiday with kids. This tiny country gets way more negative press than it deserves. In reality, it’s a living history treasure trove, packed with ancient stories, breathtaking landscapes, and cultural gems. Every corner of Israel feels rich and meaningful.
Sure, kids might not grasp all the history, but trust me – there’s plenty here to explore with children, discover, and love. From family-friendly activities in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Haifa, and beyond, to interactive museums, beaches, and desert adventures, Israel has something for every young adventurer.
Best Cities To Stay With Kids In Israel – Practical Family Travel Tips
When planning a family trip to Israel with kids, choosing the right base makes all the difference. Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, and Haifa are the best cities for families.
Jerusalem is unbeatable if you’re into history, old city charm, and easy access to major sites like the Western Wall and biblical landmarks. A family room here typically runs around 330‑550 NIS per night for a mid‑range hotel, with larger suites or upgraded rooms costing more. Prices can surge during Jewish holidays.
Tel Aviv offers beaches, playground‑rich promenades, museums, and lively kid‑friendly cafes. Expect mid‑range family rooms from around AU$300‑544+ per night, especially close to the beachfront.
Haifa has a more relaxed vibe and is great for families who want nature, science museums, and easy beach days, with family rooms starting from around $163 USD (~250 AUD) and great child‑friendly amenities.
All three cities have excellent transport links if you’re planning day trips across Israel with kids. Or you could hire a car, which is what we did.
Frequently Asked Questions – Family Travel Israel
Q: Is Israel family-friendly?
Absolutely! Israel is incredibly family-friendly, offering kid-friendly attractions, beaches, museums, nature hikes, and historical sites perfect for children of all ages. Families visiting Israel can easily mix fun adventures with educational experiences for a memorable trip.
Q: What is the best month to go to Israel?
The best months for family travel in Israel are spring (March – May) and autumn (September – November). The weather is mild, outdoor activities are ideal, and kids can enjoy beaches, parks, and hiking without the extreme summer heat.
Q: Do all Jews get a free trip to Israel?
Not all Jews receive a free trip. Programs like Birthright Israel sponsor trips for eligible young adults, but generally, your Israel family vacation requires planning and booking, including accommodations and activities.
Q: Can you wear jeans in Israel?
Yes! Jeans and casual clothing are perfectly fine for families exploring Israel. Just remember to dress modestly in religious sites while keeping kids comfortable for sightseeing, nature walks, and city adventures.
Q: What activities are best for kids in Israel?
There’s so much! Families can explore the Ein Gedi waterfalls, float in the Dead Sea, visit Ramat Gan Safari, wander ancient tunnels in the City of David, and enjoy playgrounds on Tel Aviv and Haifa beaches. These are just a few of the top kid-friendly attractions in Israel.
23 Things To Do In Israel With Kids
When we visited Israel, exploring with kids was an adventure at every turn. From the bustling markets of Jerusalem to the sunny beaches of Tel Aviv, Mia and Caius had a blast discovering history, nature, old family roots, and interactive experiences.
Their favourites included splashing in the Ein Gedi waterfalls, floating in the Dead Sea, and exploring ancient tunnels at the City of David. Every activity combined fun, learning, and a little bit of magic – the perfect mix for families looking for the best things to do in Israel with children.
1. Nimrod’s Fortress – Epic Family Adventure In Golan Heights
Address: Nimrod Fortress National Park, Golan Heights (The park entrance is located on Route 989 between Kiryat Shmona and Mount Hermon, about twenty minutes east of Kiryat Shmona – very northern end of Israel).
Cost: Approx 22 NIS (~$7 AUD) adult, kids under 5 free
Best for Ages: 5–12+
Season Advice: Spring & autumn are ideal – summers can be very hot for little ones
This castle‑ish fortress was a playground for Mia and Caius. Think tunnels, steps, lookout points, and loads of imagination. We pretended we were princesses and explorers all at once.
What’s not to love about an ancient castle-like fortress with tunnels and staircases, statues and vistas as far as the eye can see. Hide and seek, history, pirates, princesses, the list is endless on a day of imagination for the kids. Parents are sure to love the history of this location too.
