Photo: Envato
Passover is one of the best times of year for a family vacation. With children off from school and families already planning to spend the holiday together, a Passover program makes it possible to combine Pesach with a getaway without worrying about cooking, kashering or preparing meals for the holiday.
For families, though, choosing the right Passover program involves more than finding a great hotel in a destination you want to visit. Kids clubs, teen activities, babysitting, pools, sports, excursions and room options can make a big difference, especially when traveling with children of different ages or with several generations of the family.
Family programming varies from one Pesach program to another. Some offer full day camps and organized teen activities, while others focus more on resort amenities, sightseeing or activities that families can enjoy together. Knowing what to look for before you book can help you find a Passover program that works for everyone in your family.
Kids Clubs and Day Camps at Passover Programs
Kids clubs are a big part of many family-friendly Passover programs, but the setup can vary quite a bit. Some programs run organized day camps for much of the day, while others offer a few hours of supervised activities or programming at certain times.
Before booking, check the ages covered and the hours of the kids club. A program that advertises children's programming may be perfect for a six-year-old but have very little for a toddler or preteen. It’s also worth finding out whether the program runs every day, including Yom Tov and Shabbat, or mainly during Chol Hamoed.
Activities depend on the program and resort, but can include sports, arts and crafts, games, shows, swimming and special Chol Hamoed activities. Larger programs may divide children into age groups, which can make a big difference when siblings are several years apart.
Food is another detail worth checking. Some Passover programs offer children's menus or earlier lunch and dinner times for children, while others serve all meals on the regular dining schedule. If the kids club runs through mealtimes, ask whether the children eat with the counselors or need to be picked up by their parents. For families with younger children, these details can make the daily schedule much easier.
Beyond the organized kids club, look at what the resort itself offers. Some Passover programs are held at resorts with water parks, water slides, playgrounds, game rooms and sports facilities, giving kids plenty to do outside of scheduled programming.
Beyond the organized kids club, look at what the resort itself offers. Some Passover programs are held at resorts with water parks, water slides, playgrounds, game rooms and sports facilities, giving kids plenty to do outside of scheduled programming.
Some Passover programs are held at resorts with water parks and other family-friendly amenities (Photo: Envato)
Traveling With Babies and Toddlers
Traveling for Passover with babies and toddlers takes a little extra planning. Babysitting may be available, often for an additional fee, which can give parents a chance to enjoy dinner or evening entertainment on their own.
Ask what the program and hotel provide before you arrive. Cribs and high chairs may be available, and some programs offer early meals or children's menus. It’s also worth checking how far rooms are from the dining areas and other main activities, especially at a large resort where getting around with a stroller can take time.
If your child is too young for the kids club, check the minimum age before booking and find out what options are available for younger children. Also ask whether babysitting needs to be reserved in advance and what the hourly rates are.
Don’t Forget About the Teens
Teenagers aren't necessarily going to be interested in the same organized activities as younger children. Some programs offer teen lounges, sports, outings and evening activities, while others have a more informal setup that gives teens a place to meet and hang out.
It’s worth asking about the age groups and how many teens are expected to attend, but don't look only at the program schedule. Some teenagers aren't interested in organized programming at all. Check the resort itself to see what they can do during their free time. A game room, basketball or tennis courts, sports fields, pools and other activities can make a big difference.
The hotel website is a good place to start, but you can also check recent Google and Tripadvisor reviews for a better idea of the facilities and what is actually available at the resort. A program can have excellent children's programming and still not be the right fit for a family traveling with teenagers.
Activities for the Whole Family
Every family vacations differently. Some want a full schedule with organized activities and Chol Hamoed excursions, while others would rather have the freedom to plan their own days. Think about which style works better for your family when comparing Passover programs.
Many programs organize family activities and day trips during Chol Hamoed. These might include sightseeing, outdoor adventures, historical sites or local attractions. Check what is included in the program price, since some excursions are included while others cost extra.
If your family prefers to explore independently, look at what there is to do in the surrounding area. You may want to rent a car, especially if the hotel is outside a city or resort area. Families who plan to spend more time at the resort should pay more attention to the hotel's sports, recreation and other amenities.
Weather is also worth checking if outdoor activities are important to your family. A resort may have beautiful pools, a beach and plenty of outdoor space, but Pesach weather can vary depending on the destination. Check whether pools are heated and what indoor activities are available in case the weather doesn't cooperate.
Multigenerational Passover Vacations
Weather is also worth checking if outdoor activities are important to your family. A resort may have beautiful pools, a beach and plenty of outdoor space, but Pesach weather can vary depending on the destination. Check whether pools are heated and what indoor activities are available in case the weather doesn't cooperate.
Multigenerational Passover Vacations
Passover programs can work especially well for multigenerational trips, with grandparents, parents and children all staying in the same hotel. Everyone can spend Yom Tov and meals together without one family member having to host the entire group.
When booking for a large family, room arrangements are important. Ask about connecting rooms, family rooms and suites, and try to book early if you want rooms near each other. If grandparents or other family members have mobility issues, check distances between guest rooms, dining areas, the synagogue and other main facilities.
Different generations may also want very different things from the vacation. Kids may be happiest at the kids club, teens with their friends and adults at the pool, spa or on excursions. You don't need everyone to have the same schedule for the family to enjoy Pesach together.
Many Passover programs offer water sports (Photo: Envato)
Finding the Right Crowd and Atmosphere
The hotel and programming may look perfect, but the crowd can have a big impact on your family's experience. If your children or teens are hoping to make friends, ask whether the program generally attracts other families and children around the same ages.
It's also important to understand the religious atmosphere and style of the program. Ask about davening, shiurim, entertainment, dress and separate swimming times if these things matter to your family. The atmosphere can vary quite a bit from one Passover program to another.
Don't be afraid to ask the operator specific questions before booking. You can also speak to families who have attended the program in previous years. What works perfectly for one family may not be the right fit for another.
Questions to Ask Before Booking a Family Passover Program
There is a lot to compare, especially when you're traveling with children of different ages. Before booking, these are some of the questions worth asking:
- What ages does the kids club accept, and what are the hours?
- Is there separate programming for preteens and teens?
- Are there children's menus or earlier meal times?
- Is babysitting available? What does it cost and does it need to be booked in advance?
- What sports, games and recreational facilities does the hotel have?
- Are there organized family activities?
- What Chol Hamoed excursions are planned, and are they included in the price?
- Are connecting rooms, family rooms or suites available?
- Are the pools heated or are there indoor activities if the weather is cool?
- What type of crowd usually attends the program?
- Will there be other children or teens around the same ages as yours?
- How easy is it to explore the area independently?
You may not need every one of these things. A family traveling with toddlers will have very different priorities from one traveling with teenagers. Decide what matters most to your family and ask about those details before putting down a deposit.
Finding a Family-Friendly Passover Program for 2027
There isn't one Passover program that's right for every family. Some families want a busy week of kids clubs, teen activities and organized excursions. Others are looking for a beautiful resort where everyone can relax and plan their own days.
As operators announce their plans, TJT continues to add and update Passover programs for 2027 in destinations around the world. Compare the programs, hotels, locations and family amenities, and then speak directly with the program operator about the details that are most important to you.
For families, the right Passover program isn't necessarily the one with the longest list of activities. It's the one that fits the way your family wants to spend Pesach.