Here is a selection of where to take your family in and around Tel Aviv:
Private Tel Aviv bike tour
When in Tel Aviv do like the locals and hop on a bike. Opt for a private bike tour to enjoy the guidance of an insider around the landmarks and most exciting spots such as the beautiful beach promenade (Tayelet), vibrant Rabin Square, and peaceful HaYarkon park. Your licensed guide will make sure you discover the city in an informative and entertaining way.
Street art graffiti Tel Aviv tour
Intrigued, young children can appreciate the bold colours and vibrant graphics that can be found throughout the city, but most particularly in the south and Florentine neighbourhood. Older kids and parents will enjoy being talked through the different street art movements and how graffitis came to define Tel Aviv creativity.
Jaffo walking tour
An ideal location to wander with kids, the 4,000 years old port of Jaffo is rich in history and full of surprises at every turn. A licensed tour guide will prove an invaluable companion through the meandering alleyways, renovated harbour, and enchanting flea market to help you unearth the best memorabilia and savour local staples.
Ramat Gan Safari
Which kid hasn’t dreamed of getting close to elephants, gorillas and lions? It’s possible to see these among the 1,600 different animals the Ramat Gan Safari park is home to. The wonderful 250 acres space enables its residents to roam freely and visitors to drive in their midst for some memorable encounters.
A fun way to visit the largest animal collection in the Middle East is with a private Segway tour (only for children aged 16 and above).
HaYarkon Park (Boat rental / Climbing wall)
A peaceful expanse of greenery in the north of the city, the Yarkon Park, similiar to the Central Park in New York, is extremely popular with locals that enjoy hiking, cycling and chilling out there. It features a delightful tropical garden where children can admire majestic swans, an intriguing rock garden and a small bird safari sure to keep the little ones marvelling.
Fun family activities include boat rides on the lake (rentals are available), and a climbing wall within the sports complex.
Tel Aviv Beaches
Stretching over a pristine coastline Tel Aviv beaches are a joy for families travelling with children. Clean, kids-friendly and never far from fresh juice and ice cream parlors, the most popular with families are Gordon and Frischman. It’s an excellent environment for kids that wish to take surfing or scuba diving classes.
Guided Segway and Electrobikes tours
If you’re a family travelling with teenagers aged 16 and above, consider joining a guided Segway tour to explore Tel Aviv effortlessly and leisurely.
Itineraries can be devised according to your main interests but you might be interested to ride from one of the most popular beaches in Tel Aviv to the ancient port of Jaffo, passing through Bauhaus landmarks.
Another route is northwards to Tel Aviv port (Namal) and Yarkon Park. Renting an electrobike to explore the city, at your own pace and without exhaustion, is another popular family-friendly option.
Israeli Children’s Museum
Located south of Tel Aviv in Holon, this exceptional museum is suitable for children as young as two and a half for whom multi-sensorial journeys have been devised.
Older kids can experiment with different artistic activities such as music, theatre, dance and plastic arts.
The museum is renowned for its thought-provoking exhibitions addressing the issues of dialogues between generations and how to communicate with visually and audibly impaired people.
Meymadion Water Park
Escape the summer heat by heading to this water park located in the north of the city. The largest water park in the country, Meymadion comprises water slides, pools, live entertainment stages as well as a basketball court, soccer field, and beach volleyball court. It’s open from the beginning of June till the first week of October.
Museum of the Jewish People
A fascinating museum which is undergoing a major renovation, Beit Hatfutsot covers themes such as Jewish family, community, and culture through thoughtfully curated displays. Among the many child-friendly exhibitions within the complex is Heroes – Trailblazers of the Jewish People taking place in the newly renovated wing, for children aged five to 12.
Words: Sonia Esther Soltani