If you’re a parent, you know what work goes into planning a vacation – whether it’s a weekend away or the summer holidays, which sometimes can seem to stretch on forever. Nevertheless, you’re not alone – and if you’re looking for family-friendly activities to keep the kids occupied then why not consider the Middle East – in this case, Israel and Jordan?
Both in the Holy Land and the Hashemite Kingdom, kids rule the roost – both countries are set up to accommodate not just energetic youngsters but curious teenagers too. From diving with dolphins and whitewater rafting to donkey-riding, jeep tours and star-gazing, here are some of the many activities you can enjoy, as a family, in Israel and Jordan.
Tel Aviv – Safaris, Beaches, Parks and Hot Balloons
Tel Aviv is a great place to start – it’s home to pristine white sandy beaches and the glittering blue Mediterranean, and what child doesn’t like a day at the seashore? Just outside the centre is the Ramat Gan Safari – a chance to see Africa in the Middle East! Divided into three sections, after you’ve see wild animals roaming freely from your car (or the safari bus) you can then make a trip to the lion enclosure. Finally, whilst the youngsters enjoy a zoo petting area, older children can work off their energy in a climbing area.
Tel Aviv also has museums, galleries, escape rooms and the beautiful Yarkon Park, where you can rent a paddle boat, take a trip up in a hot air balloon and see the city from above then head to the Namal Boardwalk (complete with a carousel and SkyJump) for some burgers and ice cream.
Jerusalem – the Old City, the Biblical Zoo and the Aquarium
Just 45 minutes away by train lies another city every child should see – jerusalem. Give your children the best history lesson possible by taking them to the Old City, where they can walk between the different quarters and see astonishing siteslike the Dome Of the Rock, the Church Of the Holy Sepulchre and the Western Wall.
For a fun day out, take them to the Jerusalem Biblical Zoo – it’s not Israel’smost visited attraction for nothing. From the Elephant Road and Tiger Slope to the Butterfly House and African Savannah, there’s something for every age group – and don’t miss the Australian Dream’ section, full of kangaroos, fruit bats and desert lizards and also the mini-train that chugs round the zoo and is adored by every youngster. And if the zoo doesn’t keep them active, pop next door to the Aquarium, to learn about the marine life of this part of the world.
Mitzpe Ramon and Eilat – Craters, Alpacas, Dolphins and Water Sports
Travelling south, there’s no better way to introduce the kids to natural wonders than with a trip to Mitzpe Ramon. High in the Negev Hills, this town is home to an extraordinary crater that’s millions of years old. Not only can you hike inside it, but – for older kids – it’s also possible to rappel down its edge. Youngsters will enjoy the nearby Alpaca farm, where they can pet and hand-feed these cute South American creatures. There’s also the opportunity to horse ride and for a really special experience, book accommodation at a Bedouin camp where the entire family can sleep in a big tent and experience the hospitality of these nomadic tribes.
Two hours drive south, on the Red Sea itself, lies Eilat, which has activities for every age group. Begin at the Dolphin Reef, where you can sit on a beach (or relax in a hammock) whilst watching bottlenose dolphins swim past you. These gorgeous creatures are fed daily (so you can see them up close and personal) and for an extra fee you can snorkel or dive with them.
Nearby is Coral World, an underwater observatory which every child will love- it’s home to more than 800 species of rare fish and marine creatures – don’t miss the turtle pools, ‘Shark World’ (where you can watch divers feeding these scary fish) and the coral reef itself.
And to really work off some energy, take the kids out for a day of watersports. Eilat’s waters are clear and beautiful and perfect for jet skiing, paddle boarding, snorkelling (the waters are teeming with tropical fish) and windsurfing.
Petra – a Rose-Coloured City Like No Other
From Eilat, it’s a hop, skip and a jump to Jordan – the land border is ten minute’s drive from the city centre and most nationalities can even purchase a visa on the spot. This gives you the chance to take the kids to two incredible places – the Lost City of Petra and the stunningly beautiful Wadi Rum desert terrain.
Petra is just a two hour drive, once you’ve crossed the border, and a historical site that every young person should see. Thousands of years old, it was carved out of pink rock by the Nabatean people and – after being abandoned for a long period – was discovered in 1812 by a Swiss explorer.
Today, the complex is more than 60 sq.km and there’s a great deal to see. Whilst younger children might struggle with prolonged walking those aged 10 and over will love it – just make sure you all make sure to wear wide-brimmed hats, put on sturdy hiking shoes and carry plenty of water.
From the Treasury to the Monastery, to the High Place of Sacrifice and Royal Tombs, this is the greatest history lesson you can ever give a child. Moreover, if your children are younger, take heart in the fact that under 10’s enter free and there are different means of ‘transport’ inside, including donkeys, mules, camels and horses!
Accommodation-wise, why not stay in a Bedouin camp, where you’ll eat traditional Jordanian food round a campfire and sleep in comfortable tents? They even come with mink blankets for chilly nights! And if you’re short of time, remember: there are great Petra tours from Eilat you can take, including day trips!
Wadi Rum – Camel-Riding, Jeep Tours and SandDunes in ‘Martian-Like’ Surroundings
Wadi Rum means ‘Valley of the Moon’ in Arabic and boasts dramatic red and orange landscapes, sand dunes that change pattern with the wind, rugged mountains and scenery that makes you think you’ve landed on Mars,it’s a highlight of any trip to Jordan and bound to capture the imagination of kids.
A protected area (for the sake of its natural beauty) accommodation comes in the form of camping – some of the tents are really upmarket and even boast transparent panels, so you can actually gaze up at the stars once you’ve crawled into your sleeping bag
Wadi Rum isn’t just about stargazing though – the campsites offer all kinds of activities which are family-friendly – you can take a jeep tour through the desert (and see the house where Lawrence of Arabia is thought to have slept, whilst crossing the sands), explore astonishing rock formations, take a camel ride and even roll down sand dunes.
Dead Sea – Floating at the Lowest Point on Earth
Finally, Israel and Jordan are both home to the Dead Sea and if your kids are exhausted from hiking, jeep tours and camel riding, why not spend a day at the lowest place on earth. The Dead Sea is so salty that no living thing can survive in it – and no human being can swim!
What child wouldn’t want to try, in vain, to put their feet down in water and bob up, time and time again, to the point where they just succumb to the urge to float? Instagram opportunities are endless here – and once you’ve all floated to your heart’s content, you can sit by the water and gaze across to Israel.
So why not consider a holiday, either independently or by ever-popular, organized Israel and Jordan tours; Trust us, your kids will thank you for it!