While there is no grand event planned for the Holy City, there are lots of fun festivals and special events. Here are some of my favorites.
By JOANNA SHEBSONUpdated: MARCH 22, 2018 17:56The Israel Museum’s kite-flying festival(photo credit: MARC ISRAEL SELLEM)
Spring has been in the air for the last few weeks, but it is finally time to enjoy Passover vacation in Jerusalem.While there is no grand event planned for the Holy City, there are lots of fun festivals and special events. Here are some of my favorites.SPECIAL EVENTSNew night experience at Tower of David Museum – “King David”You will be mesmerized by the new sound-and-light show at the Tower of David following the life and art depiction of King David.April 1-4, 8 p.m. April 7, 9:30 p.m.TOD box office: *2884Ein Yael Spring FestivalEnjoy special ancient craft activities and live theater at the Living Museum Ein Yael for kids of all ages.April 1-4, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. April 5, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
NIS 45, child; NIS 35, adultKol HaOt illuminated Haggada fair“Playing with Plagues” – explore the world of illuminated art as you enjoy an exhibit of illuminated Haggadot at the Inbal Hotel. The event includes handson workshops for kids and engaging speakers.April 2, 5 p.m.-10 p.m.FreeWiPark 2018Israel’s largest extreme park comes to the Payis Arena with life-size obstacle courses, large toddler Gymboree, 3D trick art and shows for kids.March 27-29 and April 1-4, 10 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 3 p.m., 5:30 p.m.NIS 54 per person. Call Bimot: *6226Find the afikoman at the Yad Sarah visitors’ centerRace through the Yad Sarah building searching for the afikoman. Guided by Dvir Benedek, you will learn about all the great services Yad Sarah offers the community.April 1-4, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. by reservationNIS 18 Details: yadsarah@funinjerusalem.com, (02) 644-4687Art tours with CaronMeet the artists as you are invited into their studios and galleries.Mamilla Art Tour: Sunday, April 1, 11:30 a.m.Nahlaot Art Tour: Monday, April 2, 11:30 a.m.Bezalel Art Tour: Thursday, April 5, 10:30 a.m.Details: caron@funinjerusalem.comKakadu Passover family art festivalUsing the famous Kakadu technique, you can create your own pieces of art – for the whole family. Make it into a full day and explore the area of the Bar-Kochba Caves.April 1-5, 8:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m. & 12:30 p.m.NIS 50 per person.Details: kakadu@funinjerusalem.comJerusalem Theater family entertainmentFerdinand, movie – April 1, 11 a.m. NIS 15 Coco, movie – April 2, 11 a.m. NIS 15 The Lion who Loved Strawberries, live show – April 4, 5:30 p.m. NIS 65Train Theater – Liberty Bell ParkThe Lost Crown – April 1, 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m.The Gift Train – April 2, 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m.One-Two – April 3, 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m.Moshav Country FairThe Moshav Country Fair in Mevo Modi’in features live music, entertainment, kids’ workshops and crafts. Performers include The Solomon Brothers, Chaim-Dovid, Yehuda Katz and The Elevators.April 2, 12 p.m.-9 p.m.NIS 50, adult; NIS 25, child; NIS 150, family w/3 kidsPriestly BlessingJoin thousands of people on Monday at the Western Wall for the special Birkat Kohanim. Make sure to get there early, because the entire plaza will be filled with people.April 2, 8:45 a.m.FreePassover tours of Safra SquareJoin the Visitor Center of the Jerusalem Municipality for a guided tour of City Hall at Safra Square.April 2. English tour, 10 a.m.FreeOld City scavenger huntExplore the alleyways of the Old City as you solve missions and find clues.April 3 and 5, 10 a.m.NIS 95, adult; NIS 85, childDetails: scavenger@funinjerusalem.comTakum honor and age elderly interactive experienceExperience the challenge of aging as Takum invites you to step into the shoes of seven savtas/sabas who were Israel’s first pioneers, developers, inventors and creators. Ages 10+Shir Hadash EmekApril 2, 11 a.m., 2 p.m., 5 p.m.NIS 45 per personDetails: rena@kashouvot.orgScaVentures Jerusalem book launch partyAll Aboard! Don’t miss the ScaVentures Jerusalem: The Experiential Guidebook launch party. Adventures, prizes and fun. Play the ScaVentures Train game at the First Station.April 5, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.Details: scavenger@funinjerusalem.comGush Etzion Passover winery tours and tastingWhile enjoying spectacular Gush Etzion views, take a look back in time as you learn the history of wine making and its process at the Gush Etzion Winery.April 1-4, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.NIS 25 for tour & tastingReservations: yekev@funinjerusalem.comZomet family experience toursLearn about the intersection between technology and Halacha in a fun and interactive environment. Includes a hands-on tour, Gymboree for young children, and lecture for families. Alon Shvut.English tours, April 1-4, 10 a.m., 1 p.m. & 4 p.m.NIS 25, adult; NIS 20, child (2-6 years old)Reservations: zomet@funinjerusalem.comBehind-the-scenes scribe tourFamilies will be treated to in-depth explanations and demonstrations on how Torah scrolls, tefillin, mezuzot and megillot are created. Beit Shemesh.April 1 and 2Reservations: sofer@funinjerusalem.comOpen studio art workshopsWorkshops in mosaics, glass painting, Fimo and woodcrafts.April 1-4, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., 6 p.m.