From Giant LEGO to Hot Air Balloons: Fun Things to Do With Kids in Israel This Summer

 Enormous LEGO exhibition

July 26-August 31, Toto Hall, Holon

The ‘Art of the Brick’ exhibition by artist Nathan Sawaya is coming to Israel, presenting statues and artworks made of millions of colorful blocks displayed alongside an interactive play space from the world of LEGO, a craft space, a huge Gymboree, a Duplo LEGO space for little ones, a LEGO cinema in which LEGO films will be screened and many more surprises for the whole family.

For more information: www.brick-art.co.il

Ice and Snow: The Nutcracker

July 18-30, around the country

For the first time in Israel! “The Nutcracker” – a new performance by the Circus on Ice from Moscow. The circus theater show on ice for the whole family, with real snow falling on stage, is accompanied by a Symphony Orchestra. 

For more information: www.cupatbravo.co.il     

Tel Aviv International Children’s Film Festival

July 16-20, Cinematheque Tel Aviv

This festival will take place for the 15th time and the theme this year is “Children Capture the Screen.” During the festival, 30 films will be screened, eight of which are competing in international competitions. The opening event will be the screening of “A Girl in the Himalayas” and there will be film workshops, master classes, children’s theater, a virtual reality seminar and a live podcast for children. Outdoor activities are free of charge.

For more information: www.cinema.co.il  

The Princess and The Frog – a musical with Rinat Gabbay

June 30–August 29, around the country

The famous fable is transformed into a fun musical for children starring Yuval Hamebulbal and Rinat Gabbay.

For more information: www.kupatbravo.co.il   

Exhibition: Superheroes of the Seas

August 11-September 2, National Maritime Museum Haifa

The National Maritime Museum Haifa’s exciting new exhibit “Superheroes of the Sea” will bring you face to face with three great legends in charge of our seas and oceans: Poseidon, Saint Nicholas and the modern superhero Aquaman. The exhibit will display a rich variety of artefacts: archaeology, ancient, Renaissance and modern art, toys, comics and more. There will also be a special interactive room where children can design their own superheroes, draw comics and use their imagination through fun and play.

For more information: www.nmm.org.il  

“Alumini” returns for an electrifying show

August 20-22, Tel Aviv Museum of Art

This show for the whole family combines movement, visual theater, humor, tubes and aluminum accessories that come to life and become human through music and dance.

For more information: www.tamuseum.org.il

Sunset, evening and night tours at the Biblical Zoo

All summer, Jerusalem Biblical Zoo

Enjoy visits behind the scenes. It’s also possible to spend an entire night at the Zoo.

For more information: 02-675011, www.jerusalemzoo.org  

The attraction of the summer: The Israel Aquarium in Jerusalem

Learn about Israel’s marine environment and enjoy a perfect blend of water and air conditioning at the wonderful new aquarium that recently opened in Jerusalem.

For more information: www.israel-aquarium.org.il

International Hot Air Balloon Festival in the Northern Negev

August 22-23, Habsor (Eshkol) National Park of the Negev

A variety of spectacular and unique hot air balloons from around the world and Israel will fill the skies of the northern Negev in an exciting celebration for the whole family with a range of activities and breathtaking performances.

For more information: www.habsor.co.il

A Sweet Tour of the Elite Candy Factory

Sunday-Wednesday, 9:30-18:00, Thursday 9:00-14:30, Upper Nazareth

Discover how cocoa beans are transformed into chocolate bars, and learn about the connection between wood resin and Bazooka bubble gum. The whole family will enjoy a sweet day at the Elite candy factory, including a guided tour of the chocolate production facilities. Visitors can taste the sweets and at the end you receive a gift bag. Long pants and closed shoes are mandatory. For ages 6 and up. Visits must be scheduled in advance.

For more information: 1-800-777777

Israel Electric Corporation’s Innovative Visitors’ Center

July 21, 25, 28, 31; August 1, 4, 8, 11, 12, 15, 19, 22, 27, 28, Hadera

The Electric Corporation recently inaugurated a new innovative and interactive visitors’ center near Hadera. Visitors watch an IMAX movie, learn about how electricity is made and about the many challenges facing the Electric Corporation, and then visit a hands-on Science Park made of recycled electric items that teaches about alternative energy production. For ages 8 and up. Tours must be scheduled in advance. Free of charge.

For more information: 076-8644333

Berry Picking and More

Fridays and Saturdays 9:00-16:00 until no fruit is left, near Gedera

Agronen Petel offers the perfect family activity – berry picking along with a play area, a ropes course and picnic lunches sold on the premises. The site is accessible to strollers and wheelchairs. You must call in advance to schedule your visit.

For more information: www.agronen.co.il, 053-9374258

Plenty to do at “Ruach Shtut”

Sunday-Thursday 9:00-17:00, Friday-Saturday 9:00-15:00, Kibbutz Gan Shmuel

This organic farm employs people with disabilities and recently underwent a make-over. Children can enjoy plays, performances, arts and crafts, a graffiti wall, a chocolate fondue and a movie about the place. There are also explanations about transparent beehives and organic agriculture. Visitors receive baskets for picking fruit (especially blueberries), which they can eat freely and take home. Other activities include baking pita bread in a taboon and squeezing fresh orange juice. Accessible to strollers and wheelchairs.

For more information: www.ruachshtut.co.il, 058-5010111