Things to Do Around Israel, May 27 - June 2 , 2016

TEL AVIV AND CENTER

Miss Trans Israel

Israel’s first ever Miss Trans Israel pageant features 12 contenders including an Israeli-Arab, a Jew from an Orthodox family and a ballet dancer from Nazareth. The winner will be the Israeli representative at this year’s Miss Trans Star International pageant in Barcelona. The event will kick off Tel Aviv’s Pride Week (May 29-June 3). Other events for Pride Week include the Tel Aviv International LGBT Film Festival (see box, p. 40) and the upcoming Tel Aviv Pride Parade (on June 3). Fri at 11.00. Habima Theater

Salute 2016’ Wine Festival

This event hosts nearly 50 wineries offering 150 varieties of wine, each one adding to the general merriment. Artisanal cheeses, pastries and other delicacies are also available, as well as live music performances. Thur 18.30-23.00. Hatachana: The New Train Station Compound, Tel Aviv

Eretz Israel Museum 

The Planetarium at the museum offers films based on the solar system, on a revolving stage. “Secrets of the Suns,” ages 11+. Sat at 15.00, Sun-Thur at 10.30; “The Wonder Telescope,” ages 7+. Sat at 14.00, Sun-Wed at 13.30; Thur 13.30, 19.00; “Stars,” ages 5+. Sat at 12.00, Sun-Wed at 11.30, Thur 11.30, 17.00; “Astronaut,” ages 5+. Sat at 11.00, Sun-Thur at 15.00; “Life of Trees,” ages 5+. Sat at 13.00, Thur 16.00, 18.00. Pre-booking required for English performances: (03) 745-5710/720. Museum hours: Fri 10.00-14.00; Sat, Sun-Wed 10.00-16.00; Thur 10.00-20.00

Man and the Living World Museum

Exhibits for the entire family: “The Wild Animals of Nahum Gutman and Friends.” The works are inspired by Gutman’s illustrations and depict a playful alternative to hunting; “Animal Impressions,” by Yechiel Shaked, depicting paintings of rare animals from the Galapagos Islands, is on display. Sat 10.00-17.00; Sun-Thur 09.00-14.00. National Park, Ramat Gan (03) 631-5010

Ramat Gan Safari 

The 250-acre park is home to 200 species of wild mammals, birds and reptiles, and offers tours, activities and workshops, led by staff members. Fri and holiday eves 09.00-16.00; Sat and holidays, Sun-Thur 09.00-16.30 (last entry 2 hours before closing). 1 Sderot Hatzvi, Ramat Gan (03) 630-5305; www.safari.co.il

Ice Peaks 

Ice skating rink, climbing wall and zip-line. Fri 11.30-23.00; Sat 10.00-23.00, Mon-Thur 17.30-20.00. Mifratz Shlomo St., Holon

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 09.00-14.00; Sun, Mon, Wed 09.00-17.00; Tues, Thur 09.00-19.00. 8 Haim Levanon St., Ramat Aviv *4585

JERUSALEM AND AREA

Jerusalem Festival of Light

The annual arts festival in Jerusalem features thirty works of light installations by local and international artists, light sculptures, illuminated architecture and special performances. There will also be a musical performance by the local, five-person circus orchestra, Pyromania Group (every night at 19.00). A special family workshop on lighting design will take place at Hutzot Hayotzer (Sun 16.30-20.00). May 25-June 2, Saturday after Shabbat-24.00; Wed-Thur 20.00-23.00. In the Old City, and other venues around Jerusalem. Details: www.lightinjerusalem.org.il

Healthy Eating Conference 

A one-day initiative that includes lectures and workshops led by food and nutrition experts, including American-born food journalist and cookbook author Phyllis Glazer (20.30-22.00). Wed 10.00-22.00. Cinema City, 10 Yitzhak Rabin St. Tickets:http://bari-jer.eatwell.co.il

Jerusalem Botanical Gardens 

The Children’s Discovery Trail A new sensory exploration activity that incorporates trails, a canopy walk through the trees, touch water plants from the new wooden deck,  a “down to the roots” exhibit and more. For the entire family. Regular offering: Israel’s biggest plant collection, organized geographically, with over 6,000 plants throughout the grounds. Fri 09.00-15.00; Sat, Sun-Thur 09.00-17.00. 1 Zalman Shneor St. (via Nayot Petrol Station). Shabbat entry from 1 Burla St. Details: (02) 679-4012, www.en.botanic.co.il

Cherry Picking Festival 

Pick the fruit; Also jam and pita making workshops, a climbing wall, a local farmer’s market and children’s theater performances. Fri 09.00-14.00. Yatir Forest in the southern Hebron Hills. 159-950-0037, goyatir.co.il

Tisch Family Zoological Gardens (Biblical Zoo)

