The Summer at the Movies program pairs film screenings with family activities at the best times to experience national parks.
'Summer at the Movies' program brings family, films, and fun to Israel's national parks, historic sites
If you're looking for something to do with the kids, here's a great idea: the Israel Nature and Parks Authority is presenting family films at ancient fortresses, Roman amphitheaters, desert landscapes, a hill overlooking the shores of the Kinneret, and other outdoor venues around the country this month.
The low-cost midweek events, part of the authority's Summer at the Movies program, will combine films with guided tours, games, sunset views, and visits to some of Israel's best-known historical sites.
Summer evenings offer visitors an opportunity to experience the parks after the hottest hours of the day, when the parks take on a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere.
"Evening hours give the national parks and nature reserves a different character – calmer, quieter, and more pleasant," said Sarit Falchi Miara, the Nature and Parks Authority's northern district director of visitor services and the visitor experience.
"We invite the public to visit the national parks and nature reserves during the more pleasant hours of the day, enjoy the unique atmosphere, and experience nature in another way."
Admission is by advance registration through the Nature and Parks Authority website. Matmon members and residents of Yehiam are eligible for discounted admission.
At the Yehiam Fortress National Park in the Western Galilee, visitors can spend an evening exploring the remains of the Crusader and Ottoman fortress before watching the animated family film Night of the Zoopocalypse within its ancient walls. Visitors will be able to climb the fortress towers and enjoy views of the Western Galilee before the screening.
Sussita (Hippos) National Park, overlooking Lake Kinneret, will host a screening of Zootopia 2. Before the movie, visitors can join a guided tour among the remains of the ancient city, see its basalt columns, and learn about the history of Sussita while watching the sunset over the lake.
The Good Samaritan Museum, near Ma'aleh Adumim, will present two outdoor animation screenings surrounded by the site's collection of ancient mosaics. Tom and Jerry: The Lost Compass and Friends on Full will be shown during the month at separate screenings.
The Herodium National Park will also present Zootopia 2, against the backdrop of the remains of King Herod's palace. Visitors will be able to take in the views from the summit and explore the site at sunset before the screening.
At the Tzipori National Park, families can combine an interactive historical adventure with a movie in the site's ancient Roman theater, and visitors can take part in Mysteries in Time, a game that leads participants along the park's paths, past its ancient buildings and celebrated mosaics. After completing the activities, families can gather in the Roman theater for a screening ofIce Age: Collision Course. Advance registration is required, and Matmon members receive discounted admission.
The Nature and Parks Authority's annual Matmon membership includes free admission to approximately 65 national parks and nature reserves, as well as discounts on campsites, guided tours, and selected activities. A newly launched Matmon application also provides members with a digital membership card, QR-code entry, information about benefits and events, and navigation to nearby parks and reserves.
Visit the website for more information and the full schedule of the events. parks.org.il/category/summer-activities