2. Eating Pita & Hummus – Messy, Tasty Family Fun
Address: Everywhere – street stalls, markets, locals’ favourites
Cost: Varies by place (street pita can be around 15‑40 NIS)
Best for Ages: All
Season Advice: Year‑round activity, perfect mid‑day filler
Hands‑on eating is essential family fun in Israel. Dipping soft pita into hummus was a daily highlight – my kids LOVED it. You’ve NOT had hummus until you’ve had it in Israel.
3. Mount Bental – Views & History With A Kid Twist
Address: Golan Heights (near Syrian border)
Cost: Free – Want a day tour? Click here.
Best for Ages: 6+
Season Advice: Cool seasons are best
Mia and Caius raced through old bunkers and imagined spy missions. The views here are massive – adults love the historical context, kids love the adventure. This location provides kids with a hands-on experience to learn about the pivotal points in history for the modern state of Israel.
4. Visit A Kibbutz – Community & Kids’ Playtime
Address: Multiple across Israel (e.g., Kibbutz Ein Gedi)
Cost: Often free if invited
Best for Ages: All
Season Advice: Spring & autumn
A kibbutz is a collective community in Israel, often focused on agriculture or other primary production. It’s all about family, neighbours and social responsibility. We ended up at a kibbutz near Ein Gedi where neighbours welcomed us. Kids instantly found playgrounds, neighbours’ kids and splash pools. True family culture. Maybe check out Kibbutz Keturah.
5. Eilat Family Beach & Water Activities
Address: Eilat, at the southern tip of Israel by the Red Sea. There are a couple of ways to drive from Tel Aviv to Eilat. One is via Mitzpe Ramon. Another nice alternative is from Tel Aviv to the Dead Sea via Arad, stay a couple of days there, or just make a short stop and then continue to Eilat. It takes approx. 5 hours from Tel Aviv, and a similar duration from Jerusalem.
Cost: Varies by activity (snorkel, glass‑bottom boat, etc.) – Do a day tour – check prices here.
Best for Ages: 4+
Season Advice: Winter & spring for perfect swimming
Eilat was all about water, soft sand, and ocean fun. From glass boats to calm beach time, it’s a great family seaside stop.
6. Float In The Dead Sea – Mud & Giggles
Address: Dead Sea beaches south of Jerusalem
Cost: Typical beach entries around 35 NIS, tour options vary
Check prices for tour from Tel Aviv
Check prices for tour from Jerusalem
Best for Ages: All ages
Season Advice: Cooler months, avoid intense sun
There’s nothing like seeing Caius laugh as he “floated like a log.” It’s totally wild and so unique for kids who have never tried it.
The Dead Sea is made up of 33% salt, which is ten times the typical amount found in the ocean. It is labelled the Dead Sea cause nothing grows in it. Its high salt content allows you to float with ease, read a newspaper, lift your legs and arms high out of the water – anything. It also holds a healing mud, which kids are going to love spreading all over their bodies. Which kid wouldn’t love being told to slop themselves with mud?
Tip: If your kids have any cuts or sores, they will soon know about them in this water.
7. Ein Gedi Nature Reserve – Waterfall Hiking With Kids
Address: Judean Desert near Dead Sea
Cost: About 28‑29 NIS adult, kids under 5 free
Best for Ages: 5+
Season Advice: Cooler months ideal for hiking
This oasis is one of our kid‑favourite nature outings with little splash spots and walking paths that felt like a cool desert hideaway.
8. Masada Family Adventure – Fortress With Views
Address: Masada National Park, south of Jerusalem
Cost: About 74 NIS park ticket + ~46 NIS cable car
Best for Ages: 7+
Season Advice: Early mornings in summer, autumn & spring perfect
Cable car rides and epic desert views had Mia and Caius buzzed with excitement. Sunrise at Masada is truly a “whoa” moment for everyone. Include it in your day trip to the Dead Sea and Ein Gedi. This is King Herod’s desert fortress built in 30BC.
9. Jerusalem Cooking Tour – Markets & Menus With Kids
Address: Abraham Hostel Jerusalem & local markets
Cost: Around 80 NIS per person
Best for Ages: 6+
Season Advice: Year‑round
Mia and Caius got hands in the kitchen and in the market. It was fun, cultural and teens really enjoyed tasting local goodies.
