Rosh Hashanah With Kids in Israel 2026: Family Activities & Things to Do

Rosh Hashanah in Israel is about far more than sitting through another enormous family meal.

For kids, it can mean apples and honey, shofar blowing, crafts, bees, nature, museums and the first proper family break of the new school year.

In 2026, Rosh Hashanah starts at sunset on Friday 11 September and ends after nightfall on Sunday 13 September.

Because the first day falls on Shabbat this year, families need to think carefully about transport and opening times.

Here are some ideas for making the holiday work.

1. Discover bees and honey at the Valley Museum

One of the most on-theme Rosh Hashanah events we've found for 2026 is at The Valley Museum, Kibbutz Yifat in the Jezreel Valley.

On 12 and 13 September, the museum is hosting family activities between 10:00 and 14:00.

The programme includes a special "World of the Bees" workshop with a beekeeper, learning about bees and their importance, tasting bee products and making beeswax candles.

There will also be Rosh Hashanah cards, colouring activities, family guidance and a children's bee quiz.

Standard admission is listed as ₪35 from age two, with an additional ₪20 for the bee workshop. The workshop has limited spaces and requires advance registration.

For Anglo families, another bonus is that the Valley Museum lists English as an available guidance language.

Valley Museum official website

2. Step back in time at Mitzpe Revivim

If you're in southern Israel or looking for something different, Mitzpe Revivim is running Rosh Hashanah activities on 11–12 September.

The historic site is turning the visit into a family adventure, including pioneer-style costumes and self-guided exploration around the site.

It's a nice alternative to another indoor soft-play centre and gives older children some genuine Israeli history without turning the day into a school lesson.

3. Look for heritage sites near you

Israel's Council for Conservation of Heritage Sites has compiled a dedicated Rosh Hashanah 2026 events programme.

Current listings include activities at sites such as:

• Mitzpe Revivim
• The Valley Museum
• Ben-Gurion's Hut
• Yad Mordechai
• Ein Shemer
• Mitzpe Gvulot
• heritage locations in Acre and elsewhere

Browse Rosh Hashanah heritage events

Always check the individual event page before travelling, as registration requirements and operating times can change.

4. Make your own Rosh Hashanah adventure

You don't need an organised event.

Turn an ordinary family outing into a Rosh Hashanah-themed challenge.

Give the kids a list:

Find:

• an apple
• something shaped like a pomegranate
• a bee
• something sweet
• something red
• a horn or something shaped like one
• something representing a new beginning

Take photos as you go.

For younger children, this works brilliantly in a park, botanical garden, farm or even around the neighbourhood.

5. Go on an apple-and-honey tasting mission

There are few easier activities than an Anglo Dads Rosh Hashanah taste test.

Pick up several apple varieties and different types of honey.

Number them.

Blindfold Dad.

Let the kids become judges.

Award prizes for:

• sweetest apple
• crunchiest apple
• best honey
• worst Dad guess
• most ridiculous flavour description

You've just created an activity for about ₪40 using things you were buying anyway.

6. Make Rosh Hashanah cards

Children growing up in Israel often have grandparents and relatives overseas.

That makes Rosh Hashanah an excellent excuse to actually send them something physical.

You'll need:

• card
• felt-tip pens
• apple cut in half
• washable paint
• stickers
• envelopes

Dip the apple into paint and use it as a stamp.

Add:

Shana Tova! שנה טובה

Older children can write one thing they're hoping to achieve in the year ahead.

Take a photo before posting it because there is approximately a 72% chance Grandma keeps it forever.

7. Listen for the shofar

The shofar is one of the defining sounds of Rosh Hashanah.

If your children haven't experienced it properly, find a local synagogue or community event.

Many communities run family-friendly services, children's programmes or shorter shofar gatherings specifically for families who aren't planning to attend a full traditional service.

If you're new to an area, your neighbourhood WhatsApp or Facebook community is often the quickest way to find one.

8. Try a family "new year challenge"

Rosh Hashanah is fundamentally about a new beginning.

For younger children, keep that idea simple.

Ask everyone:

What's one new thing you'd like to try this year?

It could be:

• learning to swim
• riding without stabilisers
• reading a book independently
• learning ten Hebrew words
• trying a new food
• visiting somewhere new in Israel

Dad has to choose one too.

Write them down and put them somewhere visible.

Travelling during Rosh Hashanah

Remember that Israel operates differently around Chag.

Public transport stops before the festival and businesses may close much earlier than usual.

If you're planning a day out, check the attraction's own website before leaving.

Don't rely solely on Google opening hours.

The same applies to restaurants. Some will close completely; others may operate on special holiday schedules.

What about free things to do?

Rosh Hashanah doesn't need to become another expensive school holiday.

Try:

• A picnic
• Beach sunset
• Local playground crawl
• Family bike ride
• Forest walk
• Nature scavenger hunt
• Making honey cake
• Family football
• Visiting grandparents
• Local synagogue children's activities

KKL-JNF operates forests and recreation sites throughout Israel, many of which are free to visit, although families should always check current site-access notices before travelling.

KKL-JNF visitor information

Rosh Hashanah dad checklist

Before Friday afternoon:

• Buy food.
• Confirm dinner arrangements.
• Check opening hours.
• Fill up the car if needed.
• Check attraction tickets.
• Charge phones and power banks.
• Buy honey and apples.
• Locate the children's nice clothes that mysteriously disappeared after last Chag.
• Decide what you're doing during the daytime.

Related Anglo Dads Guides

• Chagim With Kids in Israel 2026
• Yom Kippur With Kids in Israel
• Sukkot 2026 With Kids in Israel
• Best Museums for Kids in Israel
• Free Things to Do With Kids in Israel
• Events & What's On

Frequently asked questions

When is Rosh Hashanah 2026 in Israel?

It starts Friday evening, 11 September and finishes Sunday night, 13 September.

Are attractions open on Rosh Hashanah?

Some tourist attractions operate, while others close for Yom Tov or run holiday hours. Always check the official website before travelling.

What are good Rosh Hashanah activities for young children?

Apple printing, honey tasting, baking, Rosh Hashanah cards, a shofar experience and nature scavenger hunts are all easy options.

Are there Rosh Hashanah family events in Israel?

Yes. Museums, heritage sites, farms and community organisations run activities around the holiday. Several 2026 events are already confirmed.

What should Anglo families know?

Israel slows down considerably around the Chagim. Plan food, travel and childcare before the holiday starts rather than treating it like a normal weekend.

Shana Tova from Anglo Dads — may your year be sweet and your children sleep beyond 6:30am at least once.