Length: The tour is 90 min, but we stuck around for 2 hours
Mode of Transport: Easy indoor walking, stroller accessible
Why Go? Beat the heat and do something different
Toilet? Of course and plenty of them! With changing stations - score!
What to Bring: Food is not allowed inside, but there is a picnic area outside
Entrance Fee: 54 shekel for adults; kids 3-18 are 45 shekel; under 3 is free
It was legit 38 degrees two weeks ago, and I am super preg. There is no way I can be outside with the babe. So, we jumped in the car, and headed for an indoor activity at the Israel Aquarium in Jerusalem. Our tickets were for 10am and we stayed until 12noon. There is a little bit of everything - some octopus, funky fish, tiny sharks, jellyfish, two three-legged sea turtles and mini science exhibits along the way. No dolphins or whales here, so think smaller children until age 8 or 10 max.
There are also cool tunnels the kids can crawl through to get "inside" the tanks, which make for great photo ops and happy customers. Where the fishies end, there is a small space outside with picnic benches to eat lunch or a snack. And finally there is a room with coloring and puzzles - nothing fancy, but another 15 minutes or entertainment.
Logistical things to know: it's open every day, including Shabbat, and you must reserve tickets in advance. The tours run every 30 minutes, and you can reserve in English, Hebrew or Arabic. They do a bit of explanation, but no need to stay with the tour. The main point of spreading the groups out is so there isn't an overload of kiddies all looking at the same glass tank, which is a fabulous idea. Way to go Israel. The parking lot for the aquarium is another kilometre past the entrance to the zoo, so don't park there - keep going! They have a cafe with some snacks and a small outdoor area. Enjoy and hopefully nap time will kick in on the drive home.
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