How to Plan a Family Trip to Israel for 2024/2025

Israel offers diverse and interesting experiences that make it a perfect family destination. You and your family could enjoy these things together: floating on the Dead Sea, feeling the strong cultural atmosphere, relaxing on the sandy beaches, tasting delicious Israeli cuisine...

In this article, we'll help you to create a wonderful family trip to Israel by providing you with information and suggestions about travel costs, top things to do with your family, sample itineraries, and more.

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Do I Need a Visa to Visit Israel?

Jerusalem, Israel

Nationals of many countries are exempt from needing a visa to enter Israel, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia. Most travelers can stay in Israel without a visa for 90 days.

The Top 5 Things to Do in Israel for Families with Kids

Israel has rich culture and history, diverse natural landscapes, charming sun-soaked beaches, and family-friendly activities, making it a great destination for family vacations with your kids. Here are some of the top things we recommend for you and your kids in Israel.

1) Floating on the Dead Sea with a Newspaper

Floating on the Dead Sea with your kids

As the saltiest and lowest lake in the world, the Dead Sea is the only lake where people can float effortlessly and you shouldn't miss this activity. Taking a photo with your kids holding a newspaper while floating in the Dead Sea would be a unique and memorable experience.

2) Relax on Sunny Beaches and Do Water Sports

Israel is a country near the Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea, which means you can enjoy sandy beaches and participate in fun water sports with your kids. The most popular seaside cities in Israel are Tel Aviv and Eilat, where you can surf, dive, and enjoy a wonderful family time together on the charming beaches.

If you like swimming, surfing, and kayaking, we suggest you choose Tel Aviv. If you prefer diving and snorkeling, Eilat is recommended.

3) Have a Close Encounter with Cute Dolphins in Their Natural Environment

Eilat, the southernmost seaside city in Israel, is known for its beautiful coral reef and friendly dolphins. You can simply observe or go snorkeling with the dolphins. This is an attractive activity for dolphin lovers that is popular among both adults and kids alike.

4) Experience the Strong Religious Atmosphere of the Western Wall in Jerusalem

Western Wall in Jerusalem

There is no doubt that Israel is full of culture and history, especially Jerusalem. The famous Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and the Mount of Olives are just a few examples of significant historical sites in Jerusalem. In addition to Jerusalem, the old town of Jaffa in Tel Aviv and various museums throughout Israel all showcase the rich heritage of the country.

5) Take a Light Hike in Masada National Park

With canyons, deserts, and forests, Israel is a good place to do adventure sports with your kids. Do some light hiking in Red Canyon or Masada National Park, explore En Gedi Nature Reserve, go on a jeep tour through the desert, or camp by the Sea of Galilee. No matter what you're looking for, you can find suitable outdoor sports for your family in Israel.

10-Day Israel In-Depth Tour

Bests Time to Visit Israel

Old town of Jaffa, Tel Aviv

Israel is a great country to visit: no matter when you visit, it won't be too hot or too cold.

Spring (April to May) and fall (September to October) are the best time to visit Israel when you would enjoy pleasant temperatures 72–84°F (22–28°C), less rain, and festivals full of local flavor. You would have the opportunity to experience important Israeli festivals: Passover is in March/April and Rosh Hashanah is in September/October.

June to August is the busiest and most popular time to visit Israel as the summer vacation is in July–August for most children. The average temperature range is from 76–93°F (24 to 34°C): it is the hottest time of the year, with virtually zero rainfall. Hotels and International flights are easily booked up, so we suggest that you plan ahead and make reservations at least 6 months in advance.

November to March is the rainy, cool season in Israel, when average temperatures range around from–66°F (11 to 19°C ). The rainfall won't affect a well-prepared journey too much, and since there are fewer crowds and lower costs, it could be an excellent time to visit. Celebrating Christmas or New Year with your family in Israel could be a good choice as well.

You can just tell us your preferences and requirements, and we will customize a tour for you.

How Long to Spend in Israel

The Baha'i Hanging Gardens in Haifa

In general, visiting Israel should take at least one week to cover the major highlights of the top three areas: 4 days in Jerusalem, 3 days in Tel-Aviv, and a day by the Dead Sea is recommended.

If you want to have a deeper insight into Israel, we suggest that you take 10–12 days. If you plan to visit Egypt or Jordan at the same time, it would ideally take you 2 weeks or more.

Here we offer three hand-picked itineraries. Especially perfect for families with teenagers, each provides special and memorable experiences for your family. We can customize any itinerary based on your interests and requirements to help create a wonderful family trip for you.

