With its wonderful beaches and warm weather you can be sure to find something to do that the kids will enjoy. Outdoor activities abound, but there are also a handful of interesting and educational sights which will easily keep your children’s attention.

Shalom Mayer Tower (Migdal Shalom)
This 34 story shopping centre has a lot more than just shopping. At the top is an observatory with incredible views and telescopes for a closer look. There is also a wax museum depicting people and events from Israeli history. If that weren’t enough, the centre also has an amusement park called Mayerland with lots of rides and all the typical sweets you’d expect from a carnival. All of these attractions are open Sunday to Thursday from 09:00 until 19:00, and on Fridays and holiday eves until 14:00.

Safari Park
Designed as an open zoo on 250 acres, this safari park features many exotic and beautiful African animals which roam free (within bounds, of course) in a natural setting. Children of all ages will enjoy seeing the animals up close and personal within an enclosed vehicle that drives along the 5 mile trail. The park also has a new monkey environment, aviary and reptile house. It’s open Sunday through Thursday from 09:00 until 16:00 and on Fridays until 13:00.

World of Silence Sea Aquarium
Tel Aviv’s only true aquarium features dozens of different kinds of sea creatures in a modern and inspiring environment. The complex also houses a number of reptiles which will surely thrill the kids.

Eretz Israel Museum
This is one museum that isn’t stuffy, where kids will really enjoy learning about Israeli culture and traditions. The complex lies within a larger enclosure that includes Tel Qasile, an ancient mound showing evidence of 12 past civilizations. There is an authentic reconstructed Canaanite period house, artifacts from Tel Qasile, a nature exhibition and a planetarium. The museum also puts on demonstrations of traditional Israeli crafts.

Although it’s a relative newcomer on the world stage of cities, Tel Aviv has quickly developed into a bold and busy metropolis with an ever-growing list of exciting and prestigious cultural venues. As Israel’s commercial and cultural centre, Tel Aviv-Jaffa is a curious fusion of the exotic and ancient with the modern chic of a society that wants to be at the forefront of global destinations. From Jaffa, with its funky artist studios and galleries to the high fashion, theatre and museums of Tel Aviv, the people of this booming metropolis revel in their identity and history, which is ever-present in nearly every site in the area. After all, the fact that Israel has finally established itself as an official state after centuries of displacement is still fresh in the minds of all Israelis. You may notice that nearly every establishment follows strict opening and closing hours which correspond with the Jewish religion.

Bet Bialik Museum
This was the home of the first great Hebrew poet, Haim Nachman Bialik, who lived here from 1925 to 1933. During his life he wrote 94 books which were translated into 28 languages. In addition to his manuscripts, there are dozens of photographs and paintings by Jewish artists from the era before Israel was a state. The decor of this house provides a wonderful impression of what the cultural, European-styled community of Tel Aviv was like in the 1920s. Admission is free and it’s open Sunday through Thursday from 09:00 until 16:30 and on Saturdays from 11:00 to 14:00. The museum is closed every Friday.

Bet Hatfutzot
This expansive modern museum houses a huge collection of artful exhibits which chronicle the 2,500 year history of the Jewish Diaspora. What makes this museum so interesting is that there are no actual artifacts from the past. Instead, it is a comprehensive multimedia history lesson about the Jewish people from the earliest days when they were driven from Israel up to the time they returned to reclaim their ancestral lands. The museum also has a vast collection of Jewish music as well as an archive of films from dozens of Jewish communities from around the world. There is even a genealogy research centre on the premises. It’s located on the Tel Aviv University campus.

Tel Aviv Museum of Art
The city’s premier art house keeps a collection of permanent exhibitions as well as rotating art shows. The museum displays paintings, prints, drawings, photography and sculpture from both Israeli and international artists ranging from the 16th century to the present. Their collection of modern and impressionist art is particularly strong with works by Matisse, Pisarro and Modigliani. The museum also runs frequent films, lectures and concerts. The Helena Rubinstein Pavilio is a smaller art museum located nearby which is affiliated with the Tel Aviv Museum of Art. They display even more works by Israeli and foreign artists on a constantly changing basis.

