Clore Garden of Science (Photo: Deror Avi, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons)
Even with everything going on, people are still coming to Israel—and finding meaningful ways to give back while they're here. Volunteering has become a big part of many trips, with plenty of hands-on ways to help out, from working on farms to packing food boxes. It’s a great way to get involved, even with young kids in tow. If you're looking for ideas, check out our blog post on volunteer opportunities in Israel.
But it’s not all work! Visiting museums is also a great way to connect with Israel’s story—its people, past, and future. There are tons of cultural and educational experiences here, and many museums are designed with families in mind. Whether your kids love science, history, art, or just running around interactive exhibits, there’s something for everyone.
Most of the museums we highlight in this guide are hands-on and super engaging, perfect for keeping young minds interested. From cutting-edge tech at the ANU Museum to the science fun at Madatech, you’ll find places that are both structured and flexible—you can join a guided tour or explore at your own pace. Just make sure to book ahead, especially for English-language tours (they usually run about 1.5 to 2 hours, which is just right for kids).
If you're planning to visit an outdoor museum, check the weather first. Israel gets hot, especially in the summer, so cooler mornings or milder seasons are your best bet. And of course, no outing is complete without a good meal—Israel’s got kosher food options everywhere, whether you're grabbing a slice of pizza or treating yourself to a fancy dinner (maybe save that one for date night).
From the ancient streets of Jerusalem to the innovation hubs of Tel Aviv and Haifa, this guide is your jumping-off point for fun, educational family adventures. Let’s take a look at the best kid-friendly museums around Israel—perfect for your next family day out!
The Temple Institute in Jerusalem (Photo: פארוק, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons)
Olympic Experience - Tel Aviv
- Description: This museum offers an interactive journey through the history of the Olympics, featuring simulations and multimedia displays that engage visitors in the spirit of the games.
- Appropriate for Ages: 6 years and older
- Location: Tel Aviv
- Cost: Approximately 50 ILS per person
- Booking English Tour: Recommended to book in advance; tours last about 1.5 hours
- Website: The Olympic Experience
- Nearby Attractions: Tel Aviv Port, beautiful beaches
Palmach Museum - Tel Aviv
- Description: An immersive museum that tells the story of the Palmach, the elite fighting force of the Haganah, through guided audio-visual presentations, making history come alive.
- Appropriate for Ages: 10 years and older
- Location: Central Tel Aviv
- Cost: 20-30 ILS per person
- Booking English Tour: Necessary to book in advance
- Website: Palmach Museum
- Nearby Attractions: Yitzhak Rabin Center, Hayarkon Park
ANU Museum - Tel Aviv University
- Description: Located at Tel Aviv University, this museum focuses on the Jewish people's story throughout history with high-tech exhibits and interactive media.
- Appropriate for Ages: 7 years and older
- Location: Tel Aviv University campus
- Cost: Entry fee of about 50 ILS
- Booking English Tour: Not required; self-guided options available
- Website: Anu Museum
- Nearby Attractions: Ramat Aviv Mall
Herzl Museum (Photo: Jenia Kirs Pikiwiki Israel)
Herzl Museum - Har Herzl, Jerusalem
- Description: The museum provides a dramatic and interactive portrayal of the life and achievements of Theodor Herzl, the father of modern political Zionism.
- Appropriate for Ages: 8 years and older
- Location: Mount Herzl, Jerusalem
- Cost: Approximately 30 ILS per person
- Booking English Tour: Reservations required
- Website: Herzl Museum
- Nearby Attractions: Mount Herzl National Cemetery, Yad Vashem.
Temple Institute - Old City of Jerusalem
- Description: Dedicated to educating about the Second Temple, the museum features meticulous reconstructions of Temple vessels and priestly garments.
- Appropriate for Ages: 10 years and older
- Location: Jewish Quarter, Old City of Jerusalem
- Cost: About 30 ILS per person
- Booking English Tour: Advanced registration required
- Website: Temple Institute
- Nearby Attractions: Western Wall, Western Wall tunnel tours.
Museum of the Underground Prisoners - Jerusalem
- Description: Located in the historic Russian Compound, this museum chronicles the experiences of Jewish underground fighters imprisoned by the British during the Mandate period. Visitors can explore reconstructed prison cells, original artifacts, and detailed exhibits that bring to life the stories of courage and resistance.
- Appropriate for Ages: 10 years and older
- Location: Russian Compound, Jerusalem
- Cost: Approximately 15-20 ILS per person
- Booking English Tour: Advanced reservations recommended
- Website: Museum of the Underground Prisoners
- Nearby Attractions: Mahane Yehuda Market, Ben Yehuda Street, The Great Synagogue
Bloomfield Science Museum - Jerusalem
- Description: This museum is dedicated to making science accessible and fun for children. With numerous interactive exhibits, kids can engage in hands-on activities that explore concepts in physics, biology, technology, and more.
