Jerusalem with Kids: Things to Do by Age, Rainy-Day Options and Tips

Short answer: the Biblical Zoo and the Aquarium next to it are the classic family day, the Israel Museum's Ruth Youth Wing and the Bloomfield Science Museum are the best rainy-day choices, and the city's parks, from Gazelle Valley to the Train Track Park, are free. For older children and teens, the Old City's underground sites, the Ramparts Walk and the adventure parks win. Everything below is in our directory, with hours, prices and parking.

Babies and toddlers (0–3)

• Gazelle Valley Park. Flat paths, ponds and wild gazelles in the middle of the city. Good with a pram.
• The Train Track Park and the First Station. A flat, paved walk with playgrounds along the way, and cafés at the First Station.
• The Botanical Gardens. Shade, a lake and space to run, at Givat Ram.
• The Biblical Zoo. Paths are pram-friendly but hilly. Go early in summer.
• Local playgrounds and community centres. Every neighbourhood has them; the community centre (matnas) runs toddler groups, some in English in Anglo areas.

Children (4–11)

• The Biblical Zoo and the Gottesman Family Israel Aquarium. Next to each other in Malha; a full day together. The Green Line now runs to Malha.
• The Bloomfield Science Museum. Hands-on exhibits; ideal for a rainy day.
• The Israel Museum's Ruth Youth Wing. Art workshops and exhibitions for children, inside the Israel Museum.
• The Train Theater. Puppet theatre in a train carriage in Liberty Bell Park, in Hebrew but easy to follow.
• Ein Yael Living Museum. Hands-on ancient crafts and farming in a valley at the edge of the city.
• Kiftzuba. An adventure and play park near Kibbutz Tzuba, just outside the city.
• The Time Elevator. A motion-seat film about Jerusalem's history. Check the minimum age.

Teens

• The Old City underground. Hezekiah's water tunnel in the City of David (wet: bring a torch and water shoes), the Western Wall Tunnels, and Zedekiah's Cave.
• The Ramparts Walk. Along the top of the Old City walls.
• Active play. Gravity Park trampolines, the Allé climbing centre, and bowling in Talpiot.
• The Tower of David Night Spectacular. A sound-and-light show on the citadel walls after dark.
• Hikes. The hikes guide has the springs and forests teens enjoy, like Sataf and Ein Lavan.

Rainy days

• The Bloomfield Science Museum, and the Israel Museum's children's wing.
• The Aquarium, and the zoo's indoor houses.
• Indoor play: Pealton at the Hadar Mall, bowling, trampolines and climbing.
• The Train Theater, and children's shows at the Jerusalem Theatre and community centres.
• Malls with indoor play areas; see the malls guide, and our museums list for more indoor ideas.

The Old City with children

Go in the morning, carry small children rather than push a pram (the alleys are steps), and give them a mission: count the gates, find the Cardo, walk a stretch of the ramparts, look into the Burnt House. The Jewish Quarter has space to rest; the Davidson Center explains what they are looking at.

Practical tips

• Buy tickets online, especially on chol hamoed and in August. Some places need tickets bought in advance for Saturday.
• Carry water and hats from April to October; shade is scarce at midday.
• Young children ride public transport free, and older children with a personal Rav-Kav get a discount.
• Holiday weeks and summer are when the city runs kaytanot and programmes; the kaytanot guide explains them.
• Want the day planned for you? Our ready-made itineraries include a day with children.

Common questions

What are the best things to do in Jerusalem with kids?

The Biblical Zoo and the Aquarium, the Bloomfield Science Museum, the Israel Museum's Ruth Youth Wing, Gazelle Valley Park, the Train Track Park, and for older children the Old City's tunnels and the Ramparts Walk.

What can you do in Jerusalem with kids on a rainy day?

The Bloomfield Science Museum, the Israel Museum's children's wing, the Aquarium, indoor play centres, bowling and climbing, and children's theatre.

Is Jerusalem good for toddlers?

Yes, with planning. Gazelle Valley, the Train Track Park, the Botanical Gardens and the zoo all work with a pram; the Old City is steps and better with a carrier.

A family favourite we missed, or a price that has changed? Tell us and we will fix it.