Things to Do Around Israel, October 9-15, 2015

TEL AVIV AND CENTER

Medrano Circus (Sept 10-Nov 9)

The Italian circus celebrates 150 years with a spectacular show featuring over 40 award-winning clowns, trapeze artists, acrobats and others. The circus will be coming to town across Israel, including Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Netanya, Holon and Petah Tikva. Tickets: *2207, ww.medrano.co.il

Eretz Israel Museum

The Dancing Machine 2 an exhibit of mechanical toys and automata, which spectators can operate by pressing a button. Alongside the exhibition is a large workshop where families can design and build a machine based on their own imagination. For the entire family. Fri 10.00-14.00; Sat-Wed 10.00-16.00; Thur 10.00-20.00

Nahum Gutman Museum

The Dwarf, the Giant and the Princess A surprise-filled, interactive exhibit that looks at modern interpretations of old tales, imagination and kids’ culture. For the entire family. Museum hours: Fri 10.00-14.00; Sat 10.00-15.00; Mon-Thur 10.00-16.00. Nahum Gutman Museum. 21 Rokach St., Neve Tzedek

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 Peres Park, 1 Mifratz Shlomo St., Holon

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 09.00-17.00 (last entry 2 hours before closing). 1 Sderot Hatzvi, Ramat Gan (03) 630-5305, www.safari.co.il

Welcoming the olive tree harvest
 
The olive tree harvest season opens this week and families are invited to join in activities, lectures, tours and competitions (with special prizes). Workshops include olive picking, pressing and olive oil tastings. Tours are held Fridays, by appointment. For the entire family. Fri 10.00-14.00; Sat 10.00-16.00; Sun-Thur 10.00-12.00, 16.30-18.30. Beit Shamna Olive Press in Moshav Hagor, near Rosh Ha’ayin. Details: (03) 903-3380

JERUSALEM AND AREA

Kiftzuba

The family amusement park offers a range of activities for all ages, in air-conditioned buildings and a shaded outdoor area. Fri 10.00-17.00; Sat 10.00-19.00. Kibbutz Tzuba, www.kiftzuba.co.il

Jerusalem Botanical Gardens

Israel’s biggest plant collection, organized geographically, with over 6,000 plants throughout the grounds. 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

Bible Lands Museum

Lost at the Museum Join the Princess and the Wizard on their spectacular journey in search of their lost heirlooms. Look for shiny jewelry and hunting tools that have vanished in the palace, and discover ancient spells and mysterious papyrus writings. Ages 5-10. Museum Hours: Fri, Sat 10.00-14.00; Sun, Mon, Tues, Thur 09.30-17.30; Wed 09.30-21.30. Details: (02) 595-5300, www.blmj.org
     
Tisch Family Zoological Gardens (Biblical Zoo)

Natural exhibits of over 160 species of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish and invertebrates from around the world. Includes a children’s zoo with a petting corner, 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, Derech Aharon Shulov 1. (02) 675-0111

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 17.00-22.00; Sun-Thur 10.00-17.00. Location at Latrun 1-700-559-559; www.minisrael.co.il

Bloomfield Science Museum

The museum contains exhibits and workshops dealing with light and shadow,
construction, levers, illusions, fire, electricity and more. For the entire family. Fri and holiday eves 10.00-14.00; Sat and holidays 10.00-16.00; Mon-Thur 10.00-18.00. www.mada.org.il

Herzl Museum

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

Monkey Park

Guided tours, workshops, feedings, rides, wall climbing and other activities. Fri and holiday eves 10.00-14.00; Sat-Thur 10.00-18.00 (last entry two hours before closing). Ben Shemen Forest (near Kfar Daniel) (08) 928-5888, park.monkeypark.co.il

HAIFA AND THE NORTH
 
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) 648-8060, www.nirtours.co.il

Park of Springs

Explore the Park of Springs (Hamayanot) by foot or bicycle. The park includes springs, a stream, fishponds, heritage sites, migrating birds and agricultural areas. Fri 09.00-16.00; Sat-Thur 09.00-17.00. Near Kibbutz Nir David, (04) 648-8060, www.nirtours.co.il

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-Wed 08.30-17.00; Hamat Gader, off Route 98 and south of Lake Kinneret. Details: *6393

THE SOUTH

Lunada

A children’s museum offering a interactive experience, with original games that activate the senses. Sat 09.30-18.30, Sun-Thur 09.00-13.00, 16.00-19.00. Lunada, 25 Hareuveni St., Be’er Sheva

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 Route 90 and then east on Route 109. Details: 050-767-1290, http://eilatbirds.com