Around Jerusalem there are some special hikes that combine nature, history and archaeology. Before heading out, pick up some artisan bread, cheese, wine, hummus (you can find zatar growing wild) and salads for a picnic, drive into the hills, hike to your destination and enjoy. Here are three outings for the whole family.

Nahal Katlav
One particularly lovely hike is Nahal Katlav in the Judean Hills, named because of the abundance of strawberry trees growing there. Katlav is the Hebrew name of the striking, red-barked evergreen shrub or small tree native to the Mediteranean region, the Strawberry tree (Arbutus Unedo). The name 'unedo' is cleverly explained by the Roman historian, Pliny the Elder, as being derived from the Latin unum edo "I eat one", which seems appropriate as most people find the small fruit bland and mealy.

The hike starts from the parking lot just off highway <386> at the Ness Harim Junction and descends into the nahal past a deserted stone building and then follows the dry river bed northward about 2 km to a T with Nahal Soreq and the train tracks. Soreq is biblical Hebrew for a choice grapevine. This region was known for its grapes and today grapes are again growing in the Judean hills (and with them a number of fine boutique wineries). Enjoy your picnic before you retrace your steps back to your car.

Masger Reserve
You cannot help but notice the khaki painted shells of trucks on highway <1> from Tel Aviv up to Jerusalem. For this hike you take the exit to Bet Meir (the moshav on the ruins of the Arab village of Bet Mahsir) and park off the road on the right just before the moshav. This hike in the Masger Reserve takes you to an overlook above Shaar HaGai or Bab el Wad, the gorge that cuts through the hills and marks the entrance that leads to Jerusalem from the coast. This is the same road that in 1948 was closed by the Arab villages along its length (like Bet Mahsir) putting Jerusalem under siege. The convoys of trucks carrying food for the inhabitants of Jerusalem were attacked along this road and many Israelis lost their lives. The poet Haim Gouri wrote about it, the poem was set to music and has become a legend.

Bab el-Wad
Do remember our names forever,
Convoys broke through, on the way to the City.
Our dead lay on the road edges.
The iron skeleton is silent like my comrade.

Take a copy of the poem with you to sing. Have your picnic with the whoosh of traffic way below you.

Ein Lavan
The third hike is an example of hiking to a maayan, a natural spring where water works its way out of the hillside. At some point someone cut into the bedrock to make a pool, perfect for a dip on a hot summer day. Drive out to the Jerusalem Biblical Zoo near Malcha (itself a fun destination for kids) and park the car at the farthest parking lot, a gravel road (you can also drive it or conceivably push a stroller) with a blue trail marker continues west to 2 springs. To your right the hill above the trail is called Rekhes Lavan (White Ridge) because of the kirton (chalk, a soft kind of limestone) and the valley below to the left with the train tracks is Nahal Refaim (Valley of Giants). After following the winding road you will come to a small parking area, a green Parks sign and steps on your right.

Climb the stairs to Ein Lavan that fills 2 pools, a shallow one for smaller children or for cooling your feet and a deeper one, about 1.5 meters, great for swimming. After your picnic follow the spring back towards it source to find some burial caves from the Second Temple period.

The second spring, Ein Itamar, is farther and more challenging to find. Our youngest son, AdirChai, who is the family expert on maayanot told me about it. From Ein Lavan descend the steps and continue along the road, at the fork stay right where the blue trail joins the black. The road becomes paved again, there is a gravel path that forks to the left (don't take it, follow the black trail) and when the road turns right and is climbing there's a dirt path to the left that leads down (blue trail again), follow it until it turns sharply to the left. Look for the ruins of a stone building, the pool is below it.

This guest post is written by Shmuel Browns. Shmuel is a licensed tour guide who lives in Jerusalem. Passionate about Israel, Shmuel takes people throughout the country exposing them to its history, nature and culture. Shmuel blogs about his experiences at http://israeltours.wordpress.com/

Are you planning a birthday party for your son or daughter? Can’t decide what to do? Where to have it? Look no further! You can use Fun in Jerusalem’s party directory for venues, cakes, and more, or scroll down for 5 great birthday party ideas! From bombastic to budget-friendly, these ideas will surely put a huge smile on your child’s face! (And on all their friends, for that matter!)

