A Haifa spectacle worth multiple trips for the sheer volume of hands-on activities available for kids of all ages. Beckett’s highlights included the “Waves” exhibit where he spent 10 minutes shooting smoke out of a cannon, and the many water features showcasing various laws of physics in the courtyard. There was a wonderful, if not terrifying, “Behind the Screens” exhibit designed in the structure of a phone app where kids could project their faces onto giant heads, and get lost in mazes, culminating in a VR space where they could get into a real space shuttle simulator. Beckett didn’t want to leave the immersive exhibit where we were transported into a bloodstream through interactive projections enveloping the room (pictured above). The large campus reduces the overwhelm and chaos characteristic of most children museums for a peaceful and informative morning.
While not as interactive, the number of recreated animals stationed throughout the four floors of exhibits is pretty visually fascinating. Step behind the black curtains for short films in a small stadiumesque viewing area. A fun place for kids to come up and close with life-size animal, bird, and insect renditions. Beckett was fascinated by the jellyfish exhibit, while I found myself captivated by the half million bird species that apparently migrate over Israel every single year. Also boasts the best museum shop I’ve seen in Tel Aviv.
So we definitely snuck in since this is ages 5 and up (shhh), but the momentary deception was worth the dazzling spectacle that awaited us. Journey through 30 minutes of stars, planets, and the evolution of human astronomical understanding projected on the surrounding dome. While shows are in Hebrew, one English option is available Saturdays at 3 pm. After the show, spend some time exploring the stunning grounds of the surrounding Eretz Museum Israel, check out some exhibits, and grab the yummiest scrambled egg croissant from the cafe on your way out.
This is the first time I’ve ever seen a museum organized around guided themed tours, rather than a free-for-all exploration. Tours rotate and are grouped by age beginning at 2.5 years. We booked the “Journey of the Butterfly” for Beckett and although the tour was in Hebrew, our sweet guide paid special attention to Beckett and would re-explain key points in English. Expect to encounter puppet shows, immersive sets, and interactive games along the butterfly’s journey. Our experience culminated in the children strapping in to be lifted through the air as butterflies would (pictured above). The environment encourages return trips to experience every tour available for your children's age group. On your way out, catch a 10 shekel ride on the kids train, purchase a craft from a nearby table, or if you’re really feeling it, take an animal-themed paddle boat out on the nearby manmade pond.