Purim is just around the corner and the smell of Oznei Haman is everywhere. Children have already begun to dress up in their gannim and schools and costume stores have popped up on every street corner.

Purim in Jerusalem seems to last for over a week although it will actually be celebrated on Monday February 25th this year. On Sunday February 24th, Purim is celebrated outside of Jerusalem but there are plenty of Purim activities, parties and fun to be had on both days.

As a special treat this year the Jerusalem municipality will be hosting an ICE Festival with a Far East and underwater theme. This year they are proud to present an acrobatic ice show with world renowned Chinese skaters. Tickets are required in advance. Order tickets through Fun In Jerusalem and receive a 5 NIS discount per ticket. You can rush over before the weather warms up or wait till April to enjoy the ice because the festival takes place in a tent that is artificially cooled to -10.

Museum Activities:

• Israel Museum: Street party, Purim workshops, storytelling
• Children's Theater at the Museum of Islamic Art: Art workshops and daily childrens show
• Bloomfield Science Museum : Science workshops and exhibit tours
• Tower of David Theatrical Tour: Meet costumed actors from Jerusalem's history as they take you around the Tower
• Old Yishuv Court Museum: Kids can guide a group around the museum
• Purim at the Biblical Zoo: Feed the animals mishloach manot, live music
• Museum of Italian Jewish Art: "In Search of the Treaure"

Theater Events:

• Jerusalem Theater: Grandpa Tuvya's Tales
• Train Theater: Emperors New Clothes, Corderoy
• Jerusalem Cinemateque: "Tad the Lost Explorer"
• Beit Shmuel: Alladin

City Events:

• Jerusalem Ice Festival: Purchase tickets for the Ice Sculpture Exhibit or the Acrobatic Show (joint tickets are available as well)
• Purim in Park Jerusalem:
• Kikar Safra Purim Party for Families: Live kids shows, music, and fun
• Purim Tours with the Western Wall Heritage Foundation: Families will come dressed up and tour famous sites within the Old City.
• Purim Tours with Beit Shmuel
• Gan Sacher Purim Party: Sponsored by Lev Hair Community Council
• Jerusalem Bird Observatory: Learn about bird ringing and the birds that live in Israel

There will also be a variety of Megilla readings throughout the city. Toddlers can enjoy a special reading in the German Colony, or if you are looking for a later megilla reading try and catch one of the Azza Zazza Megilla readings at local restaurants. The Agnon Museum will also be hosting a free reading for families.

Let the Purim Fun in Jerusalem begin!

Passover 2013 is approaching and there are so many events and activities for your kids, teens and families to do in Jerusalem. We will continue to update this post as more information becomes available. If you are looking for a full day itinerary then check out our "7 Days in Jerusalem". For specific Pesach events see below.
***Be aware that March 20-22 President Obama will be in Jerusalem and many roads will be closed. The Israel Museum and Bible Lands Museum will also be closed to the public. ***
 
Pre-Passover Kaytana (day camps) Special day camps around Jerusalem for the week before Passover.
  

Activities: Book in Advance

Jerusalem Ice Festival: This is a must see activity. This year's theme is the Far East and underwater world. Don't miss the amazing Acrobatic Ice Show. Take a picture with the Obama ice sculpture in honor of his visit to Jerusalem.

Old City Scavenger Hunt: Learn about the history of the Old City while playing this fun and challenging game. Check the calendar for pay per person hunts on March 24, 27, 28.

  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it at the Tayelet overlooking the Old City Walls. Perfect for beginners.

Jerusalem Ropes Course in Park Gilo: Learn to rappell, climb a rope ladder, acrobatic walking and ride the sky wing and omega. Reservations required in advance for groups. Open Thursday March 28th at 12:00pm-2:00pm and at 5:00-7:00pm for individuals. 100 NIS per person.

Jerusalem ATV: Ride an ATV in the Jerusalem Hills.

Genesis Land: Be a guest in Abraham's tent, ride a camel, learn ancinet Hebrew writing and meet the Biblical characters overlooking the desert.

Jerusalem Art Tour: Explore the streets of Nachlaot, visit the local artists and learn about the history fo the area. There is also an option for a Studio hop in Talpiot. Ages 12+

Festivals & Museum Events:

Ein Yael Spring Festival: Children's Theater and art workshops (making instruments, mosaic,goat milking, weaving etc.) Visit an ancient Roman street. The Pesach Festival will be on March 27-29. Click here for a 10% coupon.

