Clore Garden of Science (Photo: Deror Avi, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons)
If you’re spending Sukkot in Israel with kids, museums are a great addition to your Chol Hamoed plans. From hands-on science exhibits and interactive experiences to museums that bring Jewish and Israeli history to life, there are plenty of options for families throughout the country.
Many museums offer special activities and workshops during school vacations and Jewish holidays, making Sukkot an especially good time to visit. English tours may also be available, but advance booking is often recommended during busy holiday periods.
From Jerusalem and Tel Aviv to Haifa, Rehovot and Beit Shemesh, here are some of the best family-friendly museums in Israel to add to your itinerary.
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+
- Location: Tel Aviv
- Cost: 58 NIS per person
- Booking English Tour: Must be booked in advance; tours last about 1 hour
- 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: 6+
- Location: Central Tel Aviv
- Cost: Adult 30 NIS, ages 6-18 20 NIS
- Booking English Tour: Advance booking is required and the visit lasts 90 minutes. English translation is available through headphones.
- 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: All ages; the interactive Heroes Gallery is designed for children ages 6–12.
- Location: Tel Aviv University campus
- Cost: 54 NIS per person; children under 5 free
- Booking English Tour: Complimentary guided tours in English are offered on select dates and are included with museum admission. Check the schedule and book in advance. Self-guided options available.
- Website: Anu Museum
- Nearby Attractions: Ramat Aviv Mall
Tel Aviv Museum of Art – Tel Aviv
- Description: One of Israel’s leading art museums, with Israeli and international art, changing exhibitions and dedicated family experiences. The museum offers activities designed especially for children, including family gallery tours, creative workshops and interactive art experiences.
- Appropriate for Ages: All ages; many family activities are designed for children ages 5+
- Location: Central Tel Aviv
- Cost: Adults 55 NIS; children and teens under 18 enter free
- Booking Visit: General museum admission is available during opening hours; check ahead for family workshops and special activities, which may require separate registration
- Website: Tel Aviv Museum of Art
- Nearby Attractions: Sarona Market, Rabin Square, Dizengoff Street
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+
- Location: Mount Herzl, Jerusalem
- Cost: Adult 30 NIS, ages 6-18 24 NIS, under 6 free
- Booking English Tour: Advance coordination is required and English is available.
- 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: All ages; English family audio tours are designed for children ages 6–11
- Location: Jewish Quarter, Old City of Jerusalem
- Cost: Adult 36 NIS, children 4-18 28 NIS
- Booking English Tour: Advance registration required. English audio tours are available.
- 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+
- Location: Russian Compound, Jerusalem
- Cost: Adults 20 NIS, ages 5-18 15 NIS
- Booking English Tour: Advance reservations recommended. English-guided visits are available.
- 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+
- Location: Jerusalem, near the Hebrew University
- Cost: 65 NIS per person; 235 NIS for family pass; children under 5 are free
- Booking Visit: Advance ticket reservation is required.
- 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+
- Location: Beit Shemesh
- Cost: Adults 58 NIS, children 3–18 45 NIS, under 3 free
- Booking English Tour: Advance 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: 10+
- Location: Rehovot
- Cost: Adults 33 NIS, children 24 NIS
- 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 NIS per person, under 5 free
- Booking Visit: Tickets are online only and visitors choose a 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: Children of different ages. Experiences are age-specific, with activities for ages 3–7, 6–8 and 8–11. Dialogue in the Dark and Invitation to Silence are for ages 9+.
- Location: Holon, near Tel Aviv
- Cost: 72 NIS per person per exhibit
- Booking English Tour: Advance booking is required. Visitors book a specific activity or experience, so check age requirements when reserving.
- 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, especially 6+
- Location: Central Haifa
- Cost: 84 ILS per person when purchased online; children up to age 5 are free. A ticket is required for every visitor, including children eligible for free admission.
- Booking English Tour: Advance booking 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 during school breaks or busy travel periods 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 rotate or close temporarily. Holidays and peak seasons often bring special programming or pop-up activities, so it’s worth a quick 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 Areas: Some museums include outdoor exhibits, courtyards, or gardens. If that’s part of your visit, check the weather and dress accordingly. Comfortable shoes, layers, sun protection, or rain gear can make a big difference depending on the season.
Pack Smart: Especially when visiting with little ones, it helps to bring the basics. Water, snacks, wipes, and maybe a light jacket or change of clothes can make the day smoother.
Accessibility: If you're using a stroller or traveling with someone who needs extra support, double-check the museum’s accessibility info online. Many locations have ramps and elevators, but it’s always good to confirm.
Seasonal Extras: Keep an eye out for special holiday programming, family workshops, or temporary exhibits. Many museums add extra activities during school vacations and Jewish holidays, and they’re often a big hit with kids.