-9 p.m. at First Station. April 5, by reservation, at studioDetails: openstudio@funinjerusalem.comExtreme sports in the Old CityRappelling down the walls of Zion Gate or a guided tour on the walls and in the caves of the Old City.April 1-4, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.NIS 20 to NIS 25Details: (02) 627-7550MUSEUM ACTIVITIESBank Hapoalim for culture, nature and beautyEnjoy free entrance to many museums across the country sponsored by Bank Hapoalim. In/near Jerusalem. Bible Lands Museum, Botanical Gardens, Herzl Museum, Aqueduct in East Talpiot, Gazelle Valley and Latrun.Details: www.poalimatarim.co.ilPassover at Ammunition HillGuided museum tours, challenge ropes course, children’s shows, and the JerusaLENS exhibition.April 2-4NIS 25, adult; NIS 30, child; NIS 130 family (2 adults + 3 children)Beit Levi Eshkol tour, interactive games and scavenger huntVisit the home of Israel’s third prime minister and learn about the history of Israel through augmented reality, ipad games and interactive trivia games.(Hebrew)April 1, 3, 5 – 10 a.m., 12 noon, 2 p.m.Special Beit Eshkol scavenger hunt: April 2, 4 – 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.Reservations required: (02) 631-3091, beiteshkol@funinjerusalem.comBible Lands MuseumSee the mysterious sphinx and pyramids, discover the secrets of papyrus production, and watch a humorous play about the mummification process.April 1-4. English tour – 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. April 5, 10:30 a.m.FreeBiblical Museum of Natural History“Leopards, elephants and the story of Passover!”Visit the Biblical Museum of Natural History in Beit Shemesh and explore a whole new aspect of the Spring Festival. English and Hebrew interactive guided tours daily. Reservations required.April 1-5.NIS 40, adult; NIS 30, childDetails: biblicalnaturalhistory@funinjerusalem.comBloomfield Science Museum“Only Cardboard – Thinking Inside the Box”Families will enjoy hands-on experiences, design, imagination, and fun while discovering the world of cardboard.April 1-4, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. April 5, 6, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.NIS 60 per child/adult, NIS 220 per family ticketSpring Festival at the Botanical GardensGuided tours through the amazing flower gardens, creative workshops and searching for “gold” on the discovery path.April 1-4, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. April 5, 10 a.m.- 3 p.m.Free. NIS 15 entrance to workshop areaDetails: (02) 679-4012Herzl MuseumTake a theatrical tour of Mount Herzl, as the characters from Israel’s history come alive. Special event for families in English. Visit the museum before or after the tour.April 1, 2, museum tour – 9:45 a.m., 12:45 p.m. Theatrical tour, 11 p.m. 1½ hoursNIS 40Reservations required: Herzl@funinjerusalem.comIsrael AquariumThe aquarium takes you on a fascinating journey through the four seas of Israel – Mediterranean, Lake Kinneret, Dead Sea and Red Sea. Open daily for preview, group tours only (Hebrew).Reservations: www.israel-aquarium.org.il/englishIsrael MuseumFamilies may enjoy tours, art workshops, story time and recycling workshops. Passover activities including Seder table children’s activities and the Passover artifacts exhibit.April 1, 2, 4, 6, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. April 3, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. April 5, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.Free, child; NIS 54, adult. April 5, free for allMuseum of Islamic ArtJoha, an entertaining show about one of the funniest characters ever – Joha! – a clever, silly folk hero, a comical character in folktales and folklore all over the Middle East. Kids will also enjoy the art workshops and a costume area.April 1-5. Free, child; NIS 20-40, adult“Joha Tales” – April 1-5. 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m. (on April 5, no show at 1:30 p.m.)Art workshop & costumes 10 a.m.-3 p.m.