The Summer’s Best Events in Jerusalem for Families

Summer is one of the best times for families to visit Jerusalem. While the city is amazing all year around, there are many special events in Jerusalem over the summer that really make the season stand out. From light shows to festivals to events at museums and other sites, there is no shortage of memorable things to do in the city.

Light Shows are some of the best nighttime events in Jerusalem

High Light JLM is a new free evening light show every Sunday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday night, and is one of the top events in Jerusalem this summer. It is best viewed from the Haas Promenade in Armon HaNatziv, a southern neighborhood of the city. Colorful lasers and music vibrate across and through the city’s skies, making it a great experience for those of all ages. In addition to enjoying the light show, the promenade offers sweeping views of Jerusalem’s Old City as well as parks and playgrounds. It is best to check the schedule here  for show times before heading to the promenade.

The City of David archaeological park and Tower of David Museum also offer evening light shows, combining entertainment and music with history and storytelling. Both require tickets, and it is best to purchase those in advance on their websites. All of these light shows provide magical and unique evening experiences in Jerusalem.

Art Festival and Ice-Skating are Among the best summer events in Jerusalem

Every summer hundreds of artists take part in the Festival of Outdoor Arts in the Hutzot HaYotzer complex just under the Old City Walls and the Sultan’s Pool across the road. For about two weeks in August, there will be dozens of booths featuring art from around Israel, along with drama performances and concerts. This year there will be extra emphasis on artists from the North and South of the country.

Another special family activity is the ice-skating rink set up for the summer at Jerusalem’s First Station. Jerusalem on Ice offers a cool experience in the heat of summer, open from Sunday through Thursday, and includes skate rental.

Museums offer special events in Jerusalem

During the summer, several museums also offer special activities and events in Jerusalem. The Israel Museum has special activities, including a workshop to make crafts from recycled items and a Hebrew story hour, every Tuesday afternoon from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m..  On Thursdays at 5 p.m. there is a story hour in English. The story times are free with museum admission, and children get free admission on Tuesdays. The museum also has ample outdoor grounds, filled with art sculptures and a model of ancient Jerusalem, all sites enjoyed especially by families. Nearby, the new National Library also offers tours and activities geared toward families, including a story hour.

Other museums with special events in Jerusalem include the Har Herzl Museum, featuring exhibits about Israel’s founders and the early years of the state, adjacent to the Har Herzl national cemetery. This museum has Hebrew theatrical tours, crafts and other activities.

The Bloomfield Science Museum also offers special activities, including a weekly bubble party and crafts.

Classic Summer Sites in Jerusalem

In addition to all the events in Jerusalem, other attractions that are especially great at this time of year include the splash fountains at Teddy Park. Children and adults alike enjoy splashing in the fountains to cool off on hot days. The fountains, which run every couple of hours, are also accompanied by music. At night, music and a light show accompanies the fountains. Many of the city parks can also be enjoyed, especially on cooler mornings and in the hours before sunset. Some of the best parks for families include Liberty Bell Park, next to the Inbal Hotel, which features lots of green areas, walking paths, vibrant flowers and playgrounds; Gan Sacher with its huge playground; and Bloomfield Garden, a hidden gem in the Yemin Moshe neighborhood.

The Liberty Bell Park is also home to the Puppet Theater Festival in August. There are five days of puppet and magic shows for both children and adults in the park’s Train Theater. For more information and tickets, see here.