Intro

Israel's national parks are some of the best days out you can give your kids, and they cost less than a lot of indoor play places. The trick is picking the right one for the age you have. A fortress with 200 steps is no fun with a three-year-old, and a flat boardwalk bores a ten-year-old. Here are ten, with the age each works for and a direct link to the official page of each one.

Why Visit National Parks

Space to run, history your kids can touch, and a day out that is not a screen. Most parks have picnic areas, many have shade, and the best ones give you water to splash in or caves to crawl through. One caution: opening hours, closures and booking rules change. Always check the official page the morning you go.

The Parks

1. Caesarea National Park

Roman theatre, a hippodrome you can actually run around, and a harbour promenade that ends at the sea. Kids burn energy on the stones while you get the history in small doses. The paths are mostly flat and the theatre area has accessible facilities, so prams cope. Dogs are allowed on a leash and muzzle, but not in the visitors' centre. Best for ages 2 and up. On holidays and Saturdays go early, as entry is by available space.

Official page: https://en.parks.org.il/reserve-park/caesarea-national-park/

1. Beit Guvrin-Maresha National Park

A network of more than a thousand caves, including the Bell Caves, which are great for echo testing. Go underground with a torch and the kids will not want to leave. Expect steps and uneven floors, so leave the pram in the car. There are picnic areas. The park is closed on Yom Kippur. Best for ages 5 to 10.

Official page: https://en.parks.org.il/reserve-park/bet-guvrin-national-park/

1. Banias (Hermon Stream) Nature Reserve

Israel's largest waterfall, the Hanging Trail and the springs area. Water and shade make this the pick when the coast is too sticky. No dogs allowed, though there are cages at the springs and waterfall entrances. It is about 15 minutes from Kiryat Shmona. Best for ages 5 and up, and a good one for a first proper walk.

Official page: https://en.parks.org.il/reserve-park/hermon-stream-banias-nature-reserve/

1. Ein Gedi Nature Reserve

Normally the one that wins every poll: waterfalls, pools, ibex and hyraxes in the desert. Right now it is limited. The Authority says flood damage left restoration work under way: Wadi David is open only on the accessible path to the first waterfall (about 5 minutes each way), Wadi Arugot is a challenging trail for fit hikers, the antiquities are open and the rest, including Ein Gedi Spring, is closed until further notice. Check the page before you drive. No dogs.

Official page: https://en.parks.org.il/reserve-park/en-gedi-nature-reserve/

1. Masada National Park

Start early and take the cable car if the kids are small. The Snake Path closes to climbers in hot weather (last ascent 10 AM in normal heat, 8 AM or 7 AM when it is very hot). Bring more water than you think you need. The Tanners' Tower is closed for safety. Best for ages 8 and up, or younger if you ride up.

Official page: https://en.parks.org.il/reserve-park/masada-national-park/

1. Tel Megiddo National Park

A Canaanite city with ruins and a bit of the Armageddon story. Older kids who like tunnels and ancient battles will go for it. Little ones get bored quickly. It is on Road 66 near Megiddo junction. Best for ages 8 and up.

Official page: https://en.parks.org.il/reserve-park/tel-megiddo-armageddon-national-park/

1. Apollonia National Park

A moat, a Roman seaside villa, a Crusader fortress and a coastal path, with picnic areas and cliffs. Easy on short legs, but keep a close eye near the cliff edge. The cliff trail is not wheelchair accessible. No fires in the picnic areas. Best for ages 2 and up, with an eye on the drop.

Official page: https://en.parks.org.il/reserve-park/apollonia-national-park-tel-arsuf/

1. Tel Ashkelon National Park

Antiquities, grass, a lookout and a bathing beach in one park. Good for a half-day when you want ruins and sand together. Dogs are allowed on a leash and muzzle. Best for ages 4 to 9.

Official page: https://en.parks.org.il/reserve-park/ashkelon-national-park/

1. Nimrod Fortress

The largest medieval castle in Israel, high on the slopes of Mt. Hermon, 30 minutes from Kiryat Shmona by road 989. Towers, tunnels and big views. The climb and steps suit kids who can walk well. Best for ages 7 and up. Check the page for current access in the north.

Official page: https://en.parks.org.il/reserve-park/nimrod-fortress-national-park/

1. Ein Afek Nature Reserve

A boardwalk over a swamp, water birds, an old flour mill and a short film. The easiest park here and the best first one. There is a cafeteria and picnic tables, and partial wheelchair access. No dogs. Best for toddlers and up.

Official page: https://en.parks.org.il/reserve-park/en-afek-nature-reserve/

Which Park Is Best by Age

Toddlers: Ein Afek, Caesarea, Apollonia.

Ages 5 to 8: Beit Guvrin, Banias, Tel Ashkelon.

Older kids: Masada, Nimrod, Megiddo.

Summer Tips

Go at opening time. Masada and Ein Gedi in July are no place for small children after mid-morning. Bring a hat, a lot of water and a towel for the wet parks. Plan the car ride so the kids sleep on the way home.

What to Pack

Water, snacks, hats, sun cream, a change of clothes for the wet parks, a torch for Beit Guvrin and sturdy shoes. Pack a bag for rubbish. Leave the dog at home for Banias, Ein Gedi and Ein Afek.

Make It a Full Day Out

Caesarea pairs with the beach and the harbour. Banias pairs with cafes and the Upper Galilee. Beit Guvrin is close to the Jerusalem hills, where Sataf makes an easy second stop.

Dad's Tip

Turn the visit into a quest. Ask the kids who lived here, what they ate and where they would hide. They remember the answers far longer than the plaque.

Related Anglo Dads Guides

• Easy Family Walks in Israel
• Best Beaches in Israel
• Best Parks in Israel
• Free Things To Do With Kids in Israel
• Summer Holidays in Israel
• Things To Do Today

Official Information

For opening hours, admission prices, accessibility information and seasonal updates, visit the Israel Nature and Parks Authority: parks.org.il