There are lots of fun activities to do in the Jerusalem area during Yeshiva Week – rain or shine.
We’re really excited to have tourists in Israel for Winter Break. Here’s a taster of what’s on offer.
Games & Unique Tours for the whole family
While you’re in town, navigate your way through Jerusalem’s streets, alleys and markets, engaging with sites and stories with Israel Scaventures! Experience the famous Shuk Machaneh Yehuda like never before, explore the Old City Scavenger Hunt or discover Jerusalem’s colorful, surprising and electric neighborhood at Nachlaot Scavenger Hunt & City Dash. NEW GAME – Museum Dash which takes you on a hunt through antiquities, art and objects of Jewish life and culture at the world-famous Israel Museum.
Talking of which, Nachliel Selavan, AKA The Museum Guy is giving private and public tours of the Israel Museum and the Bible Lands Museum. His unique and engaging style brings museums and Jewish history to life; connecting Torah, history, art, geography, and archaeology all in a fun and exciting way! Spend a Night in the Museum, follow in the footsteps of Avraham’s Journey, hear about A Winter’s Tale or learn about the Third Side of the Coin and find out why money actually matters so much.
Did you know that you can take a self-guided tour of the museum at the Tower of David and walk the grounds? The Museum details the major events in Jerusalem’s history beginning with the first evidence of a city in the second millennium BCE, until the city became the capital of the State of Israel, as well as its significance to three religions. The permanent exhibition is currently under restoration and will be reopened to the public in Spring 2023.
Be sure to visit the “Halachic Science Center” at the Zomet Institute in Gush Etzion to find out how rabbis and engineers solve techno-halachic problems. They have English tours where you’ll learn about their amazing inventions for mobility, security and medical needs, allowing technology to be used on Shabbat and Yom Tov. Best of all the exhibits are interactive!
The Hebron Tour is obviously an “only in Israel” activity so take advantage and book a tour. The tour will bring to life what your kids have been learning in school. It’s a unique, fun and inspirational tour for all ages. Visit Kever Rachel and Ma’arat HaMachpela – two of the top 10 most visited sites in Israel. Your guide is Rav Simcha Hochbaum, whose incredible knowledge, energy and enthusiasm combine to ensure that this tour will be a highlight of your entire Israel vacation.
For a truly unique experience, we recommend Eretz Bereshit. When you arrive, Eliezer will be waiting to greet you and escort you to Avraham’s Tent for some light refreshments. Be part of the Biblical story, wear clothes from Biblical times and get the chance to meet some of your all-time favorite Biblical characters.
For some more ideas, take a look at the full list of tours.
Challenge yourselves to some local adventure
If extreme sports and adventure are more your thing, compete against your family and friends at Jerusalem Xtreme Paintball. Or enjoy challenging, physical activities and help your kids boost their self confidence at the Jerusalem Ropes Course with Yaakov at Ammunition Hill.
Have you heard of Gelly Ball? It’s a friendlier version of paint ball which is perfect for families with younger children. It’s taken Israel by storm thanks to Falcon Tactical Laser Tag Extreme. For a real “Israel Experience” they also offer Army Day at their new state-of-the art space at Chel Handsa (the Army Corps Museum – just 7 minutes from Latrun) as well as classic laser tag. SPECIAL JANUARY OFFER – 10% discount on all off-site bookings (indoors or outdoors)
EZ Raider is a new concept in off road mobility. It’s a strong, lightweight, electric powered ATV for individuals that can handle any kind of terrain. Glide through Jerusalem and see the famous sites and landscapes from a completely different perspective. They’ve just moved to a new location – you’ll find them right across from the King David Hotel.
If you’re more of a night owl, Jerusalem Midnight Biking is an amazing tour! Experience a different Jerusalem on a night ride, with a guide who will tell you stories about the neighborhoods you are passing. This is a great activity for families with kids over the age of 12. If you prefer a day ride, they also have Family Rides (kids over the age of 12 can ride electric bikes) And if your kids are over 16, you can combine segways too!
For more ideas, check out our full list of Adventure Activities.
Crafts you can bring home with you
Arts & Crafts workshops are a firm favorite for families with younger kids. All of the workshops we recommend are run by artists who have opened up their studios to tourists. Many of the workshops have an Israeli or Judaic theme, making them unique experiences.
For older kids, we recommend the Glass Blowing & Flame Working workshop with Yael, a Bezalel graduate. Hadara Ceramics is just wonderful for families with younger kids. You’ll love the time you spend at Hadara’s studio on Derech Beit Lechem, getting creative and messy.
At Artesana, they encourage you to break glass! Yael will help you to discover the magical world of glass, encourage you to play with glass and help you create beautiful pieces of art. It’s in Mevo Heron, 30 minutes from Jerusalem. And Kakadu has a Family workshop every Friday. Reut, the owner and artist will guide you through a family project and help you create a beautiful piece of functional art, painted in the distinctive Kakadu colors, to take back home with you. Her studio is located in the beautiful Ella Valley, just outside Beit Shemesh.
If, like mine, your family loves chocolate then treat yourselves to a fabulous chocolate workshop at Galita. It’s a chocolate-lovers paradise and a really fun (and tasty) family activity. All their chocolates are Mehadrin. Galita’s located on Kibbutz Tzuba, in the Jerusalem Hills just after Ein Kerem. It is a beautiful 20 minute drive from the center of Jerusalem.
Are you a foodie?
Devorah & David Katz (formerly owners of Pat BaMelach) would love to welcome you to their new space, Meshek48 in Kibbutz Rosh Zurim, where they offer a fabulous range of food workshops. You can book a private family workshop, or join an existing one.
Book your favorite restaurants in advance this week
Don’t forget to pamper yourself with a delicious meal at Happy Fish in Mamilla, the Veranda Chef restaurant at the David Citadel or, if you are in the Gush at Pat BaMelach in Efrat.
Take time to treat yourself
For a real treat book yourself a spa day at the Akasha Spas and Gyms at the Citadel and Mamilla. And make sure to leave time on your schedule to visit to the Yvel Factory, it’s the perfect place to learn about jewelry making with pearls & precious stones. Also, the Tower of David just launched VIP packages for their King David & Night Spectacular sound-and-light shows, projected onto the walls of the Old City. It’s a really unique night-time experience.
Looking for a different activity? Take a look at our FUN Favorites page to see all of our recommended family activities in Jerusalem.