1.    Storytime
For your theatrical child (from age 3+), Adina’s Open Book offers a magical party experience. She comes to you with themed parties suited to your child’s needs, complete with puppet shows, storytelling, balloon sculptures, arts & crafts, and face painting. She truly brings the wonder of books to life.

2.    Animals and Science
If your child is crazy about animals, they’ll love Zoology.  They bring the zoo right to you! (Don’t worry, he cleans up too) A well trained madrich will bring rabbits, parrots, and even snakes if your child is brave enough! For older kids, try the Jerusalem Bird Observatory for a nature hike and a treasure hunt. And for the brainiacs among us, your older child (age 6+) will really like Dr. Molecule. He entertains kids with science magic tricks and gets them involved.

3.    Classic Inflatables and Games
For your little energizer-bunny and their friends, this is a complete party idea. For ages 2+, Sport Attraction will bring the Gymboree to your home. There are ball pits, inflatables, obstacle course and more! Or call Kef Chaim to bring life sized versions of your favorite games like checkers, dukim and snakes & ladders. This is a really great idea for 2-10 year olds and it will keep the kids occupied for a long time.


4.    Extreme Sports
For older children who love action and high-energy sports, try Amitz Paintball, Challenge Tours Snappling or Scenario Laser Tag. These parties in the forest will be exciting, energy-releasing, and best of all, no cleanup (ages 9-15). 

5.    Circus
You’ve had mainly low-key parties up until now, but now that your child is about 5 and understands that this is his or her special day, why not go wild? A circus party, complete with balloon animals, juggling, and tightrope is a fun way to spend the afternoon. Govatron company does circus parties and so does Maagal. Amit, the Magician adds magic and edible bubbles to the mix and Michal Chafetz provides clowns and pantomimes.

6.    Leave the Planning to Others
If the idea of thirty 6 year old boys traipsing around your house is not so appealing then let Amit from Yeladim Mevashlim run the party at the Mercaz Tarbut (ICCC) and let the kids to enjoy baking or cooking. They also offer a Theater Party complete with an African show full of costumes, music and fun or a Sports Party with equipment, competitions and even an inflatable jumpy castle. Best of all they plan it all and you just bring the cake. Contact Fun In Jerusalem for more information.

Don’t forget to save the hassle and order cakes from My Cakery Bakery or Temptations Israel and use our Fun In Jerusalem Directory for more party ideas and resources.

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Have you ever heard of a Salt Room? Do you know they can be very helpful for children 6 months and older with breathing issues or chronic ear infections?

Last week after being home with my son, who had the flu and a bad cough, I decided we needed to get out and find a way to help his cough. My friend suggested taking him to the Dead Sea and I quickly decided that was way to far to drive for a short treatment. That is when it occurred to me that I had seen a sign for Shlomot, a spa in the center of town with a Salt Room.

It was very easy to book an appointment and the best news was that our first visit was free because we have a Yerushalmi card. Parking on the other hand was difficult, especially since my son didn't feel so well and wasn't up to walking very far.

Once we came into the spa the atmosphere was calming and welcoming. We put on little covers for our shoes (to keep the salt clean) and entered the room through the large glass doors. Inside the salt room the walls, ceiling and floors are made of salt. It looks as pure as fresh snow. The room is equipped with lounge chairs, a large tv screen with speakers and some kids' sand toys.

Although the room is often shared, it was a quiet time of day and we had the room to ourselves. Luckily they told us on the phone to bring a DVD (we brought Beyblade) and my son was able to watch a 45 minute video while sitting on a lounge chair breathing in the salt air. In case you are wondering, you don't actually feel anything or taste the salt in the air. Parents can sit inside with their children or wait outside in the main spa lobby (they do also have fish pedicures for grownups, but I wasn't that brave).

A course of 6 treatments is recommended for the full effect and salt rooms are helpful for children with asthma and other breathing issues.

It was a great experience, very child friendly and I wouldn't hesitate to go back again. Thankfully my son is back in school and his cough has subsided.

Salt Room Locations in Jerusalem for Children

Hadassah Hospital 

Shlomot Center "Jerusalem Wellness Center" 14 Rechov Hillel 02-644-8346

Read more...

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