10. Tel Aviv Beaches – Playgrounds & Promenade Days
Address: Multiple beaches in Tel Aviv
Cost: Mostly free, some paid beaches have facilities
Best for Ages: All
Season Advice: Summer is beach season
Tel Aviv’s beach strip has kick‑around spaces, mini libraries and playgrounds. Pure sunny family fun.
11. Caesarea – Ruins, History & Kids’ Exploration
Address: Caesarea National Park, West Coast (between Tel Aviv and Haifa)
Cost: 38 NIS (~$11.50 AUD) adult, kids under 5 free
Best for Ages: 5+
Season Advice: Spring and autumn to avoid summer heat
Herod the Great built this stunning city. Everything about this city was grand and pushed the limits of technology at the time. Caius loved running around the open ruins while Mia was glued to the interactive holograms showing Roman history. Perfect mix of learning and playing.
12. Templar Tunnel – Underground Adventure In Akko
Address: Acre (Akko), North of Haifa
Cost: 15 NIS (~$5 AUD) adult, kids under 5 free
Best for Ages: 6–12
Season Advice: Year‑round, tunnels are cool in summer
The Templar military-monastic order built a 350-metre tunnel below the city of Akko (Acre), which connected the palace to the port. This has been restored and is open to the public. Mia thought the tunnels were a secret mission zone while Caius kept pointing out the projections of knights. Perfect rainy day or hot day escape.
13. Rampart’s Walk – Walk The Walls Of Jerusalem
Address: Old City, Jerusalem (start near Jaffa Gate)
Cost: Approx 18 NIS (~$5 AUD) adult, kids free
Best for Ages: 6+
Season Advice: Spring or autumn – hot summer sun makes walking tricky
Nothing in the world compares with walking on the walls around Jerusalem. The current walls date back to the 16th century AD, but were rebuilt on top of the location of the original ancient walls. It takes about 1.5 hours to slowly walk between Jaffa Gate around to the Temple Mount. Climbing the city walls was a thrill for both kids. Pro tip: use the loo before starting – there’s no turning back mid‑walk!
14. Underground Western Wall Tunnels Tour – Hidden Jerusalem Gems
Address: Northern entrance to the Western Wall, Jerusalem
Cost: ~36 NIS (~$10 AUD) adult, kids free
Best for Ages: 7+
Season Advice: Year‑round
The Western Wall (Kotel) is one of the most iconic religious locations in the world, and the most sacred place for Jews. The only exposed remnants of the 2nd temple which was destroyed by the Romans in the 1st century AD. Getting below the famous Kotel was an adventure for Mia and Caius. They loved spotting ancient stones and hearing stories about history come alive.
15. Weizmann Institute of Science – Hands-On STEM Fun
Address: Rehovot, 15 minutes south of Tel Aviv
Cost: Check for current 2026 exhibits (~50‑70 NIS)
Best for Ages: 5–14
Season Advice: Year‑round, outdoor exhibits great spring/fall
Our mini scientists had a blast experimenting with interactive physics and biology exhibits. I think we all left a little smarter and a lot happier.
16. HaTachana Train Station – Boutique Shops & Play Zones
Address: 1 Koifman Street, Tel Aviv (between Neve Tzedek & Old Jaffa)
Cost: Free
Best for Ages: All
Season Advice: Summer mornings or autumn afternoons ideal
This old railway from 1892 didn’t have much use when it closed down, and fell into disrepair. It has now been refurbished into a plaza with boutique shops, cafes and classy restaurants. The old trains, tracks, and vintage carriages had Caius pretending he was a train conductor while Mia explored the little shops. Parents enjoy coffee and the chic vibes.
17. Mount of Olives – Iconic Views & Donkey Fun
Address: Hill east of Jerusalem Old City
Cost: Small tip for the donkey photo op
Best for Ages: 4+
Season Advice: Cooler mornings or late afternoons
Mia and Caius loved meeting the “donkey man.” We snapped some epic photos, and the kids got to feed the donkey. Simple moments like this make Israel unforgettable.
18. Netanya – Coastal Town Play & Splash
Address: Netanya, Sharon coastal plain, 30 km north of Tel Aviv
Cost: Free
Best for Ages: All
Season Advice: Summer is prime splash season
Fountains, pedestrian malls and endless playgrounds kept our kids busy. We loved letting them run wild while we relaxed by the Mediterranean.
