Festivals in the desert, performances by the sea, archaeological excavations, lantern tours, films in the Roman theater, and a sand sculpture competition: The Nature and Parks Authority invites the public to venture into nature during the Sukkot intermediate days. We have compiled the main activities across the country.
The Sukkot intermediate days are one of the busiest and most festive travel periods in Israel. This year, the Nature and Parks Authority invites the public to “switch to nature mode” and enjoy a variety of festivals, performances, tours, and activities for the whole family in national parks and nature reserves.
The activities will take place across the country, from the Galilee and the Golan to the Negev and the Dead Sea. At some sites, prior registration or an additional fee is required, and at various locations, a kosher sukkah will be available for visitors’ convenience. Looking for more ideas? Also read about activities with kids during Sukkot across the country.
Mysteries in Time at 15 Sites
At 15 national parks and nature reserves, visitors can participate in the “Mysteries in Time” game. This is an interactive game accompanied by a WhatsApp bot, where participants travel between different points at the site, solve puzzles, and learn about the unique historical story of the location.
Activities in the North
Beit She’an National Park
The “Empire Returns” activity will take visitors back to the ancient Roman city of Scythopolis. The program includes performances, a Roman market, tours, and a nighttime atmosphere among the ruins. The activity will take place on 28-29/09/2026 with no additional charge beyond the entrance fee. Free entry for Matmon subscribers.
Korazim National Park
As part of the “Digging in Time” activity, an archaeological festival for the whole family will be held, including real excavation, dramatized guidance, music, workshops, and local produce. The activity will take place on 29-30/09/2026 with no additional charge beyond the entrance fee.
Tel Hazor National Park
Evening tours by lantern light will depart before dark and pass through the remains of the biblical city, the Canaanite palace, the waterworks, and buildings from the early Israelite period. The tours will take place on 29/09 and 01/10/2026, with an additional charge beyond the entrance fee.
Arbel National Park and Nature Reserve
Facing the landscapes of the Sea of Galilee and the Golan Heights, yoga practices will be held alongside hiking trails and tours in the reserve. The activity will take place on 30/09/2026 with no additional charge beyond the entrance fee.
Tel Dan Nature Reserve
On 01/10/2026, an experiential archaeological tour for the whole family will be held, allowing young participants to discover the findings and stories of Tel Dan. The activity will take place with no additional charge beyond the entrance fee.
Bar’am and Beit Alfa National Parks
At Bar’am National Park, tours to the ancient synagogue will be held on 28-29/09/2026, alongside a pottery decoration workshop. At Beit Alfa National Park, the “Rainmaker” activity will take place between 28-30/09/2026, focusing on the famous mosaic and the stories behind it.
Activities in the Carmel and Coast Area
Caesarea National Park
As part of “Classics on a Giant Screen,” the films “Grease” and “Mamma Mia” will be screened in the ancient Roman theater, alongside musical activities and site tours. Additionally, lantern tours will be held among the city’s ruins, secret passages, and gladiator rooms. The film screenings will take place on 28-29/09/2026 for a fee.
Taninim Stream Nature Reserve
The “Sukkot of History and Nature” activity will include tours, workshops, and special displays for the whole family. The activity will take place on 29-30/09 and 02/10/2026 with no additional charge beyond the entrance fee.
Caves Stream Nature Reserve
As part of the “Art in the Prehistoric Caves” activity, guided tours focusing on prehistoric human life and the findings discovered in the reserve will be held. The activity will take place between 28-30/09/2026 with no additional charge beyond the entrance fee.
Activities in the Center and Jerusalem Area
Palmahim Beach National Park
A sand sculpture competition for the whole family will take place on 28/09/2026. Participants can create sand sculptures and enjoy a day at the beach. Participation in the activity is free.
Beit Guvrin National Park
In the Bell Caves, the “Eighth Sound” exhibition, a video and sound installation by Ehud Banai and Ronen Tanchum, curated by Hili Wortman Moyal, will be presented. Alongside the visit, picnic packages for couples or families can be pre-ordered.
Tel Lachish National Park
The “Sukkah, Game, and Guidance” activity will include traditional games and a guided family tour, taking place between 29/09 and 01/10/2026. On 29/09, a guided sunset tour to the tel will also be held.
Apollonia and Herodium National Parks
On 01/10/2026, the “Siege on Apollonia” activity will take place, following the lives of the Crusaders and ladies in the ancient fortress. At Herodium, guided tours to the royal leisure palace and the story of King Herod will be held between 27-29/09/2026. The visit can be combined with additional hiking trails in the Jerusalem area.
Activities at the Dead Sea and Jordan Valley
Masada National Park
Among the planned activities at Masada is the “Masada Challenge,” a challenging hiking trail designed for experienced hikers. The activity will take place between 27-29/09/2026 with an additional charge beyond the entrance fee.
Prat Stream Nature Reserve
Guided tours in the reserve will take place between 27-29/09/2026, passing through the landscapes and springs of Ein Prat. The tours are free of additional charge beyond the entrance fee.
Good Samaritan Museum
Dramatized tours and a creative workshop will take participants on a journey through the site’s fascinating mosaics and characters. The activity will take place between 27-29/09/2026 with no additional charge beyond the entrance fee.
Activities in the South
Mampsis National Park
The Mampsis Festival will offer workshops, performances, and a variety of activities for the whole family in the desert atmosphere of the ancient Nabatean city. The festival will take place between 27-29/09/2026 with no additional charge beyond the entrance fee.
Tel Be’er Sheva National Park
The site will host guided tours, workshops, activities, and games for the whole family between 27-29/09/2026, with no additional charge beyond the entrance fee.
Ein Avdat and Tel Arad National Parks
At Ein Avdat, the “Cliff, Vision, and Wings” sunset tour will take place between 28-30/09/2026. At Tel Arad, a sunset tour and musical performance will be held on 30/09/2026.
Before You Go Hiking
The Nature and Parks Authority recommends checking the activity details on the official website in advance. At some sites, the number of places is limited, and visit coordination or prior registration is required. It is also recommended to check operating hours, prices, suitability for children and strollers, weather guidelines, and whether a kosher sukkah is available on site.
Shlomit Shavit, Head of the Communications, Audience, and Community Division at the Nature and Parks Authority, stated that the Sukkot holiday is an opportunity for the whole family to go out and connect with nature. She urged the public to schedule visits where required and to update themselves in advance to enjoy a pleasant and safe visiting experience.
For full details, operating hours, and registration, please visit the Sukkot Activities page on the Nature and Parks Authority website. You can also read about previous activities of the Nature and Parks Authority across the country.
Source: Nature and Parks Authority
