The Passover playbook: Jerusalem activities the whole family can rally around during war

There is a unique energy in Israel right now that we don't take for granted – an unmistakable resilience stirring in the Jerusalem air. Despite the ever-present war, the city is gearing up for Passover – shops are bustling with preparations and there's a chag spirit untouched by sirens.

After nearly a month of homeschooling, it's now time to find some enjoyable activities to do with your kids in a safe environment. Which is why we at Fun In Jerusalem are excited to share with you our family-friendly guide to the best of Hol Hamoed activities happening in and around the capital.

Everything will be operating according to the instructions from the Home Front Command. Things may be subject to last-minute changes.

Holiday-themed festivals & special events◆ Birkat Kohanim, Western WallJoin tens of thousands of people who will come together to receive the priestly blessings from thousands of kohanim. Subject to final approval of the Home Front Command.

When: April 5. Shacharit 8:45 a.m. Birkat Kohanim (Shacharit) 9:30 a.m. Mussaf 10:15 a.m. Birkat Kohanim (Mussaf) 10:30 a.m. Price: Free

FIJ tip: Plan to walk into the Old City and to walk back.◆ Kol HaOt Passover FestivalJoin Kol HaOt for a day of creative workshops and activities for the whole family, inspired by the story of the Exodus from Egypt and the journey that continues in every generation.

Kol HaOt is a Jerusalem gallery and cultural space exploring the creative possibilities of Jewish texts. You'll create, explore, and experience the Exodus journey as a people and as a family.

When: April 6 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Price: Free. You just need to preregister.

Details: kolhaot@funinjerusalem.com ◆ Ancient ShilohCome and see the Mishkan (Tabernacle) come to life. Enjoy an interactive, full-scale exhibition of the Mishkan's vessels. Try on the kohanim's garments, visit the new red heifer pavilion and movie, and try out the VR goggles for a tour inside of the Mishkan!

There are also street actors, guides, craft workshops, and more. When: April 5 & 6 from 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Price: Private tours NIS 4

50. 5
51. Individual tickets NIS
52. 3
53. Children, seniors, students (five to 18 years) NIS 35.

Details: ancientshilo@funinjerusalem.com◆ Jerusalem sights with Debra Tours Licensed guide Debra Nussbaum Stepen offers a variety of boutique walking tours that bring the layers of Jerusalem to life through expert storytelling and hidden local gems. You can choose to walk in the footsteps of our ancestors on the newly opened Pilgrimage Road in the City of David, or explore the nooks and crannies and secret courtyards of the Old City. For a modern cultural twist, Debra offers a behind-the-scenes Shtisel Tour through Geula and Mea She'arim, as well as high-energy culinary journeys through the sights and flavors of the Mahaneh Yehuda shuk (outdoor market).

When: Throughout Hol Hamoed.

Price: Pilgrimage Road Tour half day (anything up to 4 hours) $400. Full day $600, not including admission to the site. Shtisel Tour Special Fun in JerusalemPrice: $300 for a group (up to 8 people). Hidden Gems of the Old City $400 for a group (up to 10 people). Shuk Mahaneh Yehuda prices range from $200 to $450, depending on the number of people.

Details: debratours@funinjerusalem.com◆ Kakadu Passover family festival, Eila ValleyVisit the vibrant studio of renowned artist Reut Shahar and her husband, Aharon, in the scenic Eila Valley for a hands-on creative experience – “Everyone Is Born an Artist.”

Families can choose from a variety of unique, functional wooden art pieces – from floor mats to trays – to decorate using Kakadu's signature bold colors and nature-inspired motifs. Located in Moshav Tzafririm (10 minutes from Beit Shemesh) in a beautiful nature reserve that's ideal for hiking. Advance reservations required.

When: April 3, 5, 6, & 7 at 9:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m.

Price: Based on number of people and projects done. Details: Call or WhatsApp to make your reservation: 052-862-5271.◆ Mimouna celebrationsMimouna is a festival originally celebrated by Moroccan Jews, which has spread into mainstream Israeli culture. Come to Sacher Park, where thousands of people are expected to celebrate the end of Passover with a feast of sweet Moroccan pastries, sweets, and music.

When: Wednesday night, April 8. Starts an hour after the end of the holiday. Subject to final approval of the Home Front Command.

Price: Free Holiday-themed tours and workshops◆ Passover tours at the Israel MuseumUnlock Passover secrets with Nachliel Selavan, aka The Museum Guy, who will be guiding private and public tours in his own unique and engaging style.

He'll be at the Bible Lands Museum the week before Passover, and at the Israel Museum throughout Hol Hamoed. Together, you'll explore ancient and modern history, stories, artifacts, and concepts, and add another dimension to your holiday.

When: April 3, 5, 6, & 7Price: Private family tours range from NIS 1,475 to NIS 1,880 (including VAT).

Details: nachliel@funinjerusalem.com◆ Passover at the National Library of IsraelSet out on a special investigative mission in “The Mystery of the Lost Map,” an interactive detective puzzle game where families track a mysterious thief through the library's stunning halls (ages 7+).

You can also enjoy a “Family Visit” with a personal activity kit to uncover architectural secrets and magical book worlds, or explore independently with a creative “Tour Kit” full of surprises.

Throughout Passover, the Children's Library remains open as a free, vibrant space for reading, playing, and creating.

When: “The Mystery of the Lost Map”: March 29 from noon-5 p.m.

The Children's Library: March 29 & 30 from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. April 5, 6, & 7 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m.“A Family Visit to the Library”: April 5, 6 & 7 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

National Library Opening Hours over Hol Hamoed: April 5, 6, & 7 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Price: “The Mystery of the Lost Map” NIS 50-NIS 23 per person. “A Family Visit to the Library” NIS 50-NIS 23. Other activities are free.

Details: Call *5049◆ Glassblowing and flame-working workshopJoin Bezalel graduate Yael Vloch for a mesmerizing session where the science of heat meets artistic expression. This hands-on experience allows families to experiment with molten glass, offering a vast range of creative possibilities from colorful beads and jewelry to intricate sculptures and personalized art.

When: Book your private session at a time that suits you.

Hours: 2-hour sessions; flexible bookingPrice: NIS 200-NIS 650. NIS per person (depending on the size of the workshop)Details: glass@funinjerusalem.com ◆ Sun-printed Passover workshop at Studio KlichéDiscover the magic of cyanotype – a sun-sensitive blue dye – to create your own holiday keepsakes. Led by Liana at the Jerusalem House of Quality, participants use plants, hand drawings, and sunlight to design custom afikoman bags or prints on paper, textile hangings or a tote bag, blending science and art into a beautiful, functional masterpiece.

There is a public shelter nearby in case of need. If you prefer to stay home near your own shelter, Liana can bring the workshop to you!When: 2-2.5 hour sessions. Private workshops throughout Hol Hamoed at a time of your choice.

Price: NIS 300 per personDetails: studiokliche@funinjerusalem.com ◆ The 10 Plagues at the Biblical Museum of Natural History, Beit ShemeshMeet the frogs, wild animals, and locusts of the 10 Plagues this Passover, along with many other biblical animals, in a hands-on encounter at the Biblical Museum of Natural History just outside of Beit Shemesh. Pre-booking is required for the interactive English & Hebrew tours.