Storytime at the Museum of the Underground Prisoner
Carpet Weaving & Plaster Carving
Museum Tour, Underground Prisoner
Museum of the Underground Prisoner (”Asirei Ha’machteret”)
Misheol Hagvurah 1, 02-623-3166
The Museum of The Underground Prisoners is in the “Russian Women’s Pilgrim Hostel” behind Kikar Safra. During the British Mandate the hostel was transformed into a prison for underground fighters from the Hagana, Etzel and Lechi. Today when you visit the Museum you will see exhibits of how the prisoners lived and worked. There are guided tours in Hebrew and in English (by reservation) which include a historic overview of the prison, theatrical performances and exhibits including stone chiseling, guard quarters and a room dedicated to Rabbi Aryeh Levin. During the tour visitors learn about the founding of the State of Israel.
Activities: Tour (Ages 5+): History of the Prison and the founding of the State of Israel (1.5 hrs) Workshop: Plaster Carving & Carpet Weaving (30 Minutes) -During school vacations only Movie: “The History of the Prison”, “The Story of Feamle underground Fighters” (Hebrew & English) “Mystery Of The Prison Halls”: Self guided Scavenger Hunt for Children around the Prison visiting 8 different areas in the museum to collect clues and perform activities (Hebrew).
The Museum is not wheel chair accessible because there are steps but strollers are ok. The Museum is available for Bar/Bat Mitzva’s and they have a special program where they train the Bar/Bat Mitzva child to lead part of the tour. There are areas of the Museum where they can host a Bar/Bat Mitzva party with food and music. For details ask for Hadar 02-623-3166.
Fun In Jerusalem Reader Feedback: “I wanted to tell you that my kids LOVED the underground prisoner museum on Chanukah. It was fantastic, great tour and also crafts were excellent. The kids who went were 7, 9, and 11. Thanks for telling me about it!”
Opening Hours: Sunday-Thursday 9:00am-5:00pm Tour & Workshop Times: 12:00pm & 2:00pm on school holidays (call to confirm)
Ticket Price: Adult: 15 NIS
Child: 10 NIS
How To Get To The Museum Of The Underground Prisoner By Car: It is not advisable to drive since there is alot of construction in the center of town. If you chose to drive them you drive behind the Russian Compound to the Municipality Parking Lot (Kikar Safra) By Bus: 6, 13, 18, 20, 21
This summer was filled with exciting kids activities and festivals in Jerusalem. Thanks to our readers, both locals and tourists, for sending in pictures of their kids enjoying Jerusalem this summer. Jerusalem is a great city for kids of all ages.
This workshop is a hidden gem in Talpiot. Gheppeto’s offers children a Do It Yourself, hands on woodworking experience. Children can choose from a large selection of kits including model airplanes, boats, mirrors, benches and wagons. Each kit comes with detailed instructions (English instructions will be available in the near future) and there are madrichim near by to help kids who get stuck along the way. There are a variety of paint options for the finished products. All activities are done with a parent and average 2 1/2 hrs and the workshop is open to the public on school holidays. Reservations are required.
During the school year Gheppeto’s offers chugim for children ages 4+. Some of the chugim require parents to accompany the child and some of the older chugim do not. For details on the chugim visit or Chugim post. Gheppeto’s is a wonderful place to make a private party for birthday party for your child. Call ahead to discuss rates.
Opening Hours on School Holidays: There are three sessions 10:00am, 1:00pm, 4:00pm
Price: 35 NIS Entrance fee + Price of Kit (ranges from 20 NIS-120 NIS)
Ages: Ideal for ages 5+, Ages 2-5 pay a reduced entrance fee and can paint on wood.
How To Get There:
By Car: Take Pierre Kenig into Talpiot until the round about in front of Hadar Mall. Make a left at the round about and go up the hill to the second parking lot on your right. Drive up the small hill into the parking and you will find Gheppeto’s also known as Rosh Bakir on the second floor next to Lechem Shel Tomer (you cant miss the amazing smell of fresh bread).
By the time August comes around and you have paid for Kaytana for the first part of the summer, parents are often looking for some free suggestions. Jerusalem has so many events and activities for kids in the summer and the following are a list of free activities you can enjoy. Thank you to our facebook group readers for their input.