1) 8-Day Classic Israel Route: Major Highlights Including the Dead Sea

Old market in Jerusalem, Israel

Jerusalem – Dead Sea – Tel-Aviv

Here is a suggested itinerary for you:

Days 1–3: Jerusalem (Western Wall, Church of the Holy Sepulcher, the Israel Museum)
Days 4–5: Dead Sea (float on the Dead Sea, Masada National Park)
Days 6–8: Tel-Aviv (old town of Jaffa, bike along the seaside walk, relax on the beach)

This itinerary covers the main highlights of Israel. In the holy land of Jerusalem, you can experience the religious atmosphere at the Western Wall, visit the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, visit where Jesus's death, burial, and resurrection are thought to have taken place, and go to the Israel Museum to see amazing cultural relics.

With 2 days by the Dead Sea you could experience the unique feeling of floating on the very salty water and go hiking on Masada, which is a desert fort near the Dead Sea.

The last 3 days would be spent in Tel-Aviv, where you could enjoy its laid-back vibe, go surfing in the sea, wander around the old town of Jaffa, and experience its bustling nightlife.

5-Day Israel Tour

2) 12-Day Israel Family Adventure Itinerary: Discover Major Cities plus Hiking and Camping

Camping on the Sea of Galilee

Jerusalem – Dead Sea – Tiberias – Haifa – Tel-Aviv

Here is a suggested itinerary for your inspiration:

Days 1–3: Jerusalem (Western Wall, Temple Mount, Mahane Yehuda Market)
Days 4–5: Dead Sea (float on the Dead Sea, Masada National Park)
Days 6–7: Tiberias (Sea of Galilee, Church of the Annunciation in Nazareth)
Days 8–9: Haifa (The Baha'i Hanging Gardens)
Days 10–12: Tel-Aviv (old town of Jaffa, various museums, sun-soaked beaches)

With this itinerary, you could gain a deeper understanding of Israel and experience its cultures and see attractive natural scenery. Feel the religious atmosphere in Jerusalem, experience the unique feeling of floating on the Dead Sea, and go hiking in impressive Masada National Park.

In the Tiberias area, you can camp by the Sea of Galilee and take a day trip to Nazareth to see the small town where Jesus grew up.

Visit the incredible Baha'i Hanging Gardens in Haifa, a flourishing port city and Israel's third-largest population area.

The last three days of the trip would be spent in Tel-Aviv, a charming seaside city and once the capital of Israel. You could stroll through the old town of Jaffa, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and enjoy swimming, surfing, or kayaking in the sea. We could also reserve some free days for you to rest and relax or do some exploring on your own.

3) 14-Day Exploring Israel and Jordan Itinerary

Petra in Jordan

Jerusalem – Amman – Petra – Wadi Rum – Tel Aviv

Here is a suggested itinerary for your inspiration:

Days 1–4: Jerusalem (Western Wall, Mount of Olives, Church of the Holy Sepulcher)
Days 5–6: Amman (the Citadel, the Roman Theatre)
Days 7–8: Petra (the Treasury, AI-Siq)
Day 9–10: Wadi Rum (desert activities)
Days 11–14: Tel Aviv (old town of Jaffa, various museums, sandy beaches)

Israel and Jordan are neighboring countries and it's popular to travel both in one itinerary. Enjoy a memorable family trip with these experiences: immerse yourself in the solemnity of the Western Wall of holy Jerusalem, visit the ancient Citadel and Roman Theatre in Amman in Jordan, see the unbelievable sandstone city in Petra, ride a camel in the majestic desert of Wadi Rum, and finish your family trip perfectly by relaxing on the sandy beaches of Tel Aviv.

Get more ideas about how long to spend in Israel and handpicked itinerary options>>>

18-Day Egypt Jordan and Israel's Treasures Discovery Tour

How Much Does a Family Trip to Israel Cost?

Israel is known to be an expensive country in the Middle East, and prices can be similar or sometimes even higher than those in Europe. The cost of private travel in Israel can be around US$500 per person per day, including 4-star hotels, a full-day itinerary, tickets for attractions, a private car, and a private guide.

On the other hand, the cost of travel in Egypt and Jordan is relatively lower, with private travel costs in Egypt starting from US$200 and in Jordan starting from US$250.

Check out more price details about the cost of a trip to Israel>>>

Is It Safe to Travel to Israel?

Overall, Israel is a relatively safe country to travel. The main tourist areas like Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Haifa, Eilat, and the Dead Sea are kept safe for travel. Israel is a country that takes tourism very seriously and invests a lot of money to ensure the safety of travelers. We suggest you check your country's travel advisories before your trip.

To avoid unpredictable attacks, travelers are advised not to go to the dangerous areas like the West Bank, Gaza, and the area around the Gaza strip.