Fun In Jerusalem

The Temple Mount Sifting Operation in the City of David is one of Fun In Jerusalem’s favorite “FUN for the whole family” activities.

On a hot Friday morning during Succot 2009, I took my kids (ages 6 and 3) along with their cousins (ages 8-3) to the Emek Tzurim National Park for a great Sifting Activity. After a brief description of the location and instructions, the sifting began. The kids were given buckets of rubble to pour into their sifting nets. They were then given hoses of water to use to spray on the dirt to begin the sifting process. Experienced guides and archaeologists were on hand to teach us how to tell the difference between regular rocks and precious pieces of pottery and mosaic. (The green glass from a modern day beer bottle was quickly set aside in the junk pile.)

The kids were then able to sort the items they found which included ancient glass, mosaic stones, pieces of jewelry, pottery and even nails and pieces of weaponry.  The rubble that is sifted comes from the Temple Mount and visitors are given the job to begin the sifting process. It is a win win situation for the archaeologists who are able to teach the visitors (adults and children) about ancient artifacts and to use the extra manpower to begin the sifting process. The entire activity takes 2 hours but you are able to leave earlier if you need to.

My 6 year old was definitly disappointed when he found out that he couldn’t keep the treasures that he found, but he was equally excited to receive a certificate that said that he played a key role in the Temple Mount Antiquities Salvage Operation. It was fun for the whole family and even my 3 year old enjoyed it, although I had to keep a close eye on him.

Visiting Tips

• Parking is at the top of the valley and there are over 200 steps to take to get to the work tent (my son counted them as he came down )
• The site is not stroller accessible.
• The work area is covered with a tarp but even on a hot day it felt cool in the tent
• Wear clothes that can get dusty and muddy.
• Drinks and Ice Cream are available for purchase
• There are port-a-potty toilets next to the work area.
• Tours are available in Hebrew and English
• Reservations are required

For hours and reservations please call the City of David Reservations at *6033.

Mount of Olives Archeological Experience
Emek Tzurim
Adult: 15 NIS
Student: 15 NIS
Senior Citizen/Child: 12 NIS

How To Get To The Emek Tzurim National Park…
By Car
Take Route 60 past the Old City towards French Hill. Make a right when you see the Hebrew University Sculpture. Drive straight and stay in the right lane. When you see a tunnel stay to the right and DO NOT enter the tunnel. Make a right at the Mormon University sign. Free parking is available on the street and enter the valley at the City of David sign. Look for the black tent at the bottom of the steps. (This path is not wheelchair or stroller accessible). 

By Bus:
19, 28, 26, 23, 4, 30, 48

For other great City of David Activities for kids, teens and adults visit our City of David Post.

 
Activities and Events for Kids in Jerusalem-Succot 2009

• Special Events
• Art & Nature
• Museums
• Teens & Young Adults
• Just Outside Jerusalem

For a full list of Succot events and details please visit our Calendar of Events. New events will be added so check back with us again soon!

 Special Events for Succot

Birkat Cohanim “Priestly Blessing” at the Kotel
Monday October 5, 2009

If you have never been to the Kotel (Western Wall) for the Birkat Cohanim, then it is a true “Chavaya” experience. This Succot on Monday of Chol Hamoed, walk to the Kotel (Western Wall) and see thousands of people recite and receive the priestly blessing.
Time:Prayers begin at 8:15am and the Birkat Cohanim for Shacharit is usually recited around 9am and for Mussaf at 10am.
Getting There:Keep in mind that the Old City will be closed to private cars during Succot. There will be an Egged Bus line from the Carta parking lot to the Kotel. 

Jerusalem March & Parade
Tuesday October 6, 2009

The day begins with family activities in Gan Sacher (across from Wolfson Towers)
Time: 10:00am-3:00pm
Activities: Shows, HOP Live!, Electric Train, crafts, artists and more.
Parade: Starting at 2:30pm the parade will walk in the center of town.

Do not plan to drive anywhere within the city on that day. The streets will be closed to cars.The city recommends you park in Teddy Stadium or Binyanei Hauma. For detailed information call 106.

