Since we’ve been home from Israel, everyone (and by everyone I mean a couple of my friends) wants itinerary advice for their upcoming or future Israel trips. So I’ll consolidate it here, so I don’t have to repeat myself — even though repeating myself is one of my favorite activities.
What to see:
Of course you’ll go to Ben Yehuda Street, the big no-cars shopping avenue in Jerusalem. But even though you’ll bargain (start at less than half what they ask), don’t expect bargains there: you’ll have “tourist” stamped on your smiling face. Didn’t stop us from contributing to the Israeli economy, but just so’s ya know.
My kids got antsy in most of the museums, but not in Jerusalem’s Herzl Museum, which gives you a 60-minute, multi-media tour of Theodor Herzl’s life, goals, and importance. Herzl’s passionate Zionism put into effect the wheels (like the World Zionist Organization and the Jewish National Fund) that allowed for a Jewish state just 44 years after his death. Kids, and adults, need to understand that so they don’t think the Jewish State just appeared after the Holocaust.
If you want to shop where the locals do, go to the Carmel Market in Tel Aviv. Mostly produce and food stands, so go hungry for yummy fruits and veggies, but we bought kippot there for 10 shekels each and similar ones on Ben Yehuda Street for 40-60.
As far north as it gets is Rosh Hanikra — it’s right next to the Lebanese border. There you will see gorgeous grottoes carved by the ocean into the mountainside. A short cable car ride gets you there, and it’s perfect for kids: cool and wet and fun. Stand close to the guard rail and yes, you will get splashed.
Part of the natural grottoes at Rosh Hanikra - photo from rosh-hanikra.com
I have other things to do up my sleeve and will keep adding to your future itinerary.
If you’ve been on a family trip to the Holy Land, help a blogger out: What are some of your favorite things to do with kids in Israel?
4 Comments
Great suggestions! I’ve been inspired to book a trip to Israel! Looking forward to more ideas.
We started taking our kids to Israel during the summers when they were 6 and 9. They were old enough to enjoy and remember it and and had the discipline to whine less than when they were younger! Our oldest is now 20 and goes back during college breaks to visit Israeli friends she made at camp, buying her own ticket with money she earned while working at school.
Soreq Cave is full of stalagtites and stalagmites named for those objects they resemble. The tour is less than an hour and the cave temp is a welcome relief from the summer sun. Jeep tours of the Golan promise thrills for all ages. Dig for a Day is a must to appreciate the archeological value of Israel. Don’t decline the cave crawl! And while in the area check out the bell caves of Beit Guvrin.
We also visited a Maccabean village in Modi’in where the kids learned hands-on all about village life in the days of the Maccabees, writing with homemade ink and quills, and feeding the donkey.
We used a fantastic tour book when our kids were younger – you can check it out here. No commercial endorsement implied! http://www.amazon.com/Kids-Love-Israel-Loves-Families/dp/0929371895
We went to Soreq cave – it was amazing – and did two Jeep tours, one organized and one private with a friend. The Jeep rides were among the kids favorite memories!
I keep a list of all of my favorite restaurants and shops as well as itinerary suggestions. It’s always great to help someone else enjoy Israel!