Things to Do Around Israel, October 9-15, 2015
Your guide to exhibits, tours and other attractions around Israel.

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