Things to Do Around Israel, June 26 - July 2, 2015

TEL AVIV AND CENTER

Ice Peaks

Ice skating rink, climbing wall and zip-line. This week the venue features The National Artistic Skating Finals, combining athletics with artistic expression. The main competition is on Fri at 11.30, with the junior section competing at 14.00. 1 Mifratz Shlomo St., Holon

Not for Publication

A special exhibit showcasing around 200 original short stories, poems and other texts written by well-known and budding authors, not intended for immediate publication. The works are presented in actual cataloging drawers, offering visitors a chance to look up the different texts and find out who wrote them. Fri at 09.00, Sun-Thur at 10.00. Beit Ariela

Shark World

A traveling international exhibit that offers a window into the life of the shark, a creature that is crucial to maintaining a balanced underwater ecosystem. Fri, Sat at 09.00, Sun-Thur at 14.00. Exhibition Grounds, Rokach Blvd. (03) 521-5202

Yitzhak Rabin Center

Celebrating the life and legacy of the assassinated prime minister, the center and its museum combine Rabin’s personal story with the development of the burgeoning Jewish State of Israel. Activities include guided historical tours, and educational workshops on such ideas as democracy and remembrance. Fri 09.00-12.30; Sun, Mon, Wed 09.00-15.30; Tues, Thur 09.00-17.30. 8 Haim Levanon St., Ramat Gan *4585

The Safari

The 250-acre park is home to 200 species of wild mammals, birds and reptiles, and offers tours and activities. Fri and holiday eves 09.00-16.00, Sat-Thur 09.00-19.00 (last entry 2 hours before closing). 1 Sderot Hatzvi, Ramat Gan (03) 630-5305, www.safari.co.il

Medrano Circus

The Italian circus brings its spectacular show, with over 40 award-winning performers, including clowns, trapeze artists, acrobats and others, to Jerusalem. Fri at 16.00; Sat at 10.00, 17.30; Tues at 17.30. Yamit Water Park, Holon. Details: *6578, www.medrano.co.il

JERUSALEM AND AREA

Jerusalem Botanical Gardens

Israel’s biggest plant collection, organized geographically, with over 6,000 plants throughout the grounds. This week the grounds offer The Land of the Dinosaurs, an interactive activity for the entire family that includes towering dinosaur statues and a lively adventure quest. July 1-August 31, daily 10.00-22.00. Regular hours: Fri 09.00-17.00; Sat 09.00-18.00; Sun-Thur 09.00-19.00. 1 Zalman Shneor St. (via Nayot Petrol Station). Shabbat entry from 1 Burla St. Details: (02) 679-4012, www.en.botanic.co.il

Our Jerusalem

Exhibition featuring photographs of Jerusalem by Sharon Gabay will be displayed in the Cardo in the Old City. All proceeds go to help the homeless. Opening: Thur at 19.00. The Cardo, Old City

Bible Lands Museum      

English Tours of the museum: Fri, Sun-Thur at 10.30, Wed also at 17.30; Family Weekend Go on adventures through history, with lost artifacts, royal figures and magic spells. Ages 5-10. Sat at 10.00; Independent Activity Booklets Exploring the stories of the Bible together with Shimshi, a comic book character who helps children solve riddles and quests throughout the museum. During regular hours. Handicap accessible. Fri, Sat 10.00-14.00; Sun, Mon, Tues, Thur 9.30-17.30; Wed 09.30-21.30

Tisch Family Zoological Gardens (Biblical Zoo)

Natural exhibits of over 160 species of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish and invertebrates originating from around the world. Includes a children’s zoo with a petting corner, educational activities and the Noah’s Ark sculpture garden. Fri and holiday eves, 09.00-16.30; Sat and holidays 10.00-18.00; Sun-Thur, 09.00-18.00. Biblical Zoo, Derech Aharon Shulov 1. (02) 675-0111.