Museum of the History of Tel Aviv Jaffa
Housed in the former City Hall of Tel Aviv, this museum presents the story of the city’s founding in 1909 and some of its early history. A large number of photographs, models, films and documents help put it all in perspective.

Simon’s House
This figure from the Bible, named Simon the Tanner, was visited at his house in Jaffa by Saint Peter as told in Acts 10. Christian history places Simon’s house next to the lighthouse in the port of Jaffa which is now the location of a small mosque. The site lies at the southern end of the Kikar Kedumin, the main square of Old Jaffa.

Water and Fire Monument
One of the most impressive pieces of contemporary sculpture is this huge fountain-sculpture by Yaacov Agam. Located in Dizengoff Square, it consists of five massive concentric metals rings whose surfaces produce dazzling effects of color and light when they turn. At the same time, water shoots up through the rings and is met by a burst of fire at the apex. Music accompanies this 20 minute long display, which really must be seen to be appreciated. The sculpture show starts at the beginning of each hour from 11:00 until 22:00.

Founder’s Monument
This monument depicts the three phases of the history of Tel Aviv. The bottom section portrays the workers digging and planting the city in 1909. The middle section shows the Herzlia Gymnasium which was destroyed in 1959 and the top level presents modern Tel Aviv with the Ha-Bimah Theatre, Bialik’s home and many other modern houses. It is located in the center of the island at Nahalat Benyamin Street.

Jaffa
The ancient port city has a fascinating history going back over 4,000 years to biblical times. Considered to be the longest continually inhabited port in the world, many amazing historical events have happened here over the millennium. King Solomon, Jonah and the whale, Andromeda and Perseus are all figures who had a connection with this town. Today, it still exudes feelings of its mysterious and romantic past. The old section of the city is built into the side of the hill overlooking the port full of fine restaurants and breathtaking views. It is considered the most beautifully restored ancient city in all of Israel. Its Turkish and Arabic roots can be seen in the architecture and the lovely little streets and gardens that fill the town. Israelis and visitors alike love wandering around this old town with its art galleries, boutique shops and exotic restaurants.

Camel Market
Located in one of the oldest parts of the city and considered its most interesting market, the shuk as it’s often called, is one long street with a little side alleys branching off in all directions. Everything from dry goods to slippers are for sale here, so the shopping is more practical than sentimental. However, the atmosphere is as raucous and exciting as you’d expect from a traditional Middle Eastern market.

Kikar Kedumin
This is the central square of Old Jaffa and it’s packed with galleries, restaurants, and overpriced souvenir shops. There are also several excavation sites digging into its deep past which makes things a bit noisy and chaotic at times, but the old square is oozing with charm and atmosphere and should not be missed. Dozens of tiny alleys snake their way downhill from the central square to the port offering some adventurous exploration. The main focus of Kikar Kedumin is its archeological site which has preserved some catacombs from the 3rd century BC.

Shuk Hapishpeshim
Jaffa’s flea market is a fascinating place to wander around and try your hand at haggling. It began in the 19th century as one of the many small bazaars set up around the old clock tower. The flea market’s main street is called Olei Zion, but there many other small alleys and squares that branch off of it, so browse around at your leisure. There probably aren’t as many treasures as there were a hundred years ago, but you never know what will strike your fancy. It’s open Sunday to Thursday from 10:00 to 18:00 and on Fridays from 10:00 to 14:00.

Nahalat Binyamin
This street market is only open on Tuesday and Friday and stocks a bizarre range of items from tacky trinkets to exquisite handblown glassware. The handmade silver jewelry is perhaps the most attractive stuff on offer. This street market is given a bit of flair from many buskers and street performers who come out to entertain the shoppers. The local food here is also excellent, with lots of stalls lined up selling cakes, pita, hummus and the like.

