Celebrating blue and white: family-friendly events across Israel for Independence Day

Events at heritage sites, guided museum tours, unique exhibitions and a national flotilla honoring IDF soldiers and reservists — a family guide to Israel’s 78th Independence Day

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Independence Day at heritage sites

As every year on Independence Day, the Council for Conservation of Heritage Sites in Israel, the Heritage Ministry and the Federation of Local Authorities are inviting the public to visit dozens of heritage sites nationwide free of charge and take part in a range of events and activities, including guided tours, street musicians, pioneer-themed programming and craft workshops.
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יום העצמאות מקוה ישראל
יום העצמאות מקוה ישראל
Independence Day at Mikveh Israel
(Photo: Council for Conservation of Heritage Sites)
The sites open on Independence Day will highlight key chapters in the story that makes up the Israeli mosaic: waves of aliyah, early pioneers, soldiers throughout the struggle to establish the state and defend it, as well as leaders and other central figures in Israel’s history.
  • Where: Nationwide
  • When: April 22
  • Cost: Free

Independence Day in nature

The Israel Nature and Parks Authority is inviting the public to explore national parks and nature reserves across the country, offering a variety of family-friendly activities.
  • Where: Nationwide
  • When: April 22
  • Cost: Some activities require advance registration; others are included in the entrance fee or require an additional charge
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תעלומות בזמן בבית גוברין
תעלומות בזמן בבית גוברין
'Time Mysteries' at Beit Guvrin
(Photo: Roi Tehar)

National Independence Day flotilla in Herzliya and Tel Aviv

The flotilla is expected to be one of the standout events along Israel’s coastline, with dozens of vessels — from small boats to yachts — sailing from Herzliya Marina along the coast and south toward Tel Aviv. This year’s event will honor IDF soldiers and reservists.
  • Where: Herzliya Marina
  • When: April 22, 10:30 a.m.
  • Cost: Free
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המרינה בהרצליה בהכנות למשט
המרינה בהרצליה בהכנות למשט
Herzliya Marina preparing for the flotilla
(Photo: Ido Meirovich)

Independence Day at Surf Park TLV in Tel Aviv

The program includes live music, food stalls, surfing activities for all ages and ice workshops.
  • Where: Surf Park TLV, 30 Levi Eitan St., Tel Aviv
  • When: April 22, 11 a.m.–6 p.m.
  • Cost: Free

Kite festival at Tel Aviv Port

A seaside kite festival where visitors can bring their own kites or use kits provided on-site to create and decorate one. Activities include games, competitions, crafts, trivia and flight instruction, along with colorful performers and an acrobatic installation simulating flight.
  • Where: Deck plaza, Tel Aviv Port
  • When: April 22, 11 a.m.–6 p.m.
  • Cost: Free
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העפיפונמל בת"א
העפיפונמל בת"א
Kite festival at Tel Aviv Port
(Photo: Guy Yechieli)

Independence Day at ANU – Museum of the Jewish People, Tel Aviv

Visitors will be welcomed by an actor portraying Israel’s first prime minister, David Ben-Gurion. Guided tours will run hourly under the theme “Israel — Between Dream and Reality,” alongside access to the family-friendly “Heroes” gallery.
  • Where: ANU – Museum of the Jewish People
  • When: April 22, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
  • Cost: Free with advance registration, sponsored by the Bezeq Group
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ילדים עם דגל ישראל, באר שבע, שנות החמישים
ילדים עם דגל ישראל, באר שבע, שנות החמישים
Children with an Israeli flag, Beersheba, 1950s
(Photo: Leni Sonnenfeld)

‘Journey to Antarctica’ exhibition in Herzliya

An interactive exhibition spanning about 2,000 square meters, featuring large-scale displays of animals from polar regions, educational content, a snow-like ball pit, a 360-degree show and photo areas.
  • Where: Arena Herzliya
  • When: April 22, 10 a.m.–5:30 p.m. (last entry 4 p.m.)
  • Cost: 99 shekels
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תערוכת המסע לאנטארטיקה
תערוכת המסע לאנטארטיקה
‘Journey to Antarctica’ exhibition in Herzliya
(Photo: Uri Herschler, Brander Studio and Gitam BBDO)

Celebrating Jewish and Israeli sports heritage in Ramat Gan

The Jewish Sports Museum at Kfar Maccabiah will open free of charge, offering an experience focused on resilience, unity and inspiration through stories of Jewish and Israeli athletes from the 19th century to today.
  • Where: Jewish Sports Museum, Kfar Maccabiah
  • When: April 22, advance registration required for time slots (10 a.m., 12 p.m., 2 p.m., 4 p.m.)
  • Cost: Free
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מוזיאון הספורט היהודי העולמי בכפר המכביה
מוזיאון הספורט היהודי העולמי בכפר המכביה
The World Jewish Sports Museum at Kfar Maccabiah
(Photo: Rafi Deloya)

Independence Day at the Clore Garden of Science in Rehovot

Nine outdoor zones combine science, nature and hands-on fun. Special holiday programming includes science demonstrations, workshops and access to a new exhibition on accidental discoveries. Suitable for ages 5 and up.
  • Where: Clore Garden of Science, Davidson Institute, near the Weizmann Institute, Rehovot
  • When: April 22, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
  • Cost: 68–78 shekels
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גן המדע רחובות
גן המדע רחובות
Science Garden, Rehovot
(Photo: Michal Berger)

‘Ride Independence’ in Rehovot

A traditional cycling event for all ages, held in memory of fallen soldiers and victims of attacks under the theme “Because of them.”
  • Where: Municipal stadium, 23 HaMada St., Rehovot
  • When: April 22, starts at 8:30 a.m. (accessible route at 8:40 a.m.)
  • Cost: Free with advance registration; bike rentals available for a fee
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רוכבים עצמאות
רוכבים עצמאות
'Ride Independence' event
(Photo: Rehovot Studios)

Navigation game at Neot Kedumim

An outdoor activity focused on Zionism and the legacy of Israel’s presidents and prime ministers, featuring a digital navigation game with tasks and riddles. Participants receive a family “Declaration of Independence” at the end.
  • Where: Neot Kedumim
  • When: April 22
  • Cost: 30–40 shekels

Independence Day at Midbarium, Beersheba

An experiential desert wildlife park offering interactive exhibits and activities highlighting desert ecosystems, along with guided feedings and family attractions.
  • Where: Midbarium, Beersheba
  • When: April 22, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
  • Cost: 80–99 shekels
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פלמינגו במדבריום
פלמינגו במדבריום
Flamingo at Midbarium
(Photo: Shai Zil)

Independence Day at Ben-Gurion’s Hut, Sde Boker

Israel Prison Service officers will host guided tours, community activities and open discussions with visitors. The program also includes family dancing and access to interactive exhibits.
  • Where: Ben-Gurion’s Hut, Sde Boker
  • When: April 22, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
  • Cost: Free
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עצמאות בצריף בן גוריון
עצמאות בצריף בן גוריון
Independence Day at Ben-Gurion’s Hut
(Photo: PR)
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