Hanukka's coming up and here's some great suggestions for your holiday day trips:

1) Learn how Jewish scholars defeated the mighty Greeks through a fun-filled Chanukah Candelight Scavenger Hunt. You'll hunt through the alleys and squares of the Jewish Quarter in the Old City, maps and mission packs in hand, to solve the Chanukah mystery.  Suitable for groups and individuals, adults and kids, tourists and Israeli’s. Contact [email protected]

2)Volunteer for HaShomer HaChadash a young, grassroots volunteer organization established in 2007 to help farmers and ranchers in the Negev and the Galilee to deal with the threat of illegal seizure of their land. Like the original Guardsmen who protected remote Jewish settlements 100 years ago, HaShomer HaChadash works to ensure a stronger Jewish presence in the Negev and the Galilee and uphold the Zionist ideals on which the State of Israel was founded. Following the war in the south, HaShomer is looking for volunteers who can help out farmers from the south whose work had been disrupted, as they are now able to get back to their crops and catch up on their farming. Contact Aini at
[email protected]
050.8818191

3)Tour the Roladin Factory and make Sufganiyot  at the Roladin Factory Outlet---fun for the entire family!! Reservations must be made in advance at:09-899-1001

4)  A most opportune time to visit one of the country's many boutique olive oil factories for a tour, as well as a chance to buy their products. One example is in Visitor's center at Kibbutz Geshur near the Kinneret. Call ahead for reservations at 04-676-4169.

5) Take a trip into the past and experience what life in Israel was like during the times of the Mishna. You'll work the land, take a donkey trek, sheer sheep and of course harvest olives for the Chanuka season. Contact Kfar Kedem for reservations at 04-656-5511.

My family just got back from a fabulous trip up north. We stayed in a Tzimmer (vacation cottage) in Moshav Safsufa, close to Tsfat. Our first stop was the Breichot HaMeshushim (Hexagonal Pools) in the Golan, stunning natural water pools surrounded by a hexagon shaped wall made up of basalt pillars. To reach the pool, we followed a marked trail (about 20 minutes) down a steep mountain which was mostly shady. Once we reached the pool, we jumped right in to the refreshing water. The Zavitan stream flows into the pool forming a beautiful water fall that we raced to reach and swim under for an exhilirating natural shower! The water's filled with tiny fish and surrounded by rich foliage--an absolute wonder of nature. It is important to note that the water is very deep at the center so only good swimmers can swim to the water fall. However, at the edges where it's shallow,the younger kids can swim and splash around. Bring good water shoes as it's also very rocky. The tricky part is climbing back up the mountain in the August heat with  hungry kids---but you can bribe them with an ice cream from the refreshment stand once you reach the top! 

On day 2 of our vacation, we went tubing on the Yarden (Jordan River). It was fabulous!!!! We bought blow up tires from a tire garage (puncheria) nearby  and drove one exit past Kibbutz Sde Nehemia to a parking lot called "Chanion HaEucalyptus" which leads to the parking lot along the Yarden. On the day that we arrived there was a small stand selling tubes but I'd recommend bringing your own, as it didn't appear to be a permanent stand.  Then, we just jumped onto our tubes and the current swept us for about an hour and a half till we reached the Thai Village which notes the end of the trail. This is an activity that is best to do with another family so that you can leave one car at the Thai Village and the other at the point of entry. Another note of warning is that there is a waterfall along the route which is dangerous. For that section, everyone must walk along the path and return to the river at the bottom. Sections of the route are very deep, non-swimmers should wear life jackets.

We've created a helpful list of budget friendly ideas to keep in mind when planning your next Israel vacation:
1)      Many of the tourist sites i.e. Masada,  parks and beaches in Israel are managed by the National Parks Authority. While the entrance fees are reasonably priced, paying per person begins to add up. It is highly recommended to join one of their money saving ticket plans at the beginning of the summer. After a few visits, it generally pays for itself! Visit the following link to  determine which plan makes the most sense for your family. http://www.parks.org.il/BuildaGate5/general2/company_search_tree.php?mc=378~All 
2)      If you are planning an overnight vacation and are worried about the cost, check out the Society for the Preservation of Nature’s Field School accommodations throughout the country. They are situated along Israel’s most dramatic landscapes and therefore, a perfect base for exciting tiyulim. The accommodations are basic but clean and include private bathrooms and air conditioning. Additionally, kosher breakfasts are included in the price. Find out more from:  http://teva.org.il/english/?CategoryID=163. The Israel Youth Hostel Association,   is another affordable option that offers guesthouses throughout the country which are slightly higher end and a bit more expensive than the field school accommodations.http://www.iyha.org.il/eng/ 

3)      Hiking is Israel’s favorite pastime, an affordable family activity, and fun for all ages. Particularly enjoyable are water hikes which are the best choice when choosing a trail during the summer months.  Many of the best water hikes in the country run along streams or waterfalls.  Some of these trails, like Majarsa and Nachal Kibbutzim in the Kinneret and Beit Shean areas, respectively, are hiked completely in the water and can be quite deep at times. Bring water shoes along and if you are hiking with young children, make sure to bring along floaties !  

4)      Often, it’s the simple plans that are the most enjoyable. There are many beautiful city parks in Israel which can be a great place to spend the day. Some of the parks have boat or bike rentals and often great play equipment. Pack along a picnic lunch, bring along Frisbees and some lawn chairs and set yourself up for a bunch of hours of fun and relaxation!

5)      Museums and Visitor’s Centers are a great way to beat the heat. But be realistic about your children’s interests and capabilities. If your children are high energy types, be sure that the museum or factory has interactive and multisensory displays. Also, check if there are age restrictions before you make your reservations, as some have strict requirements. Follow the museum visit with a more physical activity such as biking or swimming for a well-balanced day.

6)      There are a number of charming artist villages scattered throughout Israel, such as Ein Hod near Zichron Yaakov and Aniam in the Golan. Many of the artists provide workshops for families in pottery, mosaics and other mediums. Make sure to take a stroll through the villages streets as well which can be an interesting and enriching experience, as there are sculptures and other displays scattered throughout.  

 In short, though planning an Israel family vacation can be a daunting task, particularly when on a budget, with the proper information and insight an enjoyable and uplifting family trip is well within your reach.