People in Israel don’t get to enjoy a “SUNDAY” experience very often. But this is the fifth election in just 2 years, Israelis are learning how to unwind and enjoy some fun family time.
Yom Bechirot – Election Day is a day off of school for kids in Israel and for many parents. Keep in mind you won’t be the only ones on the road or heading out to a local attraction. 7.5 million people will be voting and heading out for some fun after. Make reservations wherever it’s possible.
Most of the Jerusalem activities will be open but we’ve prepared a list of some of our favorite Fun In Jerusalem activity options…
Have the repeated elections got you climbing up the walls?
The Bloc Climbing Center is the “hub” for rock climbers in Jerusalem. It has 300 sqm of bouldering, which provide fun and excitement for the entire family. Established by three friends who love to climb, it is a great place to learn to climb and improve your technique. (Kids under 16 need to have a parent with them who can sign a special waiver). bloc@funinjerusalem.com
Jerusalem Ropes Course in Ammunition Hill is a great activity for the whole family. It includes a rope ladder & snappling, swing, 80m Omega (zipline), and acrobatic rope walking. Yaakov, a former Ninja Warrior Israel contestant, is one of our favorite guides. He has tremendous patience and is a great teacher. Reservations are required in advance so email him early. ropes@funinjerusalem.com
Are you HUNTING for the perfect political partnerships?
Once you’ve cast your ballot, continue digging around by joining an actual excavation in underground caves from the time of the Maccabees and tour through the ancient subterranean city of Maresha. Excavations are at the Hellenistic or Second Temple Period. Dig For A Day is a wonderful mix of historical, educational and hands-on activities makes it an ideal experience for families! dig@funinjerusalem.com
Play a scavenger hunt at your own pace when you purchase the Scaventures Experiential Guide Book. This amazing interactive book is produced by Israel Scaventures. Choose from 5 different games in 5 different neighborhoods and start the fun. The routes are different than the Israel Scaventure Hunts done in groups with a guide. Race though the neighborhood and find clues and complete missions. Contact Tali to find out where you can purchase the book.
Nachliel Selavan, AKA The Museum Guy is offering a special family tour of the Israel Museum on Election Day. Join him for a hunt around the treasures of the museum, on a fun educational tour. nachliel@funinjerusalem.com
Explore the Adumim area with Tour Adumim. Shelley will create a custom program for you that can include hiking and beautiful outlooks, mosaic workshops, factory visits, workshops and desert recreation. In the winter the weather is always better in Adumim. adumim@funinjerusalem.com
Do you enjoy the thrill and excitement of elections?
ReGush field trips combine an off-road guided adventure, including a connection to the history, heritage, the enchanting Israeli nature of Gush Etzion. Their ATV or Jeep field trip in the Gush Etzion and Judean Desert region will take you on an exhilerating drive through some of the most breathtaking scenery in the Gush. regush@funinjerusalem.com
Experience the nature, history, adventure and fun of Israel with a Hidden Valley jeeping trip throughout Israel and in the Jerusalem area – a real “havaya Israelity” (Israeli experience). You can choose either 2 hours or 1/2 day or full day tours. Each tour has a personal touch, with tea and cookies served in the field. nir@funinjerusalem.com
Elections are not for the faint-hearted!
Exotic Animal Experience & Petting Zoo has guided tours and lots of cool animals to pet. Birds, parrots, peacocks, chinchila, aquarium exhibit & terrariums in decorative cages. Iguanas, large turtles, anaconda snakes, tarantulas and more. Located in Sde Bar – Gush Etzion. This is a great activity for younger kids and no reservations are required. animals@funinjerusalem.com
Biblical Museum of Natural History – Tours will run throughout the day in Hebrew and in English explaining the connection of animals and the tanach. Reservations required. biblicalnaturalhistory@funinjerusalem.com
The Israel Aquarium is open on Election Day but tickets must be bought in advance. Aquarium guides will be spread out throughout the exhibits to answer questions. Come and meet the newest Sharks in Jerusalem. aquarium@funinjerusalem.com
Jerusalem Biblical Zoo is one of the most beautiful and relaxing places in Jerusalem. It is an island of tranquility in the otherwise bustling, energetic capital. We highly recommend a visit! zoo@funinjerusalem.com
Politics is a dirty game…..
