19-Day Ultimate Family-Friendly Epic Israel Adventure
Israel is a masterclass in blending the ancient with the ultra-modern, making it an incredible destination for families seeking an 'Epic Journey' that doesn't sacrifice comfort. This 19-day route is designed for families traveling with children, focusing on stroller-friendly paths, interactive museums, and plenty of beach time to keep the little ones engaged while parents soak in the history.
We have carefully paced this trip to avoid burnout, incorporating the efficient train network for intercity travel and choosing hubs that offer plenty of green space. From the high-tech playgrounds of Tel Aviv to the shaded gardens of Haifa and the biblical wonders of Jerusalem, your family will experience the full spectrum of Israeli culture at a manageable, joyful speed.
The Itinerary
Day 1: Tel Aviv - Arrival & Coastal Calm
Arrival at Ben Gurion Airport
Touch down in Israel and take a comfortable private transfer or the direct train to Tel Aviv Center.
Check-in near the Promenade
Settle into your hotel or apartment near the Tayelet (Promenade) for easy beach access and stroller-friendly walking paths.
Sunset at Gordon Beach
Let the kids play in the fine Mediterranean sand while you enjoy the sunset. The promenade is perfectly paved for strollers.
Dinner at the Port
The Tel Aviv Port (Namal) is a car-free zone with wooden decking, perfect for kids to run around safely while you eat.
Day 2: Tel Aviv - Parks and Play
Park HaYarkon Exploration
Visit Israel's largest urban park. Rent a family bike or visit the 'Sky Town' climbing area for older kids.
Picnic by the Lake
Grab fresh supplies from a local bakery and enjoy a shaded picnic near the wooden playgrounds.
The Tropical Garden
A quiet, stroller-accessible oasis within the park featuring exotic plants and small ponds.
Relaxed Evening in North Tel Aviv
Enjoy a casual dinner at one of the many cafes lining Dizengoff Street.
Day 3: Tel Aviv - Jaffa History & Sea Breezes
Old Jaffa Port
Walk south along the coast to the ancient port of Jaffa. The lower harbor area is flat and easy for strollers.
Jaffa Flea Market (Shuk Hapishpishim)
Explore the vibrant stalls and enjoy a family-style hummus lunch at the famous Ali Caravan.
Abrasha Park
Located on a hill in Jaffa, this park offers the most iconic view of the Tel Aviv skyline and has wide paths.
Midron Yaffo Park
A newer coastal park with expansive grassy hills and modern playgrounds right by the water.
Day 4: Tel Aviv - Modern Culture & Markets
Sarona Market
A restored Templar colony with a high-end food market and plenty of outdoor space for kids to play.
Tel Aviv Museum of Art
A world-class museum with spacious galleries that are very accommodating to families and strollers.
Rothschild Boulevard
Walk down the central shaded kiosk strip for some ice cream and people-watching.
Carmel Market Dinner
Experience the bustle of the city's main market before it winds down for the evening.
Day 5: Haifa - The Mediterranean Ridge
Travel to Haifa via Caesarea
Drive north and stop at Caesarea National Park to see the Roman amphitheater and harbor.
Lunch at Caesarea Harbor
Dine overlooking the sea in an area that is entirely paved and wheelchair/stroller accessible.
Arrival in Haifa
Check into your hotel in the Carmel Center district, which offers the best views and accessibility.
Louis Promenade
Take a sunset stroll along this ridge-top walkway for panoramic views of the Haifa Bay.
Day 6: Haifa - Gardens & Akko Day Trip
Bahai Gardens (Upper Level)
View the stunning terraced gardens from the top. Note: the middle terraces require stairs, so stick to the top view for strollers.
Drive to Akko (Acre)
A short drive or train ride brings you to this UNESCO World Heritage Crusader city.
Knights' Halls
Explore the underground Crusader city; most of the main halls are accessible via ramps.
Akko Harbor
Watch the local fisherman and enjoy a boat ride around the city walls before returning to Haifa.
Day 7: Haifa - Science and Sand
Madatech Science Museum
Located in a historic building, this museum is incredibly interactive and a huge hit with children.
German Colony Lunch
Eat at the base of the Bahai Gardens in this beautifully restored neighborhood.
Bat Galim Beach
A calm beach with a nice boardwalk, perfect for a relaxed family afternoon by the water.
Stella Maris Cable Car
Ride the glass balls (cable car) from the beach up to the Stella Maris monastery for a thrill.
Day 8: Sea of Galilee - Spiritual Landscapes
Drive to Tiberias
Travel inland toward the Kinneret (Sea of Galilee), stopping at Mount Arbel for the view (skip the hike with strollers).
St. Peter’s Fish Lunch
Enjoy a traditional lakeside lunch in Tiberias or at one of the kibbutz restaurants nearby.
Yardenit Baptismal Site
A peaceful spot on the Jordan River with accessible walkways and a chance to see the local flora.
Evening Lakeside Walk
Stroll the Tiberias promenade and enjoy the cooler evening air by the freshwater sea.
Day 9: Golan Heights - Nature & History
Tel Dan Nature Reserve
Features a specific wading pool area and some paved paths that are stroller-friendly through the woods.
Golan Heights Winery (Family Visit)
While parents taste, children can enjoy the wide open lawns and the grape juice 'tasting'.
Mount Bental
An old bunker site with metal sculptures and an incredible view of the Syrian border; very educational for older kids.
Dinner in Rosh Pina
Visit this charming hilltop village for a cozy dinner in one of the restored stone houses.
Day 10: Galilee - Boats and Biblical Sites
Capernaum (Kfar Nahum)
Visit the ancient synagogue and Peter's house. The site is compact and easily navigated with a stroller.
Wooden Boat Ride
Take a replica 'Jesus Boat' out onto the Sea of Galilee for a quiet and reflective 45-minute trip.
