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Northern Israel has always been an attraction for Israelis and tourists alike seeking to enjoy the lush greenness and beauty of this region. The North offers a wide variety of great places to visit, activities to do with the family, adventures to experience — and outstanding eateries along the way.  Follow the links provided below to start planning your excursion and maximizing your family’s fun!

Way Up North

Canada Center

If you miss your favorite winter sports — the feeling of cold fingers and noses and the idea of wearing mittens — the Canada Center for sports and recreation is for you! The center offers an Olympic size skating rink, as well as an indoor pool with a hot Jacuzzi and an outdoor swimming pool with a water slide, saunas, squash courts, table tennis, workout rooms, a soccer field and a shooting club.

Hula Nature Reserve

Birding at HaHula pondThe Hula Nature Reserve is a swampy area nature reserve that is a scheduled stop for many migrating species. You’ll find a visitor’s center on the reserve and many, family-focused activities where you can learn about the various species of migrating birds that Israel hosts yearly. You can tour the reserve in a camouflaged-covered wagon pulled by a tractor — or get the whole family on a cycle and explore on your own.  If you’re planning a visit, it is worth finding out what kinds of birds visit during which seasons. Plan your trip so you can see the greatest number and widest range of birds.

Hurshat Tal National Park

image007Want to break out the bait and throw in the line?  Here’s the place! Hurshat Tal, located at Kibbutz HaGoshrim, has well-stocked fish ponds, cool streams where you can get your feet wet, and night camping facilities on- site — so if you are feeling ready for the outdoors, get those marshmallows ready! For those who prefer more luxurious accommodations, bungalows are also available.  Wheelchair and stroller accessible.

River Kayaking

image009Float down the Jordan and Hatzbani Rivers on a gently curving route through green riverbanks, giving you a refreshing break on a hot summer day. Depending on the amount of winter rain Israel received during the year, the flow can be faster or slower, but it is usually calm and you can maintain a peaceful pace throughout the ride. You can rent a raft boat for up to six people, or a kayak for two people, on-site.

Ages: Five years and up

Friendly warnings: Remember to duck when you pass under tree branches; make sure your sunglasses or eyeglasses are attached to a chain so they don’t get lost in the water; and put the valuables you take with you in a Ziplock bag to protect them from water damage – YOU WILL GET WET!

North East

Har Tavor

image013Located north of Afula, the Tavor Mountain is located 500 meters above the Jezreel Valley in the region of the Galilee, and promises incredible views of the entire area. It is worth the drive up the mountain both to experience the cool breeze at the top, and to enjoy the breathtaking scenes.

Marzipan Museum
At the foothills of Mount Tabor, next to the almond groves of Kfar Tavor, one can find the Marzipan Museum, which is just one of the many attractions this area offers. There is also a village museum, a boutique wine shop, and more. The Marzipan Museum is located in the industrial area of Kfar Tavor. This is a great place to stop for a rest and catch a short film about the marzipan industry in an air conditioned hall. The museum offers creative workshop-type activities for kids, where they can actually sculp in marzipan, and eat their creations.

North West

Ma’arat Keshet  (Arch Caves)

image019If you are a thrill seeker and would enjoy rappelling from a natural stone arch, this is one of the most spectacular rappelling sites in Israel, with panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea and the Galilee. The great thing about this site is that the less adventurous members of the family can picnic, hike along the trails, or just relax (and take pictures), while the thrill seekers rappel!

Look Out and Visitors’ Center

image023Enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view from the most northerly located Kibbutz in Israel, and enjoy a visitor’s center where you can learn more about this strategically-located Kibbutz.

The University of Haifa

image025Check out the University of Haifa’s  Reuben and Edith Hecht Museum, which has free admission. Enjoy a panoramic, scenic look-out from the 30th floor of the Eshkol Tower – and yes, there is an elevator!

Gan Ha’em – Haifa

image027Discover this lush green garden with shady places to kick your shoes off and take a break, smack in the middle of the bustle of Haifa’s Carmel Center.

Other Great Activities