Clore Garden of Science (Photo: Deror Avi, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons)
Winter vacation and Yeshiva Week are in full swing, and if you’re traveling in Israel with kids, you’re probably already thinking about how to keep everyone busy beyond parks, playgrounds, and outdoor trips. With a few colder days and rain in the forecast, it’s the perfect time to start lining up some great indoor ideas. Museums are one of those easy wins. They’re warm, engaging, and surprisingly fun for kids of all ages.
Israel has an amazing mix of hands-on, family-friendly museums that bring history, science, culture, and innovation to life. Whether your kids love pushing buttons, building things, experimenting, or just wandering through interactive exhibits, there’s something that will keep them curious and entertained, even on a gray day.
Most of the museums we highlight in this guide are designed to be immersive and kid-friendly, with plenty of space to explore at your own pace or join a guided tour if that works better for your family. English tours are usually available but often need to be booked in advance, especially during busy travel periods and school breaks.
And of course, no family outing in Israel is complete without factoring in food. The good news is that kosher options are everywhere, whether you’re grabbing something quick between exhibits or planning a sit-down meal afterward.
From Jerusalem to Tel Aviv and Haifa, here’s a roundup of some of the best kid-friendly museums in Israel to add to your winter travel plans and rainy-day backup list.
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 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.