We know that not all of you coming to Israel are blissful newlyweds or intrepid solo travelers, which is why we’ve gathered up our favorite Israeli adventures for the whole family! We go from North Israel to the south, and everywhere in between, with our favorite outdoor activities for kids of all ages. Adding one of our tours or simply browsing this list for your own ideas will help make your Israel itinerary the best it could possibly be. If you’re looking for some things to do that are a little less physical, check out our list of family-friendly attractions, from fascinating museums to chill beaches.
Family Fun in the Center
With two of the country’s most popular cities, the bustling White City of Tel Aviv and historic Jerusalem, there’s no shortage of things to do in the center! You can access some of the country’s best beaches from here, take a dive into history or culture, and eat your way across local markets.
You can also head to the Dead Sea on a day trip for a day of playing in the mud and floating in the salty waters, which is the perfect activity for kids ages 1-99. Be sure to bring a camera to snap some shots of the whole family covered in the mineral-rich mud for the picture-perfect Instagram post.
If you’re looking to see more than just one site, even if it is the lowest place in the world and a perennial favorite, our day tours to Jerusalem take you to all the highlights, both ancient and modern. Check out the Old City with all of its key religious attractions, like the Western Wall and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and the bustling market of Machane Yehuda, where you can pick up some spices to take home with you.
To get your blood pumping a little more, try a bike tour of vibrant Tel Aviv, from the expansive Park Hayarkon to the winding street of Neve Tzedek. You’ll hit all of the highlights from the comfort of your bike and head home tired but happy!
Adrenaline junkies: we’ve got you covered too, though kids do need to be 6 and older for this tour. You’ll jump on a powered parachute vehicle with the guidance of an experienced pilot for unparalleled views of the landscape of central Israel, and you can easily make this a full day trip by renting some bikes to pedal around the Sharon region. Whether you’re looking to chill or challenge yourselves, we’re sure you’ll find some great family adventures in the center of Israel, making it the excellent addition to your Israel itinerary.
Northern Excursions
The north of Israel, sharing a border with Lebanon, Syria, and Jordan, is covered with rolling green hills, the sparkling water of the Sea of Galilee, and a number of carefully preserved national parks. If you want to get wet and wild, try this kitesurfing tour near the incredible sites of Caesarea. You’ll get a full day of private instruction with time to head to the national park nearby to view the remains of a well-preserved Roman Amphitheater and the historic park.
Try a combo hiking and horseback riding tour of the Galilee to get better acquainted with this gorgeous region and some of its ancient history. Trekking a section of the paths where Jesus once walked, you’ll explore Magdala, the ancient fishing village that was home to Mary Magdalene, the rushing waters of the Arbel Stream, and an inactive volcano that was a battleground against Saladin.
Want to add a little more adrenaline to your up close explorations? Try our ATV tour through the Golan Heights and we promise you won’t be disappointed. You’ll visit the cascading and stunning Banias waterfalls, enjoy a traditional Druze lunch and learn more about this mysterious sect, and get a beautiful panoramic view of the Syrian border. If you’re looking to get the kids out and about, you can’t go wrong up north!
Explore the South
Bedouins, sand boarding, and camel rides, oh my! The best way to complete your Israel itinerary is with a trip to the south, stretching across the Negev’s rugged expanse, over the crystal-clear blue waters of Eilat, or even taking a trip to Egypt. Enjoy some luxurious accommodations in between diving and relaxing.
Our single day tours in the Negev are some of the most popular, and this is our recommended itinerary, though it can of course be tailored to your family’s needs with ease! If you’re looking for adventure, you can try rappelling the Ramon Crater and a camel ride through the desert, and if you’re looking to learn more about this fascinating region, you can take a visit to Ben Gurion’s hut and learn more about our first prime minister and have lunch in an authentic Bedouin village to learn about the nomads that have lived here for generations.
Our jeep tours in the Negev are also easy to customize, and can take you peacefully through all the natural splendor of this stunning region or get more extreme with off-roading and some trekking. They’re great paired with our sand boarding adventures, which are perfect for kids ages 2 and older, and a thrill for the adults as well!
If you’re feeling a little dried out, head on down to Eilat for our favorite combo tour in Israel’s version of Vegas and the country’s center for scuba diving and aquatic adventures. You’ll start with a hike through the vibrant Red Canyon just outside the city before meeting an expert diver to snorkel in the crystalline waters of the Red Sea and explore the stunning coral reefs that call this coast home.
Petra is just a quick hop over the border, and we offer tons of tours to suit your fancy. Whatever your pleasure, don’t miss out on the treasures buried deep in the desert! Your Israel itinerary will be packed with sun-soaked adventures and green, lush beauty, as the Holy Land has something for the whole family!