Red Bull Soap Box Car Festival
Wednesday October 7, 2009

Location: Gan Sacher
Activities: Soap Box Car Competition. Children’s activities, a flying car competition, attractions, market and more.
Cost: Free 

The Largest Succah in Israel: Jerusalem Kikar Safra

This year’s theme: MUSIC
Dates: Oct 3, 2009-Oct 7, 2009
Place:Kikar Safra
Time: 6:00pm-10:00pm

Special Kids Events:
Sat Oct 3: Adi’s Music Box (8:00pm-10:00pm)
Sun Oct 4: Adi’s Music Box (6:00pm)
Mon Oct 5: Meet the Mayor 5pm-7pm, Build Musical Instruments from Recycled Objects

All performances are in Hebrew. For more information please call 106.

Beit Avi Chai-Oct 4-8, 2009

Comics Workshop: Learn to draw Comics about the Ushpizin
Ages: 8-12
Time: 11:00am & 1:00pm
Cost: 10 NIS

Puppet Theater & Story Time (Includes Art Workshop)
Ages: 4-8
Time: 11:30am & 1:30pm
Cost: 10 NIS

Location: Beit Avi Chai 44 King George
Parking: Lot is located on Keren Kayemet L’Israel
Reservations: 02-621-5300

A Journey Through Time: Succot in the Archaeological Park Davidson Center-Oct 4-8, 2009

“Young Archaeologists”
Sift through earth to discover findings from the Western Wall Plaza Dig.
Time: 1:00pm-6:00pm

“Musical Workshop for Kids”
Imagine you are the Levites in the Holy Temple making music and singing.
Time: 4:00pm-6:30pm

Tour Zedekiah’s Cave
Beneath the old City lies the Quarry used for the Stones that built the Beit Hamikdash “Holy Temple.” Two hour tours at 11am and 2pm leave from Jaffa Gate Information Station
Time: 9:00am-4:00pm

Contact: 02-627-7550 

Jerusalem Tours Run by Gesher

11:00am Heroes of Jerusalem (King David St)
4:00pm Tour the earliest neighborhoods of Jerusalem (Machane Israel, Nachalat Shiva, Beit David)
7:00pm Musical Tour, Magical tour of Shaananim and Yemin Moshe

All tours include free art workshops for kids.

Tours are in Hebrew and leave from Beit Gesher, Rechov David Hamelech 10.
Tickets: 20 NIS/Adult 10 NIS/Child
Contact: 02-622-8040

Art & Nature

Gheppeto’s Wood Workshop
Enjoy hands on activities at Ghepetto’s Woodworking Workshop during Chol Hamoed. On Succot there will be special open hours for the public from 10:00am-6:30pm. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Make sure to make a reservation for one of the three daily sessions. Click here and print a  special discount coupon for Fun In Jerusalem readers.

Kad V’Chomer “Paint Your Own Ceramics Studio”
Ages: Fun for all ages
Location: Kikar Safra 4
Contact: 02-624-5329
Prices: Prices vary depending on what you paint
Succot Hours:
Sun, Mon, Wed 11:00am-7:00pm
Tues & Thurs 11:00am-11:00pm
Sat 8:00pm-Midnight

Jerusalem Bird Observatory Succot Activities
The Jerusalem Bird Observatory will be offering Family Hikes, Bird Ringing Demonstrations, a Night Safari, and a Magic Flight Workshop. Check the Calendar for details of events.

Botanical Gardens at Har Tzofim: Oct 5-6 10:00am-5:00pm
Activities for Children:Paper Making, Succa decorations from Date leaves, Pita baking and more…
Ages: 3-12
Price: 20 NIS per person, 80 NIS per Family  

City of David, Jerusalem

When I used to spend my summers in camp in the Catskills, I dreaded the Nine Days. It meant no music, no swimming and it always felt like we had to hold off on the fun until after Tisha B’av. Now that I live in Jerusalem, I realize that I have a tremendous opportunity to make the 9 days and Tisha B’av more meaningful for my kids without losing the FUN.

Ir David

Living in Jerusalem, we often look for “out of the box” ways to entertain our kids but sometimes the most obvious attraction is the best. Today I took my son to Ir David which has created itself into an ancient attraction park. There are a variety of family attractions to choose from. We started out at the main office of Ir David just outside the Old City. From there we walked down many steps to the Warren’s Shaft and the start of the Hezkiyahu Tunnel.

