We know what you will say, Spring Valley in the hot summer? The answer is yes. Especially now, when half the country is paralyzed because of the war, it is worthwhile and even desirable to go to one of the quieter places (tapu-tapu) in the country, and enjoy the wonders of nature.
Now, after we returned from a fun day in the spring valley, we found the worthwhile sites that offer "fan" entertainment along with activities full of value and interest - even for teenagers who are willing to put aside their mobile phones for a moment, get a recommendation boiling at a temperature of 40 degrees. We left the center at eight in the morning - and wonder and wonder, the Wise worked the whole way without interruptions. The trip went quite smoothly.
First stop (and air conditioned)
Mishkan Museum of Art - Kibbutz Ein Harod
The Mishkan offers a unique cultural experience that combines spectacular architecture, diverse art and activities for the whole family throughout the summer. The iconic building from 1948 is a perfect backdrop for the rich collection of Jewish and Israeli art.
We experimented with the interactive summer activity in the complex, which is suitable for children. The activity takes place on selected dates throughout the summer, so you should check the museum's website. On the spot you can also sign up for creative workshops inspired by an existing exhibition, take guided tours and enjoy a moment of culture with story hours for the little ones. Advantages: The place is air-conditioned and on the way we also had breakfast at "Cafe Bickles" (in the complex itself) with quiches, salads and sandwiches, high quality and definitely closing a corner.
Opening hours in summer: Sunday - closed; Monday-Wednesday - 9:00-16:00; Thursday - 9:00-19:30; Friday - 10:00-13:00; Saturday - 10:00-14:00
For more details: 04-6486038
Second stop
We get wet in the valley of the springs
We decided to take advantage of the hot hours and beat the heat with a cool dip in the springs park. A busy eye, an aware eye and a towering eye - there's no way you're going to miss this trio. The water is clear, the children are in the clouds and because of the heat, you can even find quiet places to sit and enjoy the view.
This summer the spring park is offering an electric golf cart rental for a full day's fun among the springs.
Don't miss: The wet path in memory of Capt. Zvika Kaplan, who fell during Operation Tzuk Eitan. The path is 300 meters long with shallow water, completely shaded, passes through wild raspberry bushes and ends at the mill pool - perfect for a picnic and a refreshing dip. The route is perfect for families with small children, who can start practicing walking in the springs without danger. Still, you should pay attention, in small parts there is a slightly stronger flow, so you should give them a hand.
If you are less into walking, any of the pools in the park will help you cool off on hot days. You should consult the staff at the park to plan your day in a way that best suits your needs.
Opening hours: Sunday-Thursday - 9:00-17:00; Friday - 9:00-15:00; Saturday - 9:00-17:00.
Entrance to the park is free. If you want to rent an electric car for a whole day, it will cost you NIS 500 for up to four people, but of course it is absolutely not mandatory.
Third stop
Relax with iced tea
8 minutes drive from the springs park to Kibbutz Beit Alfa, and you are at the TE house. The tea house is located in an old building of the kibbutz with old wooden windows in front of a large lawn next to the impressive Gilboa ridge.
After the children were enthusiastic about the lawns of the kibbutz and the exemplary silence, we entered a large space with a calming energy. On shelves and small tables there are various vessels from around the world that tell about the culture of tea drinking. On the tour, some myths about tea were shattered, we tasted amazing herbal infusions and we learned that different types of tea are suitable for a different time, atmosphere and purpose. Don't miss their iced tea brew, be careful - it's addictive.
The experience is educational and instructive and suitable for children aged 8 and over. For the young children there is an excellent solution with creative kits designed on the spot for building animals from cardboard and wood.
We finished the visit at the tea house, and from there we continued for lunch at Podtracks outside the Guru Garden. There are two food tracks with hamburgers, schnitzels, smoked meat and other rich dishes at fair prices. This is an excellent stop, especially given the relatively low supply of restaurants in the area, and also because our next stop is really close.
By appointment, not open on Saturdays.
More details: 052-4200203.
Fourth stop
Guru Garden in the afternoon
We arrived at Guru Garden in the afternoon (5:30 PM to be exact). At this time the heat in the valley broke significantly and a light breeze from the west began. Guru Garden is open in July-August every day until 20:00, which allowed us to have time to walk throughout the day and take full advantage of it.
The kids were excited to meet the bouncy kangaroos and the parrots, the reptiles and the hummingbird - which is actually a tiny furry marsupial the size of an iPhone with a pocket and tiny, cute puppies.
From there we jumped to freshen up in the wet splash area adjacent to the wallaby display. The team says that this is an animal that is in danger of extinction and is currently in an international conservation process - here in Israel.
We ordered pizza to finish off dinner and were the last to leave the garden, the last light in the sky - and from there home, tired and satisfied.
Opening hours in July-August: Sunday-Thursday: 9:00-20:00; Friday – 9:00-15:00; Saturday - 9:00-17:00.
Entrance price at the box office: NIS 60
A word about security and prices: The Valley of the Springs has been considered a safe place for a trip and vacation since the beginning of the war, according to the Home Front Command website there has not been a single alarm here since October 7th. Let's hope and pray that the situation will remain like this, at least in one place in Israel.
Regarding prices: Some attractions offer discounted prices through the website or through various consumer clubs, it's worth going in and checking before arriving.