19. Banias Nature Reserve – Waterfall Adventures
Address: Upper Golan, between Hula Valley & Mount Hermon
Cost: 27 NIS (~$8 AUD) adult, kids under 5 free
Best for Ages: 5–12
Season Advice: Spring for waterfall flow & shaded walks
The Banias Nature Reserve contains an abundance of natural and historical beauty, from the ruins of ancient cities to the roaring Banias Waterfall – the biggest waterfall in Israel. It’s not big by international standards, but considering it’s in the middle of a dessert, it’s very impressiveand perfect for little explorers. Mia and Caius loved splashing in the streams and discovering rocks. A little dirt never hurt anyone!
20. Sea of Galilee – Freshwater Fun
Address: Western, northern & eastern coasts, Jordan Rift Valley
Cost: Free
Best for Ages: All
Season Advice: Spring, summer and early autumn for swimming and picnic weather
The Sea of Galilee is the largest freshwater lake in Israel. Picnics, paddle play and casual strolling – Sea of Galilee was the ultimate chill day. We ended the trip laughing, swimming, and watching our kids play endlessly.
21. Ramat Gan Safari – Wild Animal Adventure
Address: Ramat Gan Safari Park, Ramat Gan (near Tel Aviv)
Cost: Approx 90 NIS (~$27 AUD) adult, kids under 4 usually free (ticket prices can vary in 2026)
Best for Ages: All, especially 4+
Season Advice: Year‑round, cooler hours in summer mornings and late afternoons are best for animals
Whether you drive through the safari area or wander the zoo on foot, this place will blow your mind. Lions, giraffes, elephants and more roam on wide plains. The drive‑through adds real safari vibes without leaving Israel. It’s one of those family‑friendly attractions that feels like a little African adventure but right near Tel Aviv.
22. City of David – Ancient Jerusalem Treasure Hunt
Address: City of David National Park, Jerusalem
Cost: Approx 100 NIS adult, kids under 6 often free (prices may vary in 2026)
Best for Ages: 7+
Season Advice: Spring and autumn are ideal; shady spots make exploring more pleasant
Walking through the City of David felt like time travel for our crew. Kids get to explore real archaeological tunnels, touch ancient stones and march through history the way people did thousands of years ago. There’s a sense of mystery and discovery that kept Mia and Caius excited the whole time. This isn’t just a museum - it’s a hands‑on historical adventure.
23. Mitzpe Ramon – Desert Crater Adventure With Kids
Address: Mitzpe Ramon, Negev Desert, Southern Israel
Cost: Free to explore the Ramon Crater. Guided jeep tours from approx 180-350 NIS per person (2026 prices may vary)
Best for Ages: 6+
Season Advice: Spring and autumn are perfect. Summer can be extremely hot, so plan early morning or late afternoon adventures
Standing on the edge of the Ramon Crater in Mitzpe Ramon felt like we’d landed on another planet. The desert views stretch forever, and Mia and Caius were instantly in explorer mode. We scrambled over rocks, searched for fossils, and let the kids run wild in wide open space. It’s one of those unique outdoor experiences that makes family travel in Israel unforgettable. This isn’t just a stop on a map. It’s a full desert adventure that sparks imagination and gives kids room to roam. The Grand Canyon of Israel.
Final Thoughts
Israel isn’t just a pilgrimage destination – it’s a family adventure goldmine. From beaches to deserts, ancient ruins to high-tech museums, Mia, Caius and I discovered that kids and adults alike can find magic here.
These 23 activities are just the tip of the iceberg. Other places like Beit Guvrin National Park, the Nachalat Binyamin Art Fair, Hula Nature Reserve, Israel Innovand ation Center and, even Galim Surf School are worth a look too.
Israel is ready to surprise, delight, and educate your whole family. Pack sunscreen, comfy shoes, and a sense of adventure – Explore with Erin‑style!
Important to note that it is extremely difficult to get a visa even as a Jewish person if you are from the global south. I tried visiting with my family but we are from North Africa and my husband was unfortunately denied. As we were traveling for religious regions, I decided to continue on with my two young children and we did not feel as welcomed as we were expecting and received a few nasty looks
This is great information! Thank you so much for sharing. We are Australian and didn’t have any difficulties, but it’s great to hear from other locations.