Church of the Multiplication
See the famous mosaics at Tabgha. The site is level and very peaceful for families.
Relax at Ginosar
Spend the late afternoon at the beach of Kibbutz Ginosar, which is very family-oriented.
Day 11: Jerusalem - Ascent to the Holy City
Drive South to Jerusalem
The drive takes about 2-2.5 hours. Stop at the 'Door to the Valley' (Sha'ar HaGai) rest stop for snacks.
Check-in at the German Colony
This neighborhood is much more stroller-friendly and quiet than the city center.
The First Station (HaTachana)
An old train station turned into a vibrant hub with carousels, restaurants, and shops—perfect for kids.
Dinner on Emek Refaim
The main street of the German Colony is lined with family-friendly cafes and boutiques.
Day 12: Jerusalem - The Old City
Western Wall (Kotel)
Access via the Dung Gate for the most level path. It is a moving experience for all ages.
Jewish Quarter Walk
The Jewish Quarter has wider, smoother paths than the rest of the Old City, making it better for strollers.
Lunch near the Cardo
Eat among the ancient Roman columns in the heart of the Old City.
Tower of David Museum
The newly renovated museum has an elevator and accessible paths providing a great history overview.
Day 13: Jerusalem - Museums & Memories
Israel Museum & Youth Wing
The Youth Wing is world-renowned for kids' interactive exhibits. Don't miss the Shrine of the Book.
Mahane Yehuda Market
Experience the sights and smells of Jerusalem's main market. It can be crowded, so a baby carrier is better than a stroller here.
Sacher Park
Jerusalem's largest park, recently renovated with massive playgrounds and plenty of space to run.
Night Spectacular at Tower of David
A light and sound show projected on the citadel walls—stunning for children and adults alike.
Day 14: Jerusalem - Animals and Nature
Biblical Zoo
One of the top family attractions in Israel, featuring animals mentioned in the Bible and a great layout for strollers.
Israel Aquarium
Located right next to the zoo, this modern facility is entirely indoor and climate-controlled.
Ein Karem Village
A picturesque neighborhood on the edge of the city. Visit the Mary’s Well area for a pleasant walk.
Casual Dinner in Ein Karem
Enjoy the village atmosphere and a quieter pace away from the city center.
Day 15: Jerusalem - Relaxed Exploration
Bloomfield Science Museum
Another fantastic interactive museum for kids, located near the Hebrew University campus.
Lunch in Rehavia
An upscale, quiet neighborhood with beautiful architecture and many stroller-friendly cafes.
Wohl Rose Garden
A beautiful, accessible garden near the Knesset (Parliament) with hundreds of varieties of roses.
Shopping at Mamilla Mall
An upscale outdoor mall that leads directly to the Jaffa Gate; it’s paved and very easy to navigate.
Day 16: The Dead Sea - Floating Fun
Drive to Masada
Head to the desert. Take the cable car up to the fortress—it's stroller friendly and the views are incredible.
Ein Gedi Nature Reserve
Walk to the lower waterfall (Nahal David). The first section is paved and accessible for families.
Dead Sea Floating
Visit a resort beach like Ein Bokek which has lifeguards, showers, and easy access to the water.
Drive to Eilat
The 2.5-hour drive through the Arava desert is scenic and smooth. Look out for wild ibex!
Day 17: Eilat - Red Sea Relaxation
Underwater Observatory Marine Park
See the coral reefs without getting wet! Perfect for toddlers and young children.
Lunch at Coral Beach
Enjoy fresh fish while looking across the Red Sea toward the mountains of Jordan.
Dolphin Reef
A beautiful beach where you can see dolphins in their natural habitat. Very kid-friendly and relaxed.
Eilat Promenade
The evening comes alive with stalls, music, and a festive atmosphere along the water.
Day 18: Eilat - Desert Wonders
Timna Park
A short drive north. See Solomon's Pillars and the ancient copper mines. You can drive to most sites.
Pedalo Boats on Timna Lake
A surreal experience in the middle of the desert; kids will love the colorful sand bottling activity too.
Ice Mall Eilat
Cool off in this massive mall which features a full-sized ice skating rink in the center.
Farewell Dinner
Enjoy a final feast at a local grill house like 'Pedro' for a celebratory family meal.
Day 19: Departure - Homeward Bound
Last Dip in the Red Sea
Enjoy one last morning splash in the calm, clear waters of the North Beach.
Travel to Ramon Airport
Take the 20-minute shuttle to the modern Ramon Airport for your domestic flight to Tel Aviv.
Transfer to Ben Gurion
Connect to your international flight home, carrying memories of an epic family adventure.
Departure
Safe travels home!
Best Time to Visit Israel
The best time for a family trip to Israel is during the spring (April to May) or autumn (September to October). During these months, the weather is pleasantly warm but not scorching, making it comfortable for kids to be outdoors and for parents to push strollers. Summer (July and August) can be extremely hot, especially in Jerusalem and Eilat, while winter can bring rain that makes the hilly streets of the Old City slippery.
Currency & Money
The local currency is the Israeli New Shekel (ILS). Credit cards are accepted almost everywhere, from high-end restaurants to small market stalls. However, it’s always good to carry some cash for small tips (usually 10-15% in restaurants) or for buying street food like falafel. Tipping is standard in Israel and is expected in sit-down eateries.
Getting Around Israel
Israel is a small country with an excellent transportation network. For this 19-day trip, the train is the best way to travel between Tel Aviv, Haifa, and Jerusalem—it's fast, affordable, and stroller-friendly. For the Galilee and Golan Heights, renting a car is highly recommended for flexibility. In the cities, apps like Gett (for taxis) and Rav-Kav (for public bus/train payment) are essential for smooth travel.
