Jerusalem’s Tourism News & Summer Family Guide

Planning to spend your summer in Jerusalem? You won’t believe how many activities are going on especially for kids and families.

Each of Jerusalem’s museums has a special event for kids and there are also some exciting festivals including the International Puppet Festival, Hutzot Hayotzer Art Festival and the Light Festival.

Jerusalem tourism is constantly growing with new events, hotels and attractions. Here is some news for you — fresh off the press…

News in Jerusalem Tourism…

Galita Chocolate Workshops in Kibbutz Tzuba are now Mehadrin. Reserve a workshop that is great for all ages. While you are there make sure to ask about the Tzuba Winery tour and special Friday brunch.
The Arena will be opening an ice skating rink open for skating and special events. The ice rink was built for the Maccabiah games, but will stay open for the public. Ice Land Festival at the Arena this summer.
Family Ice Skating (ages 5+)
July 18-August 5. Sunday-Thurs 10:00am-9:00pm Friday 9:00am-3:00pm. Sessions begin on the house for 45 minutes.
20 NIS Child/Adult (includes skates – bring socks)

August 16-20
“Cirque de Glace” – Acrobatic Show on Ice
75 NIS Tickets

More Info
The Israel Aquarium had its grand opening to honor the Gottesman family, but it will not be opening to the public till the end of the year. This state of the art aquarium will have a shark tank and tunnel that you can walk through, fish from all four seas in Israel and lots of fun pop up options for kids to feel like they are inside the tanks.
Tower of David has a full schedule of activities in English this summer for the whole family. Don’t miss the Amazing Race around the Citadel and the special Knights Festival. There is even an option to sleep over at the Citadel.
Shalva, the organization that helps families with children with special needs, has opened a Shalva cafe. The cafe is run by the owners of the famous Derech Hagefen restaurant in Motsa and is a delicious place to eat while supporting a worthy cause.
The Science Museum’s 2×200 Bicycle Exhibition was created in Israel by a team from museums around the world. It showcases Israeli technology and will become a traveling exhibit across the world. Don’t miss the 70 km per hour wind tunnel simulator! Daly tours in English at 12:00pm. Save on tickets with this coupon.
The newest Isrotel hotel, the Orient is set to open in July on Emek Refaim. Combining the beauty of historic heritage buildings with modern luxury. Did you know they have a ballroom that can host up to 700 people and a swimming pool with an Old City view?
Looking for a smaller family run Inn in the center of the German Colony? Stop in at the Templer Inn and meet Alon & Revaya. They will share the history of the house with you and how their family has lived there for 3 generations. Great family suites.
Characters from Israel’s history come alive in a theatrical tour of Har Herzl and this summer they speak “English.” July 30 at 5 pm.
Gush Etzion a 15-minute drive from Jerusalem, has become a popular tourist destination for families with Pat Ba’melach Bread Workshops, The Workshop Gush Etzion woodworking Judaica workshops, the longest zipline in the Middle East and delicious restaurants.