AUGUST 2009
FREE Museums
Israel Museum entrance is free for kids in August.
Biblical Zoo: If you are a zoo member then you can enjoy free juggling, music on the flamingo lawn and an environmental workshop. It also has a great playground for kids.
Tour the Knesset: For older kids
Tour the Supreme Court: For older kids
Yad Vashem: For older kids
FREE Story-time
Steimatsky’s Children’s Story-time:
Mamilla: 02-625-7268 Wed at 4:30pm (English) Thursdays at 5:00pm (Hebrew),& Tues at 5:00pm Art Workshop
Beit Hakerem: 02 678-2698Mon at 5:30pm (Hebrew)
FREE Festivals
Italian Art and Pasta Festival Aug 11, 12, 13. Music, Pasta art workshops and a live performance in Hebrew for the whole family. FREE
Emek Refaim Family Street Fair: Aug 16, 17 from 5:00pm-10:30pm. Music and entertainment for the whole family on the sidewalks along Emek Refaaim.
Jazz BaMoshava:Tuesday evenings at the Beit Sefer Adom on Emek Refaaim (across the st from Coffee Mill) 5:00pm-11:00pm
Shuk Happening: Psik Street Theater at Machane Yehuda. Mondays in August 5:00pm-8:00pm
Ramot Percussion Festival: Childrens Workshops (ceramics, jewlery, makeup, music) and live music Aug 24, 25 5:00pm-7:30pm Gan Hakipod, Ramot Bet
FREE Parks and Nature Activities
Gazelle Valley:At Tzomet Pat. Take the paths to see the herd of Gazelle
Sports Park in Gan Sacher: They just installed a new sports equipment area in the park.
Monster Slide Park:Kiryat Yovel on Rechov Chile. A very tall slide in the shape of a monster’s tongue.
Yemin Moshe Fountain: Across the street from Gan Hapaamon there is a Lion Fountain and children love to play in it. Keep in mind it is usually packed on a hot day.
FREE Mall Events (for details on dates and shows see our Calendar of Events)
Hadar Mall: Arts & Crafts Workshops and Live Shows ALL FREE
Mamilla Mall: Thursday Night Summer Nights (live music and performances) Friday Afternoon Street Theater (12pm and 2pm)
Malcha Mall: Arts & Crafts Workshops and Live Shows ALL FREE
HaPisga Mall: Arts & Crafts Workshops and Live Shows ALL FREE
Kanyon Israel: Arts & Crafts Workshops and Live Shows ALL FREE
FREE Ideas Just Outside Jerusalem
Tel Azeqa: Take your kids to the hilltop where David fought Goliath
Please post your comments of other free events and we’d be happy to include them.
Hutzot Hayotzer, Jerusalem’s International Art Festival
Last night we went to Hutzot Hayotzer and in all honesty my kids were fast asleep at home. That didn’t stop me from looking around with a parent’s eye to see what they would have enjoyed. I have posted some pictures to give you a feel for the event. There is a great atmosphere at the International Art Festival and there are many artists selling children’s toys including puppets, science and discovery toys and children’s clothes.
As you walk in from the top entrance near the actual Artist Colony head straight up the hill (towards the Old City walls) and you will find the special activities for children. The children start at the Treasure Island looking in the sand for a special gold coin with the help of some pirates. Once they have found it they can take it to the fairy at the enchanted forest and she will tell them their fortune. Then they are sent to the witch’s house and can visit the gingerbread house. The entire visit takes around 10 -15 minutes and is enjoyable for younger kids.
The older kids will appreciate the music and dancing on the stage in the Israeli artist area, the caricaturist and tattoo (don’t worry its only Henna) artist. Don’t miss the great food area with booths from local restaurants selling everything from La Boca tortilla sandwiches to Snow Cones and Popcorn.
# 1 Tip: Buy the tickets in advance, if you can, to avoid the long ticket lines especially on Sat night.
Where: Sultans Pool, Artist Colony
When: August 3-15, 2009 Closed on Friday Night
Time:Children’s activities are from 6:30pm-10:00pm