Neve Tzedek
This charming neighborhood south of the Yemenite Quarter was the first neighborhood built in Tel Aviv back in 1887, before it was even a city. It was once the place to live and work for the writers and artists of the era and has recently been restored to its former glory as a hotspot for restaurants, galleries and trendy homes. The beautiful old houses make this area well worth a visit.

There’s an old Jewish proverb which says “Eat and drink for tomorrow you may die” and the residents of Tel Aviv seem to take this to heart. The local cuisine is a true mélange of different ethnicities from around the globe, with a particular place for Polish dishes. This reflects the wandering history of the Jews, who until about 50 years ago, had no homeland of their own.

Naturally, Middle Eastern influences are the most prevalent in Tel Aviv. The Arabs, Bedouins and Druze have a rich tradition of fantastic dishes, most of which have found their way into the cuisine of Israel. Other Middle Eastern styles were brought back by Jews who arrived from Persia, Morocco, Yemen and other regional cultures. As each of these countries have their own unique spices and style, you can eat subtly different variations of many popular dishes.

Much of the local cuisine evolved from the locally available produce and often uses lamb with garden herbs like mint and coriander along with a variety of fresh vegetables. A typical meal starts with small appetizers followed by roasted meats and rice dishes. Favorites include labane (a cold sour tasting cheese), tahina (sesame seed sauce), Moroccan Tajin (chicken cooked with dried fruits), Yemen Melawach (baked filo dough with tomato sauce), Libyan Mufrum (meat and potato patties in sauce) and the traditional deserts of Baklava and Kenafeh.

Like other people from the Mediterranean, Israelis eat their dinner late. So if you want to eat around 18:00 or 19:00, you’ll have no trouble getting a table, but restaurants are packed by 22:00. Most restaurants in Tel Aviv are open all day long and well into the night, except during Yom Kippur. Casual dress is always acceptable, even in nicer restaurants. Waiters in Tel Aviv are typically complacent and aloof, but it’s still common to leave a 10-15 percent tip. Sometimes, a service charge is added to your bill, so always check for that first.

Some of the best restaurants in the city, though away from most of the hotels, are along Allenby Street south towards the Tel Aviv-Jaffa border. For the freshest seafood, the locals head to Jabalaya Beach less than a kilometre south of Old Jaffa. The Yemenite Quarter is another favorite for the locals. Despite its rather tangled appearance, this neighborhood boasts some of the best Middle Eastern joints in the whole city.

Shopping takes on two forms in Tel Aviv: old bazaar-style markets and trendy shops found along its upscale avenues and indoor shopping malls. For a taste of Middle Eastern atmosphere, you have to visit one of the many outdoor markets, even if only to look around. The Hakarmel Market (Shook Hakarmel) is a quintessential Israeli market with lots of hustle and bustle. Traders compete with each other, shouting prices in Hebrew, selling everything from fruit to souvenirs. The Carmel Market is another fascinating locals bazaar with lots of energy, shouting and haggling. The Nahalat Binyamin is a smaller street market that appears every Tuesday and Friday. You can find some great handmade wooden boxes, glassware and silver jewelry here.

To unearth a hidden treasure, you should explore the Jaffa Flea Market just to the east of the old clock tower in Old Jaffa. Some people say the best buys can be found early Sunday mornings, but whatever time of day, haggling is the order of business so indulge yourself in some lengthy bargaining over that trinket you love. The beautifully restored Old Jaffa bazaar is another shopping paradise. This is the place to buy Yemenite-style silver jewelry, known by its intricate patterns. Ben Zion David’s workshop has some of the finest craftsmanship in the country, as this family has a long tradition of Jewish silversmiths.

On the other end of the spectrum, Tel Aviv is home to several modern indoor shopping malls. The Opera Tower is one of the newest and is conveniently located near the Ha-Yarkon Street hotel district. As you’d expect, it’s full of popular stores of all kinds, including lots of clothing shops and boutiques. Dizengoff Center is an enormous indoor mall with several levels and a lot of popular American stores. Azriely Shopping Centre occupies the lower floors of two 58 story skyscrapers and has every kind of store imaginable. If you are looking for expensive designer labels then head over the Ramat Aviv Mall in the middle of the prestigious neighborhood of the same name. Tel Aviv’s other pretentious, and equally expensive, mall is Gan H’air (Garden of the City) located smack in the middle of the city.

