Around Israel: exhibits, tours, attractions, July, 2016
Man and the Living World Museum
The new exhibit “Nine Lives” showcases works by artists on the subject of cats and cat lovers. Opens Friday at 10.30; ongoing exhibit: “The Wild Animals of Nahum Gutman and Friends.” The works are inspired by Gutman’s illustrations and depict a playful alternative to hunting. Both exhibits are for the entire family. Sat 10.00-17.00; Sun-Thur 09.00-14.00. National Park, Ramat Gan (03) 631-5010
Ramat Gan Safari
The 250-acre park is home to 200 species of wild mammals, birds and reptiles, and offers tours, activities and workshops, led by staff members. Fri and holiday eves 09.00-16.00; Sat and holidays, Sun-Thur 09.00-16.30 (last entry 2 hours before closing). 1 Sderot Hatzvi, Ramat Gan (03) 630-5305; www.safari.co.il
Ice Peaks
Ice skating rink, climbing wall and zip-line. Fri 11.30-23.00; Sat 10.00-23.00, Mon-Thur 17.30-20.00. Mifratz Shlomo St., Holon
Yitzhak Rabin Center
Celebrating the life and legacy of the assassinated prime minister, the center and its museum combine Rabin’s personal story with the development of the burgeoning Jewish State of Israel. Activities include guided historical tours, and educational workshops on such ideas as democracy and remembrance. Fri 09.00-14.00; Sun, Mon, Wed 09.00-17.00; Tues, Thur 09.00-19.00. 8 Haim Levanon St., Ramat Aviv *4585
JERUSALEM AND AREA
Kiftzuba
The family amusement park offers a range of activities for all ages, including swimming, water tubing, carousels, bumper cars, a 140-meter roller coaster, games, an indoor Gymboree and more, as well as a chocolate-making workshop (ages 3+). Fri 10.00-17.00; Sat 10.00-19.00. Kibbutz Tzuba. Details: (02) 534-7952, www.kiftzuba.co.il
Jerusalem Botanical Gardens
The Children’s Discovery Trail A sensory exploration activity that incorporates trails, a canopy walk through the trees, touch water plants from the new wooden deck, a “down to the roots” exhibit and tours. For the entire family. Tour hours: 10.30, 11.30, 12.30, 13.30. Activity hours: 10.00-14.30. Regular offering: Israel’s biggest plant collection, organized geographically,
with over 6,000 plants throughout the grounds. Fri 09.00-15.00; Sat, Sun-Thur 09.00-17.00. 1 Zalman Shneor St. (via Nayot Petrol Station). Shabbat entry from 1 Burla St. Details: (02) 679-4012, www.en.botanic.co.il
Tisch Family Zoological Gardens (Biblical Zoo)
Natural exhibits of over 500 species of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish and invertebrates from around the world. Includes a children’s zoo with a petting corner, animal feeding demonstrations, educational activities and the Noah’s Ark sculpture garden. Fri 09.00-16.30; Sat 10.00-18.00; Sun-Thur 09.00-18.00. Biblical Zoo, Aharon Shulov St. (02) 675-0111
Herzl Museum
The museum provides details on the life and influence of Theodor Herzl, the founder of modern Zionism. At the entrance to Mt. Herzl. By appointment: (02) 632-1515
Tower of David Museum
Home to the Museum of the History of Jerusalem, the Tower of David features a permanent exhibit about the city’s history and its significance to three religions. The tower itself is an archaeological site and offers a 360-degree view of the Old City of Jerusalem. It also stages temporary exhibits (see Art) that connect ancient history with contemporary themes, and hosts lectures, guided tours and other cultural events. The Night Spectacular - A night show presenting the history of Jerusalem, with images projected onto the walls, bridges and hidden pathways of the ancient citadel. Sat 21.00, 22.00; Mon, Wed 20.30, 21.30. Museum hours: Fri 09.00-14.00; Sat, Sun-Thur 09.00-16.00. www.towerofdavid.org.il
Bloomfield Science Museum
Fields of Tomorrow A new interactive exhibit on innovations in agriculture and a look into how the alarming growth in human population will increase demand on the world’s food supply. Using the exhibit as a tool for education on the issue, visitors enter through a demonstration field where on the sidelines there are example sugar canes, rice drip irrigation technology and more. Workshops include how to find energy sources in pita and cucumber, on natural tastes and smells, as well as guided tours. Among the exhibits: Under Construction! Construction games for the whole family: Why don’t buildings fall? The nature of structures, construction workshops such as building structures with ordinary drinking straws, scientific demonstrations and guided tours; Tiny Giants BBC nature documentary in 3D. Screenings will take place: Fri at 12.00; Sat at 13.00. Museum hours: Fri and holiday eves 10.00-14.00; Sat and holidays 10.00-16.00; Mon-Thur 10.00-18.00. (02) 654-4888, www.event.mada.org.il
Yad Vashem
