Family-Friendly Activities in Jerusalem

By Jamie Geller & Diana Sragowicz

Between the two of us, we’re moms to 12 kids (yes, twelve between the two of us!), ranging from energetic preteens to entrepreneurial young adults. Over the years, we’ve learned that keeping a big crew happy, engaged, and connected isn’t always easy, but Jerusalem makes it feel effortless.

This city has a way of drawing everyone in, no matter their age, with its mix of ancient history, modern fun, and endless opportunities to explore together. We spend long stretches of time here with our families, and Jerusalem has truly become our home away from home. We know what it’s like to plan outings that work for curious grade-schoolers and independent teens alike.

That’s why we put together this guide: tried-and-true, mom-approved activities that we love sharing with our kids. From underground tunnels to dazzling light shows, quiet parks to bustling markets, Jerusalem has countless ways to bring families together.

We’ve organized our favorite picks by neighborhood and type of activity so you can plan the perfect family day, or several, whether you’re here for a quick visit or settling in for a season.

Explore the Old City

• Western Wall Tunnels Tour – Go beneath the surface for an unforgettable underground exploration. Ages 8+.
• Chain of Generations / VR Tour – A multi-sensory Jewish historical and spiritual journey. Ages 7+.
• Choose Your Own Journey at the Kotel – Personalize your family visit to the Western Wall. All ages.
• Burnt House Museum – Step into the story of the Second Temple’s destruction. Ages 8+.
• Third Temple Institute – Educational exhibits with Temple reconstructions. Ages 10+.
• Tzvi Satt’s Old City Walking Tours – Personal, engaging guided tours for all ages.
• Migdal David Museum & Light Show (Tower of David) – Interactive museum and spectacular light show. All ages.
• Churva Synagogue – Beautifully restored synagogue with panoramic views. All ages.
• The Cardo – Walk the ancient Roman road beneath the Old City. All ages.
• Company for Reconstruction of the Jewish Quarter – Curated ancient sites across the Jewish Quarter. Ages 8+.

Step Beyond the Walls – Old City Surrounding Sites

• Temple Mount Sifting Project – Hands-on archaeology with authentic Temple Mount debris. Ages 6+.
• Ramparts Walk – Scenic wall-top walk around the Old City. Ages 8+.
• Yishuv Museum – Experience Jewish life in pre-state Jerusalem. Ages 8+.
• Sephardic Heritage Center – Explore Sephardic synagogues and history. Ages 8+.
• Wohl Archaeological Institute – Explore Herodian-era mansions. Ages 10+.
• Mardigian Armenian Museum – Explore Armenian art, culture, and ceramics. Ages 8+.
• Mount of Olives (Har HaZeitim) – Historic site with stunning views. Best for older kids.
• King David’s Tomb – Mount Zion – Spiritual stop linking Biblical history to living tradition. All ages.

Discover the City of David – Ir David

• City of David Zipline – Thrilling adventure in an ancient setting. Ages 6+.
• Ir David Suspension Bridge – Short scenic bridge walk with views. Ages 5+.
• Hezekiah’s Tunnel – Splash through ancient tunnels. Ages 6+.
• Hallelujah Night Show – Light-and-sound show projected on ruins. Ages 5+.
• City of David Segway Tours – Glide through ancient landscapes. Ages 8+.

Experience Jerusalem’s Heart – City Center

• Time Elevator Jerusalem – A 4D ride through Jerusalem’s history. Ages 6+.
• Hebrew Music Museum – Interactive tour of Jewish music. All ages.
• Kikar HaMusika – Live music and family-friendly restaurants. All ages.
• Pantry Packers – Volunteer to pack food boxes. Ages 8+.
• Jerusalem Shuk Tours – Guided tasting and cultural market tour. Ages 6+.
• Smart Tours Segway – Segway tours for families. Ages 8+.
• Cinema City Jerusalem – Movies, arcade, kosher dining. All ages.
• Laser Tag Arena – Cinema City – Indoor laser tag for kids 7+.
• Escape City Jerusalem – Creative escape games and puzzles. Ages 8+.
• Time Room Jerusalem – History-inspired immersive escape rooms. Ages 8+.
• Teddy Park – Water fountains and green space. All ages.
• Hutzot HaYotzer (Artists’ Fair) – August art, food, and music festival. All ages.
• Train Theater Puppet Festival – Annual family puppet performances. Ages 3+.