(erev hag till 1:30 p.m.)Old Yishuv Court – games of yesteryearStep back in history in the Old City and play games from the past. Egozim, potato sack race. Dress up and enjoy a self-guided scavenger hunt. Make sure to visit the “Blues for the Man in Blue” exhibit about the Palestine Police in the time of the British Mandate.April 1-4, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. April 5, 10 a.m.- 1 p.m.NIS 40 per familyHebrew Music MuseumAn exciting interactive tour that illustrates the journey from slavery to freedom through the world of music.April 1-5, 9:30 a.m.-8:30 p.m.NIS 50, adult; NIS 40, child For a full Passover Family Guide, visit www.funinjerusalem.com/pesachFUN KIDS’ ACTIVITIESDig for a dayConnect your kids to the history of the land. Learn how to look for artifacts, sift through dirt from the Second Temple period and go caving in an unexcavated cave.Daily$30, adults; $25, child (ages 5-14).Reservations: dig@funinjerusalem.comFamily activities at Kibbutz TzovaKif Tzuba Amusement Park, Galita chocolate workshops, Tzuba guided hikingDetails: tzuba@funinjerusalem.comTours in AdumimShelley from Tour Adumim will take your family on an exciting tour in the Adumim area. Tour options include: Judean Desert lookout, Beduin lookout, tour of Good Samaritan Mosaics Museum and more.DailyReservations: adumim@funinjerusalem.comYvel jewelry factory tourThe Yvel jewelry factory and visitors’ center is a great place to visit to learn about jewelry making with pearls and precious stones. Visit the jewelry school for Ethiopian immigrants.DailyReservations: yvel@funinjerusalem.comTime Elevator – I am JerusalemTravel on a journey through 3,000 years of Jerusalem’s history on a spectacular and innovative multimedia show.April 1-5, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.NIS 54Reservations: iamjerusalem@funinjerusalem.comEXTREME, GAMES AND SPORTS ACTIVITIESATV in Jerusalem hillsTake a thrilling ride in an ATV buggy as you cruise through the hills of Jerusalem using back roads and some off-roading, you will see areas of Jerusalem that you don’t normally get to.DailyReservations: atv@funinjerusalem.comFamily biking in the Judean HillsBike ride through some of Israel’s most beautiful landscapes just outside Jerusalem in the Eila Valley. Custom bike rides can include caving and visiting archeological sites.DailyReservations: hikebike@funinjerusalem.comJerusalem ropes courseActivities based on courage, bravery and leadership at the historic Ammunition Hill battleground.DailyReservations for private groups: ropes@ funinjerusalem.comJerusalem scavenger huntExplore the streets of Jerusalem as you solve missions and find clues. Scavenger options: Old City scavenger hunt, Nahlaot scavenger hunt, shuk dash and Windmill dash.DailyReservations: scavenger@funinjerusalem.comLaser tag – LatrunEnjoy a challenging game of laser tag with your family in a unique setting among tanks in Latrun.DailyReservations: lasertag@funinjerusalem.comThe Bloc – boulderingTake your kids bouldering in the center of town.April 1-5, 10 a.m.-11 p.m. April 6, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. April 7, 10 a.m.-11 p.m.NIS 50, entrance; NIS 10, shoes7 Yitzhak Elisar StreetDetails: bloc@funinjerusalem.comPassover team kartingSpeed through the track as you experience the feeling of go-kart racers or play on the simulator and feel the race. Ages 8+.NIS 55 for 10 minutesLev Talpiot MallDetails: karting@funinjerusalem.comZuzu Segway and midnight bikingEnjoy exciting tours and activities of Jerusalem by Segway (ages 16+) or bike.DailyReservations: zuzu@funinjerusalem.comART ACTIVITIESGlassblowing workshopLearn to make “kosher for Passover” glass candies. This hands-on workshop teaches you the art of glassmaking.DailyBethlehem RoadNIS 400 to NIS 700Details: glass@funinjerusalem.comHadara ceramics workshopHadara guides you through the process of creating your own unique pieces, using clay. Choose to make Passover-inspired pieces or your own dishes, name plaques or more.Emek Refaim 9 a.m.-3 p.m.NIS 90 for 1.5 hoursDetails: hadara@funinjerusalem.comJClay pottery paint studioCreate a unique souvenir, dish or handmade gift at the new pottery painting studio in Geula.Sunday-Wednesday, 10:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Thursday, 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.NIS 20, entrance, plus price of pottery pieces, NIS 25+Details: jclay@funinjerusalem.comWood workshop at The Workshop- Gush EtzionCreate handmade pieces of Judaica at this incredible wood workshop!April 1-5, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.Reservations: theworkshop@funinjerusalem.comThe writer is the founder of Fun In Jerusalem (www.funinjerusalem.com), Party in Jerusalem (www.partyinjerusalem.com ) and Spa in Jerusalem (www.SpaInJerusalem.com).She lives in Jerusalem with her husband and three kids, and loves to inspire family fun.joanna@funinjerusalem.com