Natural exhibits of over 500 species of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish and invertebrates from around the world. Includes a children’s zoo with a petting corner, animal feeding demonstrations, educational activities and the Noah’s Ark sculpture garden. Fri 09.00-16.30; Sat 10.00-18.00; Sun-Thur 09.00-18.00. Biblical Zoo, 1 Aharon Shulov St. (02) 675-0111

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. By appointment: (02) 632-1515 

Tower of David Museum

Home to the Museum of the History of Jerusalem, the Tower of David features a permanent exhibit about the city’s history and its significance to three religions. The tower itself is an archaeological site and offers a 360-degree view of the Old City of Jerusalem. It also stages temporary exhibits (see Art) that connect ancient history with contemporary themes, and hosts lectures, guided tours and other cultural events. The Night Spectacular - A night show presenting the history of Jerusalem, with images projected onto the walls, bridges and hidden pathways of the ancient citadel. Sat 21.00, 22.00; Mon 20.30, 21.30; Wed 20.30, 21.30. Museum hours: Fri 09.00-14.00; Sat, Sun-Thur 09.00-16.00. www.towerofdavid.org.il

Bloomfield Science Museum

Under Construction! Construction games for the whole family: Why don’t buildings fall? The nature of structures, construction workshops such as building structures with ordinary drinking straws, scientific demonstrations and guided tours; Tiny Giants BBC nature documentary in 3D. Screenings will take place: Fri at 12.00; Sat at 13.00. Museum hours: Fri and holiday eves 10.00-14.00; Sat and holidays 10.00-16.00; Mon-Thur 10.00-18.00. (02) 654-4888, mada.org.il 

Yad Vashem

Established as the world center for documentation, research, education and commemoration of the Holocaust and home to the Holocaust History Museum. It offers visitors a guided tour in English (see Tours) and presents a variety of important Survivors’ testimonies, personal diaries, artifacts and more. Special exhibit: Children in the Holocaust: Stars Without a Heaven The exhibit gives expression to the 1.5 million children who perished in the Holocaust and displays their stories. Mount of Remembrance, Har Hazikaron St., off Herzl St. (02) 644-3802. Museum hours: Fri 09.00-14.00; Sun-Wed 09.00-17.00; Thur 09.00-20.00 

Mini Israel

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

Monkey Park

Guided tours, workshops, feedings, rides, wall climbing and other activities. Fri and holiday eves 10.00-14.00; Sat-Thur 10.00-15.00. Ben Shemen Forest (near Kfar Daniel) (08) 928-5888, park.monkeypark.co.il

HAIFA AND THE NORTH 

International Yoga Festival 

This event includes music, workshops with renowned teachers from Israel and abroad, master classes, therapy zones, performances, art and more. Also on offer are family activities and yoga for kids. May 26-28. Gan Hashlosha National Park (located in Kibbutz Nir David), near Beit She’an. Tickets: http://yogafestival.co.il/

Sea of Western Galilee Festival 

Running over six weekends, the event offers various activities for the entire family. This week: A guided tour of the 20-kilometer stream Nahal Kziv. Fri, Sat at 10.00. May 12-June 18. Details: http//www.bgalil.co.il

Israel Railway Museum

The national railway museum of Israel features the country’s railway history, antique train cars and other railway items. Sun-Thur 08.00-16.00. 1 Hativat Golani St., Haifa. Details: www.rail.co.il

Indi Park 

Hosts a conifer cone workshop in addition to the theme park’s regular attractions. Includes kayaking, surfing, canoeing, wall climbing, nature art workshops and more. Open all week from 09.00-17.00. Located in Yesud Hama’ala in the Hula Valley. Details: www.indipark.co.il

A Crusader Experience 

Home to the Hospitaller Fortress (Knights’ Hall), the Old City of Acre presents a series of medieval-themed activities based at the hall that includes candlelight dinners, costumed entertainers and actors (from Akko Theater), singing, dancing and a tournament of knights jousting on horseback. Special host, played by an actor, King Richard the Lionheart, who headed the Christian armies and re-conquered Acre during the Crusades, will attend each dinner and entertain guests. Tues, Thur at 19.00. 1 Weizmann St., Acre. Tickets: (04) 995-6708 

Hamat Gader

Enjoy a giant tent compound, pedal boats, a parrot show, crocodile feedings, local hot springs, and more. Fri, Thur 08.30-22.00; Sat 08.30-19.00; Sun-Wed 08.30-17.00; Hamat Gader, off Route 98 and south of Lake Kinneret. Details: *6393

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 09.00-17.00, Sun-Thur 09.00-16.00. Australia Park, Kibbutz Nir David (04) 648-806, www.nirtours.co.il 

THE SOUTH

Shanghai Circus 

The acrobatic extravaganza, combining traditional Chinese arts and modern technology, features over 30 artists. Fri at 15.00; Sat 10.00, 12.30, 16.00; Tues, Wed, Thur at 17.30. Performing Arts Center, Be’er Sheva. Tickets: *2207, www.shanghai.co.il

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

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