Breathe Easy in Jerusalem’s Green Loop

• Knesset Tours – Free public tours of Israel’s parliament. Ages 10+.
• Train Track Park (Mesila Park) – Bike or walk scenic path with shaded playgrounds. All ages.
• Gazelle Valley Nature Reserve – Spot gazelles in their natural habitat. All ages.
• Jerusalem Bird Observatory – Free birdwatching and butterfly garden. All ages.

Wander Through Museum Row & Gardens – Rechavia and Givat Ram

• Israel Museum – Ancient model of Jerusalem, Youth Wing, and Dead Sea Scrolls. All ages.
• Bloomfield Science Museum – Interactive science fun for kids 3–10.
• National Library of Israel – Multimedia exhibits and family programs. All ages.
• Museum of Tolerance Jerusalem – Exhibits on human dignity and coexistence. Ages 10+.
• Museum of Underground Prisoners – Stories from British Mandate resistance. Ages 10+.
• Yad Vashem – Holocaust remembrance and education. Best for teens.
• Jerusalem Botanical Gardens – Nature trails, pond, and café. All ages.
• Wohl Rose Park – Picnic lawns and rose varieties. All ages.

Play, Create & Relax in the German Colony and West Jerusalem

• First Station (HaTachana) – Carousel, crafts, markets, and food. All ages.
• Jerusalem on Ice – Indoor skating fun. Ages 5+.
• Family Rides & Bubble Station – Mini-train and bubble play. Ages 2+.
• Ropes Course at First Station – Climbing adventure for kids and teens. Ages 7+.
• Train Track Park (Emek Refaim Section) – Play areas along scenic paths. All ages.
• JClay Pottery Studio – Paint and glaze ceramics. Ages 4+.
• Beit El Glass Studio – Watch glassblowers and try a mini session. Ages 8+.
• Hadaya Jewelry Workshop – Create custom engraved jewelry. Ages 10+.

Go Wild in South Jerusalem

• Ein Yael Living Museum – Open-air museum with crafts, nature, and animals. All ages.
• Jerusalem Biblical Zoo – Zoo with biblical and modern animals. All ages.
• Jerusalem Aquarium – Explore Israel’s underwater ecosystems. Ages 3+.

Family Fun Across the City – General Citywide Fun

• Gan Sacher Park – Large park with playgrounds and bike paths. All ages.
• Food Truck Festival – Tues/Thurs nights with music and food. All ages.
• Go-Karting Jerusalem – Karting Arena – Racing fun for ages 10+.
• Highlights JLM – Light Show in the Sky – Nightly light show on Jerusalem landmarks. All ages.

Why We Keep Coming Back

Every year, our families return to Jerusalem, setting up camp at the Waldorf Astoria Jerusalem and diving back into the city we love. Over time, these places have become woven into our family story: tunnels we’ve splashed through, light shows that left us wide-eyed, and parks where we picnicked and laughed long into the night.

That’s the beauty of Jerusalem: meaningful and magical, steeped in history yet full of new discoveries every season. With this guide, we hope you’ll uncover places that speak to your family’s heart and create memories that bring you back year after year, just like us.

We’d love to hear from you! If you discover a hidden gem or an unforgettable experience we missed, share it with us. We might just add it to our next edition.

Love, Jamie & Diana

Fall in Love with Living Here – Sponsored by Kim Bash Real Estate

If you fall in love with Jerusalem like we do — so much that you don’t want to leave — reach out to Bracha Miriam at Kim Bash Real Estate. Whether you’re dreaming of a second home for family visits or planting roots in Israel, Bracha Miriam specializes in helping families find their perfect place in Jerusalem.