- Appropriate for Ages: 3 years and older
- Location: Jerusalem, near the Hebrew University
- Cost: 65 ILS per person/ 235 ILS for family pass
- Booking Visit: To guarantee entry, visits must be booked in advance.
- Website: Bloomfield Science Museum
- Nearby Attractions: The Israel Museum, the Knesset, and the Jerusalem Botanical Gardens
Kudu horns and shofars at the Biblical Museum of Natural History (Photo: MathKnight and Dr. Zachi Evenor, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons)
The Biblical Museum of Natural History - Beit Shemesh
- Description: This museum showcases the animals and natural phenomena mentioned in the Bible, offering a fascinating glimpse into the natural world of the biblical era. Exhibits include live animals, taxidermy specimens, and interactive tours that connect biblical stories with natural history.
- Appropriate for Ages: 4 years and older
- Location: Beit Shemesh
- Cost: Approximately 40 - 50 ILS per person
- Booking English Tour: Advanced reservations required
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Website: The Biblical Museum of Natural History
- Nearby Attractions: Beit Guvrin-Maresha National Park, Stalactite Cave Nature Reserve.
Ayalon Institute - The Bullet Factory Museum - Rehovot
- Description: This hidden underground bullet factory played a significant role in Israel’s history. The tour includes demonstrations and historical accounts.
- Appropriate for Ages: 9 years and older
- Location: Rehovot
- Cost: 22 - 30 ILS per person
- Booking English Tour: Advance booking required
- Website: Ayalon Institute - Bullet Factory Museum
- Nearby Attractions: Weizmann Institute of Science, local botanical gardens
Clore Garden of Science at the Weizmann Institute - Rehovot
- Description: An open-air museum featuring interactive installations that teach various scientific principles, ideal for engaging curious minds.
- Appropriate for Ages: All ages
- Location: Weizmann Institute campus, Rehovot
- Cost: 68 ILS per person
- Booking Visit: Advance booking required - timed entry
- Website: Clore Garden of Science
- Nearby Attractions: Weizmann House, Ayalon Institute - Bullet Factory Museum
Holon Children's Museum (Photo: Dr. Avishai Teicher Pikiwiki Israel)
Holon Children’s Museum
- Description: Known for its unique exhibits like 'Dialogue in the Dark' and 'Invitation to Silence,' which offer immersive experiences that challenge senses and perceptions.
- Appropriate for Ages: 'Dialogue in the Dark' (9+ years), 'Invitation to Silence' (9+ years)
- Location: Holon, near Tel Aviv
- Cost: 50 ILS per person for each exhibit
- Booking English Tour: Required; each exhibit lasts about 1 hour. It is important to note that entrance to the museum is by advance reservation only - you must book for a specific exhibit.
- Website: Holon Children’s Museum
- Nearby Attractions: Design Museum Holon, local parks
Madatech - The Israel National Museum of Science, Technology, and Space - Haifa
- Description: This museum features over 600 hands-on exhibits covering topics from physics to space exploration, ideal for inquisitive minds.
- Appropriate for Ages: All ages, particularly 6 years and older
- Location: Central Haifa
- Cost: 90 ILS per person
- Booking English Tour: Not required
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Website: Madatech
- Nearby Attractions: Baha'i Gardens, Haifa cable cars
A Few Tips Before You Go
- Book Ahead: Most of the museums on this list require advance reservations—especially if you want a guided tour in English. Try to book early, especially during school breaks or holidays when things fill up fast.
- Check Opening Hours: Even if a place doesn’t require reservations, it’s always smart to check the museum’s website before you go. Hours can change, and some exhibits might be closed or swapped out. Summer and holiday seasons often come with special events or pop-up activities, so it’s worth a look.
- Look for Deals: Many museums offer family passes, group discounts, or reduced rates for kids and seniors. Check the ticket section online or call ahead—you might save a bit.
- Outdoor Spots: Some museums have outdoor exhibits or gardens. If you’re heading to one of those, check the weather first and dress for it—hats, sunscreen, water bottles, all the usual gear. It gets hot out there!
- Pack Smart: Especially if you’re going with little ones, it helps to bring along the basics: water, snacks, sunscreen, maybe even a change of clothes if you're spending a full day out.
- Accessibility: If you're using a stroller or traveling with someone who needs extra support, double-check the museum’s accessibility info online. Most have ramps and elevators, but not all.
- Seasonal Fun: Keep an eye out for special holiday programs or family workshops—lots of museums add extra activities during the summer and Jewish holidays, and they’re usually a hit with kids.