Israel is a country that boasts a range of diverse landscapes, from God-kissed mountains and arid deserts to breathtaking waterfalls and world-famous beaches. With a population of around 7 million people, Israelis are known for being strong-willed, stubborn, outspoken, warm-hearted, and intense. The country is home to more patents, scientists, published books, and inventions per capita than any other nation in the world. With mandatory military service shaping its people’s character, Israelis and Israel are a constant foil of soft and hard, bitter and sweet, surreal and mundane. This blog post will explore some of the top family-friendly places to visit in Israel.
The Beaches of Nahariya
An estimated 85% of Israel’s population lives along the beaches between Haifa and Tel Aviv. The white-sand, clean blue-watered beaches are sorely missed by those who live far from them. The small-beach town of Naharia has a charm of her own, with endless skate parks, playgrounds, and gardens that are perfect for families. Though less famous than the Tel Aviv beaches packed almost any day of the year, Nahariya lures families to her coasts, sometimes 3 weekends in a row.
Snir River Nature Reserve
Northern Israel is packed with The Israeli Nature Preserves’ most breathtaking parks. One of the family’s favorites is Snir River. The park has been pivotal to our family’s love for the land, from the kids’ school trips and our family’s weekly hangouts to our favorite homeschooling hike trails and even one of our favorite Nature Park Annual Festivals. The lazy river park of waterfalls, picnic tables, and trails shifts to an eco-conscious celebration of hand-made arts, unreal chill music, great Israeli food including Druz pitas on the taboon (Arab campfire bread cooker), and endless stations on Mach-tze-lot (woven-straw like Arab mats).
Our Backyard Overlooking the Galilee Valley
It’s hard not to miss home when you’re traveling the world and looking through albums to write an article. Israel has so much to love, remember, fantasize, and reminisce about. The Galilee Valley is one of the most beautiful places to enjoy in Israel. This mountain-side backyard is filled with hammocks, wooden swings, wind chimes, and a kids’ playhouse. When we want to feel how small and insignificant we are, we turn our chairs toward the mountains to the West. When we want to feel how powerful and relevant we are, we turn our chairs to the East, overlooking our sleepy hometown of Kiryat Shemona. Our backyard has been the site of many good times, including hanging out with friends, listening to good music, enjoying great food, and spending quality family time together.
Nimrod’s Fortress
High up in the Jordan Valley Mountains, as you head toward the famous Chermon Mountains, you’ll see something that catches your eye way up in the distance. Nimrod’s Fortress is an extensive, mystical huge structure of endless passageways, dark stairwells, and just-so-arched window frames. The castle is worth a good visit or two and offers stunning views of the surrounding area.
In conclusion, Israel is a country with a rich history, diverse landscapes, and warm-hearted people. With so many places to explore, these family-friendly destinations are just a few of the many must-see spots in Israel. Whether it’s spending a day at the beach, exploring a nature reserve, enjoying the view from your backyard, or stepping back in time at an ancient fortress, Israel has something for everyone.