Established as the world center for documentation, research, education and commemoration of the Holocaust and home to the Holocaust History Museum. It offers visitors a guided tour in English (see Tours) and presents a variety of important Survivors’ testimonies, personal diaries, artifacts and more. Special exhibit: Children in the Holocaust: Stars Without a Heaven The exhibit gives expression to the 1.5 million children who perished in the Holocaust and displays their stories. Mount of Remembrance, Har Hazikaron St., off Herzl St. (02) 644-3802. Museum hours: Fri 09.00-14.00; Sun-Wed 09.00-17.00; Thur 09.00-20.00
Mini Israel
Over 350 miniature replicas of historical, religious, archaeological and modern sites and buildings from around the country. Guided tours by appointment. Fri and holiday eves 10.00-14.00; Sat, Sun-Thur 10.00-17.00. Location at Latrun 1-700-559-559, www.minisrael.co.il
Monkey Park
Guided tours, workshops, feedings, rides, wall climbing and other activities. Fri and holiday eves 10.00-14.00; Sat-Thur 10.00-15.00. Ben Shemen Forest (near Kfar Daniel) (08) 928-5888, park.monkeypark.co.il
HAIFA AND THE NORTH
Back to the Middle Ages
The historical reenactment of one of the most significant battles of the Middle Ages, the Battle of Hattin (1187) continues over the weekend. The event includes active participation and character role playing, with knights, mercenaries, members of the military orders, mamluks (owned slave), pilgrims, countrymen, Bedouins and others. Fri 09.00-19.00; Sat 09.00-15.00. In the woods near the entrance to the Zippori National Park, Lower Galilee. Registration to take part: http://www.horns-hattin.com/
Israel Yoga Festival
With over 70 yoga instructors, 150 different classes, 13 yoga training stations, live musical performances, Vinyasa singing, yoga for women, kids, therapy and more. For the entire family. Fri from 06.00; Sat from 07.00. Givat Haviva, in the Wadi Ara region. Registration: www.israelyogafestival.co.il
Gan Guru
Overnight Stay at Gan Guru The park, home to wildlife including kangaroos and koalas, invites families to camp out overnight on its grounds and take part in a special tour of the animals, ending with breakfast the next morning and followed by a kangaroo feeding demonstration. Fri 09.00-15.00; Sat-Thur 09.00-20.00. Australia Park, Kibbutz Nir David (04) 648-8060, www.nirtours.co.il
Indi Park
Hosts a new activity on stand up paddleboarding (SUP) in addition to the theme park’s regular attractions. Includes kayaking, surfing, canoeing, wall climbing, nature art workshops and more. Open all week from 09.00-17.00. Located in Yesud Hama’ala in the Hula Valley. Details: www.indipark.co.il
Hamat Gader
Enjoy the 360 Extreme Splash pool, a giant tent compound, pedal boats, a parrot show, crocodile feedings, local hot springs, and more. Fri, Thur 08.30-22.00; Sat 08.30-19.00; Sun-Wed 08.30-17.00; Hamat Gader, off Route 98 and south of Lake Kinneret. Details: *6393
Israel Railway Museum
The national railway museum of Israel features the country’s railway history, antique train cars and other railway items. Sun-Thur 08.00-16.00. 1 Hativat Golani St., Haifa. Details: www.rail.co.il
A Crusader Experience
Home to the Hospitaller Fortress (Knights’ Hall), the Old City of Acre presents a series of medieval-themed activities based at the hall that includes candlelight dinners, costumed entertainers and actors, singing, dancing and a tournament of knights jousting on horseback. Special host, played by an actor, King Richard the Lionheart, who headed the Christian armies and re-conquered Acre during the Crusades, will attend each dinner and entertain guests. Tues, Thur at 19.00. 1 Weizmann St., Acre. Tickets: (04) 995-6708
THE SOUTH
International Living Statues Festival
The three-day International Living Statues Festival opens Tuesday, with over 150 international and local performers posing as still or moving statues, creating a colorful carnival of living tableaus. Tues-Thur 18.00-22.30. Ya’akov St., Rehovot
Bird Watching Park
Learn about the life and migrating patterns of many different bird species, observe them as they land in the nearby lake and trees, and understand Israel’s vital role in many migrating birds’ flight plans and survival. Open daily, at all hours. Off the Arava Rd., from on Route 90 and then east on Route 109. Details: 050-767-1290, http://eilatbirds.com
Lunada
A children’s museum offering a fascinating interactive experience, with original games that activate the different senses. Sat 09.00-17.30, Sun-Thur 09.00-13.00. Lunada, 25 Hareuveni St., Be’er Sheva
Underwater Observatory Marine Park, Eilat
The park sits upon the coral reef of the Red Sea, providing an up-close introduction to the fauna of the Gulf of Eilat, including over 800 species of fish, corals, mollusks, turtles, rays and more. The park’s shark pool is home to 18 shark species, and offers an underwater observation tunnel, activities and displays. Additional attractions include the open-sea underwater observatory, aquariums, the Amazon Cabin (featuring fauna from the Amazon River), animal feedings, glass-bottomed boat cruises, 3D educational films and more. Daily, 08.30-16.00. Coral (Almog) Beach, Eilat (08) 636-4200, www.coralworld.co.il/en