But don’t overlook some of the bustling shopping streets this city has to offer. Allenby Street has lower priced clothing shops, bookstores, and bakeries. King George Street is another interesting strip of low cost clothing shops, and adjacent is the infamous Bohemian Shenkin Street, where you can find all kinds of unique stores inhabited by the city’s youthful designers, artists and musicians.

With its year round warm temperatures and stunning beaches right in the middle of the city, most of the outdoor activities in Tel Aviv revolve around the ocean. Whatever you want to do on the sand or in the water, there is a shop nearby ready to rent you the equipment. Some of the more challenging activities, like windsurfing or kite surfing, have lessons available.

Beach Lounging
In the 1980s, Tel Aviv undertook a massive restoration effort to clean up the city’s beaches. The result is an urban seaside environment that is stunningly clean and maintained. You can walk to the beach from Dizengoff Square, which is smack in the middle of downtown. A pleasant promenade runs along the entire length of the city’s main beach and there are free changing facilities and showers at most of the beaches. The cleanest stretch of sand can be found behind the Sheraton and Dan hotels. Orange Beach, behind the Hilton hotel, is also a great place to sunbathe. It has a snack bar and restaurant on the beach and you can rent lockers and lounge chairs. Bat Yam Beach is a wide sandy stretch with even cleaner water than downtown Tel Aviv. It is located three miles south of Jaffa and rarely gets crowded. Swimming along the Tel Aviv shoreline can sometimes be dangerous as there is an unpredictable undertow. In general, they city’s beaches are very safe and protected by breakwaters, but always pay attention to the safety flags. Lifeguards are stationed at all the main beaches.

Sailing
You can choose from boating on a lake or the open sea in Tel Aviv. Yarkon Park, at the northern end of the city near Yehoshua Gardens, has a pleasant lake where you can rent pedal boats, rowboats and small motorboats by the hour. The park is open daily from 09:00 until 18:00. If the ocean is more exciting, then head over to the Tel Aviv Sea Centre in the Atarim Marina between the Hilton and Carlton hotels. Sailboats and catamarans can be rented by the hour with or without a skipper. You can also take sailing lessons or simply hire a whole crew and sit back and enjoy the ride. The marina is open from 09:00 to 17:00 every day.

Surfing
With over 190kms of beaches along the Mediterranean, Israel has some decent surf breaks. Granted, this isn’t Australia or Hawaii, but the small and reliable surf is a great place to learn the sport. Some of the best surfing breaks happen to be outside of Tel Aviv. Bat Yam, just a little ways south of the city, is one of the nicest. There are other breaks further south near Ashdod and Ashkelon. North of the city has Hertzlia, Netanya and the wide beaches of Beit Yanai, all of which offer good riding. The waves along Israel’s coast average around one metre and on most mornings the wind is calm, giving the swell long perfect waves. The best time to surf is early morning, between 06:00 and 07:00.

Wind surfing
This sport continues to grow in popularity along the Israeli coast and in Tel Aviv in particular. The conditions at the city’s beaches are often windy which make for good wind surfing. There are two main spots for wind surfing. Dolifinarium Beach in the south of the city is home to Amit Inbar Surf Club and to the north at the Hilton hotel is the Hilton Surf Club. Both places rent equipment and offer lessons.

Kite surfing
One of the newest, and most amazing, extreme water sports is kite surfing. These athletes are strapped onto small surf boards and hold on to kites that resemble paragliding chutes. With a good wind, kite surfers can literally take off on a wave and fly metres into the air. This sport is booming in Tel Aviv and Dolifinarium Beach is the best place to watch them in action. Friday afternoon sees the beach turn into a big party with music, drummers and lots of people just hanging out waiting for sunset.