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Last summer (2023), we flew to Israel and Dubai for close to 2 weeks with our almost 4 year old. You can read all about how we booked our flights and hotels for free.
Here are the 10 best places to visit in Israel when traveling with kids.
1 - Photoshoot
Israel is full of perfect photoshoot spots! We had a photoshoot booked with Adina from Visivo Images for Monday at 9AM. We were originally scheduled to land before midnight but alas our flight was delayed. After much back and forth, with Adina being so gracious, we decided to stick to our original session. After approximately 3 hours of sleep, we were off to our first scheduled activity! We did a 1 hour shoot, and it was an incredible experience!
2 - Shar Yaffo/Kosel
We always make it a point to walk down Shar Yaffo to the Kosel. The colorful vendors and hundreds of tiny little steps of Shar Yaffo makes for a fun activity for kids and the treat at the end of seeing the Kosel is spectacular! Little kids love acting like a grown up at the Kosel, whether it's davening, laying their tiny hands on the Kosel stones or walking backwards like everyone else.
3 - Masada
Masada is an ancient fortification in southern Israel. We bought tickets to the cable car, rode it all the way up and then explored the ruins on top. It was very hot so we rested in some of the shady spots, drank lots of water, and then made our way back down the cable cars. The views were incredible and the crowds were minimal. Once downstairs we grabbed some ice cream to cool off, walked around for a bit and then had lunch.
4 - Ein Bokek
I feel like Ein Bokek is not such a well know hiking spot, since most people choose to visit the more popular Ein Gedi. However, I was there while on a trip with friends back in 2014 and remembered how child friendly and quiet this spot was. It's a little hard to find. Once your GPS tells you that you reached your destination, you have to find the parking lot, get out of the car and trust that the location is right! Walk around a bit and you should find a steep decline down into a water stream. That's when you know you've arrived. Make your way down the decline, and you'll find yourself in the most peaceful water hike ever. The water remains shallow and the hike is easy. Walk as far as you want before turning back. We spent time walking, sitting in the water, playing with the pebbles and climbing some of the larger rocks. Our little one loved every minute and it was the perfect blend of challenging and fun for her. She came away from that hike feeling good about herself and couldn't stop talking about it!
5 - Dead Sea
A short drive from Ein Gedi, hop over to the Dead Sea after your hike. The Dead Sea is a great spot to just lay in the water and soak in the sun. When it comes to picking spots for a family adventure, the Dead Sea might not be the first thing that pops into your head. But let me tell you, it's a hidden gem, just like Ein Bokek! Sure, everyone's heard of it, but not everyone realizes how awesome it is, especially for kids. It's fascinating for them to discover that you can't sink! It's like a natural magic trick that never gets old. Then there's the mud by the shore – it's not just any mud, it's like a secret spa treatment that leaves your skin feeling amazing. So, while you're there with your little ones, you can relax, splash around in the water, and get your hands dirty with some good old-fashioned mud play.
6 - Gan Hachayot (Biblical Zoo)
If you're traveling with family you must take a trip to Gan Hachayot (the zoo)! The zoo is well laid out with a simple route that covers all exhibits in one circle. There are plenty of shady spots to rest and get out of the heat. The highlight of the trip is definitely seeing a life-size Noah's Ark.
7 - Shuk Machne Yehuda
A great spot to visit with kids both during the day and at night. Shuk Machne Yehuda is a lively outdoor market with every food imaginable for sale. From pickles to nuts, to fish and smoothies. When you visit make sure to find the vendor that sells every color slush and inserts a sour stick in place of a straw. The kids love that! Make sure to visit Shuk Machne Yehuda on a Friday to catch the Erev Shabbos rush!
8 - Tomo Candy
Tomo Candy is a candy making factory where kids get to make candy on their own! Super cool experience for kids and adults. The candy is all kosher and there are tons of options to choose from!
9 - Kever Rachel
Another great spot to visit with kids. Close to Jerusalem, it's only a 20 minute drive. Kids 3 and older can already understand the concept of davening at Kever Rachel. It's a very uplifting experience and kids love to act like grown ups and daven from their own siddur.
10 - Rosh Hanikra
An incredible geological creation, Rosh Hanikra is located at the farthest point north on Israel's border with Jordan. Rosh Hanikra is an awesome place for a family trip! It's like stepping into a real-life adventure book. Explore caves carved by the sea and feeling the cool breeze on your face. Kids can ride the cable car down to the caves. Once you're down there, you can walk through the caves and hear the waves crashing against the rocks. Definitely a must see!
Hope you have a wonderful time in Israel!
Till next time,
Chavy