Museum of the Underground Museum: Learn about the founding of the State of Israel with an English tour led by costumed actors around the museum. There are also art workshops for kids and a self guided scavenger hunt around the museum. Highly recommended!!

Festival at Ein Hemed: Knights Festival at Ein Hemed Nature Reserve. Shows and activities for kids in a beautiful natural setting. March 28, 30.

Gihon Tour: Learn about waste water. Guided tour of the purification plant, movie and slideshow.

Bible Lands Museum  Theatrical tours, art workshop and children's theater

Israel Museum:  Hear stories about Eliyahu Hanavi, Recycle Art workshops,  Kids under 17 enter the museum for FREE on Passover.

Bank of Israel Visitors Center: Learn about the history of Israeli Currency and what the Bank of Israel does. Video games, movie and exhibits. Ages 8+.

Botanical Gardens: "Meet in Nature"! Take a tour of the Gardens during the peak of the flowering season, and enjoy 'meeting points' along the way - guides with useful information and stories, actors 'in the field' and free activities for children. FREE

Biblical Zoo: Feed the elephants chametz before Passover, Bubbles show, Incubator Animal Theater and more. There will be no train on Chol Hamoed.   

Bloomfield Science Museum: Hands on exhibits, outdoor water exhibits and science shows for kids.

Theater:

Train Theater: Puppet theater for young kids in the Liberty Bell Park (next to the Inbal). Daily shows.

Where is Mrs Gabbai? Walking theater through Yemin Moshe for kids. (Hebrew)

Dream Trackers: Walking theaterical tour of Yemin Moshe (Hebrew)

 

Special Shows Outside Jerusalem

Sonic Vision at the Planetarium: The Planetarium at the Eretz Israel Museum presents a special audio visual experience set to MOBY music. First time this will be shown in Israel. March 28
Circus Madagascar: Enjoy this fun circus set to the music of Madagascar in Ramat Gan
Prince of Egypt: Musical presentation of the story of the Prince of Egypt. Tel Aviv. Ages 3-12
Circus Dorato: Fun for the whole family in Modiin. March 27 at 5:30pm
Sound of Music in Noah's Ark: Magical musical legend from the biblical flood story, full of adventure and mystery, with classical music. Latrun. March 27
School of Magic: Interactive magic show for kids. Park Hayarkon, Tel Aviv. Ages 4+


Events will be added as the information becomes available so make sure to check back with us or to sign up for our newsletter.
For a full list of events by day visit our calendar.

Are you looking for the perfect gift to buy your kids this Hanukkah? Do you walk into the large toy stores and feel overwhelmed and wonder if there are still any "mom & pop" shops around Jerusalem? We are here to tell you that there are. Esther, who runs Bazaar Moriah on Palmach Street in Katamon is a gem. She knows about the latest trends and the hottest new toys.  Best of all she can give you personal advice based on your child's age and interests.
These are some of the great toys she recommends for this Hanukka. Make sure to tell her you heard about her on Fun In Jerusalem and she will give you a special discount.  (This is not a paid advertisement ...we just really love Esther's shop and the great toys she sells).

Magnet Toy (Age 3+)
This is a great toy for parents who are worried about having lots of little pieces around the house. Kids can "draw" and create pictures using the special magnet pen and best of all the magnets don't come out. This toy offers hours of fun and is perfect to take on a plane or to a restaurant.

OGOBILD POD-Tent (Age 6+)
Double the fun. Enjoy building the tent and then playing inside it. Pod kit creates large, light-weight structures.  Add a simple bed sheet for play-fort fun!
Winner of the National Parenting Center Seal of Approval 2011

Suspend (Age 8+)
Melissa and Doug toys are known for their quality and their imagination. Suspend is a family game of tricky hangs and steady hands! Suspend comes with 24 notched, rubber-tipped wire pieces to hang from a tabletop stand. Sound easy? Try adding another piece! Each time a bar is added, the balance shifts, the difficulty changes and the incredible midair sculpture transforms. This tricky game is for 1-4 players.

Pirate Ship (Age 3+)
Read the book, build the ship and let the fun begin. "Build-a-Story" comes with 1 large ship piece, 14 stand-up characters and accessories, plus a storybook and a fold-out play board. Highly recommended for kids ages 3+.

Engino: (Age 6+)
Esther describes this as better than Lego. This building toy lets kids build their favorite creatures and includes a motor that makes them move.

***Special on Hanukka Candles- Box of oil lights for 89 NIS***

Bazaar Moriah Information
Location: 18 Palmach st.
Phone: 02-563-6191
Sunday-Thursday Hours: 9am-1:45pm & 3:45pm-6:45pm
Friday Hours: 9:00am-1:30pm

Hanukkah the "Festival of Lights" begins on Saturday December 8th and lasts for 8 days. It is a beautiful time in Jerusalem and we encourage you to take a walk with your kids just after candle lighting at 5:30pm to see all the Hanukiot in the windows and on the streets. There are lots of events and activities going on so make sure to check our Calendar for a full list. These are some of the recommended activities.
 

Activities:

Hanukka Scavenger Hunts: By the lights of the Chanukah candles you will *explore the streets *see the sights * hear the stories * feel the vibe of Jerusalem's most unique neighborhoods. This great family activity is fun, educational and exciting. Special Pay Per Person Hunts:

• Candle Lit Scavenger Hunt in the Old City:  Tuesday December 11 at 10:00am (not candlelit) & Thursday December 13 at 5:15pm. 

Private hunts can be arranged by emailing This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Olive Oil Workshop at the Chai Farm: Learn about Olive Oil in a special hands on workshop at the Chai Farm in Moshav Mevo Modiin. Tour the Moshav and choose from a list of other great hands on activities including making cheese, milking goats, weaving and more. Group reservations are required. This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Jerusalem Ropes Course: Fly in the sky swing, climb the rope ladder, ride the omega and snapple down a tree. Great outdoor activities in Park Gilo. Reservations are required in advance. 2 hr activity 1500 NIS for up to 15 people (additional 200 NIS for omega)

Snappling Outside the Old City: Take the challenge and learn to rappel and rock climb up the walls in Gei Ben Hinom just outside the Old City. Experienced guides, safety equipment provided and lots of fun for ages 4-adults.  1200 NIS for up to 12 people.

Jeeping: Take a ride through the Jerusalem Hills or the desert. Add a saag activity and learn to bake pitot in the great outdoors. Advanced reservations required. Jeep reservations fill up quickly.

ATV: Take an ATV ride in the Gush or in the Jerusalem Hills. Drivers license required, passenger can be ages 5+.

Events:

Return of the Super Heroes: Beit Avi Chai presents a great activity for the family ages 5+. Meet 5 characters in Jewish history and learn why they are referred to as heroes. This is a great interactive activity. Shows at 10:00am, 12:00pm and 2:30pm. Reservations in advance required.

Hapoel Katamon Home Game: This is a great family activity and kids under 13 are free. Teddy Stadium.

Children's Classical Music Concert: "The Soap Sadly Wept" Children Songs by Miriam Yalan Shteklis arranged for the orchestra. 50 Minutes.  This is a series called "Music from the Generations"

OU Israel Center Grand Chanukaiyada: Enjoy a play performed by Machon Hamikdash for grades 1-6 including art workshops related to olive oil and the Temple Vessels.

Kaytana:

Hanukkah Ceramic Kaytana :Fun and creative clay and craft projects for kids ages 7-12 at the Jerusalem Ceramic Arts Center in Talpiot.

All Star Sports Kaytana: Spend the week of Hanukkah playing baseball, football and having a great time. Dec 9-13 (Sunday-Thursday) in Baka.

Travelling Arts Camp with Avigayle Adler: With sketchbooks in hand you will head to to famous Jerusalem landmarks and then return to the Open Studio in the afternoon for jewelry making, paper cutting, glass painting and more.

Museums:

Israel Museum Hanukkah  : Special Hanukka tours and storytime with puppeteer Mia Sahar.

Bible Lands Museum: Meet Biblical characters who guide you through the museum and enjoy art workshops.

Ein Yael Hanukka: Learn to make olive oil and take a tour around Ein Yael. Activity includes two workshops. Reservations are required. Ein Yael will not be open to the public only by advanced reservations. 3 hour activity.

Shows: 

To see the shows on the theater calendar click here

Jerusalem Theater: Around the World in 80 Days, Strange Avner, Cinderella with Bar Rafaeli, Kofico, Sixteenth Sheep, Sleeping Beauty, The Flower Heart

Beit Mezia Theater:
Psik Theater Hanukka Show
Incubator Theater Hanukka Show
Octavio & Augusto
Kids Improv Show
Hanukka Stories
Zohar's Freckles