Compete against your friends and family at Xtreme Paintball in Ammunition Hill as you race in an effort to shoot down your opponents. Groups are split into two opposing teams and use strategy and determination to compete. paintball@funinjerusalem.com
Extreme sports is the name of the game at Falcon Laser located at Chel Handasa, just 7 minutes from Latrun. Choose from Laser Tag Extreme, Water Tag, Gelly Ball or and IDF Army Day for the ultimate day of thrills and spills. lasertag@funinjerusalem.com
The art of crafting a long(er) lasting coalition
Moulding a workable coalition is one of the toughest tasks in Israeli politics. Election day is a great time to learn the subtleties of the craft at a fun family workshop at Hadara’s ceramic studio. Hadara offers all the material and equipment you will need to create pottery by hand. With an extensive selection of stencils, stamps and laces, be inspired to decorate a unique piece. hadara@funinjerusalem.com
At Kiyor Studio you get to create and paint your own unique and functional art out of clay hewn from the Land of Israel. It’s located just next to Machane Yehuda Market and offers unique clay workshops that allow you to bring home a piece of the Holy Land, along with the spiritual sparks embedded within it. kiyor@funinjerusalem.com
JClay is an airy pottery painting studio in the heart of Jerusalem, an ideal space to relax with friends and family on election day. At JClay, there’s no age limit for fun and enjoyment. jclay@funinjerusalem.com
The Artesana hot glass fusing workshop, in Mevo Horon Village, 30 minutes from Jerusalem is a fascinating experience – be creative with special materials, discover the magical world of glass, play with glass and create beautiful pieces of art. glassart@funinjerusalem.com
A glassblowing and flameworking workshop might be just the thing if you need to let off some stream this election day! Yael’s studio is located just behind First Station. She will give you an introduction to the science and art of the craft and then accompany you through the hands-on experience of creating your own pieces of art. All workshops are private and involve torch work. Once you get started you won’t want to leave! glass@funinjerusalem.com
Take your family to an incredible woodworking workshop and walk away with handmade pieces of Judaica! Step inside The Workshop in Gush Etzion and learn how to design Judaica pieces, use the specialized tools, and create your own beautiful piece of art. theworkshop@funinjerusalem.com
Creative Crafts offers unique Art and Mosaic Workshops in it’s new state-of-the-art air conditioned studio in the Kfar Etzion Industrial Zone. Create beautiful, unique projects using quality materials all in a relaxed atmosphere that will leave you feeling amazing! creativecrafts@funinjerusalem.com
Sit back and relax as you wait for the polls to close
Election day is a great time to meet Reut Shachar the artist behind Kakadu and make your own piece of art in one of her wonderful workshops. Her studio is located just outside Beit Shemesh. kakadu@funinjerusalem.com
If all the noise and chaos around the elections is proving too much, take some time-out and join Devorah at Meshek48 for a special election day family workshop making plant-boxes of herbs used in soothing teas.
Take the opportunity to ride horseback in the Jerusalem Hills at the King David Stables, right near Jerusalem. King David Stables offer trail rides for all levels, with a trained guide. They also offer pony rides for younger kids. kdstables@funinjerusalem.com
Galita Chocolate Workshops are open as usual. This is a great activity for families with kids of all ages. Mehadrin. galita@funinjerusalem.com
The Tzuba winery is located 25 minutes away from Jerusalem, among the beautiful Judean hills. The terrace of the winery hosts groups and individuals for a visit and wine tasting. During the visit you will learn about the history of the winery, the wine production process, the types of wine and the types of grapes used. Ask about their special cheese and bread platters to enjoy with your wine. tzuba@funinjerusalem.com
Switch off from it all and book a truly pampering experience at Yullia, the premium beauty lounge and spa, just across the street from the King David Hotel. For a truly exclusive experience book their VIP room for your treatments which includes complimentary wine. yullia@funinjerusalem.com
Finding common ground over good food!
Have you heard of HAPPY FISH in Mamilla? It’s a fresh-fish and pasta gourmet chef restaurant, using the city’s freshest produce. Seasonal fish include Barramundi, Sea bream, Salmon, Red drum, Sea bass & Bass. Enjoy a magnificent meal with your family on the Mediterranean terrace above the Mamilla Avenue. Open for lunch and dinner. Book here.
If you’re in the Gush, the Pat Bamelach Cafe will be open in Efrat. pat@funinjerusalem.com
Before deciding where to go and what to do, we suggest you take a family vote!