The tunnel is filled with flowing water and was a great way to escape the heat this afternoon. My son AZ, who is 5, had a blast! When we purchased tickets we bought a small key chain flashlight for 4 NIS which came in very handy. The tunnel is pitch dark and the ceiling changes heights so often that the flashlight saved me from a big bump on the head. At the beginning of the tunnel the water was 70 cm, which came to my son’s chest, but he managed through it and in the rest of the tunnel the water was mostly knee deep for him. He chose to sit in the water a few times to cool off because he thought it was “cozy.”

At the end of the hike, which we did without a guide, we were ready for some background information on the site, so we went to see the 3D movie in the visitors center which was 15 minutes, a perfect length. After marveling at the 3D glasses, my 5 yr old was able to watch the movie and understand some of the history of the area. The movie discusses the destruction of the Temples which helped him understand the concept of Tisha B’av. The movie ends with a nice lookout spot over Ir David. Overall it was a FUN way to spend one of the 9 days and a great learning experience. 

***Ir David Attraction Information, Hours, and Ticket Prices***

Tips:

1. There is a parking lot called Givati across the street from the City of David Visitors Center. Don’t park up the hill like I did and then have to walk back in the hot sun with a tired 5 yr old.

2. Take a few shekels with you in the tunnel because there is an option to take a minibus back to the Visitors Center but it costs 5 NIS a person.

3. Wear good water shoes because there are a lot of stairs to climb down before you reach the tunnel. 

4. Buy the City of David flashlight because its really small, provides plenty of light and then you don’t take a chance of dropping your flashlight in the water.

5. Be prepared for a 20-30 minute walk in the water.

6. As long as you aren’t with a splashing group, you can bring your camera since the water only goes up to an adults waist. Keep in mind that there are lockers for rent at the ticket offices and its a great place to keep dry shoes, a towel and even a change of clothes. Each locker is 10 shekel and you need a 10 shekel coin.

Tayelet

Last night my kids had a lot of energy and wanted to go out somewhere at 8pm. Knowing I was in for a real battle if I stayed home,  I put them in the car in their pjs and planned to drive them around until they fell asleep. Once I started driving, I decided to take them for a ride to the Tayelet for a night view of the Temple Mount. There is a street in Arnona that you can drive down towards the Tayelet (parallel to Beitar) that gives you a great view of the Old City, all lit up.

I was able to tell them that this was the place where the Beit Hamikdash (Temple) stood and on Tisha B’av they would have seen it up in flames. They appreciated the late night drive and were excited to visualize what they had learned in Gan. This is a simple and easy way to take advantage of living in Jerusalem and to have appropriate FUN during the 9 days.

Other Ideas

I also recommend taking your children to the Israel Museum to see the Model of Jerusalem during the 2nd Temple. Keep in mind this exhibit is outdoors and does not have shade although you can escape into the Shrine of the Book for some cooler air. There are also a variety of museums in the Old City that are appropriate for this time period.

Reader Recommendations

Leah (@leah_aharoni) recommends “For older kids Herodian Quarter and the Temple Institute Museum (both in the Old City) could be of interest.”

Please send us your comments about other ideas for activities to entertain and teach your kids during the next 9 days in Jerusalem.

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City of David-Ancient Jerusalem

Ir David *6033

I like to refer to the City of David today as ”Jerusalem’s Biblical Amusement Park”. The activities I have done there with my kids have been a huge success, including the water tunnels and archaeological dig. The City of David was built over 3,000 years ago, when King David left the city of Hebron for a small hilltop city known as Jerusalem, establishing it as the unified capital of the tribes of Israel. Years later, David’s son, King Solomon, built the First Temple next to the City of David on top of Mount Moriah, the site of the binding of Isaac, and with it, this hilltop became one of the most important sites in the world.

Today, the City of David is an exciting ancient attraction with a vibrant visitor’s center that welcomes visitors for an exciting tour to the site, archaeological digs, jeep rides, segway tours, safari tour and water hikes. These attractions are great for ages 5+ and especially for teenagers. Click here for tips about the water tunnels and the archaeological dig & sifting project at Ir David.

