Exploring Jerusalem with Kids

November 29, 2016 Margalit Sturm Francus

Jerusalem, Israel, is a Middle Eastern city holy to three religions – Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. A unique city filled with diverse neighborhoods and ethnicities, it has been the subject of political disputes and wars throughout the centuries. A fascinating destination to explore, the city offers exciting educational and fun opportunities for families to discover. For families wishing to introduce their kids to a city rich in history, culture, and art here are our top five places to visit.

The Western Wall

Known as the Kotel and situated in the Old City of Jerusalem, this is the holiest site in Judaism. It is also the most popular tourist attraction in Israel with over a million visitors yearly of all religions and cultures. Jewish pilgrims have come here since the fourth century to pray and place handwritten prayers into cracks between stones. These pilgrims weep because of the destruction of the Temple – giving it the other name of the Wailing Wall.

This wall is all that is left of a building erected by King Herod 37 years before the Common Era. It is a popular place for boys to have their Bar Mitzva – Judaism’s coming-of-age ceremony. In more recent years girls have their Bat Mitzva celebrations there too. Furthermore, it has become customary for soldiers who are in the Israeli armed forces to have their swearing-in ceremonies there too.

Autism Travel Tips:

This location can get crowded. Parents should keep this in mind for children who might have a problem with groups.
The Kotel is a religious location. Parents need to teach their child to be respectful of those on pilgrimage here.

Yad Vashem

Situated on the Mt Herzl, this is the second most visited tourist attraction in Israel. Nine underground galleries display photos, artifacts, and testimonies as well as show videos relating to the Holocaust. Visitors walk through the galleries depicting life before this dark period of history, during the atrocity, and stories of survival.

At the Children’s Memorial, one can hear the names of about 1.5 million children read out in the background, so their existence is never forgotten. The memorial candles flicker and give the impression of a million stars in the darkness providing a somber and moving experience.

Autism Travel Tips:

Due to the sensitive nature of the subject matter, Yad Vashem is not open to children ten and younger.
It is also not recommended for children under thirteen. Parents should use discretion to make sure their child can handle the mature content of this national memorial.
It is advisable to give children an overview of what to expect because of how graphic the material is at this location.
Parents should make sure their children are respectful as they move through the exhibits.

City of David

Likely the oldest section of ancient Jerusalem, the City of David is where travelers can take their children to see history come alive. It is now an archaeological site that relays the story of battles and victories, revealing how people lived thousands of years ago. Travelers can walk the Shiloh tunnel, carved from each end through almost 583 yards of solid rock – an incredible scientific feat, especially for that period.

Autism Travel Tips:

Kids interested in history will enjoy exploring this location.
The Shiloh tunnel is dark and incredibly small in some places. Children who have problems with tight spaces or darkness might not want to walk through this tunnel.

Israel Museum

Travelers who want to see everything that the country’s national museum has to offer should budget at least one full day for this unusual and fascinating place. Covering a distance of 31 square miles, it houses various collections, displays, and findings.

There is the archaeology wing arranged in a chronological journey with pottery, glass, jewelry, and ancient writings. Visitors can see a scale model of the city of Jerusalem from before the year 66 in the Common Era. This model gives visitors a good idea of what Jerusalem looked like before its destruction by the Romans.

The museum has a whole building called the Shrine of the Book dedicated to housing and preserving the oldest Biblical manuscripts ever found, including the Dead Sea Scrolls. There is another wing for Fine Art and an Art Garden. The museum features a Youth Wing dedicated to promoting education and coexistence between Arab and Jewish children and they offer workshops throughout the year which attract locals and tourists alike.

Autism Travel Tips:

This place is a mostly non-interactive museum. Parents should make sure kids know what they can and can’t touch.

The Shuk

The Machane Yehuda market is an old and famous landmark dating back to the Ottoman Empire. It used to be exclusively open-air but after undergoing renovations and upgrading over the past few decades, it now also has covered stalls and restaurants.

Apart from all the vendors selling their fresh produce, amazing fruit and vegetables with all colors and fragrances, there are also ready-to-eat pastries, shawarma, falafel and other street food stalls. One can even buy freshly barbecued meats served with salads and pita bread with hummus and tahini to take home.

Autism Travel Tips:

This location is a great place for children with autism to practice haggling.
The market is usually crowded. The crowds can overwhelm kids with noise sensitivities or those who are claustrophobic.
The Shuk offers self-guided tours, including the option of a tasting tour.