Sukkot 2026 With Kids: Family Activities & Things to Do Across Israel
Discover the best Sukkot 2026 activities for families in Israel, including national parks, KKL-JNF events, museums, heritage attractions and practical Chol HaMoed tips.
If Rosh Hashanah is about family dinners and Yom Kippur belongs to bikes, Sukkot is Israel's great family days-out festival.
Museums run special programmes. National parks put on activities. Municipalities stage festivals. Families fill forests, beaches and attractions.
And yes — everywhere suddenly becomes considerably busier.
Sukkot 2026 begins at sunset on Friday 25 September. The first full festival day is Saturday 26 September, followed by Chol HaMoed through Friday 2 October.
Here are some of the strongest options already confirmed.
Israel Nature and Parks Authority Sukkot programme
The Israel Nature and Parks Authority has published a substantial programme for Sukkot.
Activities currently listed include family tours, nature events, archaeology and special experiences at parks and reserves around the country.
Examples include:
- Lantern tours at Tel Hazor National Park
- Family history and nature activities at Nahal Taninim Nature Reserve
- Games and guided activities at Tel Lachish National Park
- Crusader-themed family activities at Apollonia National Park
- Prehistoric-themed activities at Nahal Me'arot Nature Reserve
- Special programmes at Caesarea
- Sunset experiences at Tel Arad
Some activities are included in normal admission, while others require an additional payment or registration. Matmon subscribers receive free entry or benefits at many participating sites.
Israel Nature and Parks Authority Sukkot programme
For popular locations, don't just turn up at 11:30 and hope for the best. Reserve ahead where possible.
KKL-JNF family events
KKL-JNF has also announced Sukkot 2026 family programmes.
Examples include family happenings at Malachim Forest and Beit Eshel, with workshops and children's entertainment.
At Ilanot Botanical Garden, KKL-JNF is also hosting a sunset tour followed by communal Israeli singing on 27 September.
KKL-JNF forests are a particularly useful option for families trying to keep holiday spending down because general access to many forest recreation areas is free.
Always check current access information before travelling.
National Library of Israel: Sukkot for families
If you want something in Jerusalem that doesn't involve another hike, the National Library of Israel has announced family Sukkot activities from 27 September to 1 October.
Its "To Infinity" programme is running morning and afternoon sessions throughout Chol HaMoed at the library on Kaplan Street in Jerusalem.
National Library Sukkot family activities
Advance tickets are advisable.
Neot Kedumim
Near Modi'in, Neot Kedumim provides an especially appropriate Sukkot experience.
For 2026, the reserve is opening its Sukkah exhibition to the general public on Friday 2 October, with more than 20 full-sized sukkot demonstrating different designs discussed in Jewish tradition.
The reserve has two stroller-friendly trails and agricultural installations along the route.
The published general admission price for the programme is ₪45 per participant from age two, with advance booking required.
Kfar Saba Museum
For families in the Sharon area, Kfar Saba Museum has announced several Sukkot events.
On 29 September, families can take part in tree navigation, traditional games and nature crafts at Baron Menashe Garden.
On 30 September, the Archaeological Garden will host an olive-harvest-themed activity including an ancient olive press and archaeological experiences.
On 1 October there is a children's woodland detective puppet performance.
The main daytime activities are designed for children aged four and over.
Heritage sites across Israel
The Council for Conservation of Heritage Sites has a particularly extensive Sukkot schedule for 2026.
Listings span:
- Tel Aviv
- Jerusalem
- the Sharon
- Galilee
- northern Israel
- the Negev
- Jezreel Valley
- Acre
- Kfar Saba
- Petach Tikva
- Caesarea-area sites
This is worth bookmarking if you're looking for something beyond the standard zoo/soft-play/cinema rotation.
Don't underestimate free Sukkot
You absolutely do not need to spend ₪500 every day of Chol HaMoed.
Try alternating paid days with free ones.
Free or low-cost ideas
Forest picnic
Take food from home and find a KKL-JNF forest.
Beach morning
September can still be warm enough for the beach.
Family bike ride
Choose a safe cycle route and bring breakfast.
Sukkah crawl
Visit friends' sukkot around the neighbourhood.
Park challenge
Pick three playgrounds you've never visited and rate them out of ten.
Neighbourhood treasure hunt
Give the kids photos or clues and let them navigate.
Beat the crowds
Anyone who has spent Chol HaMoed at a major Israeli attraction knows the rule:
Go early.
If somewhere opens at 09:00, aim to arrive at 09:00.
Not "leave the house at 09:00".
Actually arrive.
By lunchtime, popular attractions can be dramatically busier.
For younger children this also lets you finish your outing before the hottest part of the day.
Pack food
Holiday attractions can come with holiday prices.
A backpack containing:
- water
- sandwiches
- fruit
- snacks
- wipes
- hats
- spare clothes
can save a significant amount over a week of outings.
Then buy one treat rather than feeding the entire family through attraction cafés every day.
Build rest days into Chol HaMoed
Five consecutive "big days out" sounds great when creating the holiday plan.
By Day Three, everyone is exhausted.
Try:
Sunday: big attraction Monday: local park Tuesday: museum Wednesday: home/friends Thursday: final outing
Children do not require professional entertainment every waking hour of Chol HaMoed.
Related Anglo Dads Guides
- Chagim With Kids in Israel 2026
- Build a Sukkah With the Kids
- Yom Kippur With Kids in Israel
- Best National Parks for Families in Israel
- Best Museums for Kids in Israel
- Events & What's On
Frequently asked questions
When is Sukkot 2026 in Israel?
Sukkot begins Friday evening, 25 September. The first day is Saturday 26 September, followed by Chol HaMoed, with Hoshana Rabbah on Friday 2 October.
What can families do during Sukkot in Israel?
National parks, museums, forests, heritage sites, municipal festivals and family attractions run extensive holiday programmes.
Should Sukkot attractions be booked in advance?
Yes, where advance booking is available. Chol HaMoed is one of Israel's busiest family tourism periods.
Are there free activities?
Yes. KKL-JNF forests, beaches, parks, hikes and many municipal events can provide free or inexpensive family days out.
Where can I find updated Sukkot events?
Anglo Dads will continue adding verified English-language family events to our listings throughout the holiday — check our Events & What's On page.
Our main dad tip: don't attempt the whole of Israel during one Chol HaMoed. Pick a few good outings and leave enough time to actually enjoy the sukkah.