There is nothing quite like a family vacation. Your family will enjoy creating memories that will last their entire lives as you venture to another place in the world. Of course, deciding where to go on your vacation is the hardest choice of all. As you ponder your destination, do not forget to consider Israel, a country with a rich history and culture that spans thousands of years.
Israel is not a large nation, being only slightly larger than New Jersey, but there are many places for a family to go to visit. It truly does not matter what your political, religious or ethnic background is: Israel has more attractions and sites than you can imagine. There are more than enough activities for children to enjoy, including the beaches, museums, restaurants, and historical sites. You never have to worry about anyone in the family getting bored when taking a family vacation to Israel.
It is particularly useful to know that most tourists who come to Israel take their entire families. In fact, Israel is a very child-friendly country. Many of the trails are designated as “family trails,” and there are many museums that offer many opportunities for kids to learn and have fun. Many of the guides are in full costume and there are workshops where you can do hands-on bread making, pottery, mosaics and other interesting crafts. Kids will also be delighted to find that some of the ancient sites have mysterious tunnels and caves to explore and secret staircases to hide-a-way towers.
For the animals lovers, the Biblical Zoo in Jerusalem will be a place to meet some new furry friends and there are also numerous petting zoos in various places in the community. Camel rides are an amazing thrill for kids, as they sit where they can see the whole world from their camel perch. In Eilat, the whole family can swim with the dolphins on a beautiful private beach. Some of the hotels even have “kids clubs” for young people to get together for fun, crafts and activities. There are plenty of spacious areas for the younger ones to run and play.
One interesting place to visit is the Eretz Israel Museum in Tel Aviv. This is actually a group of museums all clustered together into one location and name. There is so much here that the family could actually spend an entire day. The main building shows exhibits of ancient glass and ceramic artifacts, while the folklore section features objects from Israel’s past, especially the traditions and ceremonies of their rich culture. The Tell Quasile Excavation site shows remnants of the Philistines who lived in this area in the 12th century. “Voyage through the Universe” is a simulated flight that features moving floors and special effects. Located inside the Plantetarium, this is an exciting place for kids of all ages.
Mini Israel, located east of Tel Aviv in Central Israel, is another enjoyable place for everyone, especially children. This amazing replica is all of Israel condensed into only thirteen acres. Built on a 1:25 scale of the Holy Land, this area contains miniatures of 350 Israeli buildings relating to history, religion and modern life. The park area is designed in the shape of the Star of David and is divided into six sections to help tourists understand the geography of the country. There are miniatures of the cities of Caesarea and the Old City of Jerusalem, which includes the Western Wall. This is a great place to visit as you first arrive in Israel or right before you leave, as it is very close to the Ben Gurion International Airport.
The Herzliya Museum of Art features both contemporary and historical art side by side. In the museum’s educational wing there are opportunities for children to explore videos and photography and there are also workshops featuring creative activities and classes for all ages. Herzliya is on the central coast of Israel and is a part of the Tel Aviv district.
These are just a few of the family oriented places to visit in Israel. You will find the Jerusalem hotels be family-friendly also, with many choices and varieties to choose from. Perhaps you have decided to find accommodations at a hotel in Herzliya, where you will enjoy some magnificent views of the Mediterranean Sea.
Regardless of which hotel in Israel you decide on, you will find your family time here to be refreshing and fun for everyone. Israel is a country that appreciates “family” and you will not be disappointed to find many activities and sites to explore. No other place on earth offers such a complete experience for family vacationers.
