6-Day Eilat Family Itinerary: Red Sea Fun & Desert Adventures
Welcome to Eilat, Israel’s premier sun-drenched playground! This city is a paradise for families, offering a rare combination of calm, turquoise waters and accessible desert landscapes. In this Family Travel Guide, we focus on a relaxed pace that respects nap times while ensuring parents get to enjoy the stunning scenery of the Red Sea.
Eilat is incredibly walkable near the hotel districts, and most attractions are within a 15-minute drive. Whether you are pushing a stroller along the promenade or watching your kids marvel at colorful tropical fish, this itinerary balances education, excitement, and well-earned downtime under the desert sun.
Day 1: Eilat, Israel - Arrival & Marine Wonders
Underwater Observatory Marine Park
Start your trip at one of Eilat's most iconic spots. This park is largely stroller-accessible and allows children to see the coral reef without even getting wet. Don't miss the shark feeding at the Shark Pool.
Lunch at Coral Beach
Enjoy a casual lunch at one of the beachside cafes near the marine park. Most offer kid-friendly staples like schnitzel and chips, alongside fresh Israeli salads for the adults.
Coral World Stroll
Take a gentle walk around the observation tower to enjoy the 360-degree views of Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt across the water.
Eilat Promenade Dinner
End your first day with a walk along the main promenade (Tayelet). It is paved, vibrant, and full of restaurants like Pago Pago that offer great views of the marina.
Day 2: Eilat, Israel - Dolphins & History
Dolphin Reef Eilat
This is a unique site where dolphins live in their natural habitat. Kids can watch them from the floating piers. It's a very relaxed environment with plenty of shade and a beach area perfect for families.
Maman Beach
A short drive back toward the city, this beach offers calm waters and comfortable sunbeds. It is a great spot for a family dip in the Red Sea.
Um Rashrash Historical Site
Located near the mall, this small park marks the site where the Ink Flag was raised in 1949. It's a quick historical stop with plenty of space for kids to run around.
Musical Fountain Eilat
Catch the evening light and sound show near the city center. The kids will love the synchronized water jets and bright colors.
Day 3: Eilat, Israel - Wings & Flowers
International Birding & Research Center
Eilat is a major stopover for migratory birds. This center features easy walking paths and bird-watching blinds that are fun for kids with binoculars.
Eilat Botanical Garden
Built on a former military outpost, this lush oasis features a 'rainforest' walk with misting systems—a perfect way to cool down in the desert heat.
Camel Ranch Eilat
Visit the ranch for a 'Camel Experience.' If your kids are too small for a trek, they can still enjoy meeting and feeding the camels in the stables.
Pasta & Co Dinner
A local family favorite for dinner, offering homemade Italian food in a relaxed setting that welcomes noisy toddlers.
Day 4: Eilat, Israel - Red Rocks & Ancient History
Timna Park
A 25-minute drive from Eilat, this park features incredible rock formations like 'Solomon’s Pillars.' Many areas are accessible by car, making it easy to see the sights with a stroller.
Timna Lake
Enjoy a picnic by the man-made lake inside the park. You can even bottle your own colorful sand as a souvenir for the kids.
Yotvata Hai-Bar Nature Reserve
On your way back, stop here to see desert animals like the oryx and ostrich in a drive-through safari style that keeps everyone in the AC.
The Brewery Eilat
A great spot for parents to sample local craft beer while enjoying a hearty meal in a spacious, casual environment.
Day 5: Eilat, Israel - Ice & Retail Therapy
Ice Mall Eilat
Escape the heat in this unique mall centered around a full-sized ice skating rink. There are many indoor attractions for kids here, including a small theme park area.
Lunch at the Food Court
The Ice Mall has a variety of international options, making it the easiest place to please picky eaters.
Lagoon Walk
Take a stroll around the marina lagoon to watch the boats coming in and out. It is fully paved and perfect for an evening stroller walk.
Night Market Shopping
The promenade stalls offer local crafts and toys. Since Eilat is a VAT-free zone, it's a great place to pick up gifts.
Day 6: Eilat, Israel - Reefs & Relaxation
Coral Beach Nature Reserve
A more 'natural' beach experience than the hotel strips. The shallow pools at the entrance are ideal for small children to paddle in safely.
Glass Bottom Boat Tour
Departing from the marina, this is a classic Eilat activity. It allows the whole family to see the 'Japanese Gardens' reef without getting wet.
Dekel Beach
One of the quieter beaches in Eilat with a bohemian vibe. It has a great playground and plenty of shade for a final afternoon of relaxation.
Farewell Dinner at Rak Dag
Celebrate your final night with fresh Mediterranean seafood at this long-standing local favorite near the marina.
Best Time & Weather
The best time to visit Eilat for families is during the Spring (March to May) or Autumn (September to November). During these months, the weather is pleasantly warm, around 25-30°C (77-86°F), which is perfect for outdoor activities. Summers are extremely hot, often exceeding 40°C (104°F), which can be difficult for young children and strollers.
Currency & Money
The currency used in Eilat is the Israeli New Shekel (ILS). Credit cards are accepted almost everywhere, from pharmacies to fine dining. Tipping is standard in restaurants at about 10-15%. Since Eilat is a VAT-free zone, you will find that many items are 17% cheaper than in the rest of Israel!
Getting Around
Eilat is small and easy to navigate. Within the hotel and beach zone, walking is the best option. For attractions like Timna Park or the Birding Center, renting a car is highly recommended for families. Alternatively, local 'Eggeds' buses serve the main routes, and taxis are plentiful and use meters.
