Top Outdoor Activities in Jerusalem

The Tisch Family Zooological Gardens

There are indoor exhibits that include fish and reptiles (with a bible quote about each animal on view). Also interesting, is the children's petting zoo and a large man-made lake near the entrance that is home to dozens of types of birds and an island of monkeys. There is an extensive outdoor area where large animals, such as zebras, elephants and deer, run freely. The end of the large animal tour culminates in a visitor's center in the shape of Noah's Ark. There is a 15 percent discount for tourists, just show your passport to the cashier.

Nahal Hama'ara

Begin the 9 kilometere hike at Moshav Bar Giora and walk 100 metres beyond the entrance. This hike is chock-full of historical sites beginning with Ein Hod, a 40 metre tunnel and Bet Abtar, a crusader fortress atop a hill 678 metres above sea level. Two other large structures along the route include the 50 X 70metres Te'omim Cave and the Hirbet el-Omadan, a group of Byzantine buildings with mosaic floors and olive oil extraction posts. The hike ends at Moshav Zanoah with bus service to Jerusalem.

Tree Planting in the Jerusalem Forest

For almost 100 years the Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael organization (Jewish National Fund) has been responsible for the growth and nurturing of the Israeli forests. Take part in a long-standing tradition and plant your own personal tree in the Jerusalem Forest. For a NIS 40 donation, you can receive a tour of the forest and receive a small tree to plant. Participants will receive a certificate and the feeling of doing a good deed for the environment and the Israeli landscape. Large groups are welcome. Call in advance to reserve a planting time.

Time Elevator

This attraction, which opened in 1998, provides a white-knuckle simulator ride through Jerusalem's long and turbulent history. The audience is seat-belted in and given headphones for a journey through earthquakes, fires, and the destruction of the city (with seat jolts to accompany). The 25 minute movie begins in the times of King David and Solomon and culminates with the Six-Day War in 1967. Along the way, the audience witnesses the birth of Christianity and the emergence of Islam. The time travel experience concludes with a beautiful aerial ride over the Jerusalem of today. The attraction is not suitable for children under 5. There are stationary seats for heart patients, pregnant women, or those with motion sickness. Admission: NIS 50 for adults NIS 40 for children

Tisch Family Zoological Gardens-Biblical Zoo

An exciting day awaits you at Tisch Family Zoological Gardens— with an exotic wildlife in 62 acres of land surrounded by the lush greenery and scenic valley! The well-maintained enclosures without bars, houses a variety of animals including the rarest and endangered from different parts of the world. Listen to the different chirping sounds in the huge aviary and get acquainted with the animal kingdom at the Bibleland Wildlife Preserve, African and South American enclosures. This zoo also hosts educational activities, entertaining events and other programs to promote awareness of the wildlife. Tired of all the tour? Simply sit back to gaze at the lake and pools surrounded by lush lawns and resting spots!

Bloomfield Science Museum

This hands-on museum is an exciting place for children and young teens. Each exhibit has interesting explanations with levers, gadgets and fun science toys to play with. Learn why skyscrapers don't fall down, how information is copied and transferred across the world and study our atmosphere, weather patterns and how humans can reduce air pollution. Throughout the week there are scientific demonstrations, guided tours, workshops and activity corners, under the direction of experienced guides. Come with the entire family or make reservations for your tour group.

International Cultural Centre for Youth

Based in Jerusalem, Nazareth and Dalyat El Carmel, this 40 year-old centre offers many activities to encourage children of diverse cultures to participate together. The ICCY hosts afternoon playgroups, a summer camp and cultural events running throughout the year. The centre contains a lending library and also has a mobile unit for tour groups giving lectures and workshops. The best feature for short-term travelers is the pen-pal club that establishes ties across borders, countries and cultures. Call for group reservations to learn about Israeli-Arabs, Druze culture and the relationship between Israel and its neighbors.

Israel Museum: Ruth Youth Wing

The youth section of the museum offers a plethora of hands on educational workshops and art activities suited for all ages. A new millennium exhibit includes "It's About Time", a look at how time is marked across different cultures. A recycling room is open where children can sift through bins of scrap material and create new and innovative artwork. Even more exciting is the museum's own archaeological "tel" that teaches about excavation, giving children a better understanding of the artifacts found in the museum.

Kiftzova

The play area at Kibbutz Tzova offers a space for children to let off steam after trailing around Jerusalem's historical sites. The kids will love bouncing around in the inflatable castle park and riding in the battery operated cars. For the wee ones, the kibbutz offers a pre-school program with developmental games and activities. Children can visit the small zoo until 4pm and get a chance to feed the animals. The kibbutz runs organized family hikes in the surrounding Jerusalem hillside.

Snow in Jerusalem

Snow in Jerusalem is a rarity, so the first snowflakes are greeted with great excitement. Locals head to big public areas such as Sacher Park for snowball fights, snowman building and so forth. Because of its high elevation above sea level, Jerusalem is one of the few places in the country that will get snow if conditions are cold enough. This means the Tel Aviv-Jerusalem highway is bumper-to-bumper with residents from other parts of the country who want to experience the snow. For photo opportunities, head to the Old City to catch a white dusting on top of the normally golden Dome of the Rock. And don't be surprised if a man of the cloth lobs a snowball at you!