During the day, Tel Aviv is a magnet for families, while at night, it’s a partygoers’ paradise. There are lots of kid-friendly places: in cafes, markets, museums, beaches and parks and the family vibe is felt in the whole city.
The city invested a lot in green spaces, seafront, transport and buildings, being more attractive for families with kids than it was 15 years ago when it was seen as a go to for retirees and students. Walking down on any boulevard you will find out mini playgrounds where kids can play safely, while their parents enjoy some free time and a cappuccino.
We’ve made our top picks for places both little and big kids will enjoy.
Museums and Parks for Children of All Ages
A visit to the Tel Aviv Museum of Art, the city’s major museum complex will be loved children of all ages. The younger children will love the vast open spaces, colourful sculptures and special exhibitions and show specially put on for little ones while older kids may appreciate the surreal modern art collection featuring the likes of Picasso and Monet. Set on the campus of Tel Aviv University, the newly opened Steinhardt Natural History Museum has more than half a million items, making every child curious to discover more. the museum is designed with kids in mind and tells the story of the natural world, including exhibits on dinosaurs, creepy-crawlies, and migrating birds, plus an interactive exhibition on life in the dark.
The Museum of the Jewish People – offers a fun way for children to learn about geniuses such as Einstein. This choice is great for science lovers. It includes a sports section, where kids can take part in a virtual Olympic game, and an area where children can create 3D pictures.
Old Jaffa’s labyrinth of ancient alleyways and art galleries is an inspiration for older children, while Safari Ramat Gan will be especially enjoyed by the younger children as they get to drive past rhinos, flamingos and zebras before entering the zoo.
Luna Park, a smallish theme park with its fair share of white knuckle rides is the perfect place for teenagers. Superland, its younger sibling has more attractions including a pirate ship, a few rollercoasters and a river rapids rides. The Israel Children’s Museum, an experimental museum with a mixed bag of random exhibitions ranging from aliens and magic forests to The Beatles can be found in Holon, a short taxi ride from Tel Aviv. Nearby, Yamit 2000, Israel’s biggest waterpark, boasts some 20 water slides, though it has sporadic opening hours outside of the summer months.
Best Beaches for Kids
You can find up to 14 km stretch of sandy beaches that make a fun option for your holiday with the family. All of Tel Aviv’s beaches have lifeguards, outdoor showers and the all-important ice cream shops. You can top up your tan, while children collect seashells and play in the sand. Waves are broken by a rocky bay, making it safe for all ages to swim, the current near the shortline being generally mild. There are occasional ‘black flag’ days, usually after a storm when lifeguards forbid swimming.
Beach recommendations: Metzitzim Beach, Hilton Beach, Frishman Beach and Gordon Beach.
Enjoy your vacation with your family in Tel Aviv!