Winter Schedule

City of David Tours
Hebrew: 10:00am, 2:00pm  Friday: 10:00am
English: 10:00am, 2:00pm, Friday: 10:00am

Entrance to Warren’s Shaft and Hezekiah’s Water Tunnel is permitted until one hour prior to site closing time. Tickets can be purchased up to two hours prior to site closing time. Lockers available at visitors center for dry clothes, shuttle available from Shiloach back to the Visitors center for a fee, For more tips click here.  

Mount of Olives: Just Dig It
9:00am, 11:00am, 1:00pm, 3:00pm
Call to confirm times of English and Hebrew Tours

Reservations required. 2 Hours. Fun for the whole family especially 5 yrs +. Sift through earth from the Temple Mount and help the archaeologists find remnants from the time of the Temple including pottery, jewelry, weapons and more.  Wear sneakers and clothes that can get muddy and dusty. The site is not stroller accessible. Drinks and snacks for sale on site. The site is covered and protected from the sun. For more details click here. 

Hasmonean Aqueduct Tour
Hebrew: Friday only: 10:00am

Tour begins at Haas Promenade and lasts 1.5 Hrs. The aqueduct is dry, but is not recommended for those that are claustrophobic. Entrance is not allowed with baby carriers. Please bring flashlights (or purchase them at the site).

Segway Tour (Ages 18+ and less than 250 Lbs)
Hebrew: 10:00am  Friday: 9:00am, 11:30am
English: 1:00pm

Meet at Peace Forest Educational Center. Can be reached via Naomi Street (off of Derech Hevron) Tour is 1 hr.

4×4 Ranger Tour
Hebrew: 10:00am  Friday: 9:00am, 11:30am
English: 1:00pm

Drivers must be over 21 and have a valid driver’s license.
The tour is appropriate for children ages 3 yrs and up (in car seats).
The tour leaves from the Emek Zurim National Park. Parking is available in the Beit Orot / Mormon University parking lots.

Ticket Prices: For reservations please call *6033  Child is 5-18
National Park Includes Warren’s Shaft and Hezkiyahu’s Water Tunnel
Adult: 25 NIS
Student: 21 NIS
Senior Citizen/Child: 13 NIS

3D Movie (Must be purchased with national park entrance)
Adult: 10 NIS
Student: 10 NIS
Senior Citizen/Child: 10 NIS

Guided Tour including 3D Movie 
Adult:55 NIS
Student: 55 NIS
Senior Citizen/Child: 40 NIS
 
Shiloach Pool
Adult:12 NIS
Student: 12 NIS
Senior Citizen/Child: 6 NIS
The general admission fee to the City of David National Park includes entry to the Shiloach Pool and the Herodian Road.

Mount of Olives Archeological Experience
Emek Tzurim
Adult: 15 NIS
Student: 15 NIS
Senior Citizen/Child: 12 NIS

4X4 Ranger tours
360NIS per ranger for 3 people
300NIS per ranger for 2 people

Armon HaNatziv 
Hasmonean Water Tunnel
Adult:35 NIS
Student: 25 NIS

Segway
160 NIS Per Person 

Segway Group Tour Guides 
Up to 2 hours – 370NIS 
Up to 3 hours – 475NIS 
Full day – 790NIS 

Prior registration for tours is advised as space is limited. Call 02-6262341 or *6033

How To Get To The City of David Visitors Center…
By Car
Enter through Jaffa Gate and exit through Dung Gate and make a left. Take the first right and the Visitors Center will be on the left hand side. There is a paid parking lot across the street from the visitors center.

By Bus
1,2

How To Get To The Emek Tzurim National Park…
By Car
Take Route 60 past the Old City towards French Hill. Make a right when you see the Hebrew University Sculpture. Drive straight and stay in the right lane. When you see a tunnel stay to the right and DO NOT enter the tunnel. Make a right at the Mormon University sign. Park on the street and enter the valley at the City of David sign. Look for the black tent at the bottom of the steps. (This path is not wheelchair or stroller accessible). 

By Bus:
19, 28, 26, 23, 4, 30, 48