Tower of David Museum                      

Jerusalem: A Medical Diagnosis Exhibit. A broad and original look at the city’s “medical record” and the space between miracles and medicine (also see Tours). Fri and Sat 9.00-14.00, Sun-Thur 9.00-16.00. Details and Reservation Center: *2884 / (02) 626-5333

Mini Israel

Over 350 miniature replicas of historical, religious, archaeological and modern sites and buildings from around the country. Guided tours by appointment. Fri 10.00-14.00, Sat 10.00-17.00, Sun-Thur 10.00-17.00. Latrun 1-700-559-559; www.minisrael.co.il

Bloomfield Science Museum

The museum contains exhibits dealing with light and shadow, construction, levers, illusions, fire, electricity and more, for the entire family. Among the activities: Musica A new exhibit opening this week, focusing on creative musical instruments. Wed at 15.30; Toy Building Workshop Focusing on mechanical toys. Fri 10.00-14.00, Sat 10.00-16.00, Mon-Wed 10.00-18.00. www.mada.org.il

Herzl Museum

The museum provides details on the life and influence of Theodor Herzl, the founder of modern Zionism. At the entrance to Mt. Herzl, on Herzl Blvd. By appointment: (02) 671-3770

Gazelle Valley

Visit the nature park, where deer roam free, despite being surrounded by the urban landscape of Jerusalem. Handicap accessible. Open all hours. Off the intersection of Herzog and Pat streets

Monkey Park

Guided tours, workshops, feedings, rides, wall climbing and other activities. Fri, 10.00-16.00; Sat-Thur 10.00-16.00 (last entry two hours before closing); Ben Shemen Forest (near Kfar Daniel) (08) 928-5888, park.monkeypark.co.il

HAIFA AND THE NORTH

Hamat Gader

Enjoy a giant tent compound, pedal boats, a fun parrot show, crocodile feedings, local hot springs and more. Fri, Mon-Thur 08.30-22.00; Sat, Sun 08.30-17.00. Hamat Gader, off Route 98 and south of Lake Kinneret. Details: *6393

Park of Springs

Explore the Park of Springs (Hamayanot) by foot, bicycle or green vehicle. The park includes springs, a stream, fishponds, heritage sites, migrating birds and agricultural areas. Fri 09.00-16.00, Sun-Thur 09.00-17.00. Near Kibbutz Nir David (04) 688-1427, www.nirtours.co.il

Gan Guru

The park is home to wildlife including kangaroos and koalas, with Aboriginal face-painting and guided koala and bat feedings. Fri 09.00-15.00, Sat 09.00-20.00, Sun-Thur 09.00-16.00. Australia Park, Kibbutz Nir David (04) 648-8060

THE SOUTH

Living Statues Festival

The sixth International Living Statues Festival opens this week, with over 150 international and local performers posing as still or moving statues, creating a colorful carnival of living tableaus. Tues-Thur 18.00-22.30. Ya’akov St., Rehovot

Lunada

A children’s museum offering a fascinating interactive experience, with original games that activate the different senses. Sat 09.00-17.30, Sun-Thur 09.00-13.00. Lunada, 25 Hareuveni St., Be’er Sheva

Underwater Observatory Marine Park, Eilat

The park sits upon the coral reef of the Red Sea, providing an up-close introduction to the fauna of the Gulf of Eilat, including over 800 species of fish, corals, mollusks, turtles, rays and more. The park’s shark pool is home to 18 shark species, and offers an underwater observation tunnel, activities and displays. Additional attractions include the open-sea underwater observatory, aquariums, the Amazon Cabin (featuring fauna from the Amazon River), animal feedings, glass-bottomed boat cruises, 3D educational films and more. Daily, 08.30-16.00. Coral (Almog) Beach, Eilat (08) 636-4200, www.coralworld.co.il/en

Bird Watching Park

Learn about the life and migrating patterns of many different bird species, observe them as they land in the nearby lake and trees, and understand Israel’s vital role in many migrating birds’ flight plans and survival. Open daily, at all hours. Off the Arava Rd., from on Route 90 and then east on Route 109. Details: 050-767-